Are we old enough to have a 12-year-old?

As much as we would like to deny being old enough - the answer is yes. We are old enough, and we do in fact have a 12-year-old. This year we were going to be in Utah for a quick weekend, so my sister put together a surprise party for Emma - and she loved it!! It is always a special treat to see your cousins, and she had gotten to spend the previous day with her other cousins and was thrilled about that, so to see them all and have all the attention on her made her ecstatic! What could be better? She really had a great time, although I think she about had a heart attack when she went downstairs and they yelled "Surprise!" It was priceless.

Although we see glimpses of true teenage behavior coming through - we are enjoying the attributes of this 12-year-old immensely! Here are 10 things about her:

1. Emma loves being in Young Women. She is so excited. I thought I would be sad to see her leave primary, but she was so clearly ready that I was actually thrilled for her. A few days before her birthday they all came and kidnapped her with a big poster full of candy bars and she was practically jumping out of her skin she was so excited. It almost brought tears to my eyes.

2. Emma is a great cook. She loves baking - not something I love, so the whole family is thrilled to have one cook in the house! However, I did make her a "soccer" cake, and at least she seemed to be able to tell what it was!

3. Emma is one heck of a soccer player (hence, the above cake). For years we have been telling her to play more aggressively. She used to run up to the ball, see that someone else was going for it, so she would stop and let them have first shot at it. Now we are trying to tone down the aggressiveness. (Truth be told....she plays like her dad! - although he will deny that)

4. Emma is a great babysitter. Our lives truly opened up the day we had a built in babysitter. We try not to abuse it, but man oh man is it great having a babysitter in the house!

5. Emma is one of the most thoughtful kids I have ever seen. She will, of her own volition, make gifts, buy gifts, or prepare surprises for her siblings and her parents. Sometimes it doesn't even occur to me to do such nice things. She never ceases to amaze me.

6. Emma is a great creative writer.

7. Emma loves to perform in singing groups and is looking forward to her solos in this year's spring musical at her elementary school.

8. Emma can roll her eyes like nobody's business! Okay, just a reminder that my sweet 12-year-old is in fact growing into a teeneager.

9. Emma and her dad are two peas in a pod. Sometimes I sit back in awe at the way they communicate - they just "get" each other.

10. Emma is always up for an adventure. No matter what it is, or how last minute, Emma will go for it, and what is more? She will be a good sport about it.

We love you, Em!