June 2014

Its been way too long Karlie Joy.  You are now 8 years old, going on 20.  This year you have really blossomed and changed from a little girl to a young woman.  You cross your legs, you constantly do your hair, you won't let me pick out your clothes anymore, you change your clothes about 5 times a day, and you LOVE shoes.  Yesterday we went to the mall.  Just the 2 of us.  I don't know if we have ever done that but I learned it is very dangerous.  You love to shop.  I don't.  You could try on clothes all day long, I hate trying on clothes.  You found a pair of high heeled sandals at Macy's and you were completely glowing with Joy.  You LOVED them.  You were walking around in them and all the workers and other moms/ladies were just smiling at you.  You wanted them soooo bad.  You asked if you could even save your allowance for them.  Then you asked if I would buy them and save them until you were old enough to wear them b/c by the time you were old enough, they would be gone.  sooooo cute!!!

We had chinese and you said that you were having so much fun together.  I wonder how long these days will last, that you LOVE being with mom.  Somedays you won't even let me hold you, hug you or touch you.  Your not a very touchy person.  You always have been that way.  You would rather be put down in your crib and left alone.  Luke on the other hand, loves to be held and loved on.

I ended up leaving the mall spending all of MY allowance on you and luke.  Mostly on you b/c it was sooo hard to say no.  We got you some shorts from Justice your favorite store.  We got you some flipflops.  We bought Luke a Lego teeshirt that says "everything is awesome" b/c we always sing that song.  You were upset I wouldn't buy you a skateboard, ripstik, and more shoes.  :)

You had a great year at school.  Mr Helder was one of the most amazing teachers and I think it is safe to say, that he will go down as the best one you will ever have.  He was fun, energetic, loving, passion for the Lord, and taught you so well.  You come home and absolutely amaze me!!! You are soooooooooo smart!!! I can't even do your homework!!! When it comes to math, I just say "go get dad". :)  He is the smarty pants when it comes to math.  You are at a 4th grade reading level in 2nd grade and you were placed next year in the advanced classes.  And you know what?  I have never helped you with a thing!!  You always know your memory verses, your reading you learned on your own, math comes 2nd nature, and I am pretty sure that anything you put your mind too, YOU CAN DO!!!

You tried singing lessons this year.  You didn't like it.  I was incredibly proud of you for at least trying!!! That is always my saying "at least try it once".  If you hate it.  Fine.  BUT what if you love it??? How will you know until you have tried?  Never live with regret.

You still love gymnastics and we tried out for competition cheer and you LOVED it.  We found a local non competitive cheer program at hudsonville public that you will do instead.  The other was just too much money and you were sad, but overall, you understood and were very good about it.
You always say "I don't know want to do anything that involves a ball" :)

You are amazing little christian already at your age.  Your nightly prayers AMAZE me.  You have passion, love and pray for everyone.  You say "thank you Lord that we could go to church today and praise and worship you, for being able to pray to you." Thank you for your love and that you made me.  Thank you that we love jesus and help others to know you."  Sometimes I lay beside you with tears in my eyes and just say thank you Lord.  Your an amazing little girl Karlie and I LOVE you soooo much!!!

I pray daily for your friendships, you kinda had a rough year with some girls in class, but that you make the right choices and pick friends that love the Lord and encourage and lift you up.  I pray that you put the Lord first in your life and realize who you are in Christ way before the age I did!!  And you know what?  I think you already have it.....its mind blowing to me.  Its got nothing to do with me and all about the Lords work in your little heart.  Praise the Lord!!!

Keep up the good work Karlie!!!