Dear Sariah

Dear Sariah,

How in the world are you almost 8 years old?  I haven't blogged in a long time, and I want to write all about you at this age.  Who you are right now, this very minute.

You are such a strong leader, and you always have been.  You know exactly what you want, and you fight for it...no matter what.  I hope that you will use this when you are older, to fight for what is right, and to not let anyone try to dissuade you from your beliefs.

You are going to be baptized this summer.  For a long long time, ever since you were about 4, you have always said that you didn't want to be baptized.  You don't like to say prayers, you won't let daddy give you a blessing, and all of those things are alright.  Daddy and I weren't going to force you to be baptized, and it is a decision that you needed to make.  But something has happened within you the last couple of months, and you have changed your mind!  Not only are you alright with being baptized, but you are really excited!

You never leave the little guy behind, and are such a wonderful friend.  You have befriended many children on our street, and have made them feel very welcome at home.  Aiden, your newest little bestest buddy, comes over almost every day.  He loves being here, being with you, and being your friend.  You are wonderful at making sure everyone has someone to play with at school, and you are everyone's friend.  You don't exclude anyone (unless they are mean to you and others) and you are careful with what you say and how you say it. You have a collection of stuffed animals, and most of your animals have family members of the same species to sit next to.  But the few that don't have anyone - you collected them and put them all together in an "orphanage" so no one is alone or left out.

You ask the most amazing questions.  You are very insightful and are always thinking.  Never stop asking questions!  You also love to learn.  You are quick to come home, do your homework, and do all you can to learn all you can.

You have the sassiest sense of style.  You carefully consider your outfits each day, and come up with creative ways to express who you are.  You are not afraid to be you, and I hope this never changes.

Your eyes sparkle when you smile. You won't let me brush your hair. You will still snuggle me once in a while.  You will try ANYTHING to eat!  You still sleep with your yellow blankie.  You know my phone number and will call when dad and I are on a date if we aren't home on time.  You still walk along the edge of the wall.  You sing in the shower.  You think it's funny when your teenage cousins argue with their parents and you have promised me that you will never be this way (although I'm not holding my breath!).  You are fiercely independent.  You finally love to read, and will read for an hour before falling asleep.  You love to run, be on your scooter, or drive with the windows down all so you can feel the wind on your face.

Here you are with your dad, all dressed up for the daddy-daughter dance at school.  Enjoy growing up!  I see excellence in you, my daughter.