Lindsey turns 9!!

Today was Lindsey's ninth birthday and, as is a common characteristic of her, she thought of others first. Tucking her in, the night before, she told me: "I'll probably get up early, mom, but I promise I will let you sleep in."

True to her word, she let me sleep in and she spent time practicing Tae Kwon Do with her Daddy and then she got to open her presents before going out for breakfast with her Daddy.

Her special day happened to fall on the day she has a swim/Bible Study at a friends house. There is no place she would have rather been. It was great to pop in and see 10 sweet girls, from church, swimming and then gathering for dinner and Bible Study. I know it's been a highlight of her summer.
Lindsey picked a sunshine cake because we call her our "sunshine girl". A sweet friend, from church, also celebrated a birthday this week so they both blew out the candles together.
A few days ago I did surprise Lindsey by taking her and a few friends out for ice cream after Tae Kwon Do.

They got all "sugared up" and danced to the music playing at the fountains.
Yes....Lindsey really does smile all the time...
I've loved every minute of being this little girl's Mom. She truly has been "sugar and spice and everything nice". Always concerned for others, ready to give out lots of hugs, and truly a child of God who seeks Him daily. Her desire this summer was to read through the Bible for her oral readings so she and I have been reading the New Testament together which has been precious.

I LOVE how she gives the Lord credit for every good thing. If we have an outside activity and it doesn't rain she says: "Of course it didn't rain, Mom. I prayed that it wouldn't and God answered my prayer." Lindsey's faith puts mine to shame...

She loves being a little sister and a big sister to her brothers. The other day I was working out, at the Y, while the kids were swimming. When I came to pick them up, their Y teacher told me that Lindsey wouldn't leave Reece as he went down the slide over and over. The teacher told Lindsey that she was there to watch Reece, but Lindsey said she needed to take care of her little brother and did she ever.

A couple of years ago, right before Lindsey and I were to fly back home from Iowa, I severely sprained my ankle. This was literally right before our flight. I looked into her brown eyes, while in a lot of pain, and said: "Lindsey, you gotta help me get home." She took that to heart and helped me hobble all through the Detroit airport, she pulled the luggage off the conveyor and I truly feel she DID get me home in one piece.

I have story after story I could share of our girl. This post could go on indefinitely.... but I think anyone who meets her would understand why we call her our "sunshine girl" and our "angel straight from Heaven". Course you might guess what she says to that: "No, you are my angel from Heaven, Mom." Yes.....she knows how to melt my heart! I love you Lindsey!!