Alyssa was such a big help to me this past weekend. On Thursday night Doug & Brian went to mow the lawn at our rental property, which left me to dig up plants to bring to the sale the following day. She helped me with potting them as well as with watching Jonalyn. At one point she came to me and said, “You know, Mom, sometimes patience is just about keeping your mouth shut and not saying the bad things that are in your head.” Oh, if we could all learn that lesson. At nine, she’s way ahead of the ball game. The Lord truly blessed me with an exceptional child when he blessed me with her (and with all of my children).