Summer

is going pretty well so far.  I usually dread summer.  Let's face it... the Texas heat  is not fun.  But this year, we have a nice mix of things planned and so far, so good.  Except, I am really busy shuttling kids to fun activities.  I usually have one hour to exercise and a half hour to shower and the rest of the day I am the activities director/chauffeur.

I realized I never posted about the rest of Kate's birthday and my b-day letter to her.  After breakfast in bed and baking a cake, Kate opened a few gifts....

Kate loves mermaids and so she got some Barbie mermaid pool/bath toys.  We also got her a butterfly nursery and I am going to get her an Eiffel Tower charm for her charm bracelet since I get her a charm each year.

Then we went bowling.  Let me just state for the record that I don't like bowling.  Mostly I don't like bowling alleys.  They ALL smell bad (smoke).  I do really like Wii bowling though:)  Anyway, Kate wanted to go bowling....

Will and Harry were very sweet trying to help Kate bowl...

She got a spare but I only had my 50mm (no zoom ) lens and was not ready for her expression after the spare.  So, they are all blurry but so cute:)

I know I know...completely out of focus....she was running and jumping and I was not ready with the camera.  Plus she was too close:)  But look how happy she is!!!

I made spaghetti, meatballs and sausage.  And we had cake.  The cake was REALLY good.  (this cake recipe, this frosting (and let me say the frosting was DIVINE!!!!!!)

They were Sparkler candles and they would not go out so the boys helped:)

I try to write a letter to each of the peanuts on the birthdays... here is my letter to Kate. 

My lil dumpling,

Five was a big year for you.  You started kindergarten and went to school with your big brother, Harry this year.  You started to learn how to read and you made tons of friends at school.  You were the compassionate one in your class this year and you always welcomed new kids with a friendly smile.  You learned to ride a bike without training wheels and you LOVE going on bike rides. 

One thing we worked very hard at this year is teaching you to stand up for yourself and your friends and you have come so far. I wish we did not need to teach you that skill quite so early but we did.  I am proud of how far you have come with that.

You changed a lot this year Kate.  You are not a pre-schooler anymore.  Gone are the tantrums and crying when you don't get your way (thank the Lord).  You have learned how to accept things a little better.

I love the friendship you and I have developed.  One thing we started doing this year is on Friday nights we cuddle up in Mommy's bed and watch "Say yes to the dress" together.  I love this time with you.  We often share opinions about which dresses we like best and we dream about the day we'll go shopping for your wedding dress together.

You have such a sunny disposition Kate and you are known in this family and among our friends for always saying "This is the best day ever!"  The other day you were playing old maid at school and I asked you if you get upset when you get the old maid.  You responded by saying "No, I am just happy to be playing, Mama."  I LOVE that positive attitude and I hope you keep it your whole life.  You can chose your happiness.

You have so many great talents.  You are a caring and compassionate sister, daughter and friend.  You love to dance and sing.  You are a gifted artist.  You are a fish in the water. You are a fantastic baker/kitchen helper.  You always think the very best of others.   You are very generous. You are JOYFUL.  Really, really joyful.  It is very rare that you are unhappy or in a bad mood.  I hope you always stay that way.

I love you more than I ever imagined and I look forward to seeing you continue to grow into a beautiful young girl.

Love,

Mama

P.S.  I am on Day 10 of the diet and really losing steam.  Last night, at book club I passed on every brownie, sweet, pie, chip, dip and other goodies that were passed in front of me.  I drank water while everyone else enjoyed wine.  It was not too hard but when I came home, I was very shaky and weak.  I felt very low blood sugary...so I had a few gluten free crackers with sun nut butter.  Sunflower seeds are okay on this but gluten free crackers are not.  Anyway, I was back to my pear lime ginger smoothie this morning but I might modify the last few days as I am feeling constantly dizzy, headachy and weak. I think I will follow the breakfast and lunch plan but add a light dinner of my own starting today.  I don't want to completely quit but I cannot continue feeling this way.  I don't think it is good and I am really taking it out on the people I love.

THANK YOU so much for voting for Melissa and Hong.  I know all the stories are touching and I am going to pray for all people facing infertility. I wish they could all win too.  I can only imagine how excruciatingly painful it is.  Someone very close to me experienced it for years too and I remember her pain.  From the website, it looks like they were one of three couples to win!!!!!