Jovie is EIGHT

 My Dearest Darling,

I love you so. You are absolutely magical in every way. You captivate the attention of those around you and draw people to yourself. You’re an includer and a peacemaker, a hard worker and a silent leader. You’re kind and compassionate and beautiful and so lovely. Eight years ago today, I held you in my arms for the very first time, completely overwhelmed by the beauty and joy of who you were already becoming. And now—eight years later—I’m still in awe.

You are truly one of a kind. There’s a light in you that is unmistakable. You walk into a room and it’s like the atmosphere changes—brighter, lighter, more fun, more full. You are silly and wild and somehow also incredibly thoughtful, intuitive, and kind. You notice people. You care deeply. You say the funniest things and somehow also ask the most profound questions. You’re an absolute blast wherever you are—and wherever you are, people want to be too.

This past year, I’ve watched you grow in so many beautiful ways. You’re thriving in school—you love learning, you love being with your friends, and you show up with your full heart. You’re always quick with a hug, a joke, or a surprise bit of wisdom. You have this quiet confidence mixed with a contagious joy that makes you so magnetic to everyone around you.

And of course—gymnastics continues to be one of your greatest loves. You’ve been training hard for several years now, and it’s been amazing to watch your strength, your determination, and your passion deepen. You competed in national TOPS testing this year and did incredibly well, scoring 28 points—just two shy of making it to TOPS national camp. That is such an accomplishment, Jovie! But more than the score, I was proud of your heart—your focus, your work ethic, and the joy you brought to every single practice and performance. You’ve learned to love the hard work, the routines, and the process—and it shows.

Beyond the gym, you love life with such vibrant joy. You adore your siblings, and nothing lights up your face quite like being silly with Zack and Hallie. You’ve built the sweetest bond with Malia, your partner-in-crime and soul sister. You love climbing trees, swimming on vacation, school days, shopping, and all the little things that make life magical. And yes—even Penny, your adorable (and slightly territorial) furry rival—you love her, even when she’s growling in your shared pursuit of being “the baby.” You two crack me up.

You, Jovie, are a masterpiece. You are beauty and wonder and courage wrapped into one precious soul. You make our family richer. You teach us all to slow down, to dance a little more, to ask big questions, to laugh hard, and to love with abandon.

There is something deeply special about you, and I pray that as you grow, you never lose that wonder. That light. That Jovie-ness that makes you shine so uniquely and so brightly.

And today, like I do every year, I lift up this prayer over your life:

Jesus,

I lift up my sweetest baby girl to you. In my weakness and shortcomings as a mom, you are so very strong. You have created an absolute masterpiece in Jovie Kalei Pentz. I am constantly in awe at the wonder of who she is. She is wild and crazy, yet gentle and loving. She is gorgeous beyond words and precious beyond measure. Jesus, take her precious life and hold it so close to your heart. It is my deepest desire that she would come to know you and the power of your resurrection. That she would love and serve you and love and serve your people with every fiber of her being. And that she would be deeply loved in return. Jesus, raise her up to be a mighty woman that stands for the good of all and points people to you. May she fight for justice, mend the brokenhearted, break barriers, and love deeply. May you lead her, guide her, and let your amazing grace fall upon her as she fights back the darkness for your name. Jesus, give her incredible confidence and strength as she pursues the life that you have called her to. Oh Lord, it is my greatest honor and privilege to be her mom. I dream of the day that I will hear her name announced as she walks across the stage to receive her high school diploma, and then her college diploma and beyond. I can picture it now, seeing sweet Jovie in a white gown as the most beautiful bride. Jesus, I pray for her future spouse, that he would love her like you do and lay his life down for his bride. And I have tears in my eyes even now as I imagine the day that Jovie becomes a mom and instantly knows this crazy and incredible love that I feel for her. Jesus, thank you so much for her precious life. Thank you for the gift that she is to our family. Lead her. Guide her. Let your grace wash upon her. She is your beautiful daughter and I am humbled at this opportunity to love her every day of her life.

Amen.

Happy 8th birthday, Jovie girl. You are sunshine and sparkle and spirit and strength. I love you with my whole heart—forever and always.

Love,

Mom