Jump-o-rama

Because I have fond memories of endless bed-jumping sessions as a kid with my siblings we have always had an open policy on jumping on the beds - anyone can jump on any bed as long as you take your shoes off (mom and dad's bed is the only one off-limits). I've thought about putting an age cap but can't really bring myself to it.

Plus, I would hate to miss moments like this. Reminds of a quote I came across a while back:

“The laughter of girls is and ever was among the delightful sounds on the earth.” ― Dequincey

OVERHEARD

This was a real conversation I had with Lauren this evening. Everything said was serious.

LAUREN: What's for dinner?
ME: Chicken pot pie.
LAUREN: Aww, I was hoping it was not chicken pot pie.
ME: (Frustrated) Name me three things you would eat for dinner.
LAUREN: (Thinks for a moment.) Wait . . . not candy?

Happy Birthday Lauren! #4

Lauren loved all of her gifts and the anticipation of her new bike waiting for her at home. A four-year old with attitude.

I think it was last year that I wrote that none of us could believe Lauren was only three! She just seemed to have been around for so much longer. I think she is an old soul. But this year I feel like she caught up to her age a bit. She can and will talk your ear off, loudly if need be. She really would prefer to be called Clara, Lisa, or Leah. She often comes from another room to tell me she was playing all by herself and ask me if I am proud of her (after only a few minutes.) Needless to say, she is not the most independent player but definitely my most independent child. She is a smarty-pants and gives her older brother & sister a run for their money sometimes. She does NOT back down. She does NOT like pity or sympathy. She loves to giggle and be tickled. She likes to watch kid shows. She is a social child but sometimes likes to hide behind the term 'shy'. I am happy she embraces being born the day after Valentine's day b/c I dreaded it for her. I hope she and Gentry grow closer together in the future or are at least kind to one another and respect each other's strong personalities. I hope she doesn't learn to read any sooner or how to do math. I hope she will want her hair cut short again in a cute little bob. I hope she quits grinding her teeth so badly that they chip. But mostly, I hope that she will overcome any and all middle-child syndrome effects.

A Brother's Devotion

A few weeks ago we started selling Girl Scout Cookies. Well at first only Vincent did. He pretty much helped me make and color the signs. He was so excited to stand out there and hold the sign and try to flag cars down. I mean, really excited. And he did great!

*Side note: Lauren tried to help as much as she could but coloring in the lines was somewhat required. She did however suggest that we make a sign that said "we are poor, give us money"

Baking

Hadley's first cake she made and decorated by herself - for Valentine's Day.

Authors Tea

Hadley & Vincent were both selected for Authors Tea, which is pretty coincidental in the same month but great because they got to see each other as well. I was so proud of them because they both made New Years Resolutions to improve their writing and be chosen for Authors Tea.

The writing prompt for the month was 'fun things to do in the snow'. Chris was able to not only attend Authors Tea but we surprised Hadley & Vincent by telling them they would be spending the following day (furlough) at Mt. High with daddy. We left from school to go rent skis!

OVERHEARD

VINCENT: Mom, what number comes right before infinity?