My baby is 9!

Dear Carissa, 

You were recently described as "most likable" girl to me.  How true that statement is!  You have grown into such a poised, beautiful girl - Inside and Out!   

There are not many things in life you demand - mostly kindness from others, a good book, and a cuddle.  (Although it isn't pretty when you get a little hungry...)

I was so honored to be part of Girls on the Run with you this year.  Can you believe we did a 5K?!?  You were amazing and never gave up - also you were so encouraging to me, which was so sweet!  I will never forget doing this with you.

It's tradition to have a sleepover for your 9th birthday and you were so excited.  We had a little trouble coming up with a plan because you didn't want the typical "spa" sleepover.  We ended doing a "Minute to Win it" Party.  

Tons of games, prizes, and candy made for an awesome night!

Photo booth was a big hit!  Your friends are so awesome too.  You have a special connection with all of them and I think it is because you see people from the inside - their true beauty.   That is a special gift God has given you.  

My hope for this next year is, selfishly, that it goes by really slow.  I just want to take it all.  Like our little hugs in the morning when you come up just under my chin, brushing your hair for you and listening to you read.  Keep talking to me in the car and telling me all that is on your mind.  

I am so proud to be your mom!

~ I Love you ~ 

Look out - she's 11!





Dear Audrey,

Happy Birthday - a little late but, fashionably, of course!  In true Audrey style we planned a fun-filled party for you this year.  It was Oh-la-la Paris theme and we started out with the girls meeting us at the Bella Dolche Salon for Mani/Pedi's. 

 

The girls you invited were all so sweet and I think they felt very pampered.  I can tell by watching you that you make sure every girl knows that pampering is important.  The easiest way I know to lift your spirit is to head right into the bathroom.  A quick beauty routine and you are all good!

 

The party didn't stop there.  We headed back to the house for a Paris themed dinner of Croissant sandwiches, French fries, and fruit.

 

You enjoy a good planned out event.  No surprises for you.  Why take a chance when you can pre-plan and have everything orchestrated the way you want it to go?  (I might have encouraged this...)



 You are a diva through and through.  I know you are getting old and I should treat you as such.  But really it is so hard when I am trying to have a serious conversation with you and you are doing pirouettes around the kitchen table.  Don't stop though- dance your way through life.  I know it brings you joy! 

I look at you at 11 years old and I just can't believe what a beautiful young girl I am raising.  You are gracious and kind to everyone you meet.  You are convicted about loving Jesus and making sure people know that he is part of who you are.  Sometimes you worry and can be a little obsessive but I hope you learn to how to cope with those feelings and that you always know where to turn when life becomes too much for you. 

We love you so much, little bean!  Happy Birthday ~ Love, Mom

Carissa is 8 Plus a lot more!

Dear Carissa, 

This year I am off by about a month posting you a letter.  But I just know you understand, because, well you are just that kind of girl.  You notice the people around you and you adapt to your circumstances.  So thank you for letting us change plans on you and then change plans again!  In case you don't remember the first MAJOR thing that got in the way was this house!!  

Yes, we bought a house 4 days before your birthday and it is so wonderful and perfect.  I see us living her for a long time. (Like more then our 3 year average!)

While we were moving some of the things over one night there were some packages on the doorstep.  A big beanbag all your own from Grandma and Twilight Sparkle from your cousins.  You were in heaven.  People know what you like!

 Since our moving happened to be right in the middle of your birthday you had to wait just a tad bit longer for your party.  Uncle Jake came to help so we took a moving break and went to a Mariner's game.  You loved it!

 We had awesome seats!  It was so easy to watch the game and I think you really got it.  You were counting strikes and watching the guy on 2nd try to steal a base.   When it comes to learning something new you are all in!  

 Finally...we were all settled in and you had two of your best friends over for a camp out birthday party.  We made dream catchers and decorated flashlights.  

 You guys made crazy faces and played in the tent.  We ended the night with yummy s'mores.   

 You would think we could relax after that.  But not so fast... Recital time was the following weekend.  You and your sister rocked it at the dance recital.  You are a beautiful, graceful girl and a joy to watch on stage.  You learned so much this year and get to move up to Ballet II next year!

 Finally, we had the last day of school.  You goofed off with your crazy best friends and I felt so proud of you. My sweet, now 8 year old, 3rd Grader!! You are starting to memorize your multiplication facts and read and read and read. 

 After all that though, Mommy needed a break, so you jumped in the RV with Grandma and she took you and your sister to the Olympic National Park.  

 Even though school is out for the summer it didn't mean you weren't going to learn anymore.  You dove right in to the Junior Ranger Program and completed the whole booklet.  When we meet you up there for the weekend I saw you get sworn in at the ranger station.  You wore the badge proudly and I began to wonder just what you might become in this lifetime.  The possibilities are endless!!

 Sometimes, at birthdays I get a little sad that my "Kissa" is getting so big.  But this year I feel differently for some reason.  I can see great changes in you and am so proud of all you are becoming.  I love chatting with you and hearing your insight.  

You might be the youngest of our family but you will never be the least.   We love you so much Carissa Grace!  Love, Mom

Double Digits!!

Audrey,

The Big 1-0!!  I started writing letters to you when you turned six and can't believe it has already been 4 years.  I am so incredibly blessed to be your Mom! 

We had a hard time deciding on a birthday party idea until I saw this post on the 36th Avenue blog about an Art Birthday.  You are a natural artist and I knew you would just love it. 

It took us a while be we decided on the cupcake design from the Social Artworking website and then we found the matching decorations at Party City - Score!

You love to decorate and made this awesome sign with your sister.  You are a natural born party planner!!

Not to mention a natural born beauty!!

The girls arrived and we got to work.  I gave everyone the same colors and decorations but it was amazing to see how each masterpiece came to life a little bit differently. 

I loved listening in to the conversations too - the laughing and gabbing was so sweet!

You have always created without abandon.  You can turn an ordinary thing into something beautiful.  It is a gift you have and I hope you can always use it. 

 I think this was one of the best Birthday Parties you have ever had (not just because you little sister was away)!!

Did you know that the friendships you are making now could last forever?  I love this picture of you and Bay!

I always love that you are so close to your Daddy.  There is nothing that will replace him in your life - He is so proud of you too!!

So, happy 10th birthday my Little Bean.   Never stop spinning and singing and dancing! 

 Love, Mom

Happy 7th Carissa

Dear Carissa,

For your 7th Birthday you just couldn't make up your mind.  You weren't sure what kind of party you wanted and you couldn't even think of a present!  Then one night Dad set up the slip and slide and right then you knew... Mermaid Lagoon Party!  Then it all came together...

You invited all your friends and cousins.

They came ready to party!!

You can make anyone laugh and don't mind being goofy to make the party fun.

 All the girls got on their mermaid tales and danced around you.  It was so sweet!

 I am not sure why I haven't done this before but you just can't beat a BASKIN ROBBINS ICE CREAM CAKE!  It just can't be bad...hello 31 flavors my new best friend.

YUM-O

 I can just look at these pictures and smile. You had such a great day and you deserve it.  You deserve to always be happy and see Joy all around you.

 

I love you my sweet baby girl! 

Happy Birthday ~ Love, Mom