6 Years (and 5 days) Ago

On Thanksgiving Day, 6 years ago, Abigail Dawn was born! She entered this world as the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. She stole the heart of her Papa and Mama and just about anyone else who knew her. She was much celebrated by all our friends and family.

This year, again on Thanksgiving day, Abigail Dawn celebrated her 6th birthday. I know every mother says this but, "How did she get so BIG?!" My sweet baby girl that made me into a Mama is growing into a sweet young lady. When I look at her I see so many things! I see a little girl who loves to read; I see a cowgirl riding on her horse; I see a horse tossing its head in the wind; I see the apple of her Papa's eye; I see creative ideas bursting forth from an ever busy little mind; I see a daydreamer, flying high above the pages of school work to far-off places; I see a fountain of giggles and a well of laughter; I see a spring of songs bubbling out; I see a budding artist, a blossoming writer; I see a generous giver; I see a wonderful helper; I see a kind older sister; I see a source of joy. And often I see myself. Usually when us moms see ourselves mirrored in our children we see the negative parts of ourselves (well, at least I do). But on Abbi's birthday I saw an expression on her face that no one else could possibly have completely understood and it was a treasure to me.

As she was unwrapping her presents from Grampa and Gramma, she came to some books. The top one was fun, filled with animal stories. The bottom one made her gasp, sit back and stare. I don't know if anyone else saw her face, but I did. And I knew just what she was thinking and feeling for I have felt that way before. In her hands was a book that she loves (we have borrowed it from the library on may occasions). Her expression was one of shock and wonder and joy, yet she could hardly squeak out a 'thank you.' All I could think of was the overwhelming rush I felt when Andrew asked me to marry him. My little girl who is growing up so fast, yes - she is quite a bit like me. But I guess that isn't necessarily a bad thing!

Anyway, that is a silly little story, but one that I will remember and treasure forever.

Abigail's birthday festivities stretched from Thursday (her real birthday) to Saturday, when we celebrated with my side of the family. Her celebration started with a breakfast date with her Papa and ended with a very fruity "Sorbet" cake (rather than an ice-cream cake). In between were lots of gifts from loving family, lots of laughs and very much fun.

"Now," you ask, "where are all the pictures?" heh. Well, I'm ashamed to say it, but we only have a few. I totally forgot to get the camera out on her REAL birthday, but Andrew did manage to snap a few on Saturday.

And so we begin our seventh year as parents - surely the most difficult, yet most rewarding thing I've ever done!

Happy Birthday, Liam Michael!

We celebrated Liam's 3rd birthday today! THe day started out with Phinehas singing a "happy birthday" solo, bright and early this morning - before anyone was out of bed!!! That was super cute. (Of course later, when we all sang, Phinehas felt that it wasn't necessary for him to participate so he just sat there sticking his tongue out at his brother!!!)

Liam completely understood that we were celebrating him today and he soaked up being 'center stage.' He grinned from ear to ear each time someone wished him a happy birthday, asked him how old he was (he tried to convince us he is now 5), or asked him about his special day.

He had balloons, a train poster, and special rice crispy treats made by his Papa! He got his own red train, a special wooden car that he and Papa got to put together, and a RED cowboy hat. He had baked oatmeal for breakfast and meat loaf for supper and he got to drink all the fresh cold milk he wanted to (we are in Wisconsin staying with some friends on an Organic Valley Dairy Farm.) He had sunshine and a cool breeze, and in spite of the usual couple of tumbles he has in any given day, Liam made it through with giggles and grins.

We sure are thankful for this little man! It has been a delight watching him grow. He is FULL of imagination and creativity. Liam is a good little worker who loves to help Papa and Mama (especially Papa, of course!). He likes to sing and laugh, and he loves to be tickled (like all our kids!)

Hooray for your birthday, Liam Michael!!

Catching Up

Well… its been long enough, eh?! In case you are wondering, we haven’t had regular Internet access for a while, so in spite of the fact that I have ideas for posts running through my head on a daily basis, I rarely type them and even more rarely post them.

The earth is fully arrayed in its glorious spring splendor and it seems we can’t get enough of playing outside. We have watched the unveiling and fading of cherry blossoms and apple blossoms, and now are wrapped in the delightful fragrance of lilacs. The honeysuckle and autumn olive bushes are on the verge of bursting forth with their blooms and then we will be surrounded by their intoxicating perfume. We have welcomed back the blue birds, the orioles, and the brown thrashers, the red-winged blackbirds and the brightly arrayed goldfinches. I love spring!

At the end of April I turned 28. For my birthday Andrew bought me a big ol’ cast iron pan – a 15 ½ inch diameter, a round griddle and a new pot. But, better than all that he got me and Abigail tickets to see Anne of Green Gables, the musical. It was very lovely, taking my not-so-little girl to a musical. I loved sitting by her and hearing her warbling laughter, feel her little hand gently holding onto my arm, watching her bright eyes take in as much as they could hold. From the moment we got out of the car and walked to the too-long line, my throat started choking up and my eyes got all watery. I almost came unglued at the realization that my daughter and I were going together to ‘an event’! It was too surreal, and almost too lovely for me to bear. We managed to find seats that were ‘front and center’ and as we watched the orchestra tune up Abbi declared that she wanted to play the trombone, and the flute, AND the violin. During the intermission they served ice cream cones. As we waited in line right in front of a few unpleasant children and their even more unpleasant grandmother I got all choked up again as I re-realized what a delightful treasure I have in my girl! We bought one cone for the two of us and sat out in the lawn where there was a fresh breeze; Abbi contentedly said, “It is fun sharing an ice cream cone with you Mama!” Wow! Melt my heart all over again!

So, that was my birthday. I am definitely WELL taken care of. Now we are spending our time working on the garden and getting the coop ready for the quickly growing chickens. Life is full, fun, and filled with wonder!

Phin is Phour!

Phinehas, little man that he is, is now four. We celebrated his birthday with both sets of grandparents, a great gramma and a great Aunt. He eagerly counted down the days with a birthday chain and could hardly take his nap the day of his party. A few days later was his real birthday. The Carpenter woke him up early - rather, let him get up - and got him ready for work. As I was packing lunch for the fellows, Phinehas declared to me in an authoritative voice: "Mama. You need to make breakfast for me and Papa." Little did he know that he was going out to breakfast with not only Papa, but Grampa too!!!

After breakfast, Andrew took Phinehas to the shop where together they worked on a gun. I wish I had a picture of it to post but I wasn't thinking ahead (not new...) Anyway, it is made of maple and walnut with a 1 1/2" or so dowel painted black as the barrel. It is a very handsome gun! Sometimes, Phin is very imaginative and goes hunting. Other times he carries it around, puts it to his shoulder and "fires" it off; I ask him what he shot and he says, "The chair!"

Anyway, below are a few pictures of Phin's special days!

Phin's Train Cake, made from Rice Crispy Treats (and filled with goodies!)

A sailboat that Abbi drew for Phin on a piece of slate.

Science at it's Finest

Well, there is a good chance that sometime in the near future we will have a nice clutch of newt eggs to observe. As it is, the children cheerfully giggled as they watched Mander 'wrestle' with Sally. He really wrestled, too - flipping and flopping around. It actually was quite humourous.

Better than science is BIRTHDAYS! Today was Phin's 4th birthday; soon I will post some pictures from his super fun party. (I can't believe he is FOUR!)

An Elegant Princess Is Now FIVE!

Wednesday, the 25th, was Abigail Dawn's birthday. She turned FIVE! I really can't believe it. 5 seems so... BIG! Four is, you know, just four! But five? Wow! My little girl is FIVE. And I've NEVER seen anyone so excited to have a birthday! We were planning for more than a week before the big day. Abigail knew exactly what she wanted to eat: Sticky buns (with pecans), bacon and eggs for breakfast; Pizza and salad for supper (pizza with pepperoni and olives and salad with little red round tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, and the white dressing - poppy seed.) Oh - and she wanted an ice cream cake with a white snowman as decoration. And, she did NOT want to know even a hint of what prizes she was going to get. If Phinehas even began to mention something he wanted her to have she, with wide eyes and a very serious voice, would say, "Phin, don't tell me! Its supposed to be a surprise!"

Abbi's special day began with her FINALLY being able to wear her birthday skirt - as well as new leggings and a shirt AND a birthday crown of flowers.

When she was arrayed in all her five-year-old splendor, she and her Papa went on a date to Dunkin' Donuts. She wanted an iced mocha latte and a bagel (but ended up eating a gross donut). When they got back the table was all set up and we were waiting for our company. Since there was a little bit of a wait till they arrived, Andrew took the boys out to help clean up Abbi's big present - a bike (a hand-me-down from cousin Angel) Oh my! I wish I had a picture of her face as she was riding for the first time! Andrew was holding onto the back while she was peddling, as if in a dream - it is good Drew had a good hold on her; if he didn't, Abbi might have floated up to the clouds, bike and all!

Soon enough, the party company came for brunch - my parents and my sister and her family.

We all had a lot of fun eating yummy food and playing with the kids. Then Abbi opened her gifts. Goodness! I've never seen a child so thoroughly enjoy the process of peeling back the paper ever-so-slowly, then completely enjoying each present before moving on to the next one.

After gifts came cake! Andrew's mom divulged her secrets about how to make a very yummy frozen treat. It was a success!

For supper we had, of course, pizza! And salad. But the festivities were not yet over for the NEXT day Abbi had a whole new set of prizes from Andrew's family!!! Abigail hadn't been expecting anything so she was, as you can imagine, tickled! You'll get to see some of those pictures later. I do think Abbi's absolute favorite prize was the pair of cowgirl boots from Aunt Kitty and Uncle Kyle. She would have slept with them on, if we'd let her! Gone is our fairy princess, quickly replaced by the cowgirl queen from the wild west! How fun it is to have a girl!

It Was A Wonderful Day!

Liam had a wonderful birthday! As I said, it started with the first snow.

Then he went to work with Papa. While they were away, Abbi, Phin and I got the house all ready. Then, after nap time the company came! First, Grampa and Gramma and GG (Great Grandma) came. GG quickly assumed her role of chief baby holder.

Not long after, Nonno and Mima arrived. The kids all went crazy, toys came out, stories were read, and Mama finished preparing supper. Then, after supper came the cake. Mima, the family artist, created a Rice Crispy Truck. You should have seen Liams eyes when he first saw it!!!

After the singing we all Picked-a-Part the truck. (My favorite were the licorice lined wheels!) Then came gifts.

A Red Case Tractor - his very own:

A lion for "Liam the Lion":

Some light bathroom reading:

And a scruffy puppy:

And there were others. What a happy little boy!!!

Thank you everyone, who made his day so special!!