Maisie is Eight

Maisie has been looking forward to her birthday since Sadie had hers in March.  Finally the day arrived, and she greeted it at 6:50. Thankfully she came out with a big smile on her face.

She got to open one gift before school, and it was a shirt from Grandmom and Pops; it seemed like a fitting shirt for this birthday girl.

We had "from a can" cinnamon rolls for breakfast, with the birthday plate, birthday hat and of course, the birthday bear.

Along with her new shirt, I made sure her favorite shorts were clean.

 

Maisie had a fun day at school hearing her name announced over the intercom and getting little gifts from her teacher. (She even got a sweet note with some candy from her 1st grade teacher; I've mentioned those two have something special going.) 

I was able to leave my 5th grade math post for a few minutes to join Maisie for lunch; she seemed to be pleasantly surprised.

After school some friends stopped by with a card and cookie.  We then Face Timed with Grandmom and Pops while she opened  her gifts. Love that gift of technology. :)

Maisie was thrilled about each gift: a couple of new outfits, Legos, a stuffed Minion and Olaf. Actually, Analise and Sadie got Minions, too. They were so excited!

 We went over to Grandma and Grandpa's for the birthday celebration. I wish I had taken a picture of her with her dinner, but we had ham, cheesy potatoes, homemade rolls, corn on the cob and strawberry pretzel salad. Everyone enjoyed it.

It was then gift time. Here is a picture of her with Uncle Derek. He had taught Maisie how to put a face on her hand to make it look like it was talking. She thought it was hilarious.

 We got Maisie a wallet, a new NE shirt, pants and this New Generation Doll. She was trilled! I was thrilled that I actually had gift ideas this year. :)

 Aunt Sarah got Maisie her own book light and this Fila jacket that Maisie loved and will wear all the time, I'm sure.

 Grandma and Grandpa gave Maisie a new "grown up" Bible with a cover. Maisie was tickled pink, or should I say "purple."

 Maisie also wanted a picture taken with her new water bottle and stuffed puppy.  Olaf made a guest appearance in this picture.

 Maisie had the hardest time deciding what kind of cake she wanted, so I finally had her scroll through Pintrest. She founds lots of ideas there, but 99% were cakes I couldn't do. She finally found one that looked like this, only cuter. However, Maisie was happy with how it turned out. One monkey cake, complete with an almost from scratch cake and homemade frosting.

 She's always been my monkey lover.

 I love how these two are looking at each other.

One of the birthday traditions this year at dinner is going around the table asking a question to the birthday guest, and then sharing something they love about them and giving them a "blessing" for the next year. I jotted down the answers simply because I wanted to remember them.

What do you do when you are afraid?

A: stand back or scream. We added that if it's a storm, she comes to our room.

What would you do if you weren't allowed any screens?

A: she first answered, "Whine for mom to let me have them." And then Legos.

What animal would you want for a pet?

A: Penguin. But she is always asking for a pet monkey.

What is your favorite outfit?

A: Fila shorts and a comfy shirt.

What would you buy at a grocery store?

A: A stuffed animal. She then answered with fruit.

What is something you don't like?
A: ONIONS!
Favorite song?

A: Toby Mac, "Eye on It"

Where do you like the car to take you?

A: Target, CO and IN

Favorite food?

A: FRUIT

Favorite smell?

A: When moms makes sugar. After much laughter, she clarified something like monkey bread because it has sugar in it.

Least favorite smell?
Boiled eggs in fridge or seafood counter at Hyvee.

What kind of fruit would you be?

A: A fruit bowl

Grandpa: always seem happy/best friend would be Jesus

Sadie: love when we play together/hope to see you at school

Analise: make me laugh/enjoy 2nd grade

Aaron: like that you play dodgeball with the cousins in the basement/ that you will get Mrs. Bennett in 3rd grade.

Sarah: that I never know what you are going to say, and you usually make me laugh/fun at the Husker game

Derek: animated and full of excitement/learn to read and understand the Bible

Brandon: love your hugs/ learn to love Jesus more and sleep through storms

Pam: love her smile and how she's willing to pray/handle disappointments better

Braylen: smile and laugh/love 2nd grade

Kaleb: such a cheerful and enthusiastic person/have a great time at Meadowlark

Grandma: pretty smile and wants to be friends with everyone/God would show you what you are good at and she would be patient in learning.

It was a sweet, special day. Not just for Maisie but for me, too, seeing her full of smiles and loved by family. Our family was made better when Maisie entered this world. She does live life to the fullest. Most people see the 100% happy, life is fun. A few of get to see the 100% life is hard, and everyone is out to get me attitude. Regardless, we know she loved Jesus and this year we pray that she believes His truth and not lies of the enemy.

We love you Maisie Lynn!