5

how did we go from here:

to here so quickly?

this is the first birthday of any of my children that i have felt a palpable feeling of sadness. i just feel time rapidly passing. i know the many days and moments that i have allowed to pass without intentionally entering in and being grateful. i want to hold on to marit's littleness and cuddle her up and treasure these days when she asks so many questions and views life with very pink glasses. when i ask her to please, please stay little she looks at me sympathetically and says "i'm so sorry, but i have to grow up to be a big woman." and i have to recognize my failures in parenting her, plead for God's grace and help, and carefully let her grow up.

sweet marit, you are a treasure. we are so thankful for the gift that you are. we praise Jesus for your cheery, curious, expressive nature. we pray that you would walk with Him all your days. as daddy always prays for you, we pray that you will hear "well done, good and faithful servant" at the end of your life . we are excited for the new things that being 5 will bring...learning to read on your own, violin lessons, more responsibilities and we hope it is a joyful year for you. we love love love you!