A Bunny Birthday

Today J turned 2. She is officially past the baby stage, and I am full of mixed emotions.
It has been fun to watch her grow and learn new things, to speak and interact more with the world around her. She loves to jump, dance, listen to music, read picture books, and look at photographs of herself and her siblings. She also loves bunnies.

Since her birthday falls close to Easter (she missed Easter by three days when she was born), I thought it would be the perfect idea to have a bunny-themed birthday for her. The stores have plenty of bunny decor in the Easter section, and I had some Beatrix Potter cupcake liners and picks left from last year when I couldn't  make up my mind what kind of party I wanted to throw for her.

So at the beginning of the COVID-19 craziness, I headed out to get groceries and party supplies for her birthday. Annie's has a whole line of bunny-themed products, so I stocked up to be prepared, even though her birthday was a few weeks away at the time. 

The day was a full one. I arose early to wrap the presents, since I had somehow put it off until the Very Last Minute. By the time I was done, a couple of kids were up and ready for breakfast. J soon followed. Cocoa Bunnies cereal was the star of the morning for the kids, although I think J spilled more of hers on the floor than she actually ate. I was trying to clean up some of the kitchen when she found her presents, brought one to the table, and started to try to open it. It was then that we decided that opening presents would need to happen promptly if we were to witness the process as a family.

Still in our jammies, we gathered together to watch J open her gifts, filming the opening of those from family who could not join us because of social distancing. She quickly got the hang of it, and became quite efficient in tearing into her new toys, books, and other gifts. When it was all over, we moved to clean up the mess while she and the other kids tried out the new playthings.

Most of the day was average, but she did refuse to take a nap. All. Day. Long. I thought for sure she would crash at dinner, but, like the Energizer bunny, she kept going and going. I am sure it was my fault for choosing a bunny theme.

We ended our day with bunny-shaped mac and cheese (one of her favorite foods) with ham and vegetables for dinner. This was followed, of course, by bunny-themed desserts. I debated making a carrot cake, but she wanted chocolate. I used the cupcake liners I had, and I used some of the cake to mold a small bunny just for J. As if that were not enough, I had purchased some Lindt chocolate bunnies for the kids to enjoy as well.

Unfortunately, J did not like having us sing "Happy Birthday" to her. She started crying and protesting, "No... No!" After K helped her blow out the candles, she willingly tasted the bunny cake, especially enjoying picking the eyeballs off with her fork and eating them. She thought it was funny.

The evening was spent outside, running off the sugar energy. J and I went for a walk around the neighborhood, looking for wild bunnies (we didn't see any), followed by a bath and bedtime. She truly is a joy to have in our family, and I am blessed to have watched her grow the past two years.

K's Eleventh Birthday

As I had told the older kids we would only be celebrating with family this year, K did not enjoy the shenanigans of a party like she did last year. This is not to say she did not enjoy her birthday. She had requested Tunnel of Fudge Cake for her cake, a choice based on the phenomenon of her remembering Timothy celebrating with that cake when she was a mere 2 1/2 years old. I was not sure if her expectations would be met as sometimes memories improve experiences above and beyond reality. However, as she took that first bite of cake, her face reflected her approval, and I sighed with relief.

The day went much like many others, with K allowed a lighter load at school but still attending a full afternoon of ballet. She finished late, but we waited for her and enjoyed her choice of ribs, creamy potatoes (and creamy sweet potatoes for Timothy), and vegetables for dinner, followed by cake and presents. It wasn't a birthday that was especially remarkable, but, at the end of the day, I believe I had a happy girl on my hands. Happy 11th, sweetheart!

From Little Girl to Little Lady

This month Kristen turned eleven. As the oldest child, she has always shown maturity in certain areas, and viewing her as a young lady was not a push for me. However, I realized when looking back over photos of the past years just how much she has grown, both in physical appearance and behavior. Not that merely reaching eleven has suddenly caused her to turn a corner in any respect, but the number helps cement what I have been witnessing for the past years. K is growing up. Her time at home is growing short, and my influence over her is waning. Oh, I know I have several more years, but I also know just how quickly those years will pass. By the time she is another eleven years older, she could be in love and thinking of marriage. I know I was at 22.

But why dwell on the future when one can enjoy the present? K is a typical eleven-year-old, with the struggles, attitudes, and dreams associated with many girls her age. She still enjoys her American Girl dolls, but she is also getting more interested in more grown-up activities. Skipping the toys this year, her "want" from us for her birthday was a hugglepod, a little reading nook that hangs from her ceiling. For Christmas, she wants a nail set from Jamberry.

We don't always get along as she searches to find her place in the family and in life as a young lady, but we do enjoy watching corny Christmas specials, baking together, and expressing our creativity through random items found at Hobby Lobby. Her room is a constant disaster, but she will help out with laundry, dishes, and little A without being asked. She will bring me my tea or coffee if it is ready when I am in the middle of something else. She enjoys shopping for others in Operation Christmas Child and the various other giving opportunities that arise during this time of year. She hangs at that half-way mark between childhood and adulthood in so many areas of life.

K dreams of dancing in a leading role in the Nutcracker one day. She is a dedicated dancer, spending hours each week developing her skill and technique. She is hoping to be en pointe by next summer, and she will be attending the Denver Guild for the first time this spring. I love watching her dance, and she frequently brings me to tears as I admire my daughter performing for others so beautifully (she usually performs at nursing homes and retirement centers).

I have a feeling that these next two years will bring major changes in our lives as she continues to grow into a little lady, and I feel privileged to be a part of it.

AJ's Ninth Birthday

AJ turned nine this week. All week long, he eyed his growing stash of presents and begged to open just one early. We finally agreed to allow him to open one present on his birthday eve, but this was due to the fact that his little brother had already spoiled the surprised and told him what it was. 

For his birthday dinner, AJ chose to visit a hibachi restaurant over the weekend. It was fun to see S laughing and reacting to the experience of fire and culinary acrobatics, and AJ seemed content as well.

His actual birthday was filled with school, a trip to a trampoline park, and an evening celebration.

On his birthday evening, we ate dinner, devoured cake (he chose Boston cream pie this year), opened presents, and the kids watched Lady and the Tramp. It was much more relaxing than hosting a party of his friends and ensuring everyone was entertained and happy. 

AJ read The Lord of the Rings books this past year, and he was thrilled to receive a Frodo costume, complete with Sting, for his birthday. His other presents included a fluorescent yellow shirt and sweatshirt (which he loves), footed pajamas, an electric toothbrush, a green light-saber, and the fourth book in a series he is reading.  

At the end of the day, I had one happy boy. Success.

On AJ Growing Up

This week, we enjoyed the privilege of celebrating AJ's ninth birthday. Every year I experience the same sentiments on each of my children's birthdays -- disbelief and denial. As I look back over the years, my heart fills with a bittersweet happiness as I remember the joys we have experienced and the hardships we have overcome.

AJ has grown so much this year, not only in body, but also in internal strength and maturity. He really is not my little boy anymore. He still struggles with wanting to complete his schoolwork, but he has shown the ability to focus and complete his assignments when it is necessary to really buckle down (and when properly motivated). He has also demonstrated great spiritual growth and understanding in our discussions at home. He really has a heart for others, and he prays every night that the people in Iraq would stop getting killed. He really floored me when he also prayed that those who are doing the killing would come to know Jesus. He recognized that as a need for everyone involved with no prompting from me.

This year, AJ has also had the privilege to start to go hunting with Daddy. He went on his first pheasant hunt (which is no small feat considering his fear of dogs), and he is spending his birthday weekend elk hunting in the mountains.

My little boy is gone.

Nine years. That is half of eighteen. My years with him at home are half-way over. I know my job is to work myself out of a job. If my kids are living at home in their twenties, I failed in some capacity. But those first nine years passed so quickly.

I love this kid dearly, and I can't wait to see what the next nine years hold. I hope that I will be able to release him when the time comes. But I know I am a sap, and I will only be able to hold that excited smile long enough for him to turn away and walk into adulthood.

Now We are Six

This past year has been one of incredible growth for H. He learned to read, finished his first year of "real" school, started taking real responsibility around the house (with plenty of encouragement), built his first full Lego set alone, learned to ride a bike without training wheels, and has grown in so many ways.




H is my most generous kid, my child most likely not only to share, but to give of his resources. This became evident one day when he said he wanted to order pizza for dinner instead of having leftovers, as I had planned. I responded with my usual, "Are you paying?" This always gets the other kids. H, however, decided that it was, indeed, worth his money to order pizza. What blew me away was that he ordered enough for everyone, not only himself. He bought dinner for the whole family.

This year, I have also realized how much H is like me. When the kids attended VBS this summer, the leaders handed out a CD with the music they were using in the program. H and I ranked our top three exactly the same.

H looks a lot like I did at his age. 

H also loves beauty in all forms. We recently finished reading The Trumpet of the Swan, and now his goal is to play "Beautiful Dreamer" on the trumpet some day. He wanted me to find a trumpet version to download on my phone so he could listen to it whenever he wanted to. The only version I could find plays it as a waltz, and he loves listening to that.

All this took me by surprise since he also loves robots, Minecraft and Star Wars. In fact, one of his favorite outside games to play is "Minecraft Earth," in which he pretends to gather materials and build in real life, as opposed to on a tablet.

I am so happy to have H in our family. He really adds a unique dynamic to our household, and when he is sick, I miss that. I can't wait to see what the next year brings. I know that he has already started moving away from the little boy phase, and, while I will miss that part of his life, I am excited to see what God has in store for him as he grows.

Little A Turns One

 I honestly don't know how this happened. Somehow my baby girl is already a year old. You would think that I would be able to see this coming. After all, I had a whole year to prepare for it. It seems like yesterday that I was lamenting over being overdue and uncomfortable. Alas, I was blindsided once more.

In my defense, I think it happens faster the more kids you have. With just one child, the days were not so busy and full of, well, life.

So here we are, celebrating my special little girl and the joy she brings to our lives.

Little A has always been a mover and shaker. She was very active in the womb, and she continued that activity after birth. She rolled over when just two days old (although that was probably a fluke), and regularly rolled over when she was 2 1/2 months. She could reach anything in a room when she was four months, crawled a real crawl just after turning 5 months, and took her first several steps in a row when she was 8.5 months. I know that some kids reach these milestones earlier, but she impressed me with her activity.

Miss A also loves to be outside. She stands by the door, longingly gazing outside until someone lets her out (and goes out with her). Sometimes, she finishes her dinner and immediately walks to the door to be let outside. Then, she cries when it is not possible to grant her request.

Little A is also very social. Her first real word was "hi." She said this around four months, but she didn't say Mama until she was 11 months. I guess she didn't think she needed to since I was always there. In fact, the first time she said the "ma" sound, it went something like "Ma ma ma ma babababa."

A is such a joy to have in our family. I have thoroughly enjoyed this past year. Having an infant is intense, but it is so worth it. I look forward to what her second year will bring.

S Turns Three

My energetic, go-getter toddler turned three. How did that happen? Where did the past three years

go? I guess the two moves and new baby really sped up the time.

After having three kids, I thought I had this whole parenting thing figured out. Enter S. He threw a curve-ball into so much of what I had learned. I guess each of my kids have done that in their own way, but S stands out. It is not necessarily a bad thing. He has qualities that will make him an amazing adult, but they also make him a challenging toddler. S does not give up. To call him strong-willed does not really accurately describe him. I have tried the "strong-will" strategies on him, and they don't work. They say give the child options so they feel like they have some control. I give him two options in the boundaries I have set. He goes to a third option. Sometimes, it is in the boundaries, sometimes it is not. But he consistently chooses a third option. Once he sets his mind on something, it is almost impossible to change his mind. I can see him setting goals as an adult and reaching great heights, but as a toddler, his goals are not always healthy or practical. He is starting to learn that he has to follow certain rules, but he is not easily deterred. I am daunted by the task of teaching him how to know when to keep pursuing those goals and when to accept the authority God has put over him and lay aside his selfish desires. It's not easy.

Despite the difficulties, S makes me smile every day. Each morning, he greets me as if I have been away for months. I guess all of my kids do that to an extent, but his enthusiasm makes his morning "Mama!!!" that much more special. I am not naturally a morning person, so this is a big deal. He loves to be read to, he is learning to read himself, and loves doing his "writing," which consists of a tracing book with simple mazes.

Being the fourth isn't a problem for him since either makes his needs known or solves his own problems. It is not unusual for me to find him helping himself to a snack from the fridge or pantry (even if he has to use a bar stool to reach those chocolate chips on the high shelf). I appreciate his problem-solving mindset, but it does not always manifest itself in the healthiest of ways.

S is also learning to recognize love in difficult situations. When I have had to correct his behavior, he may scream and throw a fit at first, but many times, he will ultimately put his arms up for a reassuring hug. I am always there to hold him and let him know that I still love him even if I don't love his behavior. I do have to give him credit where it is due. He is always quick to say, "I'm sorry," and "I won't do it again." He also tells me "I want to be nice."

S also has a way of overpowering a room. His loud voice combined with his go-getter personality means he naturally draws a lot of attention to himself. I can see him as a compelling speaker or preacher. It will be interesting to see what God has in store for my little guy.

Oh, S, I love you so dearly. I know God made you the way you are for a purpose, and I would not change you for that very reason. When you look up at me with that sweet smile and those big, blue eyes, my heart melts. I love cuddling with you, baking with you, reading to you, teaching you, and being your Mama. You add so much our family. Life just wouldn't be the same without you.

Double Digits

K turned 10 this year. I can't believe that I have been a mother that long. In some ways it seems longer. In others, it has flown by.

K is an amazing girl. She is smart and talented, but, more importantly, she is helpful and sweet, jumping up to help me should I even mention needing something. She loves her baby sister, and she shares her dolls, snuggles, plays with, and dresses her. K also has incredible leadership abilities. She can find ways to motivate her brothers when I have failed. I am so excited to see what God has in store for her, but I am going to enjoy the years I still have with her before she enters the big, wide world.

This year, K wanted to host her birthday party at home. I was not sure what to do with a houseful of preteen girls, so we decided to bake cookies. I made the dough ahead of time, wrapped it up in individual balls, and put it in the fridge for the girls to use when the party started. The girls each received a piece of parchment paper and a ball of cookie dough, and I laid out dozens of cookie cutters and a variety of sprinkles for them to use as well.

Rolling out cookies

Having fun

Sprinkles make it better

One of her sweet friends

Cutting out the cookies

Since we were already baking cookies, K agreed to have a cookie cake instead of a traditional birthday cake for her party. When the girls finished rolling out and cutting their cookies, they worked together to create a "cake" for K. It was fun to see what they came up with.

The unbaked "cake". They kind of went overboard on the sprinkles

 The cookie-baking process took longer than I anticipated, and we had to rush to open presents at the end. The cookie cake finished baking while she opened her presents, and the girls sang a quick "Happy Birthday" before departing with their plates of cookies.

Opening presents

Watching her open presents

Overall, I would say the party went well. I think the girls had fun, and I know that K did. If the birthday girl is happy, I count that as a success.

AJ's Party

AJ wanted a small birthday party at home this year, so we invited a couple of his friends over on Sunday afternoon and kept it simple.

We started the party with Lego-building contests, followed by pin-the-football-on-Peyton. Then we sugared up the kids with chocolate cake and ice cream before they ran outside to play. This was perfect since it gave them a chance to run off the sugar high, and I was able to sweep up the chocolate cake from the floor.

AJ said he enjoyed his party. That means success in my book.

AJ's Eighth

Fall means birthday season, and AJ is first in line. This year, he turned eight, which almost seems impossible to me. How can that many years have passed since I was in the hospital awaiting his arrival? I suppose all parents feel the same way, and I don't guess it will get any easier as the years pass.

AJ is a fun-loving boy who demonstrates a tender heart and exhibits great amounts of creativity, especially where Legos are concerned. At this point, he wants to be a Lego Master Builder when he grows up because he would get to play with Legos all day (in his mind).

For his family party, he chose apple pie instead of cake to celebrate. He also chose to wear his favorite florescent yellow shirt for his birthday photos. We had fun snapping a few pictures before dinner, and his personality comes out quite a bit in some of the photos.

Being silly

Eight Years Old

Blowing out candles on his birthday pie

Cutting the pie

After pie, he opened his presents, which included three board games. AJ thoroughly enjoys board games, and this proved a smart choice to deviate from his usual Lego gifts. Timo and the three older kids played a game of Clue before bed while I put the younger two down. AJ had never played Clue before, but I think it quickly became his favorite.

I am looking forward to this coming year to see what God has in store for my growing boy. He truly is a joy to have in our lives.