Our Little Girl... Not so little anymore!

Yesterday was Madison's birthday - 9 years old already!  We can hardly believe our little girl is getting all grown-up.  She has matured so much over the last year.  Dan told me last week when I was at work in the mornings that if I left she could just step right in.  She got up, fed the kids breakfast, got everyone moving to get dressed, then went in and flipped on the bedroom light and told Dan he needed to get up - NOW!  She will definitely be a second mother to her younger brothers, whether they like it or not.

She had a great day, everything she was wanting.  It was like Christmas in the morning.  She dragged us out of bed and begged to open presents.  Later in the day, we picked up her friend and the three of us went for lunch and out to a movie.  The girls were so silly and so much fun.  We stopped at the grocery store and they decided to each get a stuffed pig so they would always remember this wonderful day.  What fabulous drama!  We wrapped up the big day with dinner (she always chooses ribs) and cake.  Here are a few pics:

In her class at school they have been learning about the Chinese New Year.  One of their assignments was to find out their sign in the Chinese horoscope, then see if they fit the description.  So, in honor of our Horse girl, I wanted to post some of these traits and see if those who know her would agree that she most definitely fits!  These are all taken from "The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes" by Theodora Lau.

A Poem about the Horse

I am the Kaleidoscope of the mind.

I impart light, color and perpetual motion.

I think, I see, I am moved by electric fluidity.

Constant only in my inconsistency

I am unshackled by mundane holds,

Unchecked by sturdy, binding goals,

I run unimpeded through virgin paths.

My spirit unconquered -

My soul forever free.

I AM THE HORSE.

Some qualities of the horse child:

 - animated, boisterous

 - a passionate love of life and a buoyant personality

- a restless and searching spirit, needs to be constantly occupied

- affectionate and demonstrative, but won't like much cuddling (anyone remember trying to cuddle her as a baby?  Not happening!)

- happy-go-lucky daredevil, does things on the spur of the moment

- quite capable of getting herself out of danger.  Does not look for trouble, but does not scare easily and will fight his own battles (handy when you have 3 brothers)

And my favorite: 

The colorful and lively personality of the Horse will perk up any household!

How true!  We have always said Madison has a "zest for life".  Her sense of humor is incredible and if she can laugh at something she will.  Anxious to be on the move, she flits from one excitement to the next. We love you, little Horse!  Hope your next year is everything you want it to be, and don't ever change!

-