greer's 7th

Oh, this girl!  She is so many things to me and brings so much joy.  It's hard to know where to start :)

At 7, she is full of love and generosity and grace and fun.  She cares for others and forgives others and reminds us to do the same.  She is cuddly and loves to bury her face when she wraps her arms around us tight.  She is hilarious and full of energy and loves to dance and sing.  She is girly but tough.  She is a great organizer when she wants to be, but rarely puts things where they belong (a messy-room child like her mama was).  Soooo creative and incredibly smart, she loves to read and says that Bible and History are her favorite school subjects.  Her transition to 1st grade has been seamless and she loves co-op and any time she has with friends.

She learned to crochet this summer (it's one of my favorite things to watch her do).  She loves her dolls, her legos, drawing/coloring and can keep up with a good bit of football talk because of her big brother.  We find her copying passages of the Bible and listening to her favorite worship music long after bedtime...and never know what time she may get to sleep ;).  She sets up elaborate "stations" everywhere...in her bed with all the things she may need to keep herself busy before she gets tired, in her closet for her dolls' living area, etc.  She never stops thinking of others but admittedly doesn't always show that thoughtfulness for her sister.  They alternate between arguing and collaborating closely on dance performances for the family... sometimes in the same minute ;).

We continue to see phases of excess energy that make it hard for her to sit still...literally every six weeks or so.  It's so interesting to watch.  During these spurts, she struggles to listen or follow directions exactly, but never loses her zeal for happiness and fun.  It's then that I often find myself frustrated and amused with her in the same moment!  I long to train her up well without forcing her into a box that God didn't design her for.  And as I've said many times, I can't help but wish that I were as carefree and big-hearted as she is...oh, to see the world through her eyes for even a day!  There's a lightness to her spirit that I've never known.

Just as a quick example, an exchange we had when she was bouncing off the walls at a doctor's appointment...

     Mama - "Greer, why can't you just sit down?"

     Greer - "Yeh, sitting just isn't my thing"

It really isn't...and I'm learning that a good bit of the time, that's okay ;)

We are so thankful for you, Greer!  So thankful for your heart for God and your love for others and for the great fun that you bring to our family.  We smile and laugh so much more because you are here!  Happy happy birthday to the happiest and sweetest girl I know :))

We love you so much and pray that your heart never changes.  Thank you for showing us how to see the best in everyone, love so well and give so easily.  We are amazed and so proud of you :))