Madeline's 5th

Five years ago, almost four weeks before my due date, little Madeline made her way into our world.  She was 6 pounds 2 ounces and just precious.  There is nothing that can compare to or explain the first moments of being a mama.  The first holding, the first realizing she is yours, the first tears that fall all over you, her, and her daddy.  These five years have gone so slowly and so quickly...long, slow days but fast moving years.  I can't believe I have a five year.  Everyday is adventurous with Madeline.  She has such a big, tender heart.  She is a good giver.  Whenever it is anyone's birthday she spends hours wrapping up gifts from all over the house in all her blankets and ties bows on each.  Then she spends hours making crafts and cards and spelling out crazy long notes for them.  She is sensitive and kind.  She loves her brother and sisters well.  She plays with them and serves them and asks forgiveness from them when she wrongs them and forgives them when they wrong her.  She has a HUGE imagination and is incredibly creative.  She wanted to make a guitar the other day and patiently and creatively made on with very little help from me.  She started pre-school this year and is loving it.  She tells stories and makes new friends.  She prays for her teachers & friends on the way to school and thinks of ways to love well while she is there.  She is learning so much so fast.  She loves Jesus and is asking more and more about Him each day.  She memorizes verses better than most and loves to read Bible stories.  She has a beautiful smile and a heart that exceeds even that.  We love this little gal like crazy.  So blessed to be her mama and so thankful to be a part of her life.

Madeline really wanted to "ball" for her birthday party.  So we invited several little girl friends over and set up a room to get their hair done, nails done, and pick out a dress to go to the ball!  We played very girly music and they danced and twirled their little hearts out.  It was really cute to watch them all!  Their little faces just lit up as they got all dolled up.  It was a great insight into the ways our daughters desire to know they are significant and beautiful and a great challenge to pray and pursue them to the end that they find all their significance and beauty in Christ.