Moriah turned 4 years old on October 27th and she will tell you that she is big now. I am inclined to agree with her. Since her birthday she has repeatedly mentioned different things that she can do now or should be allowed to do, “Now that I am big …” And she has told her little sister Abigail “When you’re big like me, then you can …” Despite her being big, Grandma will tell you that she is just “a little bit for being 4.”
How did my little one, all of a sudden, turn 4? You see, that is how it feels – all of a sudden. David and I were expecting, and then our baby Moriah was in our arms, and then she was four. It happened just like that – just as I said. I think I missed something in between the new babe in arms and this now 4 year old, because I realized the other day I now have 3 children. I have told many people that this year has been the fastest of my life. Does each year just keep coming faster? Should I begin to plan my memorial service?
I often look through pictures to help remember a year or a season of life. When I sit and just reflect, it is all a blur in my memory. In recapturing this last year of Moriah’s life, I have included for you a few glimpses into her 3rd year as she now embarks on her 4th.
Christmas Tree Farm -Thanksgiving Weekend – 1 month after her 3rd birthday
New Year’s 2008 – at Papa’s in Michigan and loving the snow
Moriah began ballet in March and dances at the Petaluma School of Ballet weekly. The highlight for her thus far was the ballet showcase in which she performed in June at the Veterans Memorial Hall. She has asked ever since when she can perform again.
Moriah’s new baby sister, Ella, came into her life on June 19th. Moriah has been so sweet and gentle with her, and also very helpful. She especially loves to snuggle with Ella.
Moriah had been confidently riding her little tricycle when she was given a princess bicycle from her friend (and neighbor), Nadia. Despite having had a little hand-me-down bicycle, it wasn’t until she got her princess bike that she was willing to try and ride a two wheeler. And now she is quite aggressive in riding her princess bicycle. So, when does one take the training wheels off? 
Moriah decided this year she was big enough to get the mail. One day she asked me if she could go get the mail. I thought she meant with me. The next thing I knew, she had gotten a stool and was outside getting the mail. She loves getting the mail after nap time.
This summer Moriah made a huge jump in being able to string together sounds of letters and is now successfully reading. As mentioned in an October posting, her BOB Books has been her favorite way of practicing (she is now in box #3). 
This September some good friends told us about Valley Baptist, Petaluma, facilitating AWANAs (Bible Club) and they were sending their son, who is a good friend of Moriah’s. Moriah also began, as a Cubby, and very much looks forward to weekly doing her project assignments and taking them to show Miss Charlene. Here she is wearing her vest and carrying her bag with workbook.
Moriah has continued to have a great affection for horses and for her birthday she really wanted a pony party like we did for her 2nd birthday party. However, instead we enrolled her in a Horsemanship Clinic at Howarth Park in Santa Rosa …
and then had a Tea Party at our home with friends.
Happy Birthday Moriah!
