“Insta”-replay; Birthday Parties and Out of Town Guests

“Oh look at you, you managed to survive another trip around the sun.” Birthdays are kinda a funny thing to celebrate if you think of them like that.  So it is a good thing I think of them more as a time to stop and look at how much you have changed from one year to the next.

Merry’s birthday was last week and she is growing up even as she is still very much a child.

In dance her maturity shows up most, her class is preparing for pointe shoes. And her flexibility and focus during class have both improved.

But she still shows her fun spirit when she dresses up for holidays, like being all pink for Valentines.

Merry’s birthday theme was fairies, and her Aunts went all out, since 12 is the last year as a pre-teen.

They managed not to set the house on fire with the fireworks candles, although from the sounds coming from the kitchen, I think it might have been close.

Besides celebrating Merry we also got a visit from Cousin Toby and Aunt Kim! They were in town for a dance competition and spent a few extra days visiting.

Then I got to take them back to the airport, on the one day we had snow.  And the snow was only right by the airport.  So I got my fill of winter weather.

Here’s to another lap around the sun and to seeing how much we can accomplish while we go!

“Insta”-replay, taking time to slow down

Taking time to slow down sometimes just means making an effort to notice what is going on around you.

This year I started a “creative journal” besides keeping track of daily goals, like Bible reading and stretching, I’m also keeping track of long term goals like books I’ve read this year and things I’m grateful for.

Merry has found a few buyers willing to support her art. I have to say I am very impressed with her consistency drawing the same picture multiple times.

Technology can detract from family time, but it can also add to it. Such was the case with Aunt Katie’s hair and makeup app, it added many laughs to family time.

Libraries are wonderful places, filled with books.  Those books can turn time spent waiting into time spent exploring and learning.  I’m trying to learn from my kids and read more also.

Kids are always happy to put another dentist visit behind them, it helps that they are once again cavity free! 

For a few more days, well one more day, she is 11. I’m not sure I’m ready for 12, but she sure seems to be! Either way a birthday is coming soon! I guess somethings you can’t slowdown.