Dear Grace

Dear Grace,

You are growing up so fast!

Just yesterday you proved what a big girl you are by going to the dentist and getting your filling without being afraid at all!  Last year when we tried to get your filling done, you were so scared that we had to leave the dentist!  It's so wonderful to see how far you've come in your bravery and maturity!

You are so sweet with your little sister.  Just yesterday I caught you reading a book to her in your bed about learning to use the potty.  You want Emma to learn to use the potty just like you, don't you?  She is lucky to have you to show her how to do the things big kids do.

One of your favorite things to do during your "quiet time" (which is really your nap time but some days it's just quiet play), is teach your "class".  You bring every stuffed animal you own into your walk in closet and group them into classes.  One group is for the college kids, one group is for the fifteen year old's, and the last group is for the preschoolers.  I don't know what you teach them about, but I know you have "circle time" with your students just like you do at preschool.

You love your preschool class.  Mrs. Malon, the assistant teacher, is so friendly and kind.  You cannot stop talking about her!  I remember when I used to talk about my Sunday school teacher all the time with my mom (Grandma).  Certain people are just heroes to us, aren't they?

Lately you have been working on your skills on the playground.  Your goal is to get better at pumping on the swings.  We go to the park to practice every chance we get.

When you meet new people, you just open right up in conversation.  You tell them detailed stories about what is going on in your life, and you even ask them good questions.  People really love meeting you, Grace.  I think you make them feel comfortable right away.

When you grow up, you want to be a geologist.  You used to want to be a phlebotomist, but you have moved on to geology as your love.  You first became interested in lava and volcanoes, wanting to watch ever YouTube clip you could find showing real lava.  Then we read the Jules Verne book "Journey To the Center of the Earth".  You were hooked.  It was the perfect book to read to a little geologist like you.  You are so bright, honey, that I know you will be able to do anything you set your mind to.

You love to go to your little classes and learn new skills.  We have you in dance and soccer right now.  You also took swimming classes this past summer.  You are a great learner and pay good attention to your teachers as they show you how to do each new thing.  You try hard, and you don't get discouraged too easily.  Most importantly, you have fun!

Grace, I am so very proud of you.  Your name means "unmerited favor", which is exactly what you are in our lives.  I love spending each day with you, and I look forward to all the years to come.  You are my special little doll.

Love,

Mom