It's Great to be Eight!

 Sweetrotten,

You are a girl who knows what she wants. This includes knowing how you wanted to spend your birthday. You woke up early and had strawberry oatmeal for breakfast. You then opted to stay home from school so we could have a day of leisure. :) You opened your first birthday present from Dad and I in the morning because it had your new birthday outfit in it. For lunch you requested your own cheese pizza from Little Caesar's, and we rented Earwig and the Witch for you to watch while your little brother was taking a nap. After that we picked up your little sister from school and then headed to the salon for pedi's with the girls. Your aunties and cousins met us there and it was a par-tay. For dinner you asked dad and I to take you out on a date for some sushi. You dressed up in the new fancy green dress your aunts gifted you. At dinner I think you ate 16 pieces of a California roll plus a plate of edamame. You go girl! You then topped it off with some ice cream. Around 8:30 p.m. we had a little birthday party for you at home where you opened presents and where you passed on the chocolate, chocolate cake because you were too full from dinner - which is totally fine. 

Little girl, you are bright and full of life. You are a perfectionist and give everything your all. Last Valentine's Day you really wanted a Valentine, but nobody asked. You took matters into your own hands though and asked the boy you liked to be your Valentine. You then clarified with him what that meant and what your expectations were. He happily followed through and is still quite fond of you this year so he must like a girl who takes control.

You are competitive and you catch on quickly. You are not to be out done by your older brothers and when they play basketball in the backyard for hours you are right out there with them. You are getting pretty great at the game of Horse and I'm impressed by your dedication. You also ran track this year and you for sure have your daddy's speed. You are fast my girl! You like to go jogging with dad sometimes and you can pull your weight in cow chips! 

You are still a daddy's girl. You two have a special relationship. You look a lot like dad when he was little and this makes you proud. You want to be an artist like dad too which is so doable because you have that talent as well! I know you can accomplish anything you put your mind to because you are brilliant and you have grit. 

At nighttime you seek me out to say your bedtime prayers. Sometimes you have scary dreams and saying your prayers with me comforts you. If I am ever out of town you get nervous because I'm not here to pray with, but we Facetime together and all is well.

You and your little sister are besties. Anytime I buy something for you, you also want me to purchase something for her, or if we are going to have a mother/daughter date you insist that she come as well because she's a daughter too. It's so sweet. Thank you for loving her and enjoying her. I love listening to you two giggle together and goof around. Sisters are priceless and I think you guys were born knowing that.

You are stunning, inside and out. Sometimes I just stare at you, in awe of the beautiful young woman you're becoming. I'm so glad Heavenly Father sent you to my home. I needed you. We needed you. 

I couldn't love you more girlfriend! 

Love,

Mama

(Blogger is not my friend and pictures are sporadic)