Grace is 11

Grace turned 11 on the 18th. September is a busy, crazy month. I have 3 of the 5 birthdays and it is also the start of a new school year. I feel like I'm always running behind. I hope my kids will forgive me for always posting late.

She is turning into such a young lady. She is still my sweet, angelic child. She has started testing me, however. I really kind of enjoy seeing her develop this way though. She has always been so shy and scared of change. I see her bursting out of her shell and becoming her own person. It is quite extraordinary.

Grace is the middle child. I have always felt a little guilty of this. I'm not sure why. I was the middle child out of the last 5 kids in my family and never felt ignored or scarred, but I tend to treat her like she is. It's something I need to change, she might become even more herself.

I interviewed her as well.

favorite food: potato soup

favorite color: light blue

favorite movie: Star Wars

favorite book: The Hidden Girl

favorite subject: math

favorite animal: bunny (she has wanted one for forever)

favorite soda: Dr. Pepper

favorite candy bar: Symphony

favorite hobby: watch TV

favorite cartoon: Jacob Tutu

What do you want to be when you grow up? a mom and a vet

What would you do with 1 million dollars? buy a car and the food I love then donate the rest

All my kids have answered the last question basically the same. They would buy what they want, but then share the rest. I haven't influenced any of them to answer this way. I'm grateful they are aware that there are those who need help and are willing to share what they have.

Grace, you are beautiful young lady. You love to cook and take care of your sisters. I love that you are so willing to help me. We are so glad that you are part of our family!

Becca's Barbie Birthday Bash

On September 13th we celebrate the birth of our Rebecca! She is 7 years old now. It amazes me how time flies by so fast.

This year was Becca's friend party. I asked her what theme she wanted and right off the bat she yelled, "BARBIE!" She loves Barbie. She loves anything girly and Barbie is as girly as you can get!

I never make the party last too long since I feel they get bored and out of control, so I kept everything short and sweet. I found a site where you could print out your own paper dolls. The girls loved choosing their own and coloring it. Then we painted fingernails and decorated them with nail stickers. We opened presents and then had cupcakes and ice cream. She had such a fun time and great day! 

the girls had fun helping me decorate

take home party bags and favors

wonderful gifts from wonderful friends

opening her RC Barbie car from Mom and Dad

opening gifts from friends: a Littlest Pet Shop

a new Barbie with clothes

a new Barbie and card games

her twin friends gave her a new shirt, twist-able crayons, and a Magic Tree House book 

a nail kit and a Cutie Pup

and new walkie-talkies!!

HaPPy BirTHdAy, BeCCa!!!

Enjoying the company!!

I started interviewing the kids on their birthdays so they can remember what they were like at that age. Here's Becca's answers:

favorite food: pizza

favorite color: pink

favorite movie: Star Wars series

favorite book: Magic Tree House series

favorite subject: math

favorite animal: zebra

favorite soda: Sprite

favorite candy bar: Snickers

favorite hobby: reading, coloring, and puzzles

favorite cartoon: Scooby-Doo

What do you want to be when you grow up? A teacher

What would you do with a million dollars? buy healthy food, a phone, and new clothes. Then I would buy food and give it to those in need.

Becca, we love you and all the CRAZY energy you bring to our family. Your silly personality is insane sometimes, but always amusing! You are so smart, talented and beautiful!!! Never change!!

Aaron is 13!

Aaron turned 13 on the 2nd. I can't believe it!! Time goes by too quickly. I try to enjoy it, but often I feel I'm not slowing down enough to do so.

He doesn't let me take pictures of him- he hates the camera- so I will share my favorites from when he was little. 

The nickname he earned while little was, "Me too!" He loved doing whatever his big brother was doing. He adored Ryan and they were best buds. He still looks up to Ryan, even though they now fight. I'm glad I had those two together!

I was excited to interview Aaron because I hadn't done it in years. He's growing up, but I think it's still fun to ask these questions. Every mom should know her kid's favorites!

Aaron's Favorites

 food: potatoes and gravy

color: blue & red

movie: Rambo (?)

book: he doesn't have one-reading has never been his favorite

subject: choir

animal: dog

soda: root beer

candy bar: Twix

video game: Uncharted 3 & Blazing Angels 2

hobby: video games and hunting

questions:

What do want to be when you grow up? Either a vet or hunting guide (we realize this is an oxymoron)

If you had $1,000,000, what would you spend it on? hunting gear and then use the rest to help people.

Aaron has always been my rough and tough guy, but he has this soft, sweet sensitive side. He worships the ground his father walks on. He is also the best helper anyone could have. I can ask him to do anything and he'll get right up and do it.

I could keep going for forever!

We love you Aaron and are glad you are part of our family!!