Ellie's Fifth

Five things I love about Ellie on her 5th birthday:

1. She is constantly thinking of creative ways to say "I love you". (Today was: "I love you around all the planets and world and rivers, mom." Awesome.)

2. If you bug her, she'll just ignore you. (Funny how this happens most often when her uncles are around...)

3. She likes to sleep (hallelujah) but almost always wakes up with a huge smile and a hug for whoever she meets first.

4. She has an amazingly wonderful laugh/giggle.

5. She gives the BEST hugs! I'm serious...they're fantastic!

We love you, Ellie-bean...Happy Birthday!

Last Day(s) of School

Recently our two girls each celebrated their last day of school. It's been a wonderful year for both of them.

Ellie, our easy-going four year old, handled the event with typical nonchalance. On her last day, she had a little party, bid farewell to all her little friends, and took a goodbye picture with her teacher. Fortunately for me, I quickly discovered that my middle child seems to be just as content at home with her family as she was attending preschool. (Phew!)

My first-born has been another story. Lindy's last day of school was preceded by countless (oh-so-many) tears. Her final days of celebration were tainted by the fact that she would soon have to say goodbye to her beloved Ms. Alius. Each night she would spend several weeping moments bemoaning her fate. (I might have been less inclined to comfort her if it hadn't been for one simple fact: I was horribly sad to have to say goodbye to her sweet (and amazing) teacher as well. It's been a tough month for both of us.)

But the day eventually arrived. As the state-required hours were being tallied, the kids spent the morning playing various games and writing sweet notes to their teacher on the whiteboard.

And as the final moment arrived, more tears were shed.

Our daughter has been blessed by this wonderful woman. She went above and beyond to do her very best, every single, tiring day. And it showed. Her students LOVED her. And, more importantly, they also LOVED learning. She showed them endless kindness, patience, and love...all while maintaining discipline and order. Amazing!

Ms. Alius, you will be missed.

Now...on to summer vacation.

(Shudder.)

Growing Up

Lately I've found myself telling my kids to "stop growing!" They aren't listening (big surprise) and each month or so I make another trip to the store to buy another pair of pants for their lengthening limbs. For the most part this "growing up" deal is good. The older my kids get, the closer we are to reaching an understanding in our relationship (or so I tell myself). But every once in a while the growing pains take a little shot at my heart.

Today we dismantled the crib. It was a necessary move (Curtis has taken to standing on the ends of the crib in order to access the "panes" on his shelf). But, as I watched Ian take each part of his hand-crafted crib down and place it aside, I have to admit I suddenly felt laden with emotion.

This is it.

We have officially moved on to another phase. One that doesn't include cribs, burp rags, receiving blankets, baby lotion, etc. etc. And despite the lump in my throat...I'm okay with it.

And, apparently, so is he.