Baby Girl's Five!

Claire has been 5 years old for exactly one month...just about my pace for updating this here blog. I will post her birthday party pictures next time. Just wanted to wish my C-R-A-Z-Y, fun-loving, lastborn a very belated birthday wish on here. Just last night, Dan and I were watching some old videos from when Claire was 14 months old and also our beach trip in 08. Lots of fun to watch those, but also a visual reminder that our kiddos are growing up so very fast. I have not had any maternal "itches" in a long time. Even with my sweet little baby niece, Anna. But seeing my "baby" as a baby stirred something up. Guess we better not watch anymore. =) Oh, and in the above picture you can see where Claire decided to cut her hair (she still has long hair...it is braided in the picture, but take a look at those bangs).

So, back to Claire. She has recently said a couple of funnies that I don't want to forget. Thought I would jot them down on here for my memory's sake.

*We read books every day before naptime. Yesterday, when Claire was picking out her books, I heard her proclaim with excitement, "Green Hams and Green!" Can you guess what one of her favorite books is?

*This morning before school, Claire got out her play doctor's kit (score at the thrift store...69 cents). She gave me a shot (pretty standard treatment from Dr. Claire), listened to my heart, and checked my ears last (probably because she absolutely HATES that part of her visits and has a panic attack the second the inside-the-ear-looker thing approaches her). She looked into my right ear and then my left one and point blank told me I had "greasy ears."

Minute To Win It

So, here are the pictures I promised of Jake's Minute To Win It party...finally. He had a such a fun 10th birthday party, thanks to Daddy! (The first picture is of our cutest onlooker)!

We divided the boys into 3 teams and the birthday boy got to partner up with his best friend from school, Mitchell. What good buddies these two are.

Seth trying to get the tennis ball in a metal trash can with only one bounce.

Mitchell attempting the pencil game.

Jake aligning that ping pong ball to make it into the cup.

Malcolm getting ready to trade off to Seth during one of the games.

Perhaps this was one of the silliest games. Trying to balance an M&M on the face and moving it down to your mouth without touching it. Next to impossible! But hilarious to see everyone try!

The three teams had one minute to try and get all six chapsticks balanced using chopsticks...much harder than it appears.

How fast can you pound the nail in the wood (this one proved to be a little too easy for these macho young guys)?

Jake's birthday coffee cakes! He is not a big fan of regular cake, but enjoys coffee cake. Mommy's couldn't come close to the deliciousness of Grandma Ernst's coffee cake, but they got eaten!

Rejoice in the Lord always!

Philippians 4:4-8
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

Just being real here...the last few days have been rough. Dan's been out of town for going on two weeks. I want my husband back and the kids need their daddy back. Whenever I express that, either out loud, written down, or in my head, I always feel guilty. It's been two weeks. My "kid" brother, Brian, has been serving in Afghanistan. His wife and son are missing him for months. And then I think of all the single parents out there...when Dan is gone, my respect for them deepens. And perspective gives me a good kick in the rear. All that being said...the last few days have been rough.

Last night, I told my kids I might be adding a class to their day once they get home. It would be called, "How To Treat My Family." This morning, I woke up and realized I need to hire a teacher and become one of the students. The "whatevers" from Phil. 4:8 flooded my mind. I looked it up and was given another kick in my rear reading verse 4. I have to admit I am not a great rejoicer when I am tired, overwhelmed, irritable. I briefly talked with mom Ernst yesterday and vented to her a little bit. She told me she would take it to the Lord in prayer. She is doing what I should have...clearly stated in verse 6. God cares! He cares about the squabbles. He cares about the amount of energy I have! He cares about me trying to teach my "anti-social" child when she is being rude. He cares about the stubbornness in another child. He cares about the attitude in the third. And He cares about the mistakes I've made and the feeling of failure at times. And how quickly I forget He cares and not surrender my burden to Him. He promises peace which will "guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus!" Amen! Many times, I feel I am losing my mind. I don't know a mom out there who wouldn't want to claim that promise.

So, today I am going to pray for wisdom, energy, patience, kindness for myself and for my kids. And I am going to choose to rejoice and not be negative!

Thank you, Lord, for being patient and loving this child.