Eve turns EIGHT 04-11-19

"The world is just spinning  a little too fast. So just for the moment, let's be still. "

Taken by: Brianne Linder Photography 

Another year around the sun for the child that made me a mother. And what an adventurous year this has been for her.

climbing a mountain in Tennessee 

I have loved watching her stretch herself in so many areas. But she's really blossomed in her writing and her story telling has been so fantastic! I laugh and even cry at them.

nature journaling in St. Augustine, Florida 

She continues to enjoy making things.

Any thing.

All the things.

This has ranged from recipes in the kitchen to cat toys to hammocks for her dolls to hang in her room.

reading to our garden plants to help them grow 

Eve still reads and reads and reads. An insatiable thirst for word after word, page after page, book after book. Thank goodness for the library and thank goodness for her desire to read books over again.  Her favorite books is currently: Inventions Encyclopedia and any Boxcar Children or Magic Treehouse.

Eve loves animals. She is immediately drawn to them even in public places. If she sees a stray she wants to feed it and bring it home. She hasn't met an animal she doesn't want to befriend. Cats, squirrels, moths, lizards, frogs... ants. Her heart is big.

kitty in the apple orchards in Georgia. 

Dearest Eve,
You have taught me so much, my little love. How to make mistakes, you're such an example of how to forgive. How to give all to your interests and when to move on from them. How to be bold and spread truth even if it isn't the social norm.
You've reminded me of how to see joy in the seemingly small things. You're love of animals and nature gives me a glimpse into your heart. Your enormous heart.
You are something amazing my daughter.

The Nutcracker at the King Center for the Performing Arts. 

HEIGHT: 52 inches

taken by Brianne Linder Photography 

Dear 8 year old Eve from 7 year old Eve,
I really love the book, Forever My Little Girl, mama got me last year. It really stuck with me. I love that mama thought to give me it with all the happy things in it. Don't forget how much I love cake and that playing with Esther is really the best fun especially when we play school outside.

Alligator Farm in St. Augustine, Florida 

20 questions (when asked these were Evie's answers) 

1. What is your favorite color? 

purple and green

2. What is your favorite toy? 

blocks

3. What is your favorite fruit?

grapefruit and apples

4. What is your favorite vegetable?

carrots

5. What is your favorite song? 

Do-Re-Mi

6. What is your favorite book? 

Boxcar Children and Magic Treehouse

7. What is your favorite thing to play? 

Playing in the mud kitchen 

8. What is your favorite animal? 

Tiger

9. Who is your best friend? 

Julia Burroughs 

10. What is your favorite drink? 

Lemonade and milk are tied 

11. What is your favorite bible verse? 

John 3:16

12. What is your favorite bible story? 

The whole book of Genesis  

13. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? 

Pancakes

14. What is the one toy you want to take to bed? 

Purple, my blanket 

15. What do you want for your birthday dinner? 

French toast

16. What is your favorite thing to watch? 

Octonauts  

17. What makes you happy?

You (mom) 

18. What makes you sad? 

When Esty isn't kind to me sometimes

19. What do you like to do with your family?
Go on adventures (family trips) 

20. What is your favorite treat? 

cake

21. What do you want to be when you grow up? 

I want to be a scientist. 

"Figure out who you are and do it on purpose! "