The boy is FIVE!

Five and almost 4 days old.  So far he seems to like his new status.  I like that, at least for the past few days, he's seemed to get shoes on a little faster, help clean up a little more, not tease his sisters as much--all with the desire to live up to the "now that you're 5..." reminders I keep throwing at him.  I'm guessing it won't last.  But I hope that he keeps up the good "five-year-old hugs" when I ask for them.

Saturday was a good day for a birthday...no school or work to rush off to.  TLC asked for Swedish pancakes for breakfast, which meant I got the morning off (Swedish pancakes are TEC's department), and opened some presents...a mix of things he "wanted" (toys) and "didn't want" (clothes).  Grandparents and Uncle SDC came over after lunch for pirate cake and ice cream, and more presents.  For dinner, we had fondue and made a yummy mess of cheese and chocolate.  Then, we watched a Scooby Doo movie and ate popcorn before tucking our stuffed selves into bed.

We are enjoying this new year so far.  School, work, and continuously putting the house back together keep us busy.  This week we've started implementing "Saturday jobs" for the kids.  Yesterday I spent time with each of the 3 oldest to make sure they know what they need to do.  We'll see how it works this weekend.  I have this dreamy vision of the whole family hard at work to make the house spotless...and then it staying that way because everyone knows how much work it was.  Maybe I'm setting myself up for disappointment...

But one encouraging sign...This morning, SCC announced that she wanted to do her job today (emptying the garbage cans).  When we pointed out to her that there was nothing in the garbage cans to empty, she broke into tears.  How's that for commitment to your work?