Another year has gone by...

I feel like I just blinked and she was spitting out her baby food, stressing me out, trying to figure out why she wouldn't eat.  Or, she was just playing in the leaves in the backyard on Marquita.  Maybe we had just gotten home from a Mommy and Me gymnastics class with little brother in tow in the infant carrier.  I was teaching her how to write her letters, the incorrect way since D'Nealian is the proper way these days, or possibly how to read.  But, no, today I blink and open my (teary) eyes to my budding, bright, beautiful six year old daughter.  She's one of the sweetest, kindest, warm-hearted but yet stubborn, impatient, sassy little girls I know.  She loves her family with all her heart and is so excited to see everyone, even her brother...until he pushes her buttons.  In case you're wondering, buttons are pushed quickly.  She loves her friends.  Sometimes a little too much.  I have to remind sweet Ella that family comes first from time to time.  She LOVES, loves, loves school.  Every morning the alarm goes off and she pops out of bed ready to go!  I sure hope her positive attitude towards school sustains throughout the years.  Most importantly she loves Jesus.  I'm so proud that every year she has talked about Christmas being about Jesus' birthday, not Santa and most recently we've been reading Bible verses every morning before school.  She runs downstairs so we can read them and discuss.  I love her eagerness to learn!  Ella has such a positive outlook on life that one can not help but smile when around her.

Ella you are certainly the most perfect daughter I could ask for.  I am so thankful for you everyday and know you are a blessing to me and your daddy, and Bennett, too.  We love you to the moon and back.  I know life has such wonderful things planned for you and I can't wait to see you continue blossom.

Happy Birthday, Ella Bella!

That's right, I'll always be right there in your eyes everywhere you look (if you look closely you can see me in her pupils)!

Ella and her BFF Ava