Happy 5th Birthday, L!!

Today is L's actual birthday. 5 years ago at 8:33 AM I gave birth to the most wonderful little girl to grace the face of this planet (I might be a little biased!). She is amazing - very thoughtful and considerate. I don't treasure her nearly enough nor have I taken advantage of each moment to spend with her. I have taken her for granted more times than not. I am so lucky to be her mom. If I had one thing to change, it's to be more patient with her. Hopefully I can work on this and make this change to better her life (and mine, and S's and J's and Daddy's!!)

I woke her up this morning with a great big hug and a cheerful Happy Birthday. We had gotten her 5 balloons and Blow Pops while she was sleeping last night so she saw those first thing when she came out of her room this morning. Blow Pops were a big deal because the house rule around here is no bubble gum until you are five - well today was a monumental day for her.... she got bubble gum!!! She then noticed the doll house we got her that she really wanted so very badly. It was $130 at the store and we just couldn't swing that right now. She was warned that this would probably be a Christmas toy from Santa rather than a birthday gift. Our neighbors who garage sale for a living had one at their house. Daddy noticed when he went over to help them 2 days ago and got it for.... $10 yep 10 bucks. It looks brand new! We spent an hour last night wiping it down with Clorox wipes (best invention EVER!) so it was clean and shiny. She has played with that toy all day.

One comment to remember from the day: L was standing in the kitchen in her jammies just moments after getting up and said while stretching her good morning stretch"I think I am taller now that I am 5". Too cute!

After playing with her gifts (we also got her a Birthday Barbie and a new elevation track pack for GeoTrax), it was breakfast time. We always do special birthday pancakes and since happy birthday with candles. She put in a request for a pancake that looked like a Barbie. I tried my hardest:

She was pleased with her Barbie pancake : -) We enjoyed our breakfast together.

Next up was a birthday gathering with her homeschool group. We had the whole group over to play complete with pizza for lunch and ice cream sundaes (total party for 12 kids and 8 adults - less than $20 thanks to my coupon shopping!!) She enjoyed the company of everyone but having the neighbor girls over really made her day. She thrived with all the little girl giggling!! Our homeschool group has become so wonderful to us. I am thankful for the friendships I have made with these women. I do believe God has brought them into my life at this time for a special reason.

After everyone left, we settled down for nap time. I was able to get about a 30 minute catnap and was awoken by the birthday girl. I bargained with her for some snuggle time, which I just don't get enough from her. She laid down with me for about 10 minutes and we chatted about her party and about her being 5. I valued this time immensely!!!

Nap time quickly came to end (dang it!) and we were up getting a birthday cake baked. Before I could con any kids into helping, a show auto-tuned for the kids. Daddy Piper had timered Spy Kids 3 for the older 2. It was a special treat having a movie in the afternoon - this is usually a big no-no around here. L sat glued to the show while S lost interest after approx. 15 minutes.

No kids helped bake the cake but L helped frost it. Her and I had the most glorious time together complete with much laughter and tons of sugar. The frosting was running off the plate quicker than L could lick it up. We alternated giggling with shrieking laughter at the mess we were making - fun times!!!!Dinner was leftover pizza and that yummy, messy cake we made earlier. I had leftover Taco Soup with cilantro fresh from the garden - delish!!

L's birthday was everything she hoped for - she told me at bedtime tonight. She was so happy to hang out with the neighbor girls, enjoyed getting a doll house special from her Daddy and LOVED getting to have gum.

Some things to remember about L being 5:

• She can read like no one's business. I mean everything she gets her hands on - reminds of her Mama!
• She's very smart. She gets upset if we skip regular workbook time. She will ask to do schoolwork periodically throughout the day - even if it's already been completed for the day.
  
• She is very, very thoughtful.
• She loves to color and do craft time, regularly.
• She is enjoys playing soccer. She may not be the best but she has fun and tried her hardest.
• She lights up when she talks about dancing.
  
• She makes friends easily.
• She is starting to comb her own hair now.
• She is mindful of her brothers. Example: I took J to the garden with me today while she was watching a movie. She ran out 5 minutes later and screaming she couldn't find J, not realizing I had him. I calmed her down and showed her he was with me.
  
• She is a swimmer. She loves to dunk her head under water and float around.
• She can now chew bubble gum : -)
  

Happy Birthday L! We love you more with each day. I am so happy to be your mommy. I hope to have my actions reflect that more each day.