Happy Birthday!

Seven. S. E. V. E. N. It doesn’t seem quite possible that seven years have passed since the day you came into my life. Really? Wow.

As always, you managed to turn this one-day event into a two-week celebration. It all started with a simple celebration with some good friends. We enjoyed a nice dinner, and you enjoyed opening some presents!

Then, on your birthday, I snuck into school and checked you out for a special lunch. Just you and me, and your favorite meal (Chick-fil-A). You thought it was pretty cool to leave for lunch, and I loved the innocence when you asked if you’d get in trouble for missing school for lunch. J We had a great time playing hooky for a little while, and then you headed back to school.

After school, we met Grammy, Papa, and Owen for dinner at Caramba’s, opened more presents, and then went to Rita’s for dessert! Lucky duck.

Finally, it was time to celebrate your birthday with your friends! Whew! You thought this day would never get here! It was a great celebration, as always, and we have an extra special thank you that goes out to Auntie Kim for flying all the way out to Arizona to make your very special cake! It was impressive!

Grammy made "Grace Thomas" a matching Elsa dress!

You had a great time playing games with your friends, and eating some Frozen-themed snacks and birthday cake. And then – of course – more presents!

Happy 7^th Birthday, Little Miss!

Dear Madelyn

Dear Madelyn,

Sometimes I look at you and I can’t believe you are mine. God has truly blessed me.

The past few months have not been easy ones for you, sweet girl, but I want you to know that I am proud of who you are. I am proud of you for keeping your chin up, and for smiling through the dark clouds. I am grateful for your precious laugh, and your gentle hugs. We talk each night about what a great team we are, and how no matter where we are - as long as we have each other - we will be fine. This is a constant conversation we have. You occasionally leave me little notes to remind me you're okay. I will treasure these forever.

It makes me proud to be the mom of someone so caring and so sweet. Someone who knows it’s okay to cry, and it’s okay to be mad. It’s okay to be frustrated. We talk about these things, too. We talk together and sometimes we cry together. During these talks we remind ourselves that every day brings a new beginning, a new chance to start fresh. I have always said you are a rock star, and although I will always believe that, I know you are also my rock. You keep me focused on the important things in life, and you remind me to be strong. I could sit forever and listen to you create music from your feelings, belting out new tunes as though you’re on stage in front of a million people! Your creativity inspires me. And I am certain it inspires others.

I don’t always have the right answers for you, and sometimes I don’t have an answer at all. But I promise you, Little Miss, you and I will always be together, and we will make it through anything we encounter. I will forever be your biggest fan and supporter! Pinky promise.

Love,
Mom