two days past eleven...

a two day late 

public announcement:

(hands cupped around my mouth as i shout at the top of my lungs) 

this gorgeous girl 

who proudly sits above

is now 11years + 2 days old/young!

we had a busy day

out to lunch,

took the girls to get feathers put in their hair

what a racket that is

took 5 minutes and cost over $100

say what????

i'll do it myself next time ;)

dinner of choice

presents,

cake

voila!

as quoted by her in a text to her auntie liss:

"when i turned 11, i realized that i have the strength that i didn't have before, and that is to be 11"

amen sista!!!!

xo

when 9 becomes 10...

ten years

a decade

gone.

it happens fast

faster than you'd think,

faster than you'd like

 you can't stop it.

time...

each second, minute, hour, day, week, month, year

you've enriched our lives 

and made us better.

you continue to be a thoughtful,

deep, connected, authentic young lady

who is on a good path that can lead you anywhere

the choice is yours!

to my first baby,

i love you doll,

happy birthday!!!

When 8 becomes 9...

You're only one more year away from being 10.
A decade.
Which makes me think about how in ten more years you'll be 20.
I don't want you to grow up.
I want you to be under my wings forever.
I don't want you far from me...ever.
But when the time comes, I will let you go.
But I won't want to.
**
You are a beautiful, sensitive, artistic little lady.
I love the way you dream.
Believe in magic.
Your heart is tender and you make a wonderful sister.
An amazing daughter.
A loyal friend.
**
I want to remind you to believe in yourself because often you forget.
That when you try you have given yourself a chance.
That when you make mistakes you will learn from them and that it's ok.
That life is full of both joy and disappointments.
That without both you wouldn't appreciate the other.
That you must love yourself and others will love.
To smile brightly because it will make you feel better and bring happiness to others.
That you are you and there is only one you.
**

Happy Birthday sweet Zoe!
We love you baby girl.
xo