She's SIX!

A big day at our house today...RVC turned 6 years old!


This was her this morning, ready to go to school in her new butterfly sweatshirt.



There are lots of things I love about this girl, but in honor of today, here are 6...no particular order:

1. She cares a great deal about the feelings of others, but I especially appreciate how she treats me. She gives me a healthy mix of "Why aren't you doing this, mom?" and "You're the best mom ever!"

2. She gets SO excited about things. This girl has been getting ready for her birthday for weeks!--making her own banners (see photo collage), invitations (my favorite part was the way she was trying to write directions to and describe her house in each one...I finally got her excited about purchasing some fill-in-the blank invitations instead), she even started to make crowns for the party guests, though she kind of pooped out on that one.

3. Sometimes I hear RVC rehearsing something she wants to say...sort of preparing for a future conversation with a friend or someone else. It makes me smile, because I know it's something I use to do, maybe still do.

4. I love that RVC is at the age where I can count on her to do what she needs to do. There is still a lot of nagging, but for the most part, she demonstrates to me that she knows what is right and wants to be doing it.

5. I'm so proud of what RVC is accomplishing in school--both in relationship dynamics and academic achievement. I love watching her read, especially.

6. RVC seems be be proud of her individuality and has her own style. I love observing the little things that are just her--I hope she is always comfortable being herself.


We threw our first ever birthday party this year. A few weeks ago, back when the weather was fantastic, we came up with all kinds of great activities--mostly of the outdoor-type. Things kind of changed, however, when we watched as Friday's forecast of snow/rain became more of a sure thing. We still managed to pull together a spring-ish theme by decorating pots and planting seeds as the main activity. That, a simple game, opening presents, and eating cupcakes were all the structure I managed to plan. Mostly, I'd say, the kids enjoyed a couple of hours of bouncing off the walls. Both grandmas were here to lend a hand (maybe more hands than they bargained for), and I was very grateful for them. I was also grateful for our newly acquired basement space, which helped me not feel too overwhelmed when said bouncing occurred.




Things I learned...I'm not a very good party planner. I enjoy doing things with kids--learning activities, crafts, games--but I don't enjoy working out all of the details that are involved in a party. Maybe it will get easier for me; like I said, this was my first party. I learned that I don't like the "invitation" process. RVC would have invited her whole class if it had been possible. Narrowing the list down was hard and even though we were careful to take care of the invitations outside of school, I (and RVC) worried about who was being left out and feelings being hurt. Maybe others have a great system for dealing with all these issues. I hope to learn better for next time. It was fun, though. In the end, RVC said the party went just how she had hoped, so that's all that matters.


We saved some family celebration time for the evening. RVC requested roast beef and artichokes for dinner. Then we went out for ice cream treats at Maggie Moo's in Sugarhouse. Grams and Papa joined us for that. Finally, and a bit after bedtime, RVC opened the remainder of her presents. Presents were received in great plenitude today, with the party and all. It was a fun day.

Now we're looking forward to a nice General Conference weekend to spend together as a family.