Celebrating Lucy the Brave

Dear Lucy,

The fun just keeps coming! As we celebrate your ninth birthday, I'm so proud of you for the ways you've become more confident and brave over the past year!

You've added ziplining and rock wall climbing to your list of new experiences. Your skills on the piano are growing with each lesson and practice session. And you have discovered on a recent trip to Disney World that rollercoasters are quite the thrill!

You're into funky fashion combinations, dressing up for special occasions, and dancing like there's no one watching - especially when spurred on by an upbeat playlist and your siblings joining in the dance party. You love your pups! Maggie and Winnie have found their girl! This year, you've also laid claim to your own bedroom, and every piece of decor has "Lucy" written all over it.

Family outings fill up a lot of your free time. You're a patient big sister to Ellie and Jack, always looking for ways to draw them into whatever you're up to. You and Ellie make a good sister-friend pair, and Jack looks up to you for fun and help when he needs it. You are a blessing to your family.

Friendships that you've had for a couple of years continue to flourish and deepen. You're learning that it's not the quantity but the quality that matters. You're thoughtful and loyal to neighbor friends, classmates, and (of course!) cousins.

You strive to make everyone feel loved and like they're a part of the gang. You do all that you can to help others get along well. I love to see the heart of a peacemaker in my Lucy girl! In Matthew 5:9, Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." So, sweet child of God, I celebrate YOU today and wish you a very happy birthday!

Always loving you with all of my heart,

Milly