Birthday Girl

It's hard to believe that my little girl has just turned 5. It has all happened in a whirlwind of other events this week. Emma has truly grown and changed this year. She has branched out from the umbrella of her older brother and entered into her own personality. She has developed interests and tastes that are so different than the boys. Her toys of choice are My Little Ponies, Babies or any type of stuffed animal pet. She will often choose to stay inside with me even if that means helping clean. She loves to be working in the kitchen, cooking, stirring, cutting and making grocery lists. She can sit at the kitchen table for hours coloring, cutting, pasting, painting and drawing. She doesn't like cake, cookies or many sweets but would eat ice cream every day of her life if she could!
She and Gram made her early birthday dinner together. Spaghetti and rice crispy treats. She decorated the rice crispy treats herself but then I think only ate a bite.

On the night of her actual birthday we headed to her Awana Cubbies award dinner and celebration. She was treated (shocked) when the entire church sang happy birthday. Thankfully, she didn't choke on her hot dog when she realized that they were all singing to her.
We stopped at McDonald's after the ceremony so she could have her very favorite: ice cream.
Unfortunately, the very small and simple birthday party that I had moderately planned had to be canceled. It was some cruel twist of fate that I would have to succumb to a stomach flu at 37 weeks pregnant. The only good thing about it was that our parents were here to take over as I stayed in bed.

Papa projects

This couldn't have been a better week to be blessed with visits from both grandparents. Their visits were in honor of Emma's 5th birthday but they coincided beautifully with a week when extra hands were in deep need!
Peter has been waiting for a visit from his Papa so he could finish one of his wolf scouts achievements. He needed to be taught the basic tools, their functions and then make a simple project out of wood.
The finished product was a recipe holder! Peter did a great job and Papa did an excellent job teaching!

Pool Time

The long awaited opening of the pool came this weekend. We couldn't let opening weekend pass us by without a quick trip. The rain was spotty, the clouds were heavy and we knew the water would be cold. Philip was a trooper and headed into the waters with the young ones.
I was quite impressed with how well the kids did in the water. Peter took right up where he left off. He was swimming confidently with strokes and jumping in the deep end. Emma joined in after her big brother with floaties, swam all around and even jumped off the diving board many times. Her swimming legs aren't quite there yet but it won't take long.
It took Ryan a while before he braved the waters of the deep end. After spending some time in the baby pool with Emma, he got right in the big pool and floated all over. I realized quickly that I will have my hands full if I ever try to attempt going to the pool with what soon will be all 4 children!

The Bulls

Last week we had the chance to go to the Durham Bulls game! We all had a great time as it was a day game and everyone was wide- eyed!

Parade

One of the things we love about Roxboro are all the small town parades. At the last minute, we remembered the Memorial Day parade happening in nearby Timberlake. We called our friends who are volunteer firemen and secured a ride on the fire truck for the kids!
Peter and Emma got to ride on the top of the firetruck. Ryan chickened out on riding on the fire truck. He hung out with us curb side and enjoyed the parade.
They even had inflatable rides and things for the kids after the parade. Peter and Emma were waiting in line for the long slide.

Where am I?

That is a great question and I hope somebody can answer it. It seems as if I just haven't done anything worth blogging about lately. We have been in the mode of the bare minimum this past week. It's amazing to me that I am 36 weeks along in this pregnancy. After catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror and reporting to Philip that "I am huge". He lovingly reminded me that I am "all baby" and I only have 3 weeks and 6 days left. Wow- when you put it that way, this baby is going to be here before I know it. We are starting to get ourselves prepared. I went into the attic and reviewed what we had up there. It was mostly like I expected; 9 boxes of girl clothes, 5 boxes of boy and 2 boxes of neutral baby stuff. You think I'm kidding- I'm not! Emma had so many clothes it's crazy.

We will be borrowing a cradle from a dear couple at church. It was handmade for their grandchild and they lovingly offered it to us. We will use it while the baby sleeps in our room. We are still trying to figure out the hows and wheres of the other children when it's time for the baby to sleep in the crib. I am just hoping that those details will just work themselves out. Currently, both Emma and Ryan would like to sleep with the baby. Ryan actually wants the baby to sleep in his bed with him!

I am definitely in the uncomfortable stages of pregnancy but I have no true complaints. I am trying to remind myself throughout the day the wise words of a friend of mine that just had her 4th child. "Although, your uncomfortable and are really ready for the baby, these days are much easier than after delivery." So with that, I am praying for peace and contentment as I journey through this 9th month of being pregnant.

Strawberries

Nothing says summer's almost here better than strawberries. Well also blueberries, corn on the cob, squash, tomatoes and all the other yummy fresh veggies. We hit up one of the local strawberry farms this week for our first round of picking or should I say eating off the vine. Emma and Ryan did the majority of the eating while Peter, Philip and I did the picking. Emma brought along her Easter basket and when we were threw I think she may of had 5 strawberries in there. Peter was able to resist the temptation of continuously eating in order to win the rights of picking the most!
It was a soggy day at the farm but we ended up with 9 lbs of those yummy red treats!
In one of Emma's My Little Pony coloring books, she found a recipe for "Pinkie's Pie's strawberry pie". So we finally tackled the pie together on Friday. I have never seen a strawberry pie like this one but it actually tasted pretty good. It wasn't your usually strawberry glaze. That pink stuff on top was a mixture of frothy egg whites mixed with a boiling mixture of sugar water. In the end it was a good pie but I think I'll try the traditionally strawberry pie next.

the Zoo

Today was one of those days when I didn't mind that our kids are early risers. We were out the door at 7:30 this morning heading to the Zoo. We had the full day in front of us and it doesn't hurt to start early! We had beautiful weather and a great day as we took our time and walked through the entire campus. I definitely was the slow poke in the group. I made it without inducing an early labor so I'm guessing this baby is going to stay in for the whole time!
I didn't do a great job taking pictures today. Maybe next time when I'm not 8 months pregnant!

Fresh Air

I have been remiss to not record the ending of Philip's semester. Monday was his last day of school and the beginning summer vacation. I am so glad to have his semester behind us all so we can move on to other things. We have some great plans ahead of us as we await the coming of this baby: a trip to the zoo, a play, a sleepover at Aunt Heidi's, strawberry picking, going to the beach, lots of birthdays, more strawberries. That is just May! I am hoping that I will continue to feel as good as I am so I can enjoy these fun times with the rest of the family. As far as school for Peter, he will not yet be on summer vacation! In fact, his learning will continue throughout. I will be passing the torch to his father as they explore physics, stamp collecting, gardening, possibly cub scout camp, sleeping outdoors, camping (yes that's different), reading lots of comic books and CS Lewis and who knows what else these two will get into!

Although, I am definitely counting down the weeks (6 by the way), I can breathe a little deeper knowing that my hubby has put away his school books for the summer!!!