Did someone say cookies?

Sweets are this girls love language, so when she got invited to a cookie decorating party, she was in Heaven.  I'm pretty sure she ate as much as she made.

Hadley's got TALENT

She never unpacks her folder for me, but on this day, this was laying front and center.  Hads and two of her friends have worked for MONTHS on their act for the talent show.  To say she was excited was an understatement.  All I have heard since this has come home is how we now have to go shopping for matching outfits.  I can't wait to see these girlies rock the stage.

The most perfect gifts under our tree

One night Els came home from Awana 12 kinds of giddy over her paint it yourself headband, Hads kind of dug it and wanted one too. Yesterday I got Els two surprises, they were Frozen figurines she loves, her sister didn't get any figurines. Today when she asked for a piece of wrapping paper I had no idea what she was doing. Of all the carefully selected and wrapped presents these two are the ones I am most looking forward to being opened. They weren't on someone's list, we didn't rush around a mall to get them and they aren't extravagant, but they are given with love and selflessness. Something loved and treasured being given up because someone else wanted it. She challenges me in the most beautiful possible way, each and every day. Am I willing to accept the wrapping paper is perfect, not when it is perfectly folded, but when it is placed with a loving and joyful heart? Am I willing to simply give or am I willing to give up what I love for those around me?

That same week, she came home from school with this.....Love my girls heart!

My ACE

I don't get many days with just me and my big girl, so when I do, we might take a few cheesy selfies.  On this particular cold Saturday morning, she had wanted to play in a tennis tournament, Wayne had a Basketball Tournament he had to help coach in a different town and Els had a birthday party that only he could get her to because of his location, so that left me as the tennis mom.  I'm not a very good tennis mom, I only have a basic knowledge of the game and can't really coach that well when she starts struggling of needs help, I can only give her a thumbs up and tell her to shake it off.  At one point she looked at me and kind of help up her arms and said, "you got nothing?"

She ended up winning the tournament and played very well....whew....I might be allowed to take her again one day!!!!

This was my favorite part.  The tournament was in December, so they had their end of the year awards and she unknowingly secured the overall 10 & under girls Rome Championship.  She was shocked, thrilled and just overall giddy.  It was great!!!!!

That is 100% excitement right there!!!!

I let her pick the lunch spot after the awards ceremony and she choose Jefferson's and wings...whatever floats your boat sister!!!!  Love my Curly Haired Diva!!!!

Sing thru

Cut to the next day and we have a Chorus performance, but we aren't feeling well at all, her allergies have kicked into high gear.  Her voice kind of cracked, although she recovered well, she didn't care, she lost it and she was out, after these three pics.  Bless sometimes it's hard to power through when you are 10, that is something that only years will help you with.