Dear Lissie - Seven Years | Two + Two = Us

Dear Lissie,

Sweet, smart, shy Lissie. How'd I get so lucky to be your mama? You've always been an easy child - easy to read to know what's bothering you, easy to teach important life lessons, easy to please. Of course you have your moments - the time you told your class the very untrue statement that I was going to be their second grade teacher, thus leading to a very harsh discussion about gossiping and spreading lies. Or the time when you told the girls in your class that you were having a big sleepover when we had told you to chose two friends (though you claim you didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, so I sort of don't blame you on that one). Or those moments when you and Xavier bicker and argue and get on everyone's last nerves.

But, seriously, in general, I've truly hit the jackpot. You have the most caring heart - you're always thinking of ways to help others. You are bright and inquisitive, and I can't get you to stop reading - you've pretty much read all of Roald Dahl's works already and have made pretty good headway in the Babysitter's Club series! You think about things on a whole new level, and it reflects in your writing and your work. Sometimes it boggles my mind that you're just in first grade based on all that you've accomplished already!

Yet, you are on the timid side (you were so shy in anticipation of having to stand up at your school's prayer service to tell everyone that your birthday is this week!) and the thought of being destined to the YAC (for 7-12 year olds) at the Y instead of the Y-Play (ages 6 weeks-6 years) terrifies you to no end (although that's a great excuse for me to not workout, right? Ha!), but boy when you are comfortable, you know how to let loose! You are hilarious, and your laughter is contagious.

And, still, your love of your faith is inspiring. So often your favorite thing on Sundays is going to Mass. You cannot wait to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist (one more year!). And you love learning about the saints and Jesus. You've even made it known that your goal is to go to St. Cecilia and be taught by the Dominicans. You've also mentioned that if your plan for being a vet doesn't work, you wouldn't mind being a sister. I wouldn't doubt that you'd make a great one!

Regardless of what you end up doing with your life, you are definitely bound for great things. And I cannot wait to watch you do them.

You amaze me. Always. I love you more than you could even imagine.

Love,
Mommy

Here's my interview with a 7-year-old:

This year's likes:

reading, reading, reading
road trips and vacations
swimming all year round
church
puzzles
Lola's pancit and egg rolls
macaroni and cheese
riding your bike
crafts
asparagus

Dislikes:

when plans change at the last minute
radishes
speaking in public
talking to people you don't know
when Xavier annoys you

It seems the main themes of Lissie, age 6, are reading, swimming, and extracurriculars as can be seen from the hodgepodge of Lissie pics from the past year: