Dear Calin,

I Love . . . 

. . . how you play with my hair when you're sleepy or sad.  

. . . the way you eat goldfish (grab one from the bag, then run and give me a hug, then back to the bag for another, and back again to me for a hug).

. . . how you don't like to dip your own food, but when I am dipping (such as chips or veggies) you dip the first bite of every bite of your own food to give to me.

 . . . the way you pat your pillow when I lay you down at night so that I will lay next to you and sing a few songs.

 . . . that songs about Jesus are your favorite, and how you light up and get so excited when you hear Jesus's name

. . . how you grab the broom (sometimes the mop and vacuum also) and start sweeping when you spill some of your lunch on the kitchen floor.  And also how good you are becoming at vacuuming up crushed crackers or cereal on the carpet all by yourself.

. . . that no matter how much fun you're having in nursery each Sunday, you still run to me with a big smile and a hug when I pick you up (dad and I usually race to see who gets there first for that sweet moment that we know won't last much longer).

. . . how much you love your dad!

. . . that you ask to brush your teeth when you hear the word teeth or see me & dad brushing ours.

. . . that you're starting to say prayers yourself, and the way you clap for yourself after saying "amen" because you know you just did something really special and great.

. . . how you hate getting your hands dirty, especially while eating, and always want a napkin to keep them clean, or if I'll let you, a fork or spoon to eat with.  You even try to eat chips with a fork.  I love this because it's just like me :)

. . . that you make friends of all ages everywhere you go

. . . how much you love the blankets I made you, and how willingly you give them to people you love who are sad, hoping they'll make them as happy as they make you.

. . . that you have been afraid of the water the past two weeks.  This sounds strange, I know, but I know you'll get over it any day now, and until then, I'm loving that you will not let go of me in the water, and that you hug me and hold on as tight as you can the whole time with your head resting on my shoulder.

. . . how you help me understand what the Savior meant when he said:

"Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

"whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3-4).  You may not always be willing to share your toys, or do what I ask, but when you see someone you think you can help, you do what you can, even if it's a hug or a smile, sharing your blanket, or a bite of your food that you already dipped for them.  These small things you see as opportunities to serve, help me understand the importance of serving in the Lord's kingdom, and looking for those small everyday things to brighten someone else's day.

I love you, I love you, I love you!

You brighten my day, every day!

XOXO,

Mom