Double Digits!

Dear Ainsley,

Ten years is so long! I can't really think of anything outside of being married that I have done for ten years. Now, I've been a parent for a whole decade. I can't even believe how blessed I am.

You are just adorable. As I put you to bed tonight you could hardly contain your excitement over one of your birthday presents. We are letting you get your ears pierced. I knew you would be happy, but I didn't anticipate how much. An indication of how you are growing is that what you are so excited about is going to school tomorrow and telling your friends. We have officially entered the tween years with you. Everything is better when you get to share it with your social group.

Thinking back to other birthday letters, some things are still the same. You are still a wonderful sibling, you still love Adventures in Odyssey, books are still your constant companion, and you still think you want to be a nurse or doctor when you grow up. Other things are changing. You've gotten taller, look so much older, and sometimes when I have conversations with you I forget you are not an adult. And lets not forget that if you tried to fit into the shoes I wore at my wedding they would be too small for you! Fortunately pregnancy has stretched my feet out so my feet are bigger than yours are now, but only just barely!

You are both strong and gentle. This has been the year that we have really had to begin navigating through the social minefield of school. I know that this is only the beginning of "girl drama," and so part of me wants to just keep you at home and insulate you from the cruel world out there. But fortunately, I know better. I know that you are strong, and have wonderful character. I know that my job is to help you remember every day that your worth comes from the firm foundation of knowing that you are a Child of God. That God loves you and ultimately that is all that matters. I know that I need to help you (and myself!) remember to first love the Lord your God with all your heart strength and mind, and second to love your neighbor as yourself. The "neighbor" may very well be unkind and difficult. But you are called to love them.

And the way girls are, that same person could be your best friend next week!

When you or your siblings choose your birthday dinner menu I'm never denied entertainment. Your request was chicken, cheese bread, strawberries, and twice baked potatoes (the chicken and cheese bread are both Cyndi's recipes, I could have just sent you over there for dinner) and specifically no vegetables. I loved the no vegetables part.

This was your friend party year (we alternate years between friend parties and family parties), and you made the most of it. After much debate over what kind of party to have you went with a pool party at the Sandy pool because that way you could have lots of guests. Fifteen in fact. It was so fun for everyone. Your friends were all so sweet and polite and just enjoyed playing in the pool together so much. It was a great group of girls. We just finished making a movie of your party that captures how great it was. I won't be posting it to the internet, but I know we will love watching it and looking back on this fun stage of life.

I love you Ainsley Grace. Thank you for being the one who gave me the best job in the world. Forgive me for all of my shortcomings, look past my mistakes. Know that your daddy and I want you to look to God all the days of your life. These verses say it far better than I can:

"Ephesians 5 ¹ Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

We love you sweet girl. Happy 10th birthday. Love mom and dad.