Emmeline has turned 13 and into a beautiful young woman (teenager is not a poetic enough term for this household). She is oh so dear and leads her siblings into great adventures, comforts them, inspires them and models Godly wisdom for them. She is not afraid to get her hands dirty and is a very hard worker who can open tough jars better than her Mama can. She wears my shoes and clothes, wants to open a bakery someday, mows the grass and knows her tools quite well. She is a book girl through and through and if my Mama was here I do believe she'd tell me that I'm getting what I gave. Emmie is always in a book, can finish a book in a night, stays up way too late and is working her way through our house library. She loves history and re-enacting, she puts on Shakespeare plays complete with sets designed by herself, she creates mud kitchen feasts, and cares for our crazy hens and rooster. She is so smart too with a gift for languages and writing, remembering facts and playing all of her instruments. All of these accomplishments are marvels and we thank God for them. But it is Emmie's heart of gold that I rejoice in for in it I see a servant, gentle and kind, a good listener, a hard worker, a tender soul ready to follow the Lord's leading. Though having your eldest child grow up is bittersweet, it is a special gift to be able to share life's journey with her as a woman and fellow pilgrim. Happy thirteenth birthday dear girl. May God bless you always, may He keep you tender and true as you learn the heavy paths life can bring, may you never lose your love of beauty and enjoyment of simple daily life. We love you.
