9 Years, 9 Thoughts Happy Birthday Risi

MARISA MAILE CRIST
She is obviously gorgeous, and that comes from the inside first, then spills over to her outward beauty. This was such a special birthday, Ris was born on my birthday and have always told her she was the best birthday present I ever received. She was so tiny, she born early, and so amazingly strong for being a preemie babe.
First, I think this was maybe my second favorite birthday of mine because I was able to spend it with just Risi. Don't get me wrong I love the rest of our WHOLE family, but it was a treat to get to have so much one on one time with just Ris. That doesn't happen enough. We went to California for Alexis's baptism and we had so much fun. I will post about that trip next.
Number 2 thought about Risi - for being 9 she is wise way beyond 9. She is spiritually strong. She always has been. She has a real testimony of many things pertaining to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Thought 3, I've said this one before, she has the sweetest relationship with her brothers and sister, especially Miles. She takes care of him, and is a better baby sitter than some of the teenagers that babysit. Whenever she is mad, or sad or upset, Miles can always bring a smile to her face.
Number 4, Risi is so talented. She dances, and is such a beautiful dancer and very dedicated. She dances 5 hours a week and hates to miss a class mostly because she knows how important it is to be committed to her company. She plays the piano, and has always received superior ratings in her recitals. A talent she doesn't share enough is her ability to sing.
She is an all around brilliant scholar. Her favorite subject is Math. She can also spell. She rarely misses words on her spelling test. My number 5 thought would be I love learning things from her that she is learning in school.
She is so sensitive, which is another one of my favorite things about her, along with thought number 6. She is so concerned about how other people feel. She is concerned about important issues such as our country being at war. She worries about soldiers she doesn't know, and hopes and prays they will be alright. She knows a few soldiers who have served and is thankful they have been safe.
She LOVES theatre, and has been to more musicals than I can count! She loves opera and classical music. She was able to attend her first opera last year, Cinderella and she loved it. She also loved Les Miserables at Tuacahn this fall. She wants to read the book, and talks about it often. She also love Miley Cyrus, Cheetah Girls and The Jonas brothers.
I think it's fair to say she would rather be with her family, including cousins, aunts, uncles and especially grandpa's and grandma's than anyone else. This is a fabulous number 8. I think it would be impossible for her to pick a favorite cousin or aunt and uncle. However, I know I am her favorite Mom! Woo hoo, how cool is that?
Thought number 9 is my favorite memory of her, she was sealed to Tom and I on January 25, 2003. I don't remember a lot about what my great uncle who sealed us said, because I was so emotional, but I remember how I felt, and knowing she was ours forever, was something truly amazing and special. It gives me so many reasons to try my best to live up to my covenants.
Marisa - you are so unique and blessed and also bless so many with your tender spirit. I love you, Daddy loves you, you are are surrounded by so many people who love you. Happy Birthday beautiful Risi girl.