Dear Olivia,
Last night as we were driving over to your Uncles(s) Quan and Sidney's house, out of nowhere you asked,"Dad, what is the purpose of our life?"
I think this caught us both by surprise to be sked such a grown-up question, and so your dad said, "To be kind." But I wanted you to know what this life was really about, so we talked about God. We talked about how you chose to come to this earth from your Heavenly Parents, to have agency, to learn right from wrong, and hopefully know enough right to always choose it, so that one day you could return to your Heavenly Father once again.
What a teaching moment! Nothing else was said, but enough was. Thank you for being so thoughtful. Pondering those big questions. Never stop thinking, praying, pondering, and discerning. Remain true.
Oh, I forgot. You did say something. You said, "I want to always choose the right." And my prayer, hope, and desire is that you always do, my love.
Love,
Your mama
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Happy 5th Birthday
Dear Olivia,
First off, every time I really look at the number 5 I seriously feel like bursting into tears! How did 5 years creep up on us? Oh, we have done so, so many things together, and we really have had so much fun, but my goodness...you are growing up and that is something that is very hard for me to put my head around.
I am not sure where I want this letter to go, but I know I specifically want to talk about your birthday party because of how your personality shined through that really exemplifies who you are:
We decided to have a girls only party (per your request) at Color Me Mine. The day arrived and as the girls trickled in you (without me even asking) went to each of your friends, welcomed them with a hug, and then invited them to sit down. If that wasn't big girl enough there was a moment when one of your dance class friends (Brooklyn) came and was feeling shy and overwhelmed. Instead of focusing on everything else going on (or your other friends), you stopped, took Brooklyn by the hand and comforted her saying, "It's okay, Brooklyn. You can come sit near me."
That tiny little moment melted my heart. You are growing up to be that girl who is kind, thoughtful, and aware of those around you. It matters. You care. That resonates with me to the depths of my soul.
Another moment was your great big hug you gave to Lauren S., and your squeals, "Oh, Lauren you are my best friend!"
Not to mention that you squealed after every present, and when you opened a gift that you already had at home, you handled it gracefully, smiling and thanking your friend as if it were new and you never seen it before (such manners).
More than anything, you are growing into this young girl who knows what she likes (princesses, marriage, horses, unicorns, computer games, books, and crafts) who sticks to something until you master it, and who cares about those around you. You have a moody side, but are willing to let go of it easily. You do not throw tantrums, you are helpful around the house (folding clothes, picking up toys, cooking, clearing your dishes from the table, getting things for me when needed, and doing normal hygiene on your own). You can ride a two wheeler, swim underwater, and you like to go hiking, fishing, and camping.
I adore you. You are fun to be around. You ask insightful questions, and want to talk of things on a higher level.
I love you Olivia Mei Babcock. You are my light. My life. How special you are. If I want you to know anything know this: You are a daughter of God. I love you. He loves you. You deserve to be treated with respect. Maintain your virtue. Live a life of integrity. Be remembered for your shining moments. Don't let the dark moments cloud who you really are. Know your Dad and I will be your biggest cheerleader. We will help you if you fall, and push you forward when needed. Oh, how loved you are, my daughter.
With love,
Your mama
First off, every time I really look at the number 5 I seriously feel like bursting into tears! How did 5 years creep up on us? Oh, we have done so, so many things together, and we really have had so much fun, but my goodness...you are growing up and that is something that is very hard for me to put my head around.
I am not sure where I want this letter to go, but I know I specifically want to talk about your birthday party because of how your personality shined through that really exemplifies who you are:
We decided to have a girls only party (per your request) at Color Me Mine. The day arrived and as the girls trickled in you (without me even asking) went to each of your friends, welcomed them with a hug, and then invited them to sit down. If that wasn't big girl enough there was a moment when one of your dance class friends (Brooklyn) came and was feeling shy and overwhelmed. Instead of focusing on everything else going on (or your other friends), you stopped, took Brooklyn by the hand and comforted her saying, "It's okay, Brooklyn. You can come sit near me."
That tiny little moment melted my heart. You are growing up to be that girl who is kind, thoughtful, and aware of those around you. It matters. You care. That resonates with me to the depths of my soul.
Another moment was your great big hug you gave to Lauren S., and your squeals, "Oh, Lauren you are my best friend!"
Not to mention that you squealed after every present, and when you opened a gift that you already had at home, you handled it gracefully, smiling and thanking your friend as if it were new and you never seen it before (such manners).
More than anything, you are growing into this young girl who knows what she likes (princesses, marriage, horses, unicorns, computer games, books, and crafts) who sticks to something until you master it, and who cares about those around you. You have a moody side, but are willing to let go of it easily. You do not throw tantrums, you are helpful around the house (folding clothes, picking up toys, cooking, clearing your dishes from the table, getting things for me when needed, and doing normal hygiene on your own). You can ride a two wheeler, swim underwater, and you like to go hiking, fishing, and camping.
I adore you. You are fun to be around. You ask insightful questions, and want to talk of things on a higher level.
I love you Olivia Mei Babcock. You are my light. My life. How special you are. If I want you to know anything know this: You are a daughter of God. I love you. He loves you. You deserve to be treated with respect. Maintain your virtue. Live a life of integrity. Be remembered for your shining moments. Don't let the dark moments cloud who you really are. Know your Dad and I will be your biggest cheerleader. We will help you if you fall, and push you forward when needed. Oh, how loved you are, my daughter.
With love,
Your mama
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Let's play mommy and daddy
Dear Olivia,
Just a few minutes ago, as I was folding clothes, I overheard you saying, "Maddox, let's play mommy and daddy. We'll get married, and la,la,la, and then I'll have a baby and you will stay with me forever because you are my husband."
Really cute. Really fun.
Love,
Your mama
Just a few minutes ago, as I was folding clothes, I overheard you saying, "Maddox, let's play mommy and daddy. We'll get married, and la,la,la, and then I'll have a baby and you will stay with me forever because you are my husband."
Really cute. Really fun.
Love,
Your mama
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Well beyond your years
Dear Olivia,
Last week, I sat both you and Maddox down and explained that I needed help on my weakness. That weakness is my lack of patience, which I then allow that lack of patience to cause emotional outbursts that unfortunately gets taken out on you guys. And the minute it happens, I feel defeated and sad and feel as though I can never get past just getting upset over the little things. Which the scares me thinking you will end up doing the same thing and the cycle will continue and oh! How I do not want that! I decided that I want to be sure we as a family are doing the "little" things to make our earthly experience better. Two of those things is: Family home evening and morning prayer. As I told you both this you responded well, helping out with the morning prayer. The most beautiful thing that came out of this happened on Sunday. As I was getting ready for church, I heard you waking up in your bed. Then I heard you praying. I could hear your sweet voice whisper, "Dear Heavenly Father..." and my heart felt at peace and the Spirit was strong. What I learned in this moment was your willingness to choose the right with faith and obedience not only to God , but to your own mother is so beyond your years. Your trust in me and understanding of our family needs is heartwarming and helped me to remember that how we need to be more like you towards our Father in Heaven...to be patient, humble, trusting, faithful, and obedient. Thank you my daughter for choosing our family and teaching me so much.
Love,
Your mama
Last week, I sat both you and Maddox down and explained that I needed help on my weakness. That weakness is my lack of patience, which I then allow that lack of patience to cause emotional outbursts that unfortunately gets taken out on you guys. And the minute it happens, I feel defeated and sad and feel as though I can never get past just getting upset over the little things. Which the scares me thinking you will end up doing the same thing and the cycle will continue and oh! How I do not want that! I decided that I want to be sure we as a family are doing the "little" things to make our earthly experience better. Two of those things is: Family home evening and morning prayer. As I told you both this you responded well, helping out with the morning prayer. The most beautiful thing that came out of this happened on Sunday. As I was getting ready for church, I heard you waking up in your bed. Then I heard you praying. I could hear your sweet voice whisper, "Dear Heavenly Father..." and my heart felt at peace and the Spirit was strong. What I learned in this moment was your willingness to choose the right with faith and obedience not only to God , but to your own mother is so beyond your years. Your trust in me and understanding of our family needs is heartwarming and helped me to remember that how we need to be more like you towards our Father in Heaven...to be patient, humble, trusting, faithful, and obedient. Thank you my daughter for choosing our family and teaching me so much.
Love,
Your mama
Monday, January 28, 2013
Miss Bossypants
Dear Olivia,
Last week while I was giving you and Maddox a bath, you happened to be a little more bossy than usual. You were telling your brother to be this and that, so I stated, "Olivia, you have plenty of time when you are big to be the mommy and the boss, so please try not to be like that with your brother." There was silence for a moment, and then you said, "But mom, I am practicing right now to be the boss!"
You are so cute.
With Love,
Your mama
Last week while I was giving you and Maddox a bath, you happened to be a little more bossy than usual. You were telling your brother to be this and that, so I stated, "Olivia, you have plenty of time when you are big to be the mommy and the boss, so please try not to be like that with your brother." There was silence for a moment, and then you said, "But mom, I am practicing right now to be the boss!"
You are so cute.
With Love,
Your mama
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)