Emma's Party at the Hairy Elephant

We try to give each child a birthday party with their friends in their Kindergarten year. Emma chose a party at the Hairy Elephant, where they girls get dressed up and have their hair and nails done.

Abby with cousins, Hannah and Grace

The Party Princess had a Ball!

Puzzles and Parenting

For Emma's birthday, she received a puzzle with 100 pieces. At our house, that's the big time! One school day as I was busy trying to clean and cook, Jonathan said that he wanted to do the puzzle and he wanted me to sit and watch. "WHAT? I have too many tasks to sit," I thought, but thankfully, I sat down with him. I learned a thing or two.

1.) Jonathan could have done the entire puzzle without me. It may have taken him longer than an hour, but he could have done it. He had the patience to turn each piece to see if it would fit in the open spot. I was truly amazed at his talent and patience.

2.) I don't have much patience. This isn't the first time I realized this. It is a fact, but this was another lesson on giving my child what he needed, which was for me just to sit and watch, helping when he really wanted me to.

3.) All the messes were still there when Jonathan and I finished. Setting aside the tasks was worth every second with him. Jonathan had a great time and so did I.

Couple more of Emma

Isabella at Emma's party. She didn't get to dress up, but she liked the play area.

My little fashionista and her boots from Aunt Melanie

Emma's Birthday

Each child gets to pick what they want for dinner on their birthday. The boys typically pick a dinner and I cook all their favorite foods, but my girls... well... they are more like me - Let's GO OUT.

Emma picked Cracker Barrel so we had dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Dickmann there.

Emma with the flowers from Uncle Al.

Emma Claire Turns 6

When my gorgeous, energetic 2nd daughter was born 18 months after Abigail, we never knew what hit us! Our first two children were easy-going, usually obedient, and happy. Then, came Emma... She has stretched me, challenged me and made me a better mom. Having my first strong-willed child was a shocker. Her excited voice is very loud and she is usually excited about something. I spent more time disciplining Emma than anyone else. Her "terrible twos" lasted from age 2 - age 5.

Of course, it wasn't horrible every minute. Emma is hilarious. She makes off-the-wall statements that leave our entire family in stitches. Emma loves to sing and dance. Yes, she still sucks her thumb. Emma is very girlie, but can run with the boys too. She loves clothes, purses, make-up, jewelry and having her hair done everyday. I am hoping she will learn to French braid so I do not have to.

Emma is loving every minute of Kindergarten. She loves her friends and is loyal, especially to her best friend. Slowly, she is learning her phonograms and is so excited to read.

Happy Birthday GIRL!! I am so thankful that God made you the way you are! Our family would be very different if you weren't here to make us laugh!

Emma with Bunny

Emma being silly

Birthdays at our house can last a few days long...

On Emma's birthday, Gram brought over a cookie cake for breakfast. I'm sure my children's teachers were so thankful their day started with SUGAR.

In honor of Emma's birthday, Jonathan got all dressed up and stayed that way til dinner.

Tower Grove Park with the Rages

Tower Grove Park with the Cousins

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, our family joined up with the Rages family for a walk in Tower Grove Park.

Random Happenings At Our House

Isabella and Christian

Everyone playing Doodle Dice

These 3 beat me to Isabella one morning and this is what I found.

Late night of studying for Ernie.

Reformation Day Party 5

Grandma was the only adult willing to get in on the bobbing for apples. Her only comment "It is harder than it looks."

Abby was the only casualty of the night. Somehow she was burned with a popcorn ball in the neck.

Thanks, John! You did a great job and we all had a blast!

Reformation Day 4

Funnel cakes

Grandpa feeding Isabella some apple betty

Bobbing for apples

I list bobbing for apples in the same category as floaties - GROSS. As a Mom, I have seen as well as cleaned up a lot of disgusting things, but I draw the line at floaties and bobbing for apples.

Reformation Day Party 3

The next game consisted of sucking a pumpkin seed to a straw and dumping it in a cup.

Popcorn Balls

Musical Hats.