Today, my little Ella, turns 8.
I can understand why I love her so much. She's so many things: sassy, sweet, kind, soft-hearted, smart, beautiful, and just one glance at her you know she is mine. She is my CopyKat.
What I don't understand is how she is growing up so fast? How have eight years gone by? Will the next eight go by as fast? My heart aches to think about "it." Think about her finishing grade school, think about her becoming a tween, think about her asking to borrow the car, think about her dating, think about her graduating... moving out... moving on... moving away from me.
Before she goes (and yes, I know, that is a long time from now) I want Ella to know just a few of the many wonderful things I adore about her:
I love the way you cling to me. I know you still need me.
You are an amazing big sister: protective and caring.
I'm amazed by the way you can memorize the words to every song.
You are so smart! Straight A's for 2nd Grade.
You know our home is a place of refuge,
and inside it you have no inhibitions.
You are a daddy's girl to the core.
I love how you worry so much about your friends.
I'm so proud you have found the courage
to sing with the Primary on the stand!
Faced with your own fear, you try to hide it to be brave for your sisters,
and lend them your bravery.
You've got style.
You understand modesty.
You love your family.
You love the Savior.
I love you EllaBella... "loved by all the fellas... you're the prettiest little girl in the whole wide world... you're a Thornburgh girl."
