Ten years of love

So Emma turned 10 yesterday. WOW. She told me she secretly did not want to turn ten because people would not think it was okay for her to play with her dolls anymore. I told her I wanted her to play with dolls until she was 20 if she wanted to. I reminded her that I loved her and her wonderful imagination was one of my favorite things about her.

    {Emma and her Papa- in Mattoon, IL}

She had a hard time figuring out what to do for her big dinner. Our rule is that they can have whatever meal they would like. She said that she wanted to eat spare ribs, to have her best friend Jewel present, and for Nana and Papa to bring over the ducklings (all five of them) for her party. Since I was sick with a fever and cold I asked her if Olive Garden would do. She quickly told me that I might not be a good cook but I sure was good at loving people. Well that almost made me feel better.

Little did I know 10 years ago while crossing my legs waiting for that LONG hour to push while the Dr was held up with two other deliveries that SHE would bring so much joy to my heart. How could I know? She was only 7 lbs and 11 ozs at the time. I looked at that itty bitty body and fell in love permanently.  She was glued to me the next 12 months as she was allergic to just about every formula under the sun. I remember begging God to please forgive me for trying yet another formula that made her projectile vomit for hours.

She makes me laugh, She makes me humbled to be a mom, and makes me proud.  The other night I had such a sharp pain in my stomach it sent me to my knees. Emma ran in- helped me get up to a chair and prayed for me. She really prayed. She cried, she called on Jesus name, and finally she said- you are feeling better Mom aren't you? I said I was. She said- the Bible says if 2 or 3 agree it will be done. She loves to sing and pray and worship God.

She also lets everyone know I am VERY HUMAN and we have a VERY FLAWED household. The other day I took her to the Dr and she was in week two of a bladder infection, sinus infection, and some other things. She told the lady at the check in desk that her back was hurting too but that was probably because the springs had broken in the couch and they were poking her back. She then proceeded to share the same chatty dialogue with the nurse and finally our Dr. I gave her the "zip it" look when the Dr turned around and she quickly said- "Mom- why are you looking at me like that- you know that we need to do something about that couch." As I melted into my seat I could see our Dr. chuckling in the background. Yes- she definatly grounds me.

Emma has always wanted to start an orphanage, wanted to adopt kids from Africa, China, and any other place where they were hurting. Recently while preparing for a trip to Africa- she told me- Mom I am going to have to re-think this orphanage in Africa thing. I did not know they have mosquitos there. {Emma is terrified of mosquitoes.} 

Emma- never loose your sensitivity to God, those around you, and those that are hurting. Always tend to the needy, open up your heart to others, and share your gift of making others smile. I know you have told me 1000 things that you want to be- but no matter what you choose- you will be just perfect at it. You have the mantle of missions on your life and no matter where you "mission" turns out to be- you will be a success.

I am just humbled and honored that you call me "Mom". I love you my little joy bringer- with every bit of me!