There's a monkey on your head!

I just had to post this because it was one of those strange experiences that you never wished for but happened and once it did you had to find some way to never forget it. So I'm posting it because eventually it will end up in our family book and there it will be printed, colored and always remembered!

However, on a side note and of course this is me once again on my soap box, I would never endorse taking in a monkey as a pet. Poor animal needs her mommy and in a very large way I find that seperation quite cruel!:(

This monkey LOVED Harvey. She had a passion for that thick coarse mane that even had her owner bewildered!

One year older and wiser too!

Dearest sweetest little Emma,

As you have grown up this year your daddy and I have often reflected on how much you are like your sisters or your brother. Well sweet lady today is your day and I am going to tell you what is uniquely you, what makes Emma stand out in a family of 7 and what makes us wonder what life was like before you.

1. You are serious. Within all this goofiness every family needs someone serious and you so far have fit that description. You know when to smile and be silly but you also know when its time to get serious. Already so wise!

2. You are keenly aware of those around. You notice any new body that enters a room and exam them before they have had a chance to talk to you.

3. Within minutes anyone who has the blessed chance to hold you is smitten. It is unbelievable how quickly it truly does happen. You spent one Sunday in Relief Society while mommy was in Primary and when I came to retrieve you every single Relief Society member was relating to me how precious you are. Smitten, they were all smitten!

4. Your temper!!! By far you have been one of my best babies, but I can't get over your temper. It's quickly lost and quickly recovered. But easily solvable for it is only 2 things that contribute to its outburst; hunger and sleepiness. In fact, food and sleep solve nearly all your problems. I love the simplicity! Oh wait, I did forget one more thing, your brother's face. He constantly puts his face in yours and talks sweet and LOUD, you can't stand it. So if it isn't hunger or fatigue, it is CARSON!

Emma you are truly cherished in this family. When you wake up from sleep your awakened presence causes everyone in this house to get excited. Your siblings can't let you contentedly play in your crib, not even for a second. As soon as your coos are heard the door is busted open by any random sibling. Any smile, any dance move you make is deemed as they cutest thing known to man. You are showered with hugs, loves and snuggles. You are without any want or need for there are 6 people in this family anxious to fill it. You are cherished, truly cherished.

Happy Birthday my sweet Emmy. You are the sunshine in my life and I feel so grateful to have you as my 4th wonderful beautiful daughter!

(Note the big purple knot on her forehead, just minutes before she slammed it on the corner of the kitchen stool! Poor baby exploring can be rough at times!)

Crappy Blogger

First of all, I apologize to all my English friends for the usage of the word, "crappy". But it defines my ability to blog so well. It isn't that not much has happened this year, in fact, quite the opposite. Life has gotten busy. So busy that I don't have time anymore to take awesome pictures, download them, and then write the unbelievable story that accompanies.

My children are getting older and let's face it, it is a different kind of life. My foot is in both worlds as I try to play the baby game but then leap over into the prepubescent world and sort out any emotional problems that arise on a daily basis. I love it. I love the ever busy life of a mom. I love playing peek-a-boo and princess with the younger ones and then turning around and helping the older ones with their homework.

As a result of mommyhood I have neglected my blogging. So here is an update.

Savannah got braces. She is the cutest metal mouth known to man. She has graduated to being a very capable babysitter and played an awesome game of soccer this year. And yes, I didn't take one single picture of any of her goalie moves. She also completed a 5k in 28 minutes. And I neglected to take pictures of that event as well.

Madison is my never growing but always changing Madison. She has turned into quite the fashionista. She is also a soccer rockstar. She has some incredible moves! She also completed a 5k with me running alongside her. She amazed me with her drive and ambition. Under the same circumstance any child would have given up and walked but she was determined to not walk and finish strong. Which she did!

Carson is tearing up kindergarten. After a rough start with some behavior issues (class clown) he in now excelling and is in the top reading group! He is the social king of kindergarten and as he spent a whole season watching sisters play soccer he is now anxiously waiting for his turn to make magic happen on the field.

Rylie is a diva and a princess. Just in case anyone is unaware of her prestigious title, you must shower her with constant attention, love, and snuggles. She is a movie fanatic and can nearly repeat movies verbatim, not because she watches the same one over and over but the girl has a memory like I haven't seen since Savannah was a wee one. She is a dancer, singer and actress. Now we just need to figure out how to make money off these talents.

Emma is my chunky monkey and as such she is kissed often, squeezed much and moves slow. She has a passion for music. She can't hear it without dancing along. Even in her sleep her body manages to sway and as she awakens her shoulders take over and she is rustled out of a good sleep with body movements that are to the envy of all. She has become quite verbal as she needs to be heard over 4 other siblings. If no attention is being paid to her she has mastered the SCREECH that will shock all present to the very core and one can't help but twist their head in her direction. It obviously works.

So here is the sum up of all that I missed. And although I can't post pics of past accomplishments, I will begin anew and at least entertain with an awesome pic of Savannah's brace face. Of course later, I'm too busy right now.:)