Six

And with one fell swoop, Adele' is six.

She spent the day waiting until evening when that magical birthday time of presents and cake would come, bringing Papa home with it.

Dinner request was sausage gravy and fresh strawberries.  (I must make a pretty mean sausage gravy since it seems this is the birthday meal always requested by everyone in this family.  Either that or I have a very unimaginative family.)

I was under strict orders to replicate exactly the design she had made for her cake (this was a first for me!) and the edible version pales in comparison to her paper one.  She mentioned next year that on her birthday next year she may want to decorate her own cake her 'own self '.  WHAT?!?!? I am not sure I am entirely okay with that...

I was a wee bit stumped for gifts this year...even in their little, my children have SO MUCH.  My one inkling turned out to be a great one.  I have eyed her eyeing the snowglobes every time we would go to the store and wondered if she might like one of them for herself.  Oh my goodness... I am so glad I did.  She opened it up and gazed at it for a minute or two with this faraway look in her eyes and a smile swirling about her mouth and then said...."Oh.  I have wanted one of these for years!  Thank you thank you THANK you."   Pretty much the best reaction one could hope for.

She has always had pretty amazing reactions to kindnesses, though, and has the gift of making the giver feel incredibly happy to have done something for her in the first place.

She is a dear girl who often encourages and praises her siblings for their good works- and needs very little praise herself.  She forgives easily and loves unconditionally.  And in these six years I have loved every minute of getting to know and love this girl.

I can't wait to watch her grow into this year and  Lord willing, into many many more.