Volunteering

Hi, Doll,

Yesterday was your first day of volunteering for this summer - second year, though - at the care center. We went in together so you could find your new area of responsibility.  As we walked in, you said that you just wanted to give back from your talents and skills to others instead of watching a screen. I nearly cried at that! I am so glad that you are willing to give and serve. You are on the right path!

It's been fun watching you write songs lately, too.  You write a lot of Christian praise songs. You say that sometimes a phrase runs through your head and you just have to write it down and turn it into a song. I did not do this when I was little; this is a special gift that you have, my dear! Keep praising the Lord with it!

Love,
Mom

My Peacemaker

Hi, Doll,

You've been really busy lately with sleepovers and playdates.  Today was Rally in the Valley, and we were busy with the parade (sat by cousins), lunch, library, museum, shoe store, antique store...what a day!  We spent it with Jody and Abby Schnaidt.

At the end of the day we spent time reading books and taking about the day.  You are such a peacemaker, my sweet girl.  You always find a way to iron things out between friends.  Example: convincing Claire to give her extra frisbee to Abby.

Whenever we're finally back home alone, I look at you and am just so thankful that you are mine - that YOU are the kid I take home at the end of the day.

I love you like crazy!
Mom

All Wrapped Up

Dear Abby,

I came home from working at the school tonight to find your gift for Anne's party wrapped with ribbon and a chalkboard label.  I love your style!  It looks GREAT!  You are crafty and creative and good with design.

Love,
Mom

Open House Frenzy

Dear Abs,

Thank you, my shotgun rider, for going to 26 graduation open houses with me!  I think we beat our record from last year, didn't we?

I love spending time with you and meeting goals with you!  We raced around town in our white Impala, you got cards ready, I focused on parking without running into anything.

Everything is more fun when you are by my side!

I love your spirit and energy!
Mom

Daisies in a Jar

Dear Bee,

Oh, how I love you!  It is a joy to watch you growing into a young woman.  Here is what you did for Mother's Day:

Around 6 AM Daddy left for planting, but the noise in the kitchen continued.  You were making a Mother's Day breakfast!  I dozed until 7:30 or so, and when I awoke I found scrambled eggs, bacon, and pancakes with the table set with gifts and much care.

You and I had some special time in the kitchen as I read my letters from you and exclaimed over the breakfast.  The best part?  A glass jar of daisies from you!  Here was the story:

The day before you and your brother had walked downtown to do some errands all on your own.  You stopped at Ole's Attic, my new favorite store, and began to browse.  You saw several jars, but they seemed to be an inseparable set.  The clerk asked what you were looking for, and you said a jar for your mom.  She went into the back, found a beautiful jar, and offered to fill it with fresh daisies (my favorite).  She asked how much you wanted to spend.

You said, "As low as you can go."

And she charged you $5 for it all and even threw in a box of chocolates for free.  Bee, my darling, you carried those flowers all the way home, blocks and blocks uphill, and you smuggled them into the house right under my nose.  You. are. amazing!

Grandpa Lane & Grandma Ann were visiting for Mother's Day, and your shrewd bargaining was our topic of conversation all through the lovely pancakes you made with the only cup of milk in the entire house.  We laughed and laughed at how you said, "As low as you can go."

Bee, I love you so, so much.