Anna-isms #11

In only a few days, my Anna turns six. While you may not need that to sink it, I sure do. Anna felt something when she turned five; it was a milestone. The last 12 months have certainly been filled with milestones: kindergarten, loose teeth, sight words, reading, counting to 100, and tying shoe strings. But there's something about six that feels big to me. It's full on elementary student . . . reading and spelling . . . and asking tough questions. It's a turning of a page when I'm not quite ready to finish the first chapter.

Where is her story at these days?

• Reading at a mid-semester first grade level, which is blowing my mind.
• Always trying one bite of a new food, making me proud, proud, proud.
• Struggling with jealousy . . . of sister, of friends, of toys.
• Showing responsibility by taking her plate and utensils to the sink without being asked.
• Soaking up any chance she gets to craft or color; she's a stunning artist.
• Completing simple addition/subtraction in her HEAD! Amazed!
• Still eager for snuggles and hugs and kisses and for me to "scratch her feet."
• Eating cheese whenever she can.
• Wondering about slavery and why people are mean.
• Wishing mom would let her ride her bike down the street by herself (isn't happening any time soon, thank you)
• Hoping for an American Girl doll for her birthday.

And what is she saying these days?

• Mom, you're not young at all. I'm only sort of young because I'm five and three quarters.
• "Your hair is multi-colored," referencing the bright white hair multiplying exponentially in my head.
• Hoooooolllllddddd meeeee.
• Mom, Louisa is [fill in the blank].
• Can I read this one? Please?
• I'm going to be a baker when I grow up.
• Can I have some cheese?
• Ladies and gentleman, Anna Zane Youree, the dancer!
• Are we still in Texas?

She recently celebrated 100 days of kindergarten. After I recovered from the idea of having to craft to create a 100-day t-shirt for school, we brainstormed a shimmering shirt (thanks to the help of Facebook friends). I wrote the slogan; she glued more than 100 jewels on the front, back, and sleeves of her t-shirt. I mean, why stop at 100 . . . 

It is only by God's grace that she is blooming as well as she is. I'm mostly paralyzed and silent when I think of what beauty He is crafting in her. 

Happy -- almost -- sixth birthday, Anna Zane!