A Little Off the Top: Happy 6th Birthday, Diddles!

Dear Diddles,

Happy Birthday to you! Six is SUCH a big year. I know we typically think of 8 or 12 as big birthdays, but for you, my biggest concern was six. Kindergarten. "Big Kids School" for the first time. I've been the most nervous about school for you, and being at a new, unfamiliar school with teachers who don't already know and love you. I hope and pray it will be okay and that you will be able to keep your personality and that traditional school won't squash your confidence or your unique spirit.

Unique spirit - that is a phrase that so perfectly describes you. You love nature and animals, and have a vivid imagination and boundless creativity. You love to run and play in an imaginary world full of chase-scenes and near-misses and "I'm going to get you! Ahhhhh!" We thought that "magiwary fwends" had died with the move, but I'm kind of happy they've started to make an appearance, since they bring you so much joy, and let you be the boss of your own play.

More than anything, you want to live on a farm. The chickens have been wonderful, patient pets, as you've learned that "No! They can't fly, even if you throw them up in the air!" "They have feet to walk, please put them down and let them walk." "That's THEIR nesting box. Please get out!" You are working jobs and counting pennies to buy a farm, so you can have (let's see if I remember right) a horse, a cow, lots and lots of chickens, pigs, goats, sheep, and a kitty. I think we can swing getting the "lots and lots of chickens" part next year. That's all I can promise right now.

Picking beans from the garden this summer.

A dream-come-true. Milking a real cow!

"Mom? Will people believe me that I'm a farm girl
with this stick in my mouth?"

A common game is finding Grandma and Grandpa's cat (Patches)
in the yard.

You love to draw and paint and listen to music.

Your favorite Primary song is "I Know That My Savior Loves Me." You sat with me up in the stand for the Primary Program last week. We'd practiced your part, which was, "I can show Heavenly Father I love him, by being nice to animals." When the time came for your turn, you couldn't do it. I tried to whisper in your ear, but that microphone and that unfamiliar crowd was just too much. When we returned to our seat, you were upset. "I wasn't brave," you said. I told you that it was okay that you didn't say your part. You could sing all the songs and still be brave. You refused to participate, and I felt badly that Grandma and Grandpa were even there to see you. The time came for your favorite song, and I knew you wanted to sing it. I knew you knew it. As I felt your body relax on my lap, I whispered the upcoming line, and pointed to Grandma and Grandpa smiling at you, wanting to hear your voice. "Now I am here in this beautiful place, learning the teachings of Jesus. Parents and teachers all help guide the way, lighting my path everyday." Looking at your Grandma and Grandpa sitting there, smiling so proudly at us, Grandma with tears in her eyes as she knew what a big deal this was to have you sing the words out, I felt so grateful for MY parents. So grateful to be YOUR parent. To help light your path everyday. I felt the Spirit as I heard you join in, off-key, too-early, too-loud, but it was such a beautiful sound as you belted out the chorus, "I know He lives! I will follow faithfully. My heart, I give to Him. I know that my Savior loves me." Such a sweet experience and reminder of whose we are. Jesus loves us.

Just last night you made the quiet comment that Heavenly Father isn't really real. It does take faith to believe in someone you cannot see with your eyes or touch with your hands, or interact with in a way you are accustomed. Church is hard for you to attend. It's hard to sit still and be in church clothes and listen and listen and listen. Teachers are impatient. Parents are impatient. I hope as your parents and teachers we can help give you experiences with The Spirit so you too can not only sing it, but also KNOW it - that Heavenly Father and Jesus live and love you.

For your birthday this year you wanted a cake as original as you: White cake with pink and white frosting, with a rainbow, and a unicorn and bunnies and kitties and owls and some green grass. Everything else you wanted "all the colors", so we RAINBOWED the entire house!

Look at this ensemble! You were thrilled that people were wishing you a happy birthday
as we were running errands. "Do they KNOW it's my birthday tomorrow?"

Isn't it perfect!? You surely thought so.

Even Maggie got in on the fun with her own birthday neckerchief

That morning I asked my cousin Robin if she would take you for a ride on her pony. She was so wonderful to let you brush her out, and get the saddle on. You spent lots of time riding and asking a hundred questions. It was such a fun birthday morning!

Diddles riding Sammy - Thank you, Robin!

After school we had an early dinner of cheese pizza, salad and bread, followed by cake, ice cream and presents. You got some books, a treasure box, a new music CD for bedtime, and some new nightgowns.