Another Birthday!

One Alexis, 100's of expressions

Alexis is 7 today. 7!! I love that number, it's a great number. I can't tell you how long the 9 days are between their birthdays. How hard it is to be the oldest but to have a birthday nine days after your little brother! Just torture!! I promise we did not plan it that way. In fact, would you believe they were both due on the exact same day? That's right, April 23rd. They were both early. This year in honor of our first child and only girl, I thought I would list 7 of my most favorite things about Alexis:

1. Alexis is very passionate. She gets really excited about the things that she loves and really emotional about things that she doesn't so much love. There is no in-between.

2. Just about every day we are home, she runs out to greet her friend Kadie at the bus. She yells her name and gives her a gigantic hug and then back she comes. I love that, and I think Kadie does, too.

3. Alexis is very discerning. For example, the other day she made fun of her brother's artwork (which was beautiful). I got onto her a bit about encouraging her brother and not trying to discourage him. She said "Mom, I am jealous of him. He draws better than me." I thought she hit the nail on the head. she is pretty good at calling it like it is.

4. She has a thousand different expressions!! And she keeps coming up with new ones. See Pics!!

5. I love that Alexis puts on "shows" for us at least once a week. She is quite the director.

6. I love that she tells me when I am being grouchy and reminds me that I am no fun when I am grouchy. Like I said, she tells it like it is.

7. and lastly, I love how Alexis is learning and transitioning every day into life with Jesus. She prays often, and she is beginning to give on things that were once so hard. She gave her own money in the offering the other day, and she told me she didn't want to, but when she did it "it felt good." God loves a cheerful giver, Alexis. And though letting go of things doesn't come easy, you are learning that there is much joy in it. I am proud of you for fighting against your fears and doing things that are good even though you may not really want to do it. You are less and less a little girl these days and truly becoming a little lady, and your dad and I could not love you more. We have some ups and downs, but we are working and learning together everyday. I am thankful to be your mom. Happy Birthday. I can't wait to see what God does with you this year.