Happy Birthday Sweet Hallie

Today marks Hallie's 7th birthday. It's hard to believe that this sweet little girl has been a part of our lives for 7 years. Hallie adds balance to our family. She is kind. She is giving. She is SMART. She is so strong and athletic and yet so gentle and tender. She is a superb artist and such a loyal friend.  In fact this morning after she opened her birthday present from us (which happened to be money because I couldn't find a giant stuffed animal like she requested) she said, "Mom, I think I'd like to save my money and buy and American Girl doll for (a friend) because she doesn't have one and I'm sure she'd really like one!" I didn't want to squash her desire to share but wanted to sort of test the waters and I asked her if maybe she could just share her doll when her friend was over to play or if there was anything else she'd like to do with her money. She just said, "Nope... I know it would make her happy and I love the feeling of making people happy!"  Really?  Can I duplicate this type of attitude in myself and the rest of our family?  Hallie has always been like this.  She is constantly trying to do what she can to bring sunshine into someone's life. 

Hallie's life has not always been easy.  We almost lost her several times as an infant.  Things don't always work out the way she hopes.  And yet she continues to smile and continues to think of others.  Every night when I go in her room to check on her before I head off to bed I can't help but thank God for the precious little girls she is and for the blessed opportunity I have to be her mom. 

Happy birthday my sweet little Hallie Kaye. I love you more than all the stars in the sky.