NINE Years Old

 Elisabeth Kae,

 You are nine years old! You are growing and maturing into a strong young woman right before our eyes. At nine years old you are confident, bright, thoughtful, opinionated, encouraging, outgoing, and a leader. You are continually learning how to use your leadership and confidence in a positive way.

I'm continually amazed at how easy it is for you to talk to strangers, make phone calls, meet new friends, and try adventurous things. I've rarely seen you nervous or scared of anything. You face life head on. It's one of your greatest strengths. You also love to argue and persuade others. You push our boundaries, but even though it can be challenging to discipline and train you, I can already see the asset your strong will and perseverance will be to you as you grow up. 

You consistently look for ways to serve and help others by cooking a meal, baking a treat, serving with preschoolers, making get well cards, and helping your siblings. You're not a huge fan of daily chores, but if there's a need in your friend circle, you jump right on it. Anytime anyone in our family is sick, you think of the sweetest ways to serve them- making them a card or craft to tell them you love them, bringing them their favorite food, etc. 

You have remained consistent in your gymnastics and are continuing that this year. You're also a member of American Heritage Girls, participate in AWANA and are looking forward to playing basketball this winter. You thrive on competition and growth and turn everything into a competition. You like to win!

Your best friends are Sarah, Elise, Ilona, Nora, Audrey, and Kaydence. It's interesting to me how you play with each of your friends in unique ways. You can flex the way you play based on the personality of the friend you're with. 

Your favorite things to play are putting on shows and concerts. You also have gone through a Calico Critters phase (especially when you're with Kaydence). You'll pull out Legos pretty frequently also. Occasionally you still play with the play kitchen and make elaborate restaurants- same with kinetic sand and play doh.

 Another favorite thing of yours is listening to audio books on your kindle. You are always listening to a book (usually a repeat). Your favorites are Land of Stories, Vanderbeekers, Penderwicks, Percy Jackson, and anything by Beverly Cleary. 

Your favorite foods are spaghetti carbonara, popcorn, and french fries. You are a fry stealer and would prefer fries over most sweet treats. 

Elisabeth Kae, it is an honor to call you my daughter and an absolute joy to watch you grow, learn and mature each year. I'm proud to be your mom and so grateful for the front row seat I get to watch you flourish.