My daughter turned 8

There is just something about birthdays that make me a little weepy. Maybe it's that darn slide-show I've started putting together for each child for their birthday. Looking at all those pictures, seeing how they have grown up, how fast time has flown by, how sad I am that they are growing up but so thrilled that they are becoming such amazing young people. It's enough to get me teary-eyed real quick. Kate's 8th birthday has been especially tender for me as I have asked myself - have I taught her enough? Is she ready to be accountable for her own choices? Yikes it's scary being a mom.  Yet somehow our kids seem to learn despite our many, many faults. Don't get me wrong, we definitely have our struggles, but as I look at Kate I am just so happy with her and the young woman she is growing up to be.

  Here are eight of my most favorite things about Kate:

She is so thoughtful and loves doing things for other people.

She loves to help me do things around the house and take care of her brother and sister.

She loves to sing.

She is a planner and very detail-oriented - in fact she started making very detailed plans about her birthday celebration a couple months ago :)

She loves to learn in school and in the Gospel.

She has the greatest laugh and smile.

She tries so hard to do what is right.

She always gives me lots of hugs and tells me she loves me all the time - especially when she can tell I'm "stressed out".

We are so blessed to have Kate in our family!

Her birthday was on a school night and she also had gymnastics that day so things we pretty crazy. But Grandma Ginger came and helped me with everything that day - what a gem! Grandpa Sam, Bailey, Darren, Brandi, Cade and Blakely came over for cake and presents. Fun times.

Kate had requsted a butterfly cake and so I copied this one off one of my fave cooking blogs - the Sisters Cafe.

 



Sorry guys, but Blakely was our cutest guest, hands down.

 



Some of her favorite gifts!



 

Love this girl!