Our Inspired Journey

My sweet daughter just turned six years old.

Six years ago we were living in Illinois, Cole's cochlear implants had just been activated and weeks later, our first little girl was born.  There were so many blessings pouring in during that season of our lives and she was the cherry to top them all off.

Six years later, she is all grown up.  Really.  It seems this birthday has awaken in her a desire to be a "big" girl in so many ways.  Being six DOES mean that she is allowed to do so many of the things she's been looking forward to.  She is looking forward to auditioning for a local children's musical theater group . . . (for kids 6 and up).  She was just able to join a children's acting class . . . (for kids 6 and up).  And because she is now 6 years old and was doing well in her Pre-Ballet class, she received a letter in the mail from her ballet studio inviting her to move to class 1A . . . (for kids 6 and up)!

We had a little birthday party for our girl this past weekend with our family and got a chance to celebrate with those who she loves and who love her.  At six years old, Cora is...

1.  In Kindergarten, but using 1st grade curriculum.

2.  Reading Cam Jansen books and others.  She LOVES to read!

3.  Loving Art Class!  We have quite the artist on our hands.  She loves to spontaneously draw pictures for people that come to her mind, and the detail in them in amazing!  Feathers on birds, bows in the hair of the girls, books drawn on shelves...she adds it all!

4.  Playing Piano.  She just finished her first piano festival and really enjoyed it!  She's even written her own song and had Daddy help her write out the notation.

5.  Dramatic.  She always has been, but as she's been hanging out with older girls, she has certainly added maturity to her personality!

6.  Loved acting class.

7.  Making up skits and play time activities for she and Rylee to be a part of.  And Rylee loves it!

8.  Loving Ballet!  She just moved up from Pre-Ballet to level 1A with girls 6 and up.  She's the shortest little pip-squeak there but strong, determined and focused!  Unless someone next to her tells a good joke...


9.  Hilarious.  She loves to belly laugh and her oldest brother (other blondie) enjoys making sure she laughs a good portion of the day!

10.  Finished with her Sparks handbook and Extra Credit book.  Memorization and God's Word are two things important to her these days.  She also has a journal I gave her for Valentine's Day that she writes in often.  Each entry is addressed to Jesus and is more precious than the last.  There isn't anything sweeter than reading authentic love notes, questions and prayers to God from the minds of my children.



My Dear Cora Grace,

You are beautiful.  You really are.  You are feisty, strong, and always articulate your desires and needs clearly...with authority, I might add!  You ask great questions and think deeply about things that matter.  You take intentional time to share your heart with Jesus...to thank Him and draw for Him what beautiful images are in your mind in that moment.  You write the sweetest affirmations of your love for Him and for others that you are around!  I will always be grateful for the note you wrote me recently that came at such a perfect moment.  I was tired and teary and you immediately went into the school room to write me a note and draw a picture asking me why I was crying and reminding me that you love me.  Thank you for that, Cora.  You really blessed me.  You do everyday when you give my neck a squeeze and say, "Oh, I love you Mommy...you're so cute!"  You are such a hilarious little pumpkin!!!  We will continue to pray that you grow in kindness and self-control, always seeing the value in others that Jesus sees.  We love you, sweet one, and so does HE.