MARA IS 3!

Well, the big day finally arrived. Mara has hit the BIG 3!! We had a fun day. We took her to CiCi's Pizza then to Chuck E. Cheese for an evening of fun. She had sooooooo much fun! She was worn out by the time we got home. Where has the last 3 years gone? As I stated before, I am sad that she is getting older but I am also excited. I go back every year on her birthday and think about the day we had her. So unexpectedly yet so anticipated. She was so tiny. She had her Daddy wrapped around her finger the minute I went into labor and she still does. Daddy finds it hard to tell her no often. She knows how to get to him. She loves to dance around with her daddy and to spend time alone with him. She doesn't care where they go, as long as they are alone. I tell Mike that these are the days that we have to cherish. These days that our world is the only world, will come to an end. When she grows up, she is going to try and test us. We can raise her to be the best but I know from experience that when she doesn't get the right answer or what she wants, she will yell at us and tell us that she "hates" us, that we don't love her. I know, it happens. I have heard that if your child never says I hate you, you are doing something wrong as a parent. So, these days, where we are the only ones who she comes to when she gets hurt, when she just wants to cuddle, when she just wants to play hide and seek, are slowly disappearing. I love to see Mara and Mike together. The way she looks at her Daddy, just melts my heart. The way she runs to him every day when he gets home from work means sooooo much to me. The way she just wants to be with us. I pray that we can instill in her, that her HEAVENLY FATHER will always be there with open arms just as her earthly Daddy is. That GOD is who she needs to live her life for. That God has gifting for her that HE wants to reveal to her! God is the only One who is for certain. God is the reason any of us are here. I pray that we can raise her in the way that God wants us to. I pray that I don't mess up along the line and show her any different. I KNOW THAT GOD HAS SPECIAL GIFTINGS for Mara and I pray that we can see them and nurture them in Mara. Mara is a true BLESSING from God. I know that we have only been chosen to be her parents for her time here on earth. Dear God, THANK YOU GOD FOR GIVING US MARA!!! We couldn't have picked a better little girl! We are trying our best to raise her and we are sorry for any mistakes. Please give us the guidance that we need to raise her to her FULL POTENTIAL!!! Help us to see our mistakes and to learn from them with her. We ask that you keep your hedge of protection over her each and every day. Thank you again!! AMEN!!!!

Yes, I know, I have another daughter. Mariana is such a joy to have also but I needed to just reflect on Mara since she just had a birthday. I haven't forgotten about Mariana. She will have her spotlight in 2 months. Thanks for listening to my ramblings about my little Mara!!!!