And Now She is Seven

Our little queen had a birthday yesterday.

Now Eliza is a great big seven year old girl. Seven sounds so very old for this very special little girl.
 

But she can read her own birthday cards-

She knows just what to do at a birthday party-
 

And she can read her own chocolate owl cake-

 
She can take care of her own candles-  

 

She opens presents like a superstar-

Kateri made her some super star bling-

 

She got lots of handmade gifts that were stitched and sewn and painted with so much love-

 

Mary Rose has just learned to crochet and made a little scarf for the birthday girl. And every stitch was worth it just to watch her do this-

 
She just wrapped all that love right around her neck.

"I got new peg dolls!"
 

And she got tiny wooly barn owls-

There's a whole lot of love tucked into these little owls-

 

Every girl loves a new dress-

And every queen has to have a golden crown-

 
I wish I could explain what a privilege it is to know and love this girl. I wish there was some way to convey how when she speaks it is with such utmost sincerity that every word she utters has a sweetness that can break your heart. She speaks and blinks her eyes and looks at you and it's as if she is speaking from the depths of her innermost pure soul, and you are so very privileged to receive a word from down in there. And her eyes take you right down into those depths, and the trip is so pure.

I wish you could understand how when you hug her and kiss her softness it makes a part of you melt, and you become softer. How when she loves you it is with such a pure spirit that it pierces right through you to your very soul, and you feel so very special. You feel like you've connected with a morsel of humanity that is unlike anyone else you interact with, and somehow it is so much more pure and meaningful and real. It is unspoilt by any hint of pretense or self-serving or guile. And she makes you happy. She makes you want to be good and pure and real and always of good cheer.

 

But I don't think I can possibly explain it. So I just show you lots of pictures of her sweet, beautiful face and hope you can catch a glimpse of the joy and delight and blessing that she is.

 

Happy Birthday, Eliza! We sure do Love you!

Comments

[Gae]

Dear Kimberlee,
Oh the tears for this sweet post are just flowing. What a joy she must be for you and a true Christmas gift originally.
Thank you for sharing her life and yours. It makes me appreciate the gift of motherhood even more as I read how much she loves and is loved by you.
Blessings to you and Happy Birthday to Eliza.
have a blessed and Holy Christmas this year.
God Bless
Gae

[Ellen]

Happy birthday to your sweet, beautiful daughter. It has been a privilege to watch her grow up on your blog. God bless her and her whole family.

[Kristi]

Your sweet posts about Eliza always make me cry. What a blessing she is.

[Theresa in Alberta]

I so enjoy your pictures and stories of all of your children, but 'specialy about Eliza! God sure new what he was doing when he sent you this lovely "special" child to CHALLENGE all of us :-)
p.s. what lovely lovely birthday gifts!!!!

[KackyK]

Thank you Kimberlee for sharing sweet Eliza, what a blessing it is to read about her! Have a wonderful Merry Christmas!

[Love2learn Mom]

Beautiful post and beautiful girl! Thanks for sharing and Happy Birthday Eliza! :)

[Nadja]

Happy birthday, sweet Eliza! What a lovely tribute to your little girl, Kimberlee.

[Ellie]

Happy Birthday Eliza! What a beautiful post, overbrimming with love and joy. Blessings.

[Charlotte (Matilda)]

Happy Birthday, sweet girl! Thank you for sharing your special girl on her special day in this special way with us! What a blessing she is to the world! When you get a chance, I'd love to see more of those peg dolls and those owls. We've been painting our own peg dolls here too but we are desperately in need of some wooly owls!

[Kristen Laurence]

Oh what a treasure she is to us all! How she teaches the rest of us through your words about her. Happy Birthday, sweet Eliza! I love you!

[Sarah]

This is so sweet!!
I have a sister named Mary Rose :)

[Emily]

I don't think I've ever posted a comment here, but I want you to know what a joy it has been to get to know your sweet family this way, and share in your home life. You are all an inspiration. We've homeschooled for years, I have 5 children, and my youngest daughter (Eliza!!)thinks that she's a kindred spirit with your girls. Actually, I feel that way about you, Kimberlee! Our whole family has felt a connection and interest in the way you are living and learning.
This post was so sweet and touching. Little Eliza is truly an angel sent from heaven. She looks so beautiful and regal in her dress.
Anyway, I wish you all the merriest Christmas and all the best for the coming year. Blessings and smiles to you from all of us here in Utah.

[Cheryl M]

Happy, Happy Birthday Eliza! You are so beautiful!!! :)

Kimberlee,
A few years ago our priest included in one of his sermons a bit of info about his siblings. The four or five older children were all very educated people (his words were "hyper-educated") as they all had doctorate degrees in different fields. He then spoke about the youngest child in the family...a mentally challenged sister...he said she had a doctorate degree in "love." It was a beautiful homily, so very touching...much like this beautiful post of yours. Hugs to you and Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[Rebecca]

Dear Kimberlee, Your tender love for all of your children is apparent in each of your blog posts but I am have always been especially touched by the posts about Eliza. That first photo of her is precious, as are all of the thoughtful gifts and loving words you wrote. Happy, happy birthday sweet little girl! I hope she has a beautiful year ahead.

[Sarah]

Happy Birthday to Eliza! The picture of her sitting on her Daddy's lap in the glow of the candles is especially lovely.

[Nana]

Happy Birthday to a precious granddaughter!
Love, Nana xox

[Barbara]

I'm late to the party, but want to leave my "Happy Birthday, Eliza!" as well. What a dolly!

[Kathy]

Happy belated Birthday, Eliza! She is truly beautiful. And she gives me the sweetest smiles of anyone at our church! What a blessing she is in that way! Thank you for sharing her lovely birthday with us - she is a precious, precious little girl!

[kimberly]

Kimberlee...your words...your sweet description of your angel, are a gift to us all. May God continue to bless your dear family with every good thing. Happy (though belated) Birthday, dear Eliza!

[Elizabeth C.]

I think your words conveyed the love she brings to many.

God bless the little birthday girl!

[Maria P]

She is so stunningly beautiful! Happy Birthday to your special, wonderful queen!

[Lisa H.]

Happy belated Birthday to your dear sweet Eliza! She looks so grown up in the first picture. Thank you for sharing that beautiful, touching post, Kimberlee. We love the barn owl cake and dolls. Everything is beautiful.

[Patience]

Actually I do understand how you feel. I have a 15 year old who has had numerous developmental/learning challenges and is now mainstreamed in high school. She has such a sweet personality and kind nature. (and has many gifts in art) It has been a hard road but I do feel lucky to have her and not envious at all of parents of typically developing teens.

[Jessica]

Happy birthday to your beautiful little queen! So precious!

[Kelly B.]

What a beautiful daughter and beautiful family you have...you are truly blessed beyond measure!