Today is Meredith's 8th birthday. Few things are more fun as a family than celebrating one of our own. Such has been the case this weekend. Meredith has celebrated for a few days, some with just us, and some with friends. My Meredith is a precious, unique, and special little girl. Every day, she amazes me with her intelligence, her style, her maturity. She has the greatest sense of humor and she is such a ham!! Her personality has so much flair and she comes up with the greatest stories and phrases. I can usually (almost always!) count on Meredith to be easy.  Most days, she just goes with the flow. As her name suggests, she is full of grace. Honestly, she just couldn't be better named. She IS grace, and it was God's grace that Meredith was given to me. I am blessed abundantly to have given birth to Meredith 8 years ago. She is our gift of grace, and today we celebrate her. Happy Birthday, my sweet girl. My life became a better life when you came into it. I love you with my whole heart, dearest Meredith.   I am so blessed to be your mama.

My Dear Maddie - Every once in a while, a cluster of events comes along that gives one of my kiddos a chance to shine. That is what the last couple of weeks have been for you.  The light in your eyes has lit up my own eyes.  You have made every opportunity that you have been given beautiful and I am so proud to be your mom. 

I have delighted to watch you work hard on your wax museum project.  There was never a better Queen Elizabeth I, except for perhaps the original.

My heart just about burst with love at your 5th grade graduation.  You were so beautiful and confident as you walked across the stage.  I truly wanted to stand up and shout, "That's my Maddie-girl!!" The awards that I would have given to you weren't a part of the ones called out from the platform, but they are the ones that are even more important. 

If I had been given the chance, I would have awarded you for your kindness.  You show such kindness to your friends, your family, your teachers.  I also would have given you a blue ribbon for your laughter!!!  You make everyone laugh around you; your laughter is so contagious that other people just can't help themselves being happy when you are around.  If I could have, I would have shouted from the rooftop that you are growing in responsibility, that you love Jesus, that you are patient and forgiving, and that you always have a positive attitude.  You inspire others around you to see the good in life.  As you make this transition into middle school, I am so excited for all that is in front of you.  One of the biggest blessings in my life is to get to hold your hand and hug your heart every step of the way.  I love you so much, my sweet girl.  You truly light up my life. 

The Star

 Today, I watched you shine. 

It wasn't just your athleticism, although that was top-notch as always. 

I watched your heart spill out on the soccer field. 

I saw the compassion that you had for your teammate who had yet to score a goal all season long.   As sideline spectators, we only got to watch; you got to play out what is on the inside of you. 

The assist you made to your teammate and his resulting score

were equal reasons to erupt in raucous cheering. 

I was so proud to be your mama today, Michael. 

 You recieved this trophy as a reward for a season well-played. 

It is your first trophy!

It won't be your last.

You are a star, in so many ways.

I am looking forward to all of your shining moments that are yet to come.

 I love you more and more each day, my sweet little man.