Happy Birthday Henry (one day early)He is our Happy bear. When he was in the womb the word I continually meditated on was “joy” and it worked! He is our joy each day.He is Hyper. Jich gave him the name “Putter” because like Jich and Joe, he never sits still. This rascal likes to move.Hilarious. He is all about the jokes. Ever since we can remember. He will crack himself up and in the process, probably those around him.

Helper. He is the one who is helping carry groceries, clear the table, grab the diaper, and he is the one we count on for an extra set of hands.Hen-wry. That’s how Olivine says his name. She says his name the most (only after momma) and it’s because he answers. He will stop mid-sentence to attend to her. He has no idea what loyalties and headaches he is creating for himself. He is spoiling her but he adores her. Ever since he laid eyes on her. They loved one another. She feels that. So he is who she kisses and reaches for and calls for in her carseat. Hen-wry.Her Hero.

How Handsome!

When a couple friends first found out I was having a daughter after two little guys there was lots of talk then about fashion and clothes and shopping. But I didn’t know then or really understand what that would be like. I only knew about baby boys. Now, I know.

I now know what it means to have so many more choices in shopping for clothes for a little girl. I see her expressing herself with clothes. She sometimes refuses to put a skirt on because her brothers aren’t wearing them. Other times she insists on a skirt and as soon as she puts it on, she spins and dances around.

Some of her latest fashion trends include:
The handmade sweater she can now wear from Grammy (it used to be too big and too hot), complete with heart buttons. She adores this sweater as she points at and proclaims “mine” and “buttons” to make a mini sentence.

Many mornings she likes to only wear a diaper, but to keep her feet warm she can be found wearing her monster slippers.

In the evening, if boys have cleared out and given her space. Once in a blue moon this little one will bathe in bubbles all by herself (and if papa is around, there may even be a lollipop involved).
That’s after a day (like so many) where she has been running around with boys all day long. She gets dirty from climbing, eating, running, yelling, and having way too much fun.
She is definitely getting some style influences from her brothers and papa.She has no idea any of this going on and she is the perfect blend as the baby of five

Just check her out last night, pretending the table is a catwalk, and modeling her jammies that match her baby doll.

They create games on the spot.
These two took the bottle caps to sort and line up
and pair together and count aloud.
They found the can that papa hung under the bottle openerand they can use them or put them back whenever they like.

A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

The other night when Paul wanted to hear his birth story I realized how readily my heart and mind could recall the details. It isn’t every day a miracle happens.

We had no idea what our “mystery baby” would be and after being multiple days past due, he arrived with so much anticipation. So much love for this baby boy: Mister Paul (named after my Ji’chan).

Today our oldest boy turned six.
Beginning with sprinkle covered pancakes and milk.One little guy was confused. All day we reassured him that next week it would be his turnWe had a handful of surprises up our sleeves for him.We let him pick out his own lego set
at the Downtown Disney store
and stopped for a treat.In the afternoon, we went to see “Once Upon A Mattress” which had a cast of all kids and a princess named Fred.
He was thrilled to spend time going step by step to build his new fire engine with a ladder.
I love this birthday boy, more than he knows.

A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

Everyone should have one.I started this school year thinking last year was my hardest yet. I had a moment at outdoor yoga this summer where I was reminded to stay focused despite the challenges. However, that was while meditating and before meeting my student(s) who have serious needs. My heart wants to fix it all, but I can’t.

Needless to say, I am happy the first quarter is over and one of my students is now getting the services he needs. I finished twenty-two parent conferences last week. When I walked in on Wednesday and found this gift and a kind card from one of my mentors, I was taken back to that summer day where I clearly heard my calling. I am in the right job and I know I have gifts to offer. Sometimes I just need someone else to remind me.

Thank you.

Monday night was my chance to eat out at Lola’s and try something new.It’s called Brushstrokes and Beverages.
For two hours you can have margaritas and sangria while attempting to paint with instruction. I like trying new things with folks I trust. The night also reconfirmed my love is in reading, writing, but not so much in painting.The entire time I laughed. These ladies are funny. I am so sad I missed Book Club last night.

Early on Monday morning we hung out with friends, and because Paul knew where we were going; he was up bright early, dressed and ready to go. Remember he had written India a letter just a week ago and she wrote back. He was thrilled!We ate food together
followed by lots of play and catching up.
Olivine had plenty of dolls to hug, because she is the odd one out in this crew. She couldn’t go in the treehouse, she didn’t like playing Barbies, she was happy to just wander.
They played “Guess Who?”
and then ate some more.
India and Elijah even made the boys birthday cakessprinkles and chocolate.I would call that a party. (Do you see the littlest one pleading with her eyes?)
Thanks Noel & Zahir- it’s always fun!

to celebrate one of Paul’s first buddies ever from the co-op
who turned sixand always has amazing parties with fabulous themes.
Guess the number of Legos and Lego scavenger hunt were some of the games they played
but I think the build your own lego vehicle was the boys favorite.The invitation had instructed them to bring their favorite lego guy and once  they realized why- they were thrilled.
There was pizza and cookies and lots of running around.Long shadows and fall leaves mixed with colorful helium balloonson a Sunday afternoon turned out to be lots of fun.