A Caring Heart

The girls and I took a trip to a kids craft place during A's February break from school.  She picked out a heart jewelry box to paint and decorate and excitedly brought it home.  

After we had been home for a while she asked me what she could put inside it.  I suggested jewelry or a small toy.  She said no to both of them.  I saw her examining it and thinking it through and a few moments later she came up with a plan.

A: I'm going to fill it full of coins.

Me: Oh yeah, okay.

A: What can I do with the coins once it's full?

Me: We could go to the toy store and you could pick out a toy.

A: No, I'm not going to do that.  Once it's full of lots of coins I'm going to get food and give it to people that don't have food.

I held back tears and of course praised her for such a thoughtful and caring idea to give up a toy and give to others.  Such a beautiful heart that girl has!!  

Her wheels didn't stop there.  The next day she asked for some envelopes and how to spell Congo.  She proceeded to put a coin in each envelope, write Congo on each of them with a drawn in heart stamp on the top right hand corner of each envelope.  She then asked if R and I could bring the coins to the kids in Congo that don't have food when we go pick up U. 

We sometimes call A the heart girl because she's obsessed with hearts.  She LOVES drawing hearts, wearing hearts, decorating with hearts, ect.  She even wants a heart themed Birthday party.  I think that nickname fits her just perfecting.  The heart girl with a caring heart!

Dear M

My three year old M,

What a fire cracker little miss!  Your personality has exploded this year and we are soaking it all up!  Most people look at you and think you are already three and sometimes even four years old.  You are tall, beautiful, witty and piles of fun.

Girl, you are FUNNY!  Not just the oh you're so cute and silly kind of funny (though you are that too!) but the kind of funny that is so ridiculously natural and brilliant for anyone....let alone a 3 year old!  Any seasoned comedian would die for your comedic timing.  It's that quit wit that keeps daddy and me constantly laughing and what keeps us on our toes.  You even have the sense to know just when to pull out a joke to (attempt to) get yourself out of trouble.  You are good my dear.  Too good!

You test daddy and I often but we hope and trust that the same persistence and strong-willed spirit you have now will be used in great and amazing ways as you learn how to use it.  You are so so special Miss. M!

This year you have peppered our home with all kinds of princess fun.  You love to listen to songs that Disney princesses sing and dance along to each and every one of them.  You wear a princess costume or ballet outfit all. the. time.  Seriously.  Always.  You LOVE your costumes my dear!  From the moment you walk through the door when we come home, you take off your outfit and put on a costume.  And if it's not a costume then you will change your clothes 3-4 times a day.  Is this a peek into M the teenage years??

You and your big sister serenade daddy and me (and quit possibly our neighbors) with your musical abilities several times throughout the day.  You've got some strong lungs baby!  Your dance moves are something too.  Daddy credits your moves to me....I'm afraid that's not a compliment cutie.  :)

You and A are the best of friends!  Last year you were my little shadow and this year my sweet, you have moved on to your sister.  Daddy and I pray that you two always stay this close.  Your little conversations with each other have blossomed over the year and it is pure joy to listen to.  

You love running to the door when daddy comes home or "hiding" for him to find you.  Your level of hiding consists of stopping wherever you are and curling up in a ball.  You could be in the middle of the room with not a thing covering you but that's your hiding spot.

My little baby is growing up.  Though you aren't as attached to me as you once were you are still a mommy's girl.  You cuddle up in my lap each night as we read your Bible and give us the sweetest little bedtime kisses.  You and your siblings are daddy and my greatest gifts.  We love you baby girl!  Happy Birthday!

Love,
Mommy