Birthday Girl!

Hope turned three this past week. All the sudden she seems just so big, asking for a haircut -and to my horror holding her scissors up to her head during craft time. Using bigger and bigger words, playing "big kid" games. I'm just not ready for it. As is my custom (read, since I'm horrible with baby books), here is my letter to her.



Happy birthday, Pumpkin Pie!
You're three! Just as you learned to put those pesky two fingers up on one hand, three has come to bring new challenges and new joys.
You are getting so big. You talk constantly. A friend from church sent a you a birthday card and you jumped up and down with it saying, "It's stupendous." I love the words you come up with...most of the time. :) You love to tell jokes and play word games with people. Although you are beginning to think it's a little to babyish for you, you still play along with the animal sounds that I love to hear from you.

You have gone from telling us Breeley is "kind of like a baby" to being a wonderful big sister. You love to play with her and make her laugh. You are so patient with her when she pulls your hair. You are a good little sister too. There are times that you get into Ty and Becca's things, but you are so generous with your own toys. You have a giving attitude that is a wonderful thing to see.


You love people. After two shy babies, you were certainly a change of pace. This year as we did the Christmas production at church you made new friends everywhere. Running around and handing out your "energy" to the weary adults brought a smile to so many faces. You are good at that, you know? You bring smiles and laughter wherever you go. Even when the smiles and laughter are at your over the top fits.

You have decided you don't need preschool. When I sit down to work puzzles or help you learn colors and counting you tell me no. After all there is more important stuff to do like math and reading. :) You especially love it when the "big kids" have a school project you get to join in. Like the Advent count down chains we made. Your proud grin in this picture makes me laugh.

You hate to be inside, but equally hate the cold. Unfortunately for you, we live where winter is a very cold reality. However summer is your favorite time of the year. You love to swim. And you have no fear of the water. That keeps Mama praying overtime in the summer. You still love bugs, especially ladybugs. Grammy and Papaw just gave you a little stuffed ladybug and I don't think it left you side except for bath and dinner time for a week.

Your favorite books this year have been The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Where's the Green Sheep, and Winnie the Pooh books. You love to go visit "Papaw's" library. He loves it when you come see him at work too.

You and Daddy have an amazing bond. You're two peas in a pod, really. I love the way he laughs with you. It reminds me of how he and your uncle used to laugh together with Grandma Bishop. You are truly a joy bringer.

Hopey, I'm so proud of you. I love your heart for others, your generosity, and how much you want to please God. I can't wait to see what God has in store for your sweet little life.

I love you,

Mama

8.5

Tyler,

You're eight and one half today. I didn't get a birthday letter done for you this year, so your half birthday will be the day.

You are growing fast, kiddo. I didn't realize how fast until I went to get your fall clothes out. Your jeans that fit last year, no longer do. Your shirt sleeves are short, your shoes squish your toes.

You're learning fast. You excel at math. Counting came quickly and easily - math seems to also. Just the other day you asked to take your flashcards to play with during quiet time. I cannot believe how well you are reading this year. You have known it was a struggle for you, but you never gave up. I think this has been your first big struggle in life. Before this so many things came easily to you.

I remember being shocked when you walked at 9 months. Thank goodness you didn't start climbing until you were closer to two. Unfortunately that's also when we had our house roofed. I don't think I'll ever forget the feeling of finding you most the way on up the ladder that day. :) You talked early too. Just like your dad. Grandma used to say he was born talking.

You are incredible in your role as big brother. So good, sometimes I think you forget that Daddy and I can do the parenting part on our own. You and Becca are pals and cohorts in many of your endeavors. You love on your little sisters too. Hope is big enough now to pester you and you are learning patience with her. Breeley is at the perfect age for you. She lights up every time you walk into her line of vision. And she's not big enough to get into your toys.

You love to read your Bible. Like most boys, you love the stories of the wars of Israel. But there are stories that you fall in love with that I would never expect. Like the story of Esther. As I read and reread that with you I wonder what it is you are thinking about.

I am so, so proud to be your mom and have a part in the work God has prepared for you. Be strong and of good courage, sweet boy. You will need it in this world. I pray you will continue to shine like the stars pointing to the Creator-Savior-God you love so much. I love you, Ty.