Happy 4th Birthday, Elissa!

Really?  Four years already?  It doesn't seem possible.  I mean, you definitely act mature enough to be a 4 year old.  And there are definitely days I feel old enough to have a 4 year old.  But I just can't believe that I've already had four of the eighteen or so years that I get to have you in our home day in and day out.

You, my big girl, are a wonderfully spirited person.  God has given you a great sense of humor and smile and laugh that seem to make people comfortable right away.  You are very good at thinking about what other kids might enjoy and then offering that perfect toy to them.  You've also helped me choose the perfect gifts for Daddy this year.  You knew that he would love a new pair of running shoes, even when I had completely forgotten about him mentioning it one time.  I pray that God uses your attention to detail for His glory as you continue to lavish love on those around you.

You are also beginning to get a more real sense of what prayer is all about.  When we pray before meals, you'll ask if you can say the prayer many times.  You thank God for the food, for the beautiful day (regardless of the weather outside), and then you usually ask Him to help someone you've been thinking about that day.  I can only imagine the smile on God's heart when He hears you share yours with Him.  It's been so good for me to pray with you at bedtime and realize that God hears our more simple prayers, too.  I try to talk to God like it's a conversation amongst Him, you, and me.  I want you to understand that talking to God isn't some big theological thing that you only do when you know exactly what to say or how to say it.  Instead, it's what you do especially when you don't know what to say or how exactly to pray for something or someone.  I cherish your prayers, Elissa.  I pray that you see God answer many more this upcoming year.

You are a daredevil.  To be honest, this one scares me a little.  You are very like me in so many ways, but it took me many years to grow into my adventurous spirit.  God gave you yours from day one.  Whenever you can try something new and edgy or challenging, you get this little gleam in your eye that says, "Heh, heh.  I can't WAIT to do this!"  On Christmas morning when you sat on the 4-wheeler Power Wheel from Grandpa Bill & Grandma Pam, you hit the pedal to go, jerked forward quickly, let off the pedal, and let out a snickering laugh that was priceless.  Although I hope it comes with no broken bones or tears, I do pray for an exciting year for you to push yourself to new limits and realize that with God you can do all things, even the things that might scare your mommy.

You are a dancer, performer, and what could become a show-off without the right heart training.  You love to dress up and give us "concerts" as you call them.  That usually consists of you turning the lights down low, handing us flashlights, and dancing on "stage" in the living room.  You did really well in dance class this year, and after watching the Cantata at church you told us that you were going to dance up there for Jesus next year.  I pray that you do use your talents and your body to give glory to Jesus, for He deserves your all and your best.

You love your family.  Just over the past few months, you've been realizing exactly what it means to be a big sister to Ethan and McKinley.  You've started looking out for them and encouraging them to make good choices.  Every now and then, I have to remind you that you are the sister, not the mommy, but overall you're great with them.  You also LOVE your cousins.  Hayley has become your closest confidant, I believe.  You walk around the house calling her on your phone.  You pray for her at least every week but often want to every night.  You laugh together and share secrets and learn from each other.  Jase and Jilli are now in your conversations, too, as they are visiting more often.  You have fun on the trampoline with Jase and adore Baby Jilli and her snuggles.  And just yesterday you told me that you're using your Leapster to learn Spanish so you can talk to Santi better.  While he was away in Mexico visiting family, you packed up your things and "traveled" around our house on your way to Mexico to see him.  So much love from such a little girl.

Well, sweets, the list could really go on and on and on.  You are such a precious gift to me and Daddy.  I am so proud of you and grateful for you.  Love you to the moon and back, Mommy