Lately

Ohh my goodness, it's been pedal to the metal lately. After Anna's birthday stuff last week, we moved right into church and work activities, and of course celebrating Patrick for his birthday on Sunday. I had all intentions of writing something nice on the blog about how amazing is, but we were just too busy living life. So here are some snap shots of what's been up...

We bought a NEW car!! Ahh!! My very first car, otherwise fondly known as The Bucket, is 17 years old and needs some work. Another 4 years from now, we would have considered keeping it for Anna to drive (craziest thought EVER!). It's been a good little car and has a lot of memories tied to it, like bringing our first baby home from the hospital. In any event, we wanted to roll the money we would spend on work into a new vehicle. There were some hugs and a few sniffs as we said goodbye.

We have been on and off researching for the last 6 months. I really thought I wanted a Pilot and it was good when we test drove it, but to make sure that's what we really wanted, we also test drove the Kia Sorento. Our goal was to get an SUV with a 3rd row so we could have flexible space with transporting people and stuff. Well the Sorento won out! We could get far more features for our dollars and like that it drives like a car. Patrick played the dealers off each other for a week and by Saturday we were ready to sign on the dotted line. The girls think it's a pretty sweet ride and I have to agree. Patrick now gets the Honda and he's a happy camper.

Sunday we kicked off our new Kids Rock program which involved a breakfast. The poor Currys got sick at the last minute (which meant we also had to punt on acorn squash) so we covered some extra things for them. It was a sweet morning and we're excited about all of our kids being in small groups just like the one I have been leading for the 4th and 5th grade girls. Yay!

We also celebrated Patrick on Sunday with his favorite steak dinner and chocolate peanut butter pie. He's pretty easy to please and was super happy with his gifts, sweet messages and yummy meal. We even managed to sneak the birthday spankings in while I sat on him!

This picture makes me laugh!

Other than that we have been super busy with work. I have finished grading 120 resumes but still have to look through final drafts. Patrick has a training after school every day this week and class on Monday night. On Tuesday, I led tours for perspective parents at the girls' school and then gave a presentation on interviewing to the 5th graders. They need to be prepared for magnet school interviews coming up. Anna said I didn't embarrass her and I did a great job. It was a full day, but I sure do love being at their school.

There you have it. Half way through the week and still trucking!

Anna's big day

As if the weekend weren't enough, we continued the Anna celebration on her actual birthday on Wednesday.

She woke up to a balloon waterfall at her door. I had to knock to get her to open it which was funny. Then we snuggled her in bed which we do every morning of her birthday. I tell her about the day she was born and we squish her. She secretly loves it.

She wore her crown to breakfast and opened some cards before heading to school. It's been much easier for her to eat lately since she lost her tooth on Tuesday.

Patrick was able to have lunch with her while I taught my classes and then later I brought in some chocolate dipped madelines to class. Her classmates sang her Happy Birthday, country style and we all enjoyed a treat before heading home.

She took lots of phone calls from family which was sweet and then we ate dinner. Her choice was pot pie with cupcakes for dessert. We're actually making a strawberry cake with lemon curd and lemon buttercream frosting for a special birthday dinner tonight to celebrate Patrick, Rusty and Anna.

In the end, I tucked my big girl in bed and she thanked me for the wonderful day.

Happy Birthday Anna

Dear Anna,

Happy 11th birthday! As you like to remind me often you are now more than two hands old. Don't worry, I won't cry too much. ;) I have absolutely loved watching you grow into your own this year. In August you entered 5th grade and I have to admit it was strange seeing you as the leader of the school. It wasn't long ago you were just starting there as a tiny kindergartner and now you are the one leading other students. You were certainly ready and entered the role with ease and confidence.

In many ways, this has symbolized much of your 10 year old year. You are confident and continue to march to the beat of your own Anna drum, whether that's with what you choose to wear, activities you are involved in or pretty much any opinion you have to share. I know it can be difficult to navigate between being a kid and growing up, but you seem to have a foot planted firmly in each world. I know I don't have to tell you this, but continue to do you, Anna.

I've also loved watching your interests grow. You absolutely love baking and even did a school project on it. One of my favorite things is to roll up our sleeves and create things in the kitchen with you. I even manage to sneak in some math! Of course, you still love reading and I can always find a book in your hand at the end of the day. And you wouldn't be Anna without doing some sort of sport. Softball and basketball have been fun, but running seems to be your jam. We love to watch you fly and Dad really enjoys training with you. Finally, your interest in dolls has really caught me by surprise, but I think you love yours so much because it belonged to your great grandmother. You are always a sucker for old things with personal meaning.

This year we have tackled some tough things together. Your eyes are opening to the ways of the world, whether it's politics or just knowing more about how things work. We've also been tackling the decision about where to go to middle school together and I know it's hard for you to have uncertainty. But you are leaning into God's plan for you and trusting Him with discernment. That's one of the things I've loved most about our time together this year, seeing you grow in knowledge and love of the Lord. It's been especially awesome to lead your Bible study group and I cherish this time together.

As Dad and I comment often, you sure are one cool kid Anna. We are blessed by your ever active, noise filled, witty presence. You bring us joy and keep us on our toes all at the same time. We are so looking forward to this next phase with you and we are confident you will continue to thrive. Just know that even if you are 11 now, we are still here to walk with you and beside you.

I love you more than all the stars in the sky!
Mom

Celebrating Anna

Anna is turning 11 this week. What?!! Yes, 11. She likes to remind me that it's more than two hands to see if I will cry. I've held strong so far. All this middle school and birthday stuff is reminding me of what a wonderful young lady she is becoming. She's still as spunky as ever!

This weekend we had a little party for her. I love that her idea of a birthday party is literally a dinner party with an activity. She wanted to have the Powells over for a pizza and salad dinner followed by a version of Cupcake Wars. I was happy to oblige.

After choosing some colorful and fun decorations, we picked up some toppings for the cupcakes. My idea was to give them a theme (books) and have to competitions: a taste and taste/appearance. John, Patrick and Ashley gladly agreed to be my judges although I think by round two they were a little slap happy from all the sugar.

The kids were so creative! They came up with awesome ideas like the Bible, Rainbow Fish, The Secret Garden, The Lorax, DogMan and many others. I loved their color combinations and it was absolutely hilarious to watch them rush against the clock. Talk about stressed out! We gave them each aprons to wear and to-go boxes for their decorated cupcakes. We all agreed it was a fun time and we ended with a big game of balloon tossing in the living room.

Mom, I am hard at work here!

My cupcake won!! 

Caroline spent the night and when I told the girls they could stay up until 10, the both grinned. Anna then said she may not make it until then. I heard them at 10:15. :)

It was fun to celebrate Anna and watch her in her element. We were having so much fun with the Cupcake Wars that we almost forgot to light a candle and sing to her! Honestly, she probably would have been fine if we hadn't. She's still quirky and marches to the beat of her own drum for sure. Later this week we will have our own family celebration, do acorn squash with the Currys to celebrate Patrick and Rusty. It's a week of sugar!!