My Sweet Carly Grace

I wasn't quite prepared for the photo shoot that would provide the pictures for this week's Sunday Snapshot.  Otherwise I would have thrown a hairbrush into the camera bag...

But when my normally camera-shy cutie decides to flash her gorgeous smile for the camera when we are outside on a picture-perfect day, well then, I'll just be content to let those little details go and enjoy the moment.

Months before she entered this world, I knew that she would be my Caroline Grace.  In my mind's eye, I could just see the sweet smocked dresses and matchy-matchy hair bows that would adorn my little princess.

But as she grew, in stature and...ahem... personal preference, the girly-girl attire was quickly exchanged for a pair of gym shorts and flip-flops.  And hair accessories?  Forgetaboutit.

She is always being mistaken for someone much older than her sweet eight-year old self.  And too often, I'm the one who makes that mistake.

She is happiest outside on her ripstick or taking her two little siblings (and one ginormous dog) for a walk around the neighborhood.  But she's no slacker, that one.  In fact, she could easily be the "Git R Done" poster girl.

She isn't afraid to voice her frustration with me if she awakens and her chore chart isn't ready to go for the day.  At which point, she'll write in what she's already accomplished just to have the satisfaction of crossing it off.

And though she's probably the most level-headed one in the family, she's starting to show a little of her "wild side" from time to time...

...like last weekend while shoe shopping for her sister at Target.  Who should come around the corner, giggling uncontrollably, while sporting a pair of size nine, snakeskin stilettos?  Yep, my baby girl.

But my baby girl is growing up fast.  And she is learning some pretty "big girl"  things right now.

See, when Jesus calls a momma and daddy down a certain path, and they follow, then by default, everyone in the family is going down that path too.

And sometimes questions arise about what this journey is going to be like and what it might mean for all involved.  Questions that a momma and daddy can't really answer because they don't know themselves. At least not yet.

I love her willingness to be honest.  And her willingness to trust.

And I simply cannot wait to see what the Lord has planned for my sweet, sensitive Carly Grace.