dear abby

Oh my sweet girl, how did we get to ten so quickly? It happened in a blink, I swear and yet it seems you've been here my entire life.I am so grateful for every day I've spent being your Mom.

My gosh you make us laugh. You're growing up in a rather sarcastic household, but I can already tell you're going to be able to hold your own, no problem. Also most of your shots get sent in Dad's direction... I like that.

You are very much, a wear your heart on your sleeve kind of girl. I like that too. You've got so much love and happiness in you, it's almost too much for you to take. I get that. I feel that way a lot of the time too. You love all of us, very much. You can't get enough of your grandparents, all the aunts and uncles and the rest of the family. Sure, you and Maya may be butting heads a little bit more these days, but that's the nature of the big sister/little sister relationship, as I understand it.The going may be a bit rough from time to time, but I can see a great friendship there.

I love to see you reading just for fun. You've worked very hard the past couple of years to get caught up. It hasn't been easy, I know, but it's been worth it. You're pretty much there. We're so proud of you! This school year has been fantastic watching everything finally fall into place for you and seeing how much you love French! That one surprised me a little bit, but you've taken to it like a duck to water. It's just so wonderful to see you relaxed and happy at school because everything just makes sense now.

If it's possible you love riding more than ever. It's still pretty amazing to me to see you up there in charge of a horse. You've started jumping, you love it, but at the same time it makes us both a little nervous. You have a great teacher and you're learning lots. You still love singing with the choir and I love listening to you sing, even if it's just along with your ipod while you're cleaning up. I love that we are raising a volunteer, you often ask how you can help out on the projects Dad and I are working on. You're growing up into a lovely and helpful young lady. I cannot wait to see what 10 brings us.

Happy birthday baby girl!

Love Mama xo