Happy 6th Birthday!

Dear Micah,

Today is a special day! Not only is it your 6th birthday, but it is also Easter Sunday. Since the day you found out (months ago!) that your birthday is the same day as Easter, you have been excited. Anytime anyone asked you about your birthday you made sure to exclaim "it's on Easter!". We teased you about the breakfast at church being for your birthday and you said "No, it's to celebrate Jesus' resurrection". So much to celebrate today!


This past year you started Kindergarten. You go to school every day in the afternoons. You've gotten used to being home in the mornings, but for quite a while the mornings were very long for you as you waited to go to school! You absolutely, positively love going to school. You love your friends, you love your teacher, you love learning. It's so much fun to hear about your day when you come home from school--we hear all about how you play soccer and you love the days when you get to be with your 5th grade buddies. Your teacher, almost every time I talk to her, comments on how you are such a nice boy. She tells how you are thoughtful at school and how you have such a wonderful personality. Your dad and I laughed after following you around at Family Fun Night: everywhere we went we heard "Hi Micah" from adults and children. You have a magnetic personality that shines while you are at school!


You are learning to read this year! You love when you see your popcorn words in a book and lately you are reading short books to Norah. When you come across words you don't know, you concentrate and make the letter sounds. You do a great job remembering that Mrs. R taught you to "stretch out" your words. It is fun to see you getting better and better!


This past year you continued to be my little helper. When we go to the grocery store, you bag the groceries. When I do the laundry you like to help sort and put it in the washer or dryer. When I bake, you pull up a stool and help measure and mix. You will grab a vacuum or a cloth and help me clean. I am often amazed at your willing and giving personality! I love that you enjoy being with me so much that you will help me get my projects done!


You still love to be silly and make people laugh. You have hilarious expressions and an infectious giggle. If you do something and it makes Norah laugh (like this fall when you jumped in the pile of leaves), you repeat it over and over again just so she'll keep laughing. Even in your silliness I can see how you love to think of others.


You love Legos and playing games. Oftentimes we find you creating a world with your Playmobil and Lego guys. There are whole mornings or afternoons where you and Ethan will sit and play Legos together in your room! You'll happily sit and play card games: Pictureka and Sorry Revenge are some of your favorites right now. You're learning that it can be fun to win and hard to lose, but you generally have a good attitude either way. You also like to sit and do puzzles; you will sit and do one after another! When you are outside, you love to kick a soccer ball around. You begged us to let you do AYSO this year because you love playing soccer so much. You were disappointed that it didn't work out, but we're hoping to get you enrolled in the coming year!




Once again this year you are in Children's Worship at church. You love to bring your offering and are excited to bring home your treasure each week. You also love to sit and page through the children's Bible at home. You study the pictures when you don't know the words and you love to help us read the stories that insert pictures in place of words. I love it when you burst into praise songs: you started teaching Norah the motions to "Jesus Loves Me" and she often asks you to sing it in Spanish for her. You learned a song at school that I asked you to sing over and over again simply because I loved to hear you sing the chorus of "hip, hip, hip hippopotamus, hip, hip hooray God made all of us".


Micah, you are my special little boy and it is so much fun to watch you grow up. I am so glad I get to be your mom. Happy Birthday little buddy.

Love,

Mom

Quote of the Day

I guess it was more of a conversation than a quote, but cute whatever way you look at it!

Jason was getting ready to take me to work so he called up the stairs to Micah and asked him to come and get his shoes on. No response. He called a few more times and when he still didn't get an answer he went and knocked on his door.

Jason: "Did you hear me? It's time to go."

Micah: "I didn't hear you when you were calling me."

Jason: "How many times did you not hear me calling?"

Micah: "A bunch of times."

That boy cracks me up. I love how he didn't realize that he basically told Jason that he ignored him.

Happy 5th Birthday, Micah!

Dear Micah,

I'm behind in posting my birthday letter to you. I could blame it on how quickly your last year went by, because that is true! I could say it's because I'm in denial about you being five years old already, because that would also be the truth. However, it came down to the fact that the week of your birthday was a rough week for dad and I and while we worked hard to make sure your birthday was a happy day (I'm glad to say it was!), this blog was not in the forefront of my mind that week. So, even though I've been thinking about this letter to you for many weeks, it's just now getting written down. Thankfully, you are a gracious, easy going guy that I know would say to me "that's OK, mom" if I told you I was behind. You are just that kind of kid.


Five years old. Oh my, how can that be? Over the last year, you have shot up in height. In fact, at your five year check-up I learned that you grew 2 and 3/4 inches over the last year. You are still my little man, but you are definitely bulking up and growing strong! Dad says that when you wrestle with him that you can hold your own. Sometimes you randomly walk up to one of us and punch us (I know, that doesn't sound nice, but I think it's affectionate?). After dad and I tell you not to punch people, we often comment to each other that your punches have crossed the threshold from playful to painful.


Much to your delight, you started preschool this past fall. You LOVE going to school! On your first day, you were so excited that you ran around the backyard. You could hardly sit still--I felt bad that you had to wait until the afternoon to go to school! I love hearing about your day at school and all the fun you have with your new buddies--Brady, Conner, Ella, and Mylia. I'm sitting here trying to think of which part of school that you would call your favorite. Could I say all of it? You love the stories, the rhymes, the songs, the books. You love cutting paper for projects and showing us your Clifford pages. You are thrilled when you get to bring show and tell and you absolutely beamed when Dad, Norah, and I were able to visit your class for your birthday celebration. Your teachers are fantastic and we love how they teach you and love you.



One thing that has not changed over the last year is how much you love to be a helper. You are my little shadow and you are willing to help me with whatever you can. We bake, clean up, do laundry. You make tasks that can be mundane so much more enjoyable. My favorite is when you help me bake. I think you are so silly because whenever a recipe calls for salt, you always want to try it. This year you did an awesome job of making your very own pie--with only minimal help from me! Maybe you'll be a pastry chef someday!


This year dad and I had the pleasure of watching you move from the role of the baby of the family to the role of big brother. You absolutely adore your sister--so much so that we often have to tell you to back up or leave her be! The beaming smile that you had on your face the first time you held he is etched in my memory. You always want to give her kisses, hug her, and you love it when you can make her laugh. I've watched you do the same silly stunt over and over again simply to hear Norah's giggles. You are a wonderful big brother!


I love to watch you play. You have a great imagination and you love to create little Playmobil, Lego, Batman, or Transformer worlds. Sometimes all of the worlds meet! You stay busy a long time and I love to see the make believe world you create. My favorite was when I found a line of guys lined up on the wood trim behind Norah's crib. You had them all in a "hands up" position. Like they were all waiting to be arrested. I wish I had come in time to hear the story that went along with that one!


You are my music man. During Advent you were gutsy enough to get up in front of church with three other kids and sing a chorus. We practiced and practiced and you did great! You were very serious when you sang, and you sounded like you were singing the bass part! Anytime we are driving around in the van you ask "Can you turn my kids music on?". You love to sing along with all of the songs, even if you don't quite know all of the words.


This year you also started going to Children's Worship at church. You love going to your class and hearing your Bible story. You faithfully remember to ask us for coins for the compassion child that you take an offering for. I love your giving heart. You love to say prayers at dinnertime and will carefully listen to the Bible story at bedtime. I love to hear the aspects of the story that you remember. Keep learning, little buddy, and may you continue to thoughtfully and cheerfully give to others.


Mr. Micah, you are such a joy in our lives. You have a contagious giggle, a sweet smile, and an awesome personality. I love you so much and I'm so thankful that I'm your mom and that I am able to watch you continue to grow. Happy Birthday, sweet boy!

Love,

Mom

1st Day of Preschool

Micah woke up this morning and said "No more sleeps! I'm so happy!" He was very excited to start preschool today! His teacher told him at his visiting day last week that it was five more sleeps until they started school. He has been counting down ever since he heard that!

It was a long morning for my excited boy. Afternoon preschool involves a lot of waiting. I'm sure the morning felt like an eternity for him. I could definitely tell he was excited. I answered the "Is it time for preschool?" question many times today!


We passed some of the time by taking a few pictures in the back yard. He thought this was great. He kept choosing all different spots to have me take his picture. We zig-zagged all over the yard! I loved the fact that he allowed me so many opportunities to take his picture. I don't often have that chance!


We made sure we took the traditional school picture by the tree! It's hard to get a good, not cheesy, picture of a 4-year-old!


He was thrilled to finally put his new backpack to use. He picked it out with Grandma. This morning we loaded it with a special stuffed animal friend to keep him company in class.


I love the picture above, yet I'm having a hard time coping with the reality of it. He looks so old! I guess that happens! We ended our picture spree with a quick mom/Micah shot. Another favorite!


He had a great day at school. When I picked him up he ran to me and said "I had so much fun!". I'm so thankful for his teachers and how they helped make his first day go so well. They are wonderful teachers (we had them when Ethan was in preschool) and we are looking forward to a great year!

Summer Carnival

Here's a flashback to June because I'm still sorting through pictures...

I was able to take the kids to a summer carnival at our local library. There were all sorts of fun (free!) things for them to do. We started out at the balloon guy since we managed to get there before a huge line formed.

It was easy to wait patiently in line because we could watch them make balloon creations for the other kids. So cool!


I told the boys to stick close to each other since there were so many people. They obeyed...and were cute about it! Definitely something to record and remember!


Both of them chose to have a sword made. They weren't interested in any animals. They were thrilled with the end result.


Norah kindly held on to the balloon creations while her brothers toured the rest of the carnival.


Next we headed to the bounce house (again scoring a short line!) and they had fun jumping around.


After that we lined up for the goldfish race. This was so cute--each of them chose a fish and it was placed in a lane. Once the block was removed they had to blow on the fish to get it to swim to the finish line. Micah gave one little blow and his fish shot right to the end. Ethan kept blowing and blowing and his fish stayed right at the starting point. It was a fun little game!


We played a few other carnival games and they each took home a little bag of prizes. It was a great night!

Lovin' for their sister

There is no shortage of people to love on Norah. It helps that she's absolutely adorable and sweet and cute. Her big brothers have days/times where they are indifferent to her presence. Other times we have to practically peel them away from her. I often remind them (especially Micah) that she can see them a whole lot better if they are not two centimeters from her face. When they are kissing on her and cuddling her, it's so sweet that I can't help but grab the camera.



These pictures are from June, but things haven't changed much. They still love talking to her and kissing her and hugging her!



I love how Micah is checking out her dimpled chin in this one. He must be trying to figure out why his mother is always kissing her chin. :)



I believe Miss Norah is not going to be lacking in protectors as she grows. Future boyfriends don't have a chance. :)

Summer Fun

I need to catch up on some posting! I'm hoping to do a few posts over the next couple of days about all the fun we've been having this summer. Since I was on maternity leave for a good portion of summer we had lots of lazy days and did all sorts of activities! I decided to go through my pictures and post, post, post!

At the beginning of June we took the kids to a local parade. As always, the boys got tons of candy (which their mother happily enjoys with them!).


Waiting for the parade to start while hanging out with Charlie. The boys were excited when one of the motorcycle police officers stopped and talked with them. They were really excited when the officer gave them each a sheriff tattoo (when I put them on for the boys, Micah wanted his on his chest. It was pretty funny!).


Micah getting ready to wave at everyone. Nothing like a goofy smile!


Seriously, this child is growing so fast! Well, all my children are growing fast--Ethan just keeps looking older and older!


As you can see, Norah thoroughly enjoyed her first parade. She didn't even flinch when all the fire trucks went by with sirens blaring!


I love parades and my kids do, too! Watching this one made me really look forward to the Fourth of July!

Birthday cake

I've been meaning to post pictures of the cake from Micah's birthday. Since it was almost a month ago already I figured it was about time to take care of posting!

I like to ask the boys what type of cake they would like to have and then I look on the internet for ideas of how to make it. I'll readily admit to steering them a little bit so I don't have to make anything too hard! For Micah's birthday, Jason thought he would entertain himself by throwing out all sorts of random (and difficult!) cake options. I sat and grumbled at his suggestions while he sat and laughed. About a week before Micah's birthday I was pretty sure he had decided on a castle cake. Not an ideal option in my opinion, but I thought I found a way to make it happen without having to make a million pounds of cake. A couple days before Micah's birthday I mentioned to him that I was getting ready to make a castle cake. He promptly announced that he DID NOT want a castle. He wanted a pirate ship! Another suggestion from his father. So, back to the drawing board I went. I found an idea online and it actually ended up being a simple cake to make! I would rub that in with Jason, but then I know he'll just make even worse suggestions for the next birthdays!

Here is how the pirate ship cake came together. First I made two round cakes:


Then, I cut them in half,


slathered them with frosting and lined them up with each other:



I trimmed a little off of all of them for a flat surface:


I flipped them into a pan and put the cake in the freezer overnight.


On his birthday I made a whole bunch of brown frosting, did a base coat of brown over the cake, and then piped lines in for the boards.


I added more frosting to give the "deck" of the ship some sides:


And then added a bunch of waves/water around the ship.


I took a break to print out birthday wishes on the computer and then fashioned sails out of the paper and some wooden skewers.


Then I raided the Playmobil toys for Pirate characters (washed them) and added them to the deck of the ship.


Since we didn't want to start the sails on fire with the candles, we added them on the end of the ship so they were like cannons.


Then, we presented the cake to my four-year-old boy. He was thrillled with the cake and thought it was pretty cool that some of his toys were on the ship. :) Judging from the grin on his face, I would say that the cake was a success!


I might push for a pirate ship cake every year! I think this was the easiest one I've made so far!

Happy Birthday, Micah!

Dear Micah,

Today is your fourth birthday. Once again, a wonderful year has quickly flown by! I asked you the other day if you really had to turn four--you told me "no", but then added that you could turn five instead. Thanks, but that's not what I had in mind!


Over the past year you have continued to blossom into an awesome boy. Many times you are incredibly silly, mostly because you love to make everyone laugh. You have a laugh that is absolutely contagious. If you're laughing, I can't help but start. You love to dance silly and tell jokes. If you can get someone to start laughing, your face lights up and you make sure to keep being silly!


You love to be a little helper. You help me bake and will do chores with me around the house. I think you understand that there are things I need to do around the house and you prefer to be with me and help me. Your favorite way to help is the baking. You taste most of the ingredients (though you stopped tasting the flour after a while!) and love to add things after I measure. Dad and I found you "Micah-sized" utensils--you search the drawer for your spatula or whisk so that it's easier for you to help. You also love to get your tools out so you can help dad on his projects. Any time you can offer your assistance you are more than willing to do so!


You talk almost non-stop now. Your dad says you get that from me! You still have trouble with certain consonants and blends of certain letters, but we love it because we think it's adorable. Sometimes we ask you to say certain words over and over again just because it's so cute. We most often ask you to say "scissors" because you can't--you call them "nizzers". You also used to say "milky" instead of "monkey". Unfortunately for us, you've finally learned to correctly say that word!


I can hardly believe it, but you'll start Preschool in the fall. You can't wait and often talk about going to "Ethan's school". Sometimes you put a backpack on and tell me you are ready for school. You may be ready to go, but it was hard for me to enroll in Preschool! You're doing well at writing your name. It's fun to see your writing randomly show up on papers. You are so proud when we praise you for your letters! You still love to read books. Sometimes you will flip carefully through them yourself, but you still love to bring us stacks of books to read. You ask me all the time to go to the library and ask what books I brought you from work whenever I get home.


Your imagination is incredible. You love to pretend with your Playmobil, Legos, trains, and race cars. Your dad and I can hardly convince you to take down your train track. Often within a day of it being dismantled you are asking us to put it together for you again. You'll also sit for a long time and play castle with your Playmobil people. Ethan can get you to immediately stop what you're doing if he asks you to play Legos. You also love to play games--you're an incredible Uno player and you love to play Sorry with us.


You love, love, love your big brother. You've turned into a wonderful playmate and you play together really well (at least most of the time). This past year you started sharing a room--bunk beds, with you on the top. The two of you will chat for quite a while if we let you. There is often lots of laughter coming out of your room when you should be sleeping. For the first few weeks that you were sharing a room, you woke Ethan up every morning when you woke up (because you are always the first one up!). He always cheerfully got up when you woke him! This past year we told you that you would be a big brother. You don't always seem to totally understand what that means, but you are excited when you talk about the new baby (which you refer to as a girl). Dad and I are looking forward to seeing you in your role as a big brother.


You've learned a lot this year about Jesus. Every Sunday you are excited to go to church because you get to go to "kids church". You love the class for your age group and are not happy with us if we have to miss a Sunday. Every night you love to pull out the Bible story book. Your favorite ones are the stories that Ethan reads the words and you get to help by reading the pictures. Dad and I can see that you understand more and more Bible stories and we love to hear you sing your favorite songs from church. You have a heart that praises God and it is amazing to see.

My Micah, we love you so much. Happy Birthday!

Love,

Mom