Gingercake

Six Today

Today my Anne turned 6.  

I am so happy for her.  She had a great day.  Most of it spent away from Mommy at school.  I am keeping my chin up about this whole growing older thing.  I still have plenty of time, right??  I can't think about it too much.  I have to keep telling my self "the present is my present."

She still likes my birthday shirts!  That's good.  She is the best- bright and fun and caring.  We had a penguin party and lots more pictures to come but here is a sneak peek...

Here is one more when I asked her to pose before the party began.  She is saying "MOM!  enough of the pictures!  When are my cousins coming!  I am SIX!"  

My SIL Jenny was there with her awesome camera and great talent so I know I will be sharing more of this day soon.  There were penguins games and a penguin cake. All was happy for the middle child.  Basking in all her penguin glory.  Happy Birthday Anne!  

Seven from Heaven

My big girl is seven today.  Seven!  

She is smart and determined.  She is kind and concerned.  She is a big sister and a best friend.  She loves art, soccer, riding her bike and reading.

Your oldest child gets the best and worst of you.  Sometimes I push her to grow up and other times I baby her and don't realize how much she can handle.  This year together has been mostly up but a little down too.  There has been LOTS of laughter and a fair amount of tears too.  She takes on a lot for her seven years!

I want her to stay little but see her future bright and beautiful.  

I made this shirt for her yesterday.  It is a soft and lightweight cotton from the remnant section at JoAnns.  She really loves sleeveless tops but I want her to look seven and not fourteen so I often resist the tank tops at the store.  This is basically like a pillowcase dress but it is A-Line shaped.  I used a shirt we had that fit her nicely as a guide and traced the shape.   The front detail is just a piece of thrifted trim and a 5 little buttons sewed on.   I love how it turned out and she is pleased.  Hopefully she will wear it more than once!  I made the matching headband before she went to school this morning which was a little rushed but still turned out cute!

Happy Birthday big girl!