Letter to My Birthday Girl: 10 Years Old

.....

My precious, darling Lil,

I can’t believe you’re really 10 years old! And oh, what a joy it has been to be your mom for the past ten years. I call you my dream girl because that’s exactly what you are...a dream come true. Not only are you beautiful on the outside, but you truly do have a heart of gold. You love to serve others, and you’re always making crafts or gifts for other people, buying presents for your friends or family, or thinking of ways to make someone feel special. You’re an over-achiever and you excel at everything you do. I never have to worry about your getting your homework done or have to help you much with your school projects because you always take care of business! You make straight As and are in the gifted and talented program. You adore writing, and are always leaving little notes for me around the house or writing in a notebook or journal. I hope you always a have a love for writing...your great-grandmother McKenzie loved to write and journal and you remind me so much of her. 

.....

Papa Kelbo gave me this pink ice ring on my 10th birthday and I passed it on to you on your 10th birthday. I knew it would be something special that you could pass down to your little girl one day. 

.....

.....

We had to celebrate your birthday in quarantine since the coronavirus pandemic started around March. All of the restaurants were closed, and we had been staying out at the lake so we had a little family birthday party for you out there. I cooked your favorite meal - steak, double baked potatoes, and bacon wrapped brown sugar green beans, and Aunt Glenda made you the sweetest and most adorable number 10 cake and some chocolate covered cream stuffed strawberries! Uncle Kass came and ate dinner with us, and Aunt Lacee, Jett, and Josslynn brought you a DIY “planting” pot with gardening tools and a few flowers. It was a special day, and even though we didn’t have a big party, it was really neat to get to spend special time together as a family. 

.....

.....

.....

You are a girly girl, and your activities currently include dance, tumbling, and piano, with dance being your favorite activity by far! You did your very first solo this year - a jazz dance to “Fierce” - and of course, you did absolutely amazing! You even got the judges choice “Technique Award” at one of the competitions. You work really hard at dance, and it makes me so happy to watch you do something that you love so much! 

.....

.....

You’ve been a big sister for a few months, and you’re the best big sister Liv could ever have. You are a natural caretaker and you’ve been so good with her. You change her diaper, play with her, tote her around the house, and keep her busy while I sleep in or while I’m cooking or cleaning. I can always count on you to help me pick out her outfits or pack the diaper bag! You two have the sweetest bond, and I know that you’ll always be the best of friends. I’m so thankful that you have each other. 

.....

.....

LilliAnn loves:

-dance

-her iPhone

-writing

-doing crafts

-Starbucks

-her hydro flask

-shopping

-scrunchies 

-manis and pedis

-driving the golf cart

-hanging out with her Nana Karen

-Hobby Lobby

-Target

-bagels with cream cheese

-honey

-smoothies 

.....

LilliAnn, you truly are everything I ever wanted and everything I never knew I wanted in a daughter. You’re kind, determined, competent, responsible, intelligent, capable, talented, creative, and compassionate. You have a heart for the Lord, and the way you love others shines his light so big. I pray that you always look up with your face towards Jesus, because in this crazy life, he is only the way. He is faithful, he is your refuge, and he will always give you strength. I love everything about you, and I am so thankful for your life! 

This is the verse I am choosing for you as you begin your next decade. 

“Therefore, my fellow believers, whom I love and long for, my delight and crown [my wreath of victory], in this way STAND FIRM in the Lord, my beloved.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:1‬

I love you always and forever,

Mom 

.....