Journey with the Lawrence's: Celebrating 4 Years of Mary-Michael

Sweet girl,

G.i.r.l. You are a little girl now. A little girl with ideas, opinions, likes, dislikes, dreams, innocence and hope. We love you so much and delight in the person you are becoming.

What fun we had celebrating your birthday with 3 little friends that were equally excited to have "tea" (aka strawberry lemonade) and lunch with you. Aunt Keesha and Eddie came down and helped with the preparations, Daddy and Nonnie were here and of course, Frazier wasn't left out. He wanted to do everything Sissy did, and most of the time, you are just fine with that.

You really do take care of others well. Your teacher tells me this - that you always make sure everyone's included. You shepherd your little brother along in most activities you're doing. You hate to hear him cry, especially in the mornings, when you think it's your job to ensure he's ok even when you're not supposed to leave your room until that 7 shows up on your digital clock. You ask if we can pray every time you hear a siren, so we do, and now you're starting to do it on your own. The innocence and pureness of your prayers - so sweet! You are regularly giving me things "for people that need them" like clothes, toys and hair bows. I am grateful you've caught on to the spirit of giving and thinking of others first. Though in the house, I'm still regularly singing, "Do to others, do to others, as you would have them do to you," when it comes to your brother…yea, that sibling thing, it's a work in progress and will be for many years.

I've been telling you for months that you could start ballet when you were 4. I didn't mean the day you turned 4, which has been quite confusing as you were ready to go. When asked what you wanted to be when you grew up at school this week, you stated, "a ballerina." I guess we better sign you up for those lessons!

Other things you love: chocolate and anything else sweet, meat (good thing we have a little farm), cheese, berries of all kinds, carrots, raw broccoli, clothes, accessories, jewelry and Sophia the First! I mean what little girl doesn't love her, especially little girls that don't even have the Disney Channel! I'm still amazed that you've hung on to your love of all things Sophia when you can't even watch the show. We have a goat named after her, and you wanted to name your new adopted cat (happy birthday to you from Momma and Daddy!) after her. We nixed that and right now you're sticking with her given name of Marley. Yesterday, her name was going to be Rose, so we'll see where we land.

Because we don't have enough animals, we did let you pick out a cat from the shelter for your birthday, and you picked a sweetheart that loves to snuggle. She's 2-3 years old and overweight, so we already have to put her on a diet! We hope she'll settle in easy here. You are very excited to have her staying in your room.

On the more "extra grace required" side of you, you and I certainly have had some challenging mother-daughter moments (ok, they are probably normal, but new for me!). I'd say that since preschool started we've entered a new world of attitudes and defiance. It hasn't been the easiest, but I am thankful (most of the time) that I am the one to guide you through it since I get to be at home. My prayer life has grown tremendously because Lord knows I can't do it without His grace. I see some of my own characteristics coming out in you that I have struggled with: shyness and that oh-so-fun Type A personality. So, as I'm working with you on how to handle those "big feelings" I'm fine tuning my own, as well. Parenting is definitely not a one way street. At least not in this house!

Despite those normal childhood woes, you are precious, beautiful and oh-so unique. You love to talk at night about favorite animals and colors, and you often ask me to sing "Redeemed" or "Amazing Grace." Things do not end well if we don't say, "I love you forever and for always. Don't let the bed bugs bite. I'll see you in the morning." Every single phrase. Oh and a back scratch, too.

We love you, Mary-Michael. And though I know you know this (because you tell me I tell you all the time), "You were created for a purpose. God has a great big plan for your life, and you don't want to miss it!"

Momma

Mary-Michael and Charlotte. Gotta love the 4 sizes too big dance recital dress from a yard sale!

Mary-Michael and Addison.

Mary-Michael and Sherry Lee.

Homemade cupcakes. This was my first time making cupcakes and icing all from scratch. It was time intensive but quite delicious! I made 4 little doll cakes using the pans from the Lawrence Family collection (e.g. the pans were probably used for Aunt Melissa or Aunt Keesha - love it!).