1. She wrote her Valentines cards herself for the first time this year (with a list next to her so she knew how to spell everyone's names.)
2. She needs her nails clipped and a bathtub to get the Band-Aid goo off her finger.
3. A few weeks ago, she said, "I'm a really special girl because of three things; I can run really fast, I can color really good and I can make bubbles in my mouth with my spit."
4. She doesn't call herself 'Yannie' anymore (and sadly, hasn't for a long time.)
5. She likes to do her own hair now and can even put it up in a ponytail all by herself.
6. The other night while I was tucking her in, she asked, "Mommy, when did you have Daddy?" to which I replied, "I didn't have Daddy...Grandma Jo had Daddy." She just sat there looking perplexed for a few seconds and then said, "You mean you just found my Daddy?"
7. She'll eat a peanut butter sandwich or a Jelly sandwich but she won't eat a peanut butter & jelly sandwich.
8. She still cries anytime I suggest she wear a pair of pants.
9. She came down the stairs crying and scared the other night and said, "I heard a bad noise - it sounds like some idiot is throwing rocks at my window."
10. Her shoes are always on the wrong feet.
11. She's going to be five on Sunday and has asked that she be referred to only as 'Birthday Girl' between now and then.
Being called the birthday girl is always my favorite part of my birthday! Annie is a girl after my own heart. Happy fifth to your sweet girl!
Posted by: Beth | February 11, 2011 at 09:36 AM
OH, I LOVE THIS!!!! She is adorable! I am so glad you found her daddy and the two of you have such and amazing talented girl!
Posted by: Nancy | February 11, 2011 at 09:37 AM
These are so funny! Can't believe she'll be 5 already! Happy Birthday...Birthday Girl!
Posted by: Addie | February 11, 2011 at 09:38 AM
That is all too cute...How sad and glad it is to see them growing up...She is so so sweet. I just love hearing stories about her. This is one of the first blogs I read nearly every day to see what your children are up to.
Louise
Posted by: Louise Murr | February 11, 2011 at 09:39 AM
Number six just kills me, much funnier than my kids thought my husband and I always lived together in the same house with all 10 of their aunts and uncles and all six of their grandparents.
Posted by: Maureen | February 11, 2011 at 09:45 AM
That girl is a hoot! I can't believe she's 5 already! Happy Birthday Annie!
Posted by: MichelleGB | February 11, 2011 at 09:45 AM
You are a gift from above. Pure. Loving. Joy. to read your every post. Happy Birthday, Birthday Girl!! You are a gift from above, too!!
Posted by: Tera | February 11, 2011 at 09:50 AM
This is absolutely too sweet! She is adorable! Happy Birthday to your Birthday Girl!
Posted by: Stephanie C. | February 11, 2011 at 09:58 AM
Happy Birthday Miss Annie! :)
Posted by: kristin | February 11, 2011 at 10:07 AM
#9 is my favorite!
Posted by: Chi Anne | February 11, 2011 at 10:32 AM
happy happy birthday sweet annie!
Posted by: stacy | February 11, 2011 at 10:38 AM
Love # 6!!! Happy Birthday Annie
Posted by: Shannon Jones | February 11, 2011 at 10:39 AM
Oh my gosh, #9 cracked me up! Happy Birthday Birthday Girl! :-)
Posted by: Melanie | February 11, 2011 at 10:41 AM
conner (annie's age) is the same way with the pb & j thing. glad he's not the only wierd child;)
Posted by: mandy friend | February 11, 2011 at 10:54 AM
Hope the Birthday Girl has a great birthday!! She is growing up so fast!
Posted by: gina f. | February 11, 2011 at 10:55 AM
everything about her makes me smile!
Posted by: Nicole Ellison | February 11, 2011 at 11:09 AM
I adore each and every picture about Annie, and every anecdote also. So there, who ever left that nasty comment;)
Posted by: karensmailbag@yahoo.com | February 11, 2011 at 11:13 AM
8-}
Happy Birthday, A!!
Posted by: Jennifer Camplin | February 11, 2011 at 11:14 AM
Well, by all means....Happy Birthday, Birthday Girl!!!
Or how about Happy Birthday, "B.G.": (Birthday Girl, Big Girl, Bubble Girl,
and Baby Girl!!!)
HOpe you have a fun party and gets lots of presents!!! :)
Posted by: kat-in-texas | February 11, 2011 at 11:19 AM
So, so cute! What a great snapshot of her little personality!
Posted by: Corie | February 11, 2011 at 11:21 AM
Happy Birthday to Annie! I always remember it because my daughter has the same birthday!
Posted by: RachaelC | February 11, 2011 at 11:42 AM
That just cracks me up!! I totally agree with the pb & J sandwiches...not together...no way!! I read all this and wish I would have written the things down that my kids said...good for you Karen...you're an awesome mom! And...Happy Birthday..."Birthday Girl"!!!!!
Posted by: Tracy | February 11, 2011 at 12:00 PM
that's just some good ol' laugh out loud fun!! She's growing up so fast!! Happy Birthday wishes to the Birthday girl!! I still think you should call her Yannie!
Posted by: teresa b | February 11, 2011 at 12:13 PM
I love EVERY bit of this post!!! Will you teach a class someday on how to be a great blogger like you are?
Tell that "Birthday Girl" Annie that a lady out in blog land thinks she's about the sweetest thing since sugar was created.
I love the way the 5 year old mind works.
XX to you all. Have a gorgeous weekend!
Posted by: Tricia | February 11, 2011 at 12:48 PM
that is sooo cute Karen :)
Posted by: Young Nanny | February 11, 2011 at 12:52 PM
Oh My! This post just made me laugh out loud...several times. Thanks, and have a happy birthday Annie!!
Posted by: Susan | February 11, 2011 at 01:05 PM
love love love it! What a doll!
Posted by: Adele | February 11, 2011 at 01:09 PM
Loved this post. She is adorable. This made my "blog read" of the day today :) Awesome. Loved reading your posts, Karen! Have a great weekend, Heidi
Posted by: Heidi | February 11, 2011 at 01:09 PM
I absolutely love the little cheeks seen on either side of the card!
Posted by: cinback | February 11, 2011 at 01:32 PM
Hi Karen! I think its been about 6 months since I've been on your blog! Went back through till december :) your kids are growing up and your picture taking is still amazing! hope all is well!
Posted by: jenn | February 11, 2011 at 01:34 PM
I'm so sad! She's growing up! I've decided you should have another baby.
Posted by: Kelli | February 11, 2011 at 01:46 PM
Happy birthday, Birthday Girl! I simply cannot believe she is going to be 5. Have I really been reading your blog that length of time? You were pregnant when I started, gosh do I feel like some sort of stalker, of the nicest kind. Have a wonderful weekend.
Posted by: TerriB in Oregon | February 11, 2011 at 01:47 PM
5 is such a fun age. I hope there will be many more posts in the coming year with her 5 year old-isms. Love it. Happy birthday to Annie!
Posted by: Elizabeth C. | February 11, 2011 at 01:48 PM
My son is 5 and always puts his shoes on the wrong feet too. Glad to know it's not just him that walks around all day like that. I mean isn't it just a little uncomfortable?
Posted by: Heather J. | February 11, 2011 at 01:55 PM
That whole thing is just too cute, and funny! The idiot comment, LOL!! happy 5th birthday Annie!
Posted by: allison | February 11, 2011 at 02:36 PM
From the mouths of babes...I am still laughing so hard at #9 that I'm crying!
Happy 5th Birthday Annie! Savor every moment Karen it goes by so fast.
Posted by: Alaina | February 11, 2011 at 03:43 PM
Fantastic writing for a 5 year old....my Sienna is 3 weeks younger than your Annie...can't wait for those wonderful birthday pics. Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia
Posted by: Kathy | February 11, 2011 at 04:26 PM
I love Annie:)
Happy Birthday to the birthday girl!
Posted by: Melanie | February 11, 2011 at 04:44 PM
Re: #8: My 4.5 year old cries at pants too. We live in New England with lots of SNOW this year. I convinced her that "leggings" aren't really pants of any sort and should be worn with tights and dresses. Phew it worked!
Posted by: Gail | February 11, 2011 at 05:01 PM
so precious.. i love how you capture all of this...we all feel it...
Posted by: kate | February 11, 2011 at 05:14 PM
I'm sorry to hear she doesn't call herself Yannie anymore. Its those little things of childhood that I miss the most now.
Posted by: kimberly | February 11, 2011 at 05:25 PM
oh my gosh, laughed out LOUD when I read #9!!!!!!!! You tell such great stories Karen, thanks!
Posted by: AMY | February 11, 2011 at 06:20 PM
What great moments to preserve (and share). Hope the Birthday Girl has a fantastic birthday...although I'm sure she will.
Posted by: Christine Edwards | February 11, 2011 at 07:32 PM
Happy birthday Annie!
Posted by: Dina | February 11, 2011 at 07:40 PM
#6 love it! chloe used to say..."who laid you?" meaning who was you mom! LOL so funny the things they say! happy birthday to annie!!!!
Posted by: janelle shultz | February 11, 2011 at 07:40 PM
omg, how do you stand to live with all that cuteness. aaghh. 5 what a great age. my 10 yr doesn't like to wear pants...but where we live is "a must" during the winter....love when summer is here though.love the "idiot remark" and my son had his shoes on the wrong feet every once in awhile..but that was my fault, lol, even when his lil elmo shoes had "left" & "right" on the soles...lol
Posted by: lynda p | February 11, 2011 at 07:52 PM
Lovely...as always:) She is so cute!
Posted by: Patty H | February 11, 2011 at 08:56 PM
....and she is absolutely adorable :) ...Happy Birthday Annie - we love hearing your family's funny and wonderful stories xoxoxo
Posted by: Karen P (kphike) | February 12, 2011 at 06:17 AM
She is FIVE! Wow! I remember reading about her when she was so little. Do your kids know how lucky they are to have a mother documenting their life so wonderfull!? You really inspire me to capture the day to day things more often!
Posted by: Cass | February 12, 2011 at 06:24 AM
made me melt...super sweet post.
Posted by: Lori Craig | February 12, 2011 at 07:26 AM
I absolutely love how you have put these things into written words, save them because they get older and you somehow forget those little things they did that were so darn cute and special. I am good at writing things down now, that my boys do or say, but they are 13 and 15. Thanks for sharing, I truly enjoy.....
Posted by: christy | February 12, 2011 at 09:46 AM
Sweet, very very sweet.
Posted by: Domenico | February 12, 2011 at 09:50 AM
Gosh Karen - you always make me smile / laugh with your stories - keep em coming!
Posted by: Sue Eisenbeis | February 12, 2011 at 11:39 AM
Happy 5th bee-day tomorrow Miss Annie! ;)
Posted by: Kathy C. | February 12, 2011 at 05:38 PM
Too funny! Not too long ago, my 4yo-going on 34, Caleb, asked me to tell him tales of when Daddy was littler. I explained that I didn't know Daddy when he was little. I met him when we were older and he gave me this look that said, 'Did you just speak Japanese b/c that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.' Those wheels were spinnin' at 800 mph, you could just see it in his sweet little eyes. It's hilarious, the things they say.
Posted by: MK | February 12, 2011 at 06:37 PM
My Olivia is going to be 1 on Sunday! Birthday twins! :)
Posted by: Alison | February 12, 2011 at 07:03 PM
Happy Birthday to Sweet Annie! :)
Posted by: ♥ Debbie | February 13, 2011 at 12:44 AM
LOL, gee Karen, thanks for sharing... and putting a giggle in me, and a smile on my face. The 'Birthday Girl' is such a cutie... such fun to watch her grow up. The funniest... 'you mean you just found Daddy?'. How precious is that? So glad you are 'back' and sharing again. You truly bless us all with your writing and photos! Thanks!
Posted by: Danella | February 13, 2011 at 06:26 AM
REALLY CUTE! Her handwriting is AWESOME for a soon-to-be 5-year old. My kids couldn't write that neatly or that small until they were at least 6 or so. And a ponytail all by herself! She has some wonderful fine motor skills. You go Annie!
Posted by: Karen H | February 13, 2011 at 06:52 AM
OMG! How can she be turning 5, she just had a birthday?!
Posted by: Mallory | February 13, 2011 at 12:45 PM
Your entire family is adorable! I realized life can get so "daily"; which is why it is important to count our blessings, (as you remind us by your photos). Thank you for sharing honestly. Blessings to you and yours.
Posted by: Laura | February 13, 2011 at 03:08 PM
funny funny girl!!!
Posted by: MEG DUERKSEN | February 13, 2011 at 05:27 PM
LOVE this post. love the close-up photo and the stories it tells. love how you captured "snapshots" of Annie right now. someday i want to grow up (even tho' i'm older than you) and be a photographer AND a blogger like you. happy birthday, annie.
happy valentine's day!
Posted by: amy | February 13, 2011 at 09:34 PM
Happy birthday Annie! Hope she had a great day! My "baby" has also just turned 5 and I can't believe how quickly those 5 years have gone. Thanks to your wonderful workshop I have beautiful pictures of those 5 years though :)
Posted by: Julie Pilch | February 13, 2011 at 11:19 PM
#9 cracked me up! What an adorable little girl!
Posted by: Amy Taylor | February 14, 2011 at 06:42 AM
Just LOVE it! Was never sure of your kids ages. . .my granddaughter will be five the next day. 4.9 has been quite the experience. . .I'm holding onto my hat in prep. for 5! Happy Birthday early Miss Annie!!!
Posted by: Jill | February 14, 2011 at 06:43 AM
Such a cutie patootie. Happy birthday to little Miss Annie. I loved her "found my dad" comment - that is too precious! Have a great week, Karen and Happy Valentine's Day! :)
Posted by: Tracy | February 14, 2011 at 10:22 AM
Oh how I love this!!!!
Posted by: Nancy Wyatt | February 14, 2011 at 12:05 PM
She is so adorable! These are priceless memories that you will be so happy you capture them all in photos and words when she is grown. I've always kept journals and it tickles me to read in my son's words those sweet everyday conversations that capture who they are at that moment in time. Thanks for sharing yours. Annie is such a doll baby.
Posted by: Susi | June 27, 2011 at 04:34 PM