Surrounded By Love

Looking Regal in Toilet Paper Roll Crowns

A Gift From God, otherwise known as my sister-in-law helps oversee a group of thirteen kindergartners and Viv.

A Moment with My Girl

The Loves of Her Life

Ella,
You turned six this last Friday.  It seems like every year I ask myself, how did we get here already?  When you woke up, you looked in the mirror, convinced you had grown taller and that your hair had grown an inch.  Later that night, you celebrated with the grandparents, your cousins and your Tito and Tita.  I really don't think you could be loved any more.  The house certainly felt cozy with laughter, story-telling and a lopsided chocolate cake.  The next day we celebrated with thirteen classmates at your old dance studio.  You made sure to take your sister under your wing.  You didn't hesitate sharing the birthday-girl-spotlight with her as you held hands under the parachute.  And as your friends sang to you, you beamed, sharing glances with me as I tried to take your photo.  I had to put the camera down because the look in your eye and your smile needed to be met with my own and not the lens.  Ella, you radiate kindness.  It is something intrinsic to your being.  I really, really wish I could claim responsibility.  As we sat in a darkened theater a few weeks back, watching "Frozen", I glanced over at you as the credits rolled, your tears streaming down your cheeks.  I realized how emotionally mature you are and tears started streaming down mine.  By six, your father and I are starting to figure out what we're doing, but thank goodness for your patience because we are still making a majority of it up as we go along.  You make me wish I paid more attention in science class and so thankful for the internet.  Are there white wolves?  What is honeycomb made of?  Is there more than one moon?  Why does the moon change size?  You will throw your head back in laughter and seek out any opportunity for excitement.  With you, life will never be boring.  You have a sister that loves you so much.  She was so proud that she could keep your birthday present a secret...as was not the case with your Christmas present.  Happy Birthday my beautiful girl.  I can't wait to see what this year holds for you.
Love,
Mom