My Emma turns 13 this week. She'll officially be an teenager and I'll officially be OLD. I've earned all these gray hairs! I wanted to publish these pics that my friend Kate Watkins took a few years ago. I think she and Jim came to visit us 3 years ago, so Emma must have been 10. She's grown so much, but she's still the sweet girl I love.
Emma may be a Daddy's Girl, but she'll be MY daughter forever. I wanted an oldest daughter so badly and the Lord blessed me with Emma. She's a good friend, although she doesn't really realize it yet. She makes me laugh and she gives me a hard time. She makes me look at myself realistically. She keeps me honest . . . there's no 'embellishing' a story when I'm teaching in Young Women, with her around! She's so fun and I love being her mom. She doesn't let me hug her much anymore, so I catch my moments when I can!
I think this is a super tender photo of us. I don't think I even knew Kate took it! I'd better give Emma a framed copy for her birthday or a magnetized one, for her locker. I don't want her to ever forget how much I love her!
My sweet, darling Emma turned 13 today! I still remember when I took her to a REAL photographer, not someone in the mall, for the 1st time. She had just turned 2. I borrowed all the clothes she wore from some better dressed kid and curled her hair. She charmed the photographer and we all had a great time. She was so adorable, with such a fun personality. I was so proud to be her mother.
When I look at these photos, my two favorites, I still can't believe that Heavenly Father sent Damian and I such a special girl. Emma, you have always been a true blessing to our family. You're a marvelous oldest sister and example. Even at 2 years old, you babied and cherished Josh, your new 6 month old brother. You have always been very obedient and righteous. You are kind, pretty and smart. What a combination! I love you very much, sweetheart!
