my children...

Not much to say today, but I love this picture I took of the kids+Annie the other day, so I thought I'd talk about them:

Alex - He is such a good boy. He tries so hard to do what is right. He gets distracted by "fun" stuff, forgetting his responsibilities at home, then we have a little talk about it and he is right back on track. Somehow, he still thinks it's cool to be good. He loves church things...lessons, music, his leaders. Not in a "Peter Priesthood, preachy" sort of way, but in a "I know what's right and what feels good and I'm going to stick with that" sort of way. He is so, so funny. He is almost always happy. And my goodness, he is handsome. I looked at him yesterday in his suit and nearly melted. I can see the young man he is becoming, and the man he is going to be.

Elizabeth - Lizzy is still grace personified. She is quieter than the other kids. She's gentler, daintier. She really wants to please Dave and I. When she feels like she has let us down for some reason, and we are disappointed, she gets teary. Not to get out of trouble, but because she knows she did something wrong and wishes she hadn't. I think of all my kids, she will be the most true. She will not waver when it comes to upholding her values. I really, really believe that. She won't compromise. She doesn't care a whole lot about what others think. I wish I had been more like that when I was her age. She is very honest. She is very respectful. She is very obedient. And...she is very silly.

Emily - This little girl is me. I have said it so many times, but she really is. Actually, she is me made lots better. She tries so hard to be good. She is a leader, yet also wants people to like her. She is loud, but knows when to be quiet. She is crazy, but knows when to be reverent and respectful. She is 100%, completely dependable. I would feel comfortable leaving all the kids in her care...for days. When I need something done, she is my girl. I can leave her instructions if Dave and I are going to be gone, and she will get the meal prepared, kids out the door on time to get where they need to be, and the house picked up by the time we get back. She knows what will make her mom and dad happy and does it. She never says no when I ask her for help. Never. I think she has somehow learned, in her short 11 years, that life is easier if you do what's right. She will be an amazing mother and leader someday.

Molly - Still a firecracker. I think she always will be. I don't think that's such a bad thing though. If she can be taught to channel her energy and adrenaline into productive things, there will be no stopping her. She is so, so passionate. Everything she does is intense. She can be intensely happy, intensely angry, intensely fun. Even her kisses are intense. She squishes my face. That intensity will keep her strong and confident...I hope. I can't wait to see how she handles 1st grade. She is smart and so creative. I think she will blossom being at school all day. She has been ready to go for years. I know she will miss being at home with me, but not for long. She wants to be just like her sisters, and this all day school business is the first step. I love when she is happy and bright. She can change the whole mood of our home.

Margaret - Little Margie. Number 5 down the line. What a sweet kid. Funny and silly and happy...except for when she's throwing fits, which seem to be just a teeny bit more frequent lately. I have wondered why, then realized the Lord had her skip the terrible two's while Molly was going through the terrible five's. Now Molly will be in school all day and I can handle whatever Margie throws at me. We will have so much time together. I can't wait. She really is my buddy. She is obsessed with books right now. She also loves to be the one to pray anytime there is a chance. She wants to give the FHE lessons. She wants to lead the music. She still lisps. She's still pudgy. She still likes me to sing 3 songs when I put her to bed, in the same order every time. She still insanely cute.

Annie - She's not mine, but I've got a little to say. She is a great girl. 13 going on 20. Annie is really funny. Sarcastic and funny. She is a helper and a pleaser. If there is a young child around, she wants to be caring for it. Yay for me...she and Margaret got along like strawberries and cream. We love her and are so glad she could come visit. Looking forward to next summer!