The "pink one" birthday

Several weeks before Helen's birthday I asked her what she would like for her birthday.

"A pink one," she said.
 
"A pink present? I think I can do that."

"No, Mommy! A PINK one!" she repeated. Obviously, I was missing something.

It took us several days and Daddy's interpretive ear to figure out that she was asking for a penguin. A big pink penguin, to be exact. I'm thankful she didn't expect a real penguin. I'm also thankful for Kevin's mad Google search skills. You can find anything on the internet, pink penguins included.

She saw a Rapunzel doll at Target like this one and started asking for it, too. Three times yesterday I saw her holding Rapunzel's hands, staring into her eyes and saying, "Rapunzel. I wuv you so much."

And a see saw! They have enjoyed this thing so much!

It was a really great third birthday celebration!

Peter: 8 months

This baby boy is growing entirely too quickly. I'm enjoying him so much!

 

Helen: 3 years

 

Helen,

Here it is: your THIRD birthday! You are so excited to be three! Honestly, you are excited about almost anything. It's our favorite thing about you.

 

You are my most social child. You make friends easily. You start conversations with everyone you encounter. You always want to go somewhere, do something, see someone.

 

Life is brighter and more fun and more spontaneous with you in it. It's just plain fun with you around.

 

A verse for you popped in to my head last night as I was thinking about your sweet life.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. -Matthew 5:16

Your father and I give thanks for your light-filled spirit. We pray that the light shining in you will continue to spill out onto those surrounding you, showing them that Jesus lives in your heart. We are prayerful that you will strive to give glory to God in all you do.

 

We love you, merry sunshine! Happy third bithday!

(Incredible photos taken by EBW Photography)

The last 6th birthday post

Who doesn't love to celebrate their birthday for days and days? I realized I hadn't posted about our celebration here at home and her special birthday snack at school.

We celebrated Caroline's birthday at home with one of her favorite meals: ravioli with sauce, salad, and bread.

Caroline is the easiest person in the world to shop for. It is so easy to find things I know she will love. I think I've said it before, but she is the best gift opener. She is truly delighted with each present she opens. So much fun!

I used the "easy button" and picked up Muddy's cupcakes. I'm running out of room for candles on the cupcakes. I guess I'll have to start making cakes!



Because she and Helen were sick the week of her birthday, her teachers and I postponed her birthday snack at school until after spring break - an entire 11 days of waiting. It was a really sweet time for me to get a glimpse of what goes on in Caroline's life at school. Her friends drew "warm and fuzzy wishes" for a special birthday book. There were lots of post of gold, disco balls, and kittens. Helen got to have snacks with the big girls (a glimpse of what her life at school will be like!).





Next up...Helen's birthday!

Sixth birthday fun

We had originally planned to do a small birthday celebration with a few of Caroline's friends the weekend before her birthday. But she got sick and we had to postpone and rearrange. 

Last Friday was the start of spring break, so I took Caroline and Shelby to the Children's Museum. They had a great time. 

The dinosaur exhibit was so interesting to the girls. They spent a long time reading, exploring, doing puzzles, and making dinosaur art.

 

 

Here I am with my "can't-stand-the-stroller-must-be-snuggled" baby. I'm wondering why in the world I left the Moby at home.

 

 

Then we invited Maddie and Elizabeth for manicures and pedicures on Monday.

 

 

 

 

And no birthday celebration is complete without cupcakes!

 

I am so thankful for these friends in Caroline's life. She is a lucky girl to be blessed with such sweet friendships at such an early age.

Caroline: 6 years

Sweet Caroline,

You are SIX! These years have gone by so quickly. They've been the best years of our lives. I could go on and on about how beautiful, talented, intelligent, graceful, wonderful you are. You are more than we ever imagined you would be! We are blessed.

Your daddy and I pray for you - prayers of thanksgiving and praise, prayers for the Holy Spirit to work in your life, prayers that Jesus will always be your redeemer and savior. We pray you remember the most important thing ever: that God loves you always and forever, deeply and intimately.

This was my "verse of the day" the day before your birthday. I thought it was so appropriate for you. I even put it on a note in your lunch box.

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. -Luke 12:6-7

You are valued. Not only by those who love you here on earth. But by your eternal Father. Never forget that.

Happy sixth birthday, dear daughter!

(Incredible photos taken by EBW Photography)

Yellow flowers

"Helen, look out the window! What do you see?"

"Beautiful yellow flowers! Mommy, God made them for us!"

Thank you, Lord, for your beautiful, incredible creation. The whole earth gives you glory! Thank you for children who are learning to glorify you and see you in everything.

For the beauty of the earth
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.

For each perfect gift of Thine,
To our race so freely given,
Graces human and divine,
Flowers of earth and buds of Heaven.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise,

This our hymn of grateful praise. 

For the Beauty of the Earth, words by Folliot S. Pierpoint