to my 5 year old...

My precious Aubrey,
You've been 5 for a few months now and I have put off writing this post. Your mama is in denial and having a hard time accepting your age. :)

I'm so honored to be your mom and every day you humble me with your kind and tender heart. You selflessly think of others more often than not. You are sensitive to people's feelings and pick up easily on people's moods. You are often quiet, serious, and thoughtful. But with those you love, you are silly. You think it's hilarious to make up silly words while dancing around. Your preschool teachers say you love to hug them and that they can always count on you to set a good example. You have moments of sassiness too that while at times, exhausting, I know are a good thing. You have spunk hidden behind that quiet and careful personality. You can direct that sassiness towards me and it doesn't go over so well. But every now and then you like to try out the attitude and see what happens. You look and sound so much like me. Sometimes it thrills me; other times it humbles me. Inside your little head though, you are your daddy's girl. You are logical and can sit for hours over a puzzle or problem trying to solve it. Puzzles are your favorite thing to do with daddy. You two are funny to watch together as you get engrossed in a puzzle and can't seem to stop. Brooklyn and I could care less, but not you two. Your daddy is completely enthralled with you and tells you every morning how beautiful your eyes are. I'll catch him staring at you often. You love to learn and already know 10 sight words. You are starting to sound out words as you read and write and it's exciting to watch your joy as you learn. You love bible class and seem to soak up everything your teachers teach you. Sometimes you have a hard time being the big sister. I think sometimes you want to be the little one and enjoy the extra attention that brings. You have the sweetest giggle and cover your mouth while you do it. It makes me laugh. Right now your "love language" is time spent playing with you. You'd take time on the floor playing with us any day over a special treat. It has been a joy to watch you become more independent this year. You enjoy doing things yourself now and I am loving it. While you were once shy you are blossoming now; talking to new people and making friends so easily. You introduce me to new friends all the time at the park and other places.You are such a good big sister. You take care of Brooklyn and make sure she's happy. Sometimes you get confused and think you are her mom.

Aubrey, not a day goes by that I don't thank God for surprising us with you. I can't imagine my days without your smile, your floppy hugs, your giggle, your big girl talk, and seeing your kindness. We are completely smitten over you and love you with everything we are.

Love,
Mom and Dad

Happy Easter!

 

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. ”
John 11:25-26 

aubrey's 5th birthday

This year Aubrey wanted a "Doc McStuffins" Party for her 5th birthday. I scratched my head for awhile on that one and then we decided to take a few of her friends to the Build-A-Bear workshop to celebrate. It was by far my favorite party. It was relaxing and because it was just my parents, Jeff, and 7 kids, I got to spend a lot of time talking to Aubrey and her friends. It was perfect. And I think she had fun too.




 
Aubrey's bear has a satin heart from each of her friends inside. They all kissed the heart,
made a wish for Aubrey and put it inside her bear.

 
We told Aubrey she could pick any bear, and she still chose the cheapest bear even though we kept pointing out other ones to her. She said she wanted her new bear to look like bunny so they'd be friends. ;)

Grandpa went a little overboard on buying a few extra things (outfits!) for the girl's bears. He says it's his prerogative. :)

She wasn't big on the ringing of the bell while everyone sang to her.



Grandma made the cake and it was awesome! I always love seeing what she comes up with for my girls.



After the party, Aubrey and her friends decided to set up a clinic outside for the new stuffed animals everyone made.


 
We love you, precious girl! Happy 5th Birthday!

a garden

I've been wanting to start a vegetable garden for years now. Last year I even went to a nursery, did all my research and pricing just to realize that it's expensive to start a garden! This year we bit the bullet and just did it anyway. We literally woke up, decided to start a garden, and finished it in one day. We are all so excited. The girls go outside and check the plants and the spots where we planted seeds to see if there's any new growth.There was much excitement in the house when we found this, this morning. :)

playing teacher...

family photo :)

silly day at school

Aubrey is learning the letter "S" this week at school. Today was Silly Day.  I tried to get Aubrey to go all out silly but she wasn't buying it. I don't blame her. I wouldn't have done it either. At least I got her to wear silly cat ears with her hair and rainbow pipe cleaners, a backwards, inside out shirt, different socks, and striped leggings. Little sister wanted to be silly in front of the camera too.