Ugly Party

Yup, you read it right. Avy's birthday party theme this year was UGLY. But, it actually, it turned out very, very cute. She's really been into her drawings and being an artist. So, I had the idea to let her (and Kennah) design their own little creations and turn them into dolls. I guess, a version of Build-a-Bear, but in our home. And so the girls and I designed the shapes, Mimi sewed the shapes together and like that, we had a birthday party.

There was no school today, so Avy had 6 friends over. First we started with questions all about Avy. Hey, it's her birthday, why not give her some attention? Then, the girls with the most correct answers picked the body "shell" she wanted.

We entered the "operating room" and stuffed the dolls full of filling and a little red heart. Then they sewed it up and put a band-aid on for recovery. They named the dolls and filled out birth certificates. The babies rested in their "bassenette" baskets in the nursery while their moms enjoyed cake and ice cream. Avy opened her gifts and it was time to go home. It was really very fun. (If I had really been on the ball we could have sung lullabies or made a bigger deal out of stuff. But, you can only do so much, so it was what it was.)

And thus ends the 4th family birthday of 2008! Shew!

My Little CK

Avy and Sawyer were both in our bedroom over the night running fevers and Slade is still recovering from his little bug from earlier this week. So Kennah and I trotted off to school and work together this morning. And I just have to say I love that little girl! She is so kind and naturally wants to do good things for people, anyone--ANY time! That's why we call her "CK". Calamity Kennah.

First, we dropped off and picked up supplies from the high school for Slade. This made her late for her school (or maybe that is my fault for not moving in the cold of the basement sooner . . .?) Last night we had a whole plan on distributing Avy's birthday party invitations on the sly so no little kid's feelings would be dampered. Kennah and I quickly revised the plan--she taking the brunt (all) of the work AND the heat, if caught. I am anxously awaiting the secret sluething report of my very own "007."

With the kids sick, our plans to eat at a new restaraunt in West Linn, the "Five-o-Three" (after the area code), are folied again. This is the third time we have tried to eat there. (Once it was closed for a private party and the next time it was closed for a week for employee vacations.) I am seriously wondering if we'll end up with food poisening if we ever get the chance to dine there!

Help Wanted

After a visit to the dentist, we spoke frankly with Avy about her thumbsucking. The habit has been a tough one for her to kick. She does it when bored, scared, needs comfort or just out of plain habit. So basically, any time she wasn't in school.

When given the option of continuing to suck and paying for a device herself or stopping cold turkey for something of her choice, she wisely picked the latter. What did she choose . . .a dog! We thought it was a safe incentive and that we'd catch her at some point. But to our reluctant dismay, she has stopped. I guess we should be happy, but wish she had set her sights a little smaller. A package of markers perhaps? Shoot, 5 packages of markers. But why or why did we agree to a dog?

So save us from disaster and let us know if you ever spot Avy's thumb in her mouth! Please! The only solace we take in the dog is we didn't promise a pony!

Blankie

Blankie is giting old.







I LOVE BLANKIE!!!!

Double Digits

Well our little boy has hit a milestone--double digits! The big "10"! (Although Sawyer confidently says he'll make it to triple digits.)

He had 5 friends over for a slumber party--a first in our home. (When I grew up, our family rule was 8 years old. And NOW I completely understand.) The boys had a great time playing video games. . .until 3:30 am. At that point Slade finally threatened seperating the boys unless the projector was turned off. It was very cute to see a room full of boys laughing & talking in their own little language and awareness of each other.

Happy Birthday Sawyer!

Since he's 10, it is the perfect time to share:

Top 10 GREAT things about Sawyer:

1. He has a keen awareness of how things work and go together.

2. He is definitely an outside the box thinker! (Or at least knows how to push things to the limit.) (There's a funny story about recess soccer rules & the last day of school.)

3. Everyday Sawyer makes himself do things that aren't easy for him to accomplish. (As an adult I can make things work out for myself, but Sawyer has to work within many rules and guidelines.)

4. Sawyer can't look you in the eye when he lies.

5. Doesn't take hot showers for granted.

6. Is super creative!! (He writes and draws detailed and entertaining cartoons and takes after his dad in designing mazes.)

7. Is very loving and loyal to his parents and sisters.

8. Works hard and has shining behavior at school.

9. Is gifted with a 6th sense of understanding electronics.

10. Has a strong sense of justice and fairness.