Happy Birthday Emmeline

My heart gets hammered this time of year as Charlie, Caleb, Em, now Lucy and Lizzie all turn another year older...

one right after the other and while I enjoy each and every year and each and every stage (well just about each and every stage)...

I do find myself missing the years that I could pull them on to my lap (without a struggle and in mutual agreement - hehe) and have them melt into my arms with a sigh, making everything in their world right again...

besides, every year gets us one more year closer to having 4 teenage girls in this house...

oh my...

staying in my "happy place" today though...

as Em turned 8 years old on Monday...

not 13!

Whew

I remember the joy when sweet Em arrived.

I also remember checking for "boy parts" as soon as they handed her to me!

Hey, after 3 boys, you would check too!

*snicker*

Sure enough, there were no "boy parts" and beautiful Em has lived up to her girl status but girl status with 3 big brothers...

which makes for a rough and tumble girlie girl who likes to have her nails done...

for her soccer games!

Gotta love it!

Em stole my heart from the very beginning and bringing her sister, Lizzie, home began to shape her's.

Even at a very young age, she got it and she is teaching me, y'all

Her constant and steady love and tireless care for her newest sisters has convicted my heart on more than one occasion.  I know you all remember the beach pictures

when my sweet Em went back to get Lucy, who had been left behind!

Yep...

convicted!

This was not a burden to my precious girl

just a privilege and a joy!

The Lord is already using you, Em, in mighty ways and I just cannot wait to see where He leads you.

Em, you are sweet and sassy, strong but soft, nurturing and kind and we are oh so proud of you.

 Your teacher told us on Monday, on your birthday, that you were voted student of the month for kindness and one of the reasons given by a fellow classmate is that, "you play with me when I am lonely!"

Oh my heart!

Happy Birthday my sweet inspiration.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

Your light is shining my sweet love...

Happy Birthday!