She Turned Nine Yesterday

She turned 9 yesterday.

It seems more like she was just born yesterday.

What can I say about my girl?

I imagine any mother would speak of their children with great love.

One word that comes to my mind when I think of my eldest child is admiration.

I admire who she is growing up to be.

She ...

Has a heart that belongs first to God.

Is a  Daddy's Girl.

Has a Sing-Songy attitude.

Is a Beautiful Dancer.

Has a Quick Wit.

Is a Lover of Life.

My heart just aches with the love I have for her.

I am hard on her sometimes.  I don't mean to be but I just don't ever want the potential she has to be squashed by an attitude of just getting by.  I try to challenge her to be the very best she can be.  I love her regardless, but I still feel it's my job to push...well, maybe not so much.  What is it with daughters and mothers?   

People compliment my daughter all the time.  She shares the love of God with more people than I do.  She speaks with love and honesty and without fear.   She is a good friend to many and wants to be a good friend to more.   She is polite, sweet and beautiful.   She has great compassion for people and animals. 

I am truly humbled that God would trust me with such a precious package.   That he gave me such a gift  -  to be her mother -  is proof alone of how much he must love me.   

Happy Birthday my baby girl!  You are a blessing beyond words.