Dear Everly,

I'm so excited to celebrate another year of getting to be a part of your wonderful life! As I've reflected on the last 12 months, I've realized that the things you love most aren't things at all - they're people!

You're especially gentle and sweet with your Nana. You're thoughtful and always looking forward to her year-round cups of hot cocoa and the chance to hold her hand. You're the in-charge ringleader - uh, I mean LEADER - any time there's a gaggle of cousins to be found. Some kind of fun/mischief always seems to materialize when the crew gets together and Everly is in the middle of it all! That's true of friend time, too. In spite of the crazy and the laughter and the squeals, your caring, kind heart always manages to shine through.

Not gonna lie - sometimes you and sister girl Janie go after each other like wildcats with their tails tied together! But when the dust settles, you two can be found snuggled up together on the couch under a pile of blankets, sharing whispered confidences and inside jokes. In fact, you, Janie, Mom, Dad, and Tail Wagger Waylon are a pretty tight group! Y'all are cute. :)

A few extra "likes" - soccer, softball, and just about anything outdoors. This year's newest "mommy and me" shared passion - mahjong. Anything to get a laugh, making funny faces, and striking crazy poses. And because you love sweets, candy, and chocolate lasagne, I have no doubt whatsoever that you are my blood relative. Good girl.

It's such a gift to get to watch so many godly qualities developing in your heart - especially the ones that have to do with blessing your favorite "thing" - people! "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." (Colossians 3:12) THAT kind of wardrobe looks beautiful on you no matter your age! Happy ninth birthday, my dear Everly!

Always loving you with all of my heart,

Milly