Today is a day to celebrate. Even though we do not know Mariah's exact date of birth, this is the day that was chosen by her orphanage as her birthday. We will celebrate. Actually, every day is a celebration in her world. She truly is one of the happiest kids I've ever known. She lives life to the fullest.
I have frequently shared her funny sayings. She is hilarious!! She keeps us on our toes, for sure.
I wish I had her zeal for life.
Mariah is an amazing child. She makes friends literally everywhere she goes: in doctor's office waiting rooms, ball games, Sunday School, choir concerts, the grocery store........anywhere!
Here are a few photos from this past year and a brief explanation.
She didn't make it to the end of the Hometown Christmas at the Smoot. She anticipated the fake snow waiting near a fan all night. Then she fell asleep before 'White Christmas' and missed the snow. Until the "snow man" realized what happened and he sprinkled her! Thank you Mr. Snow Man!!! You made her day!
In September we went to Disney as her wish with Make-A-Wish. This trip gave her many of her wishes and gave Jeremy and I an entire week with our kids, uninterrupted with doctor appointments and financial concern. The heat was hard on her. I am thankful for an unassuming stranger among a sea of people who made us aware that she was in trouble. God sent us that man and I don't believe he even knew it.
Here she was after we were able to wake her and quickly give her the medicine she needed. You can see it in her eyes.
She loved "It's a Small World"
I'm pretty sure nothing compares to Frozen!
She loves Belle!
She made a new friend in the play area.
She and daddy......and Hello Kitty photo bomber.
She was so thrilled to ride a horse!
We saw great light shows and fireworks!
Who doesn't love Minnie!
She lost several teeth this year too. Most recently, both front teeth!
She played her second season of soccer and scored her first goal!
She started kindergarten! Photo is from first day of school, outside!
Went to a friend's house (thanks Nita) and held some peeps.
Cousins are some of the best kind of friends(Joshua)!
More cousins (Hannah)!
More cousins......Elizabeth (in college)!
And more cousins! Several were still missing.
She loves her friends!
She is mostly patient (pun intended!)
Then we ran into Santa and Mrs. Claus at Target after the doctor appointment.
More "friends". Just another example of her sense of humor!
More being funny with Daddy!
A natural beauty! Just woke up.
Nervous for her lab work. This time she did not cry.
I love when she falls asleep in the car!
Daddy's car!
No words!
And finally, the grandparents wore her out!
All of our older five kids are in the teen group at church. So once a month we have a free evening with Mariah. She loves the time with us.
We have been thoroughly enjoying the Christmas season this year. We started a little earlier and I am thrilled we did. We have been watching Christmas movies, decorating, and our baking is next week! We have had countless choir concerts with church and Smoot, Christmas parade, window shopping, and other things planned (gingerbread house display and Christmas tree display).
Tonight, before I put her to bed I asked her for one more photo of my favorite five-year-old who is turning six. She just giggled and jumped out of bed in agreement. Here was that photo. Nothing fancy, my hair is a mess but I sure do love this girl. I gave up the glamor years ago. Can you see her joy as she gives me bunny ears?
Happy sixth birthday sweet girl! We love you to the moon and back! And as Courtney says......"God danced the day you were born"!
Teary here. God bless you, every one. From Terri Layne.
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