Today you turned 6, Eden! I still can’t believe it! I mean we all expect you to just keep on growing, by the grace of God, but at the same time it is so utterly shocking that you are getting SO BIG!
Today we celebrated you with letting you open those presents early this morning that you had been DYING to open for months now. Nope, we didn’t make you wait a second longer than we could drag Daddy from bed (sorry, Matt) because the rest of us were all up.
And yes, naturally the ducklings needed a front row seat.
And then we just let you play, play, play: dolls, house, princesses, magic wands – your morning was filled with much imagination and love. Breakfast wasn’t even on your radar once the gifts were opened and there were games to be played. Even the ducklings took a back seat to all the excitement… temporarily before they were introduced into your game. Ha! (Sorry, ducks- there is too much love for you guys.)
Our day held our online conference, a special birthday message from your kid’s class teacher, and an afternoon of more play fun (and even taking your dolls to the library!).
The birthday dinner of your choice this year was nachos, which left everyone enjoying the fruit of your great pick. Mmm.
“Did you only eat all the black olives off of your nachos?”
Eden’s silent response:
😂
Purple cupcakes, of course, and a side of moose tracks ice cream (ahh, one of the wonders of America, Eden!) and you felt thoroughly celebrated and honored as we went around the table and shared what we love about you.
Oh Eden-girl, you are such a wonderful kid. We all adore you and your genuine little heart. Life is so wonderful and has so much to offer in your joyful world. You utterly delight over the simplicity of being given a piece of candy when others wouldn’t think anything of it. You dance and sing at all possible occasions. And you are so snuggly. The world has all been the same playing field of a learning curve for you. Mozambique has so many layers of culture to learn for the first time and America as well. But you embrace both with open arms and much courage. I admire your willingness to try even when you hold Daddy or my leg for a little more reassurance in a shy moment. I’m thankful that you know our legs will always be there. We are in this together, Beeden! You are quick to say thank you, going out of your way to say it many times and in different ways in an outpouring of gratitude. And I absolutely love that you find just as much joy in homemade gifts as in store bought ones. You wear your heart on your sleeve, loving others deeply and intentionally. And you bust out silly dance moves when you’re happy with zero shame. Haha. Be your awesome “lost five teeth in two weeks” self, kid! I hope you never stop hugging ducks and squealing at how adorable every animal is that walks by. I hope you never stop laughing uncontrollably at absolutely nothing. I hope you never stop giving monster hugs to people you met yesterday, but have proven to be trustworthy in your loving worldview. I hope you never stop singing at the top of your lungs when you don’t know any of the words to the song but have 300% confidence that it doesn’t matter because you’re going to have a great time regardless. Eden, you are an absolute delight of a child and it is an honor to get to be your mommy. Thank you for being my little Eden-Beeden. And Happiest of birthdays, sweet girlie. I cannot wait to see what God continues to have in store for you in year six!
Eden, you are an absolute delight and we love your sweet little snuggling ways. Your little heart is just blooming as this fun-loving character is emerging.
I love how you have begun to see other people, especially little ones who need a friend, and while you are initially shy, you warm up well in hugging love. Even though you are now a huge four year old, know that Mommy and Daddy will always pick you up when culture feels too uncomfortable and uncertain. Also know that we see how you are flourishing in your quiet, but sweet little heart. Eden, we all love you so and even though your birthday is and will be celebrated in three different countries over the next few weeks due to travel, know that regardless of where we are or will ever go, you are treasured so in our hearts.
Eden, it’s a privilege to be your mommy.
I love you, Happy birthday.
(And yes, I will read you this to you like I read all the other birthday messages to your sisters, even if they can read. 🙂 )
We’re over an hour late to start homeschooling. Today has been one of those days.
One of those days where I’ve heard an abundance of invitations to come play among sisters.
One of those days where they’ve found a way for all three of them to participate.
One of those days when toys cover the floor because they’re building a house set-up together, complete with decorated rooms.
One of those days when Hannah’s toddler self isn’t a disruption of play but a welcome addition.
One of those days when Abi’s preschool imagination is overflowing with kitty behavior ideas and an adventurous storyline is being scripted.
One of those days when Kindergartener Rachael is absorbing Abi’s imagination with a passion and dancing along to care for her “baby Hannah” and “kitty Abi”.
One of those days when they have just meshed and play has taken off in a beautiful enjoyment for all.
We’re an hour late. And we may be an hour and a half or two hours late before it’s all said and done.
See, today homeschooling is more about sisterhood than academics. Homeschooling is more about building an investment into each other that isn’t stemming from Mommy’s initiative, but their own desire to just be together. Homeschooling is about building memories of wonderful sister play that they’ll reflect on as “childhood” in years to come.
It’s wonderful to watch God knit them together… to witness their love grow and develop and mature as He intertwines their worlds.
It doesn’t matter how far apart we may live… these people will always be home to me. [And Matt and Nayt you belong in there too it’s just that the couch wasn’t big enough in that moment. =) ]
We were just doing something normal like snuggling on the couch and watching videos on Gopa’s phone.
But it’s the little normals that make me love them all the more.
