Pet Homework

This evening, Lexi had to read a story about pets. Afterward, her assignment was to draw a picture and write about her favorite pet. Right away, she knew she wanted to write about Travis (Papa's dog). She really misses him.

Counting to 100

Today, I was surprised that Lexi brought home the above certificate. I was mainly surprised because she has been doing this for a while. I guess it is official now that they tested her. They have been gearing up for the 100th day of school celebration.

Listening to kids count to 100 can be quite annoying. Last year, one of our friends taught Lexi a little trick:

One, two, skip a few, 99, 100.

Much better for me!

Next Morning

Lucky for me, the kids didn't wake up extra early this morning. In fact, I took the above picture at 7 am. Jordan and Camden work up first and I sent them right upstairs to play in Jordan's room, while I made breakfast. The last girl woke up about 8 am when I started serving breakfast. We had fruit salad, oj, and baked French toast casserole. Once they were done eating, I turned on a Harry Potter movie (#3) and got out the stuff to make our owls. Their parents came about 9 am. It was a very successful sleepover.

Harry Potter Sleepover Birthday Party

Lexi decided that she wanted a Harry Potter themed sleepover party. I told her that we would have to keep the number of invitees low, but that it was doable. Jordan and a few of her friends insisted on dressing up for the party. Lexi was Luna Lovegood (I suggested this character even though the kids have only seen the first few movies that are rated PG and she isn’t in those). Jordan had to be Lord Voldemort and he told me to be Professor McGonagall. We had a great evening with homemade individual pizzas that the kids topped by themselves. We also played games, colored, had cake, opened presents and did lots of laughing. Bonus for me, all the kids were sound asleep between 11:00 and 11:30 pm.



Spin-the-Bottle for Bertie Bott's Beans

In the Harry Potter movies, one of the things the kids like to do is try to guess the flavor of Bertie Bott's Beans, which look a lot like jelly belly beans. I thought it would be fun to play spin-the-bottle for a jelly belly. When it landed on a kid, they got to pick one and try to guess the flavor. Bonus, the kids all got to play spin-the-bottle for the first time and now they think it is a game about candy.







Cake & Ice Cream

Lexi asked for a cookie cake for her birthday. I found a good recipe online and decided to make it. Thankfully, we're close enough to Valentines day to be able to buy pink, red & white M&Ms for the cake.






Crazy Time



Present Opening

Birthday Girl Turns SIX

My little Lexi turned six today. As usual, she couldn't wait. She has been announcing it to everyone this week. I bought M&M cookies for her to take to her class.

Her Choice in Clothes

I am one of those moms that pick out the clothes that my kids will wear for the day. Often, I’ll let them choose between two outfits, but they don’t have much say unless it is day where not much is going on. Lexi has been gently trying to gain more autonomy in this area of her life. I realize that I was an extremely independent child and had quite a bit of say growing up, so I am trying to step back a little.

Today, I gave her free reign. She even decided that she wanted her hair in a bun with the hot pink headband. She was so excited and asked me to take a few photos. I know I will have to let her do this at least once or twice a week.

Park Time in January

The weather had been up and down this month, but mostly quite pleasant especially for January. Today, we went to a park near our house to burn off some energy and breathe the fresh air. Lexi played with a lady bug that she caught and tried to get the attention of several squirrels.

Biking

We have started spending a lot of time along our favorite trail for biking. Lexi has been gaining confidence and wanting to ride down the underpass by herself, which is about a mile and a quarter from where we start and usually our turning around point. Jordan got in a little wreck last time he went down it, so he wanted to avoid it this time. I decided to let Lexi go to the bottom and back up alone. I told her that she could get off and walk back up if her legs got tired, but she made it the whole way. She did a great job.

New Years Day

Lexi wanted to wear the new dress I made her on Christmas to church today. She was very excited because it has kittens on it.

Pet Artwork

Lost Tooth #2

This evening, when Lexi was in the bathroom ready to brush her teeth, she asked me to see how wiggly her tooth was. Apparently, it was so wiggly that it fell out. At least, this way, it didn't get swallowed or lost.

Christmas Morning 2011

Lexi and Jordan had a great Christmas morning. They both got the main thing they wanted and more. Lexi's heartfelt request was for a white Fur Real Puppy that has a pink leash and can be walked. Santa must have heard her requests because he brought the exact one she has been dreaming about. She also got a bike from Steve since her knees were hitting the handle bars of her old one. Jordan picked out a Maxi doll for her named Avery. I made her a dress with kitties on it. She also had gifts from Grandma. Needless to say, she was thrilled.

Stocking Stuffers

Sibling Gift Exchange

Handmade gifts from me

Gifts from Grandma


Doll from Jordan

Art Supplies & Prized Puppy

Bike from dad