Pieces of our day 11/2/2015

Dear Olivia,

Thank you for your love.  As is your norm, you got up early.  You got dressed, ate, played piano, read books, looked out the window (I only know this because the shades were up), and combed your hair all before and during my shower.  Thank you for helping school mornings be so easy.  One of my favorite moments was after school Maddox had Kindermusik.  You sat down and worked on your homework.  When Maddox was all done, we were driving home and Amorette was jamming out to the music that she seemed to enjoy.  All three of you then burst into giggles about Amorette.  She kept doing silly things to get you and Maddox to laugh.  That was a favorite mom moment.  Just seeing you three enjoy one another made my heart jump. I hope you stay close forever. 

You said the prayer for us, and we read from the Book of Mormon.  Thank you for being my daughter, and loving me the way you do.

Love,

Your mama.

Things to remember

Dear Olivia,

Out of the many wonderful traits that you have is your ability to listen and care.  One way that you care is by getting yourself up in the mornings, dressed, fed, teeth brushed, and with all of this sometimes you fit in some piano play, or maybe a book, or some kind note to a family member or friend.  This behavior makes my life easier, and I am completely grateful for your ability to recognize a need and help our family life just that more simple and peaceful.

I appreciate the way you are very thoughtful of all holidays.  You go the extra mile to liven up the holiday.  Birthdays are also your specialty.  Your tradition has become one to go out and buy a card or make one (or even both most of the time), for that special someone and that card comes from you only.  Your kind gesture reaches miles and I only could hope to be as thoughtful as my soon to be 8-year old.  You are doing this for Maddox.  You have already printed out his favorite things (jeeps and Hulk) and you are making it into a banner.  I love your creativity and the way you make people feel special.  Thank you for teaching me how to show love.

You participated in your Primary Program yesterday.  Your talk was beautiful.  Even though we worked together on it, it was your thoughts, your words.  I just put the filler words in there (the, and, second, next).  The way your read is so beautiful and I can tell that the whole congregation was listening to your words.  You sweet soul is deep.  What a privilege it is to have you in our family.

Yesterday after church we celebrated the 20th ward's 159th birthday, so there was a mingle.  We stayed well beyond cleanup, me talking to Jenn Hein and you playing with Cole.  What was so special about that was how you two just laughed, and chased, and problem solved the balloons together.  What fun to see two children playing.  Enjoying eachother, without judgement, or guile.

Today you keep this calmness about you when I absolutely lose my temper.  Your deep eyes are hard to look into when I make mistakes, only because of your sweet nature.  I am so far from that sometimes and I feel quite sad and guilty for lashing out, but you all are so forgiving, and hopefully stay that way with me until I can overcome my weakness.

I appreciated you coming with me to the door of semi-strangers to drop off a Halloween treat to a family new to our neighborhood.  I also had fun watching you dig your hands in to your pumpkin and coming up with an idea to win the pumpkin decorating contest at school.  I love how you are confident, and willing to go the extra mile.

More than anything your obedience, love, and peaceable nature does not go unnoticed.  I notice.  I love you very much.  I see your kindness and your influence truly stretches for miles.  Don't forget the power of your righteous influence.  Never stray too far from your righteous desires.  Remain focused on your goals and never, ever give up.  More than anything never, ever give up on God.  If life is hard, draw closer to Him.  Do not push Him away.  Do not doubt his guidance, or the influence He can have in your life.

I love you, Olivia.  Even in my weakest moments.  I love you.  Never forget that.

Love,

Your mama

Dear Olivia,

You started piano lessons at the beginning of June 2015.  Having Kindermusik helped you so much.  You know a lot about music theory.  We bought an electric, key-weighted piano, so that you could practice at home.  You are diligent with your practice.  Way to go.

Love,

Your mama

Swim team 2015

Dear Olivia,

This summer you decided to do swim team at Northcrest.  I am in awe of your ability to tackle a difficult challenge and succeed.  You are swimming 100 meters with ease.  You swim for an hour, 5 days per week in the sun.  I love how quickly you glide across the water, and your strong, lean body that propels you.  What a fun experience!

Love,

Your mama

Kindermusik graduation

Dear Olivia,

You did it!  We started Kindermusik when you were 4 months old.  You graduated on May 16, 2015. We did all seven years and I couldn't be more happy.  You have grown so much with musical influence and we have now moved on to piano lessons.  Congratulations, baby girl!

Love,

Your mama

Friends for a lifetime

Dear Olivia,

Two days ago we went to your performance at the Rose Wagner Theatre for your Gingerbread Opera your first grade classes wrote, wrote the songs for, and decided movement and scenery.  What a special thing!  One of my favorite moments was when I was in the dressing room seeing if any help was needed.  You found your friend, Naomi, and you both hugged eachother, laughing, jumping up and down because you were so excited for the performance.  I never saw such a tender and genuine moment before.  I hope that memory of your sweet laughter forever stays with me.  It was so very beautiful.

Love,

Your mama.

Family home evening

Dear Olivia,

Last week for Family Home Evening, you volunteered to do a lesson.  You got it all ready by yourself.  You talked about the parable of the lost sheep.  You recognize the need for us to think of others, and to reach out for that "one."  We sang "As I Have Loved You," and had root beer floats.  Thank you for following the commandments and helping us make FHE a reality.  I love you.

Love,

Your mama

Your kind heart

Dear Olivia,

Over general conference and Easter weekend you went over to Jana's house to make cards.  You had told us that you were making one for our neighbor's Fred and Elaine who got married about a month ago (which is so thoughtful coming from a 7 year old).  What really impressed me, was your thoughtfulness towards me.  You came out of Jana's house with what I thought was Fred and Elaine's card with a tulip.  You went over to their house, but I noticed that you didn't put it in their mailbox.  You came back to our house and at that point I had a feeling it wasn't for them, so I went inside to my room.  When I came back out, there sitting on the table was the card and flower meant for me.  It was the sweetest card, and so meaningful to my heart.

You are always this way.  Thinking of others, shining your light.  Your radiating smile and kindness for others teaches me to be a little better, and you are just naturally this way!  You are so wise beyond your years, and I am so glad you are in our family.

Love,

Your mama

It's just who you are

Dear Olivia,

Tonight I went downstairs to put some dishes in the full sink, knowing I still had clean dishes to put away from the dishwasher.  I then saw this little blue note sitting on the counter and it read, "I love you.  I hope you see my surprise! xoxo."  The surprise was you had emptied the entire dishwasher.

My heart was bursting with appreciation and love towards you (and even Maddox).  How blessed I am to have such a thoughtful, kind, cheerful young lady as you are becoming.  Thank you so much for your love.  I will forever cherish this moment!

With my deepest love,

Your mama