-Drinking chocolate milk on the couch in the morning

-Letting me help her pick out what to wear for school

-Hating when I try to brush her hair...

-Bedtime Stories

-Being tucked in at night

-Rushing to school together

-The daily reminders of the things she knows to do...

-Me telling her not to forget to say thank you!

-Negotiating with me about piano practice

-Running errands with me

-Asking me if she can have a snack

-Being frustrated with me for going over her spelling words again

-Rolling her eyes at me when I sing, "This is the day the Lord has made, Let us be glad and rejoice in it..."

-Driving to school with me as her bus driver

-Watching Dora for the 100th time with her sister in the car

-Having her picture taken way too often

-Asking the sweetest questions because even at 7 so many things are new

-Tipping over in the canoe on a beautiful fall day!

For some reason when I took this photo the reality of this big responsibility of being her Mom struck me.  She inspires me to want to be a better parent and role model.  I am very thankful that she let's me make mistakes as her Mom.  She has allowed me to practice on her.  Not all of it has been pretty!  I know I have a lot of room for improvement!  It is a privilege to raise this special little girl.  And, let's be clear, it is a challenge some days too.  But, what a gift she is, and I am grateful that God has trusted me to "raise her in the way she should go..."

So, on this thankful Thursday, I am thankful for the one we call "The Pearl!"

"You've been handed a piece of history in advance...

A gracious gift you send to a time you will not see...."

~Dr. Tim Kimmell, Author of Grace Based Parenting

Blessings,