Entering the Tween Years

Outside of the occasional eye-roll or dirty look, Elizabeth does not fall directly under the definition of a "tween". She has some sass and demonstrates the occasional rebellious attitude, but overall, she doesn't fit the mold of the texting-cheeky-insurgent-iGen tween that many girls her age have succumb to.

In fact, she's rather the opposite. She has a wisdom in her heart that is well beyond her years and her compassion for others is uncompromising.

Nate and I don't worry about Elizabeth and her future. She's destined to make the right choices and do the right thing. I pray that she let's a little trouble find her once in a while and that her passion for others is reflected throughout her life. I pray that her heart continues to grow and that it's never plagued by hate or anguish. I pray that her walk with God is steadfast and ardent.

She is beautiful and strong and as she steps farther into the territories of tween-hood and her teenage years, I pray that her attributes are highlighted and that she is shown the kindness that she so enthusiastically gives to others.

Happy belated 10th Birthday Elizabeth! May you shine as bright as the stars!

(No joke, as I write this, I can hear the girls in the other room. They are playing Wii Tennis and Elizabeth is letting her sister win. She's patient and kind and I love her!)

Fast Forward to 7

I don't know what happened to the last seven years. I believe I've said it before, but for some reason I feel more emotional when my youngest turns another year older (even considering that Elizabeth turned 10 this year). THIS IS SEVEN. And it's the last time one of my kids will turn seven. Next is eight, then nine...No matter how much I'd like it to, time won't slow down for us. We turn milestones like pages in a book. All we can do is pray that we absorb the special moments that we experienced along the way.

So, Abby hit seven in September. This girl has developed into such a passionate, loving, and fiery child. She is a loving and caring friend, cousin, and above all, sister. She adores Elizabeth! Abby is an in describable blessing in our lives and while she often tests the limits of patience, she's also endearing as hell. Her sweet little voice brings joy to my heart and her spirit is strong and inspiring!

Nearly six months later, Happy 7th Birthday sweet Abigail!