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