Happy 8th Birthday, Beebs!

Sweet Beebs,

Your 8th birthday has finally arrived! You've been talking about this day for months... well, really you've been talking about what will happen in just a few days, on January 6th, when you are baptized! You had your interview with the Bishop on Sunday and it went so good. You came out of his office so bubbly and excited, clutching a beautiful little card with a picture of Christ that the Bishop gave you. And a package of fruit snacks. You enjoyed those fruit snacks, but I loved watching you hold and stare at the picture he gave you. You love Jesus Christ so much and are so excited for your baptism day.

You are absolutely loving school this year. Your teacher is so kind and loving and you particularly enjoy the stories she tells you about her daughter Winnie, and that she sings songs to you throughout the day. You are quiet and a bit reserved at school, or so I've been told, and I have a hard time imagining that! At home, you are the life and energy of the party. You are a straight A student this year and working really hard to keep it that way. You have become really self motivated with your school work, most recently demonstrating this when you had Sunshine quiz you on spelling words on the way to school each morning so you could get 100% on your pre-test and not have to take the spelling test on Friday. I love watching your love of learning grow. You particularly love math and science, but your reading skills are incredible too. Its so fun to hear you read to us from The Book of Mormon during family scripture time. I am always impressed with the big words you are able to sound out effortlessly.

Like I said, you are the life of the party here at home. You love to goof around and dance silly and talk in funny voices or snort to make us all laugh. This is great, until bedtime rolls around and you are still putting on a show for us all. You are getting better about bedtime though. You aim to be in bed asleep before 8pm, and sometimes you are even successful. It's a work in progress Ü

You are still as social as ever, though you are already finding out that sometimes little girls can be difficult to be friends with. Luckily, you have a wonderful best friend, Dailyn, who you enjoy playing with every chance you get. The two of you love to wear each other's clothes and paint nails and play with your American Girl dolls.

Along with lots of fire and spunk, you are very tender hearted and sweet. Seeing people in need breaks your heart, and you inspired your 2nd grade class to put together blessing bags for homeless people for your class Christmas party. Watching you give away your bag brought me to tears. You were so brave and walked right up to the homeless man you had chosen to help, handed him the bag and wished him a merry Christmas. It was beautiful to watch. You are also extra kind and selfless. My favourite example of this is that you are currently practicing to be an Ompah Loompah in your school's production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. You had NO desire to be in the school play, but tried out anyway because I had said that it was all or nothing... either both you and Sunshine were in it, or neither of you were. Sunshine really wanted to participate so you put on your brave face, tried out and got a part. You have such a good attitude about it, even though you've confided in me several times that it's not what you really wanted to do.

You and Shark Bait are still very close. He adores you and you him. You also have an extra special bond with your Aunt Tressie. She may or may  not spoil you rotten, but that's ok! You deserve it. You rarely ask for anything and for Christmas this year, you wanted pajamas. And for your birthday, pajamas and a colouring book.

We love you so much, Sweet Beebs, and are so excited that you are getting baptized. You have some fun adventures ahead in your year of being 8, and I can't wait to experience them along side you. Have a wonderful birthday and enjoy this fun time in life!

We love you so very, very much!

Love always,
Mommy & Daddy