Happy Birthday, Penelope!

Yesterday was Penelope's birthday!  She is NINE YEARS OLD.  Oh my goodness.

This girl is just full-throttle sweetness and spunk and sincerity.  She is so smart, and her vocabulary rivals mine.  She is an avid reader, and an incredible writer, and will readily tell you that she is a good writer because she's a committed reader.  (It's amazing how few writers, and also educators, seem to understand what she has already intuited.)  She uses her giftings to bless others - she often writes stories, books, and poems for the rest of us, and is such a great encourager with her words.  She has a natural talent for writing plays and songs, and loves performing.

She is helpful and servant hearted.  She loves making breakfast for her siblings.  She has requested to learn to change diapers so she can help me with Juniper.  She keeps her own room so clean and tidy, and even likes to rearrange her shelves to make them pretty and fresh.  She readily takes responsibility for the younger kids without being asked - buckling them into car seats, putting on their shoes or coats, brushing their teeth, or playing with them when they need to be out from underfoot.  She has taken personal responsibility for our pet turtle, Stumpi, feeding her every day and cleaning out her cage- all without being asked or reminded.  She sees needs and really enjoys meeting them.

She is so funny.  She is kind.  She is patient.  She really strives to honor Todd and me.  She's a gift-giver, and revels in spending her allowance on the perfect gift for someone else.  Often, the lucky recipient is yours truly, and gifts from her are honestly so thoughtful and meaningful.

When she grows up, she wants to have ten kids and run a self-sufficient farm.  She loves horses and gardening and babies.  I just know she is going to do great things in life and for God's kingdom as she grows!

I can't tell you how much I enjoy this person.  She is a genuine blessing.  Not just as a child, but as a friend.  She fills my days with laughter and deep conversation over our many shared interests.  She is engaging and interesting and so full of life.  She continues to become more and more precious to me every single year, and I'm so grateful for the gift of her life and presence.

Happy birthday, cherished one!