Seven Already?!

Hey there, big girl! 

Every year I can't believe you're older but every year here we are! You've grown so much this year, and we are so proud of you. Each new stage of your life is a new stage in my life, too. I guess that’s just how being the oldest child works. I’m still growing and learning how to be a parent to each new age you hit. After seven years we’re still figuring it out together, Em.

We started off 1st grade at home where you insisted on calling me Mrs. Barton and told me all about your mom at home. It made me laugh so hard! I was so proud of how well you took to it, but by January you were missing your friends and I was needing a break. Your reading level and love of reading absolutely EXPLODED this year!! We made you a goal for 2021- it was to read 21 chapter books during 2021... you crushed it in two months time. We quickly had to make another chart! I find you reading all the time and it truly warms my heart. 

You spent the summer yet again in the water... you are such a little fish. I really think that you are your happiest in the water of any kind.  

You seem so old these days... using words like, "literally", "obviously", and "seriously." I keep getting glimpses of teenage you. You are still a pretty picky eater but are usually a good sport about trying something new. You still love My Little Pony, Legos, and now Barbie and Nintendo Switch! You still play dress up but I can see it slowing down. You love making Lincoln play wedding with you and other fun pretend games like Hotel and Camping. And your number one love is still ART. You've always got some sort of art piece going on, and it still usually involves trash! Always at least one cardboard box exhibit in your room. You took an art class at a local art studio and absolutely loved it! You are constantly writing in journals I can't keep enough blank ones around for you to write in. You love mess! Water, mud, paint, anything! 

I see a lot of myself in you though we are different, too. You like to have all the information upfront and if something surprises you it can send you into a spiral. One thing I admire about you is that you can usually redirect yourself if we can sit and talk it through. You're working very hard to "roll with the punches" and work through change in a positive way. You're a little introverted extravert which reminds me of me. Sometimes you are a leader, loud, wild, take charge kind of girl and then other times you are shy, quiet, and reserved. You love to dance and be crazy and there's not much you are afraid of. You are such a FUN girl and are always up for an joke or any reason to laugh! You love playing outside with the neighbor kids riding your bike, scooter, rollerblades and skateboard. You're so brave with all of that!

You lost four teeth this year and are constantly wiggling your other teeth hoping they'll fall out too. One night, instead of just leaving your tooth under your pillow for the tooth fairy to easily find, you left a four part scavenger hunt with notes and clues. I was thankful you gave me a run through before you went to sleep...

I love you Emery Kate. You are the sweetest, most fun, and most helpful girl! You have the most amazing memory and I love watching you use that skill to memorize scripture. One day over the summer you learn the Fruit of the Spirit in about 15 minutes- it was amazing. Daddy and I know you are going to do great things. We pray you follow Jesus forever and ever! Shine your light, girl!! 

Love, Mom