To my sweet daughter who is turning 7 years old

You are the one in the family who shows the most persistence and determination, which is why you received the persistence award from your school.

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When you get your mind on something, you will continue to work at it until you accomplish it. You wake up every morning with a task you wish to accomplish. This becomes very difficult when we have places to go and are in a hurry, but I love that you get your mind set on something that you want to achieve. You decided, back in March, that you wanted to be in the spelling bee. You practiced your heart out and you made into the spelling bee.

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You decided that you wanted to climb the Manitou incline, 2,744 steps and you did it.

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You decided that you wanted to score at least 1 goal at all of your soccer games and you did it.

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You decided you wanted to be one of the youngest kids to climb a 14er and you did it.

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You decided you wanted to make it to swim championships and you did it and even made it on the podium.

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You are always the kid who runs up to the playground and makes friends with everyone you see. You came to me asking for more and more birthday invitations because you didn't want to leave anyone out.

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If you ever see anyone upset or distraught, you always make a sweet card to make them feel better. This started in Kindergarten, before you even knew how to read.

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You came up with the most creative costume at your Willy Wonka play.

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You are also the one who always problem solves. One day you forgot your shoes and I got mad at you. You ended up designing paper shoes for yourself when we were driving in the car. Sometimes your problem solving even involves getting stitches, which you have now done more times than I can count.

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You bring me so much joy and teach me so much about enjoying life! I have learned to let the small things go and make the most out of life. I love you to the moon and back Carly Suzanne McFarlin!

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