Emily's blog: Happy 11, Jaden!

Happy Birthday, Jaden! Or to rattle off a few of your nicknames for memories sake and pure embarrassment: Jady lady, Jady love, Sissy and Sis. Here are 11 things we want to remember about you.

11. Although I highly doubt you'll admit it, you really are taking to piano these days. To the point where I have to ask you to quit playing so you can get some homework done. I didn't think that day would come.

10. When cleaning your room you remind me of myself. I did more decorating and reorganizing than I ever did cleaning. Going forward we've had to distinguish the difference between the two.

9. Soccer is becoming your activity of choice. You have participated in a lot of extra curricular activities so far, but soccer is becoming the front runner as the favorite. You have all the heart, desire and drive one could ask for when committing to a sport. Which is something you can't teach. You either have it or you don't. What you do lack is skill but we hope that will come with the new training you're taking on this year. You stand out as a leader on your new team -- calling for and organizing the team chant, encouraging team mates and firing them up with your shrills and shrieks. And my personal favorite, you mid play, craning your neck back while dribbling the ball to apologize to an opponent after accidentally bulldozing her over.

8. It's no longer the HGTV channel that holds your attention when getting any chance to watch TV. It's iCarly. But I can't complain because I've loved both of these shows too. And I have a little crush on Spencer.

7. As I am late in posting this you are already 3 weeks into Junior High. Between me, you and dad, I've been the most anxious. And I've tried not to let you feel that. I can report that you are making a seamless transition. So far you exude all the confidence I could have hoped for you to have when taking this leap into JH. I'm so proud of you.

6. You are now the rightful owner of a cell phone -- purchased with your very own hard earned money you made this summer. Dad and I welcomed the thought of having access to you at the massive Junior High. Not that you can freely use it but in case of emergencies. As well, when it cools down around here there are plans for you to be biking/walking your way to school with a friend.

5. Junior High begins Pre-AP classes and you are currently in all that they offer. With that placement comes a lot of responsibility to keep up the grade to stay there. You know that keeping a high grade is your "job" for the school year. And it's a good thing dad's around to help you do that because we all know that Junior High is where I tapped out. I'm kidding. But Dad is hands down the better parent to play this role. Thank goodness because, as you know, I don't have the stamina after 8:00 p.m.

4. In typical sibling fashion, you compete with your little brother most. Maybe that's the reason you picked up soccer again, because Ty got so much of our attention when he played. Nonetheless, you are making it your own. FYI, Ty could really care less and lets most of it roll off his back. Apparently, he doesn't see you as a threat. :)

3. Something new I've learned about you is that you are getting a kick out of showing boys up. You started off the year in an all girls PE class and didn't mention any discontent with it. However, you had to change periods when we pulled you out of band placing you in a co-ed PE class. And oh how the stories are pouring in each week about your accomplishments in beating out the boys in a running race or sacrificing your knees to make an out in kickball. Where did this come from?

2. You enjoy playing second mom around here but not in the lovely one might be thinking. Just the bossy way that drives Ty crazy and sometimes Reese. At least if anything happens to me you'll be able to carry out my wishes and commands for the family because you already think like me in those respects.

1. To say you are a big UT Longhorn fan would be an understatement.