Gingercake

January Birthday Girl

Anne turned 7 last week.  I won't give my usual "time marches on" speech but I am feeling it.  She is a precious girl ~ happy and sweet and full of generosity.  She also has a new side to her that Travis and I are noticing.  Her big sister likes to be ready for the bus EARLY.  Like 20 minutes early.  This is not important to Anne and she is showing a strong aversion to being rushed.  She waits to put on her coat.  She lingers over hugs to the baby.  She slowly ties her shoes.  She wanders around looking for papers and books as the time gets closer.  This drives Elsie crazy and Anne knows it.  Anne has always just done whatever Elsie wants.  I try to smooth things over by reminding Elsie that there is plenty of time.  I don't enjoy seeing Elsie unhappy but I do like to seeing the middle child show her own determination (even though it is a little passive aggressive at this point).  A little backbone is always encouraged and this 7 year old has certainly got it!

We had a bowling party with the cousins.  So fun and easy!

Having an amazing photographer for a sister in law (and great friend) is such a blessing.  Thank you Jenny for taking these photos of the bowling experience and the birthday girl.  You captured it perfectly as usual.  Jenny is posting pictures on her blog daily right now and they are great inspiration.  Check it out for sure!

Happy Birthday my little sweet.

A Pirate Turns Five

My boy is five today.  He loves the Pittsburgh Pirates and this has turned into a lot of pretend pirate play.  He makes sure that I know that his pirates are the NICE kind.  His first present this morning was a pirate costume from my mom.  Very cute and nice quality!

He had preschool this morning and I sent in this snack idea.  The kids loved it and the teachers were happy it was semi healthy!  Thank you Pinterest!

His big gift from Travis and me was this Playmobil Pirate Ship.  It is totally awesome- although a bit of a bear to assemble.  Playmobil always comes together nicely but there is usually a point where I feel overwhelmed and have to work through feeling annoyed- especially when your birthday boy is looking over your shoulder the whole time with cute commentary.

Happy Birthday to my sweet boy who I am often accused of showing preference and extra affection.  This accusation usually comes from my husband as he witnesses the excess of luvin.  I would never say he is my favorite but a mother feels a lot of special love for her only boy- especially a boy this sweet and funny.  

The sisters are about to come home from school and tonight we are having his favorite dinner of pancakes, bacon & cantalope.  Finally grandparents are coming over for pirate decorated chocolate cake (bought from the store!) and ice cream.

I think I am done with elaborate birthday celebrations.  They do not make me happy and I can tell the kids sense my dread of birthday party preperations and it diminishes their fun.  Do you love the big party prep?  Or feel guilty if you don't do it?  The girls are more into having friends over and a theme, etc.  than Cal so we will see if I give into pressure when their birthdays come around in a few months!

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!