Happy Birthday Kate!

Today was a big day at our house ... my baby girl turned 8 years old! I can't hardly believe that it's been that long already and part of me feels very sad to see her growing up so quickly. But the other part of me realizes that she gets to be more fun each day.


Since I'm using this as kind of a journal, I thought I'd take some time and list 10 things that I love about Kate.

1. First and foremost, Kate is an answer to my prayers! Eight years ago, my life was changed forever! It was a day that I had waited and longed for for so long and had often times wondered if it would ever happen. But when I look back, I know beyond a doubt that she came to our family at the right time and in the way that she was meant to.

2. Kate is KIND! She is truly one of the kindest and most caring people that I have ever met. She loves everyone (at least most of the time) and really tries to make other people happy.

3. Kate is courageous! There isn't anything that she's afraid of, which is a little frightening for her parents. But she goes after everything and isn't afraid to fail or look crazy. I love that about her because I'm not nearly as brave as she is.

4. Kate loves to learn! Kate loves school and seems to soak up everything that she can. She amazes me sometimes with the amount of knowledge that she already has and will soon pass me up when it comes to math. We're going to have to hire a math tutor, I'm just sure of it.

5. Kate is energetic! Ever since she was a little girl, she has been on the go. We always said that when she got older we'd have a hard time keeping up with her. That is certainly true. She can go and go and go and then when it's time for bed, she crashes!


6. Kate is FUNNY! Honestly ... anyone who's been around her for very long knows what a crack up this kid can be. I could have written a book on all of the funny things she's said or done in her short life. In fact, just tonight she gave us another one for the books.

We took her out to dinner for her birthday and she was telling me about her first Achievement Day activity this afternoon. Sister Egbert talked to them about service and making sure to thank people. As our waitress walked away from our table, Kate said, "Mom, I bet these worker people get very little thanks." So, as we went to pay for our check I said, thank you and Kate chimed in with a very excited, "Yes, thank you very much!" Thanks for all the laughs sis!

7. Kate knows how to LOVE! Kate genuinely loves everyone and is always looking for ways to show it, whether it's a note or picture, a hug or a kind deed. Kate also has a tender place in her heart for animals. She tells me all the time that when she grows up, she wants to be an animal rescuer. She truly knows what it means to love one another.

8. Kate is friendly and outgoing! Just go with Kate to any sort of social situation and you'll relize that we've got a social butterfly on our hands. Last Sunday I took her to our Stake Baptism Fireside where all of the kids being baptized in 2008 and there parents were meeting. No lie, Kate could identify and acknowledged by name almost every kid in the room. That old saying that says, "I never met a person that wasn't my friend" certainly applies to my Kate.


9. Katelyn is GOOD and wants to do what's right! Now, I'm not saying that she's perfect by any means. But by and large, Kate really tries to do what she knows is the right thing to do. She isn't too afraid of what others might think and really strives to be the kind of person that our Heavenly Father wants her to be.

10. Finally, Katelyn is confident and self assured! One of the things that I love most about Kate is how confident she is with herself. She's happy in her own skin and doesn't let what others think or say ruffle her feathers too much. Sure, she gets her feelings hurt and she has those moments of self doubt. But she knows who she is and seems to really like herself. I am SO grateful for that. I think that nowadays, a self assured child, especially a daughter, is an amazing thing.

These are just a few of the things that I love about my sweet daughter. Words will never adequately express how much I love her and how proud I am to be her mom. I love you Katelyn Hope! Happy Birthday!