Jill is 5

Jill had a birthday a month ago.  Whew.  Time to get a Birthday hello for this awesome five year old.  So, here are five reasons we love Jill.

1.  Her curls are amazing.  A long, long time ago, when I was in my early twenties, if I would have looked into the future, and imagined a family picture, I would have never placed a bouncy, curly headed girl in the midst.  But, we sure have one, and we wouldn't exchange the curls for anything.  I love to watch the sun shine through and highlight the rings.  I love to watch her hair crimp up at the first sign of Missouri humidity.  I love to watch the static get the best of her as she jumps and twirls on the tramp.  I love the way one curl in the back gets longer and longer throughout the day so it hangs below the rest at bedtime.  And, I love that her curls are just the slightest hint into a personality that jumps and laughs its way through the day.  

2.  Jill loves school.  She tells me that Mrs. Cawvey knows best and I better believe it.  I know from experience that for one year, the Mrs. Cawvey year, mom takes second seat to the teacher.  Mrs. Cawvey is just a favorite.  Jill loves to cut and color, to sew and play kitchen, to do puzzles and eat snack, but most of all, Jill loves reading time.

4.  Jill loves her dad.  A highlight is going to see dad at work.  She is usually successful in securing a drink and snack and then a hug from dad.  She is so excited when dad gets home to do a "trick" (being thrown into the air).  She likes to go on errands and tell him all about her day. 

3.  Jill is good to Anna.  It isn't easy to get bumped as the youngest, and sometimes it still isn't easy.  But Jill is extra special to Anna.  They are best friends and get along well most of the time.  Anna waits all morning until it is finally time to pick up Jill.  And then, she peeks around the corner waiting for the preschool line to appear.  Jill is patient, forgiving, and very helpful with Anna.  They love to play dolls and kitchen at home and Jill often helps Anna sneak get something to snack on during the day.  We are very grateful Anna has Jill to look up to.

5.  Jill loves to relax and read.  Jill will sit and read story after story with me and even will huddle under the warm blanket with me.  She loves to read her Book of Mormon reader at night and makes sure she gets to stay up long enough to fit it in.  Her favorite books are Max and Ruby, Falling for Rapunzel, and Lauren Child's Princess and the Pea. 

We super love Jill.  She is wonderful and we feel very blessed to have her in our home.