Olivia's Nativity

Dear Olivia,

This past Sunday (December 9th), I sent you to play by yourself for 45 minutes, so that I could accomplish some church to-dos.  About a half hour later, you came to me and said, "Mom, I need you to get your scriptures and read the birth of Jesus story." 

After a few persistent requests, I stopped and went upstairs.  What I came upon was a memorable and cherished scene:  In front of me lay your baby "Jesus" with stuffed animals surrounding him.  Some of the stuffed animal's heads were covered of which were Joseph and Mary, and the rest were the wise men and the animals.  You wanted to act the entire story out from the moment Jesus was born until the wise men came to offer their gifts (of which you had also planned for).  I read the story, and you acted out the parts.  What a lovely Sunday activity.  How fun it is to raise a special daughter like you!

What a way to celebrate the Spirit of Christmas!

Love,

Your mama

Brother

Dear Olivia,

As you grow, you are becoming quite expressive, thoughtful, and kind.  A couple of moments were just last night on our way home from Costco.  Out of the blue, you looked over to your brother and said,  "I just love you, Maddox."

Another cute thing you said was when Maddox was talking about monster trucks.  You looked over to him and said, "Brother, can you talk about something other than monster trucks?  You need to think more about Jesus and Christmas."

I silently chuckled, smiled, and beamed with pride to hear you say words like that.  Thank you.

With love,

Your mama

Thanksgiving gratitude

Dear Olivia,

For Thanksgiving this year we created a "gratitude" turkey with the feathers listing things we are grateful for.  You are almost five and enjoy this sort of craft.  We did not have to urge you to think of something, you already knew.  Here were your three:

1. Heavenly Father
2. Family
3. My home

I love you sweet girl.  You are always extremely perceptive.  You will make a great missionary someday.

Love,

Your mama