Lord, give me the heart of a child, and the awesome courage to live it out as an adult. — Catherine Doherty

A few months ago, I became a Big Sister to a sassy, sweet, and altogether adorable 7-year old. Essentially, I’m allowed to be a big kid and friend — and I get to do all of the frilly, glittery girly things that I was unable to do while raising boys. Today was mani/pedi day, along with a quick trip by Laumeier and a pose session at the giant eyeball.

Today’s mani/pedi included rhinestone flowers on her thumbs. Below is the design from our first salon visit awhile back. The girl is fearless and knows exactly what she wants.

And here is my favorite photo. This was at the close of our second outing together. We’d spent the day at the Magic House and the child was wiped out. I was exceptionally proud of myself for outlasting a first-grader.

So today, my little Eva the Diva tops my gratitude list. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a friend to this special girl and hopefully make even the slightest difference in her life. Although it seems that I receive so much more than I put in. But I’m grateful to be able to give back to the world after receiving such an overwhelming abundance of support in raising my own children by myself — a debt that I will never be able to repay.

Today I was also grateful for…

2.) Getting my son’s vehicle tags renewed online. Practical and boring, I know, but how amazingly convenient has the internet made the world? Now neither my son or I will have to stand in line forever and deal with the grumpy hassle at the License Bureau. That’s huge.

3.) Getting to sleep in, but still making it to church on time. Makes it a little easier to start the work week.