Despite my pleas, my daughter is growing up and now she is officially 8 years old. It’s mind boggling because she listens to most everything else I tell her to do but refuses to do so when it comes to her growing up. The nerve!

4

In honor of her turning 8, I’d like to share 8 things I love about her (although that list could get pretty long if I didn’t set a limit).

1. Her love of the Lord…my prayer is that she always will.  That’s ultimately what I want for her because everything else will fall into place if she does.

2. Her desire to talk to us all the time…while she can get a bit chatty, I love that feels comfortable enough to talk with us and ask us questions.  I pray she always feels that comfortable.

3. Her loving heart…she is so loving and sensitive. I see the way she cares for others and it makes my heart happy.

4. Her incredible memory…she remembers everything and is very detail oriented! The down side to that is that she thinks we do too, and unfortunately we don’t (maybe I was like that pre-kids but that’s a super power I no longer possess).

5. The way she loves me…Not only that she tells me all the time but how she shows me by giving me hugs and kisses at random times and moments, still wanting to hold my hand and snuggle.  Yes, she still holds my hand publicly which really surprises me since she gets embarrassed easily.

6. Her desire to not break the rules…This is one I’m hoping continues throughout her life as well (especially during her teenage years).

7. How beautiful she is, inside and out.

8. Honestly, I love everything about her!  She is pretty amazing and I wish I could take the credit for it BUT all the credit goes to God. Thank you Lord for the blessing that she is in our lives

1

While there is no stopping her from growing up (trust me I’ve tried), I can cherish the 8 wonderful years we’ve had her in our lives and look forward to the years ahead.

Baby Girl, I love you with all of my heart and you continue to amaze me and make me proud. May God continue to bless and protect you.  Happy 8th Birthday!!!!!

3