Raegan's little birthday....

 Raegan's birthday dinner was full of breakfast (her choosing).  Bacon, sausage, hash browns, pancakes, eggs, and of course a birthday cake created by Raegan.  We also saved a few presents for her to have some to open on her birthday.  She wore a crown at school all day and shared cupcakes with her friends too.  I think it is safe to say she had a great day!

Happy 6th Birthday Raegan

 

 

Raegan,

Today you are 6 years old.  How did that happen?

It seems like just yesterday we found out you’d be coming soon and now you’ve become a beautiful little girl.

Have I told you lately how much I love you? How proud I am of you? How amazed I am by your love, kindness, strength and brilliance (apparently, eventually, and seriously are your favorite words)? How worried I am for your tenderness, fragility and soft heart? You delight and frustrate me on a daily basis and I can’t imagine life without you. It’s hard for me to put all these feelings down, to find the words that adequately convey exactly how I feel about you and what you mean to me, but I’ll try.

I’m proud of how strong you are, both physically and mentally. You have grown more this year I think than any other and continue to excel at just about everything you try. You are doing so well in school. You have a love for learning that I hope you always keep, and one of my favorite things is watching you struggle with a challenge, persist until that switch flips, the lightbulb comes on and you get it. You are the same way with many things in life, whether it’s cartwheels and monkey bars or reading and math. Keep pushing forward, keep rising to those challenges and know that you have what it takes to overcome each and every one of them.

As proud as I am of you, I also worry so much (sorry, you come by this honestly). The same tenderness that I love in your relationship with your brother leaves you so vulnerable in dealing with others who may not treat you so gently. You’re just starting out in school and it can be a difficult and unkind place. I try so hard to fill your bucket…to boost that inner strength that helps you realize that the things that other people say and do have absolutely no reflection on you. To show you how to objectively view the different reasons that people behave the way they do. I try so hard to encourage you not to be afraid. Don’t be afraid to say hi to someone you don’t know. Don’t be afraid to join the game. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Don’t be afraid. I say this from a place of experience and regret. You will miss out on so much by letting fear make your choices. You are strong. You are complete. Don’t ever say yes or no to something because you are afraid. Say yes because you want to. Say no because it’s the right choice. Take all the time you need to make a decision. Jump in with both feet on a whim sometimes, but don’t ever, ever let fear decide your path. You have everything you need to survive and thrive. Get out there and live!

It has been a big year full of a lot of changes and ups and downs. I hope this new year brings so many more of those special moments!

I hope you know how much I love you too. I hope you understand that even though you challenge me every minute of every day, I wouldn’t have it any other way. It shows me that you are fierce. That you think for yourself and don’t simply accept what is put before you. You make my life more difficult than I could imagine, but I sleep better knowing that when push comes to shove, you can handle anything thrown your way. From your very first breath, all the way through today you have shown me that you are not only a survivor, you are a fighter, an overcomer, a champion. I am in awe of all the obstacles you have conquered in the few short years you’ve been with us and how your cheerful demeanor and positive outlook continues unfazed. You are an inspiration to your Daddy and I, and so many others.

Happy Thanksgiving from Us!!

Trick or Treat!!

 Raegan and baby Raegan were rainbow skeletons!  Brother chose to be too big for dress up this year, so we just called him a middle school student.  (HA!)

 The three amigos enjoyed passing out candy and a little trick or treating!  (Keagen, Raegan, and Zoe)

 The middle schooler got trapped and told he wasn't too big for everyone to love!!

Finished products for carving.....more carving in action to come soon.