BUT mom.
Two words I hear more often than I would like. You are such a spirited and loving child. You are also very strong willed at times. I am learning daily about grace and patience as you doesn't always want to comply with what is asked of you.
This reminder from Rachel Jankovic was so timely, "God likes for His people to be stretched, to be challenged, to be pushed. This is often seen in the fact that we almost never feel like we have things under control. When we finally figure to how to handle one child, we have another. When we think the house is running smoothly, we move. When we feel especially comfortable, we may have to deal with a hard providence. God does not want us to be stagnant, to sit still, to rest on the laurels of success. He has us in training-He is pushing us to grow, to learn, to confess, to rely on Him more, to give more to others, to work harder, to laugh more. This is Christian discipleship."
So, as I work with you, He is working on both of us.
Today we went to Aunt BB's house to paint with the cousins. It wasn't long before everyone was a mess and running through the sprinkler. I can't help but think of how all the little girls look up to the big cousins. You probably have no idea the influence and impact you have on these precious girls, but you do. It really is a blessing to grow up so close to family. I pray you will never take this for granted.
As parents we see the best and worst in our children, but love them more knowing both. I would never want to imply that any you are without fault, because we are all struggling in our own unique ways. But, as I watch Big Sissy there is something so special and so beautiful about the way you treat your baby sister. There is a patience you show. You already sees the differences in your personalities and loves and embraces them. You includes her and even invites her to play most of the time. You are the big sister I wish I would have always been to my two sisters. I am continuously grateful to the lessons God is teaching me through each of you.
The Frozen soundtrack is still on repeat at our house and there is always the fight over who will be Elsa.
This will be a day that I remember forever. We went to the Springs today as a family for the first time. I loved experiencing this with each of you. The water was chilly, but beautiful and crystal clear. We saw a few manatees, including a baby. Bubby and Daddy went on a canoe ride together while we swam in the Springs. They enjoyed seeing the nature and animals. We were all sad when the rain headed our way and it was time to go home. Well, most of us were sad. When you asked Baby Sissy what her favorite part of the day was she quickly said nothing. I am not for sure if the fish or cold water bothered her the most. Hopefully next time she will give it another try.
I love that even with five and a half years between you, you share a beautiful bond already.
Today we spent a couple hours at one of our favorite locations. It was extra special because Daddy was with us. We found lots of shark's teeth, played at the park, and ate yummy blue ice cream. I love any time together as a family.
I was asked this week to give some words that would describe this season of life.
What a gift it is to have all of your cousins living so close. Days like this are certainly treasures.
I will never forget when you wrote these words on the porch last year. They are from a portion of 
Today when we woke up I saw you sitting in bed with tears in your eyes. You did not want to say goodbye to this special place. I can understand 100% how you feel. It is always hard to pack up and leave. The week we spend here each year is so special.
It was such a gift to see the freedom and excitement through your eyes this week as you all experienced the Gulf. You knew our time at the beach was only for one week, and you wanted to soak in every moment. I was reminded that I want to live my life daily with this same joy and anticipation.
A year ago I captured you in this same location. As I look at this picture, I keep thinking how so much is the same a year later; yet so much is different. So grateful to experience all of it. So blessed to know love like this. I am so blessed to be your mama.
You have such a sweet soul. You are so tenderhearted; so full of love and compassion. I pray that no one will ever crush your spirit. I pray you will always love others with the same passion you do now. I love you Bubby. No words could ever tell you how much.
The night we arrived at the beach. Your first swim in the Gulf. I want to remember this joy forever