There's A New Sheriff In Town...

First Grade Christmas Party...

Mason and his wonderful teacher, Mrs. Torres:

Mason's class has a really neat reading loft.  Ellie, and several of the other younger siblings, spent the whole time up there playing and reading books:

Mason and Mollie:

Celebrating Christmas and the end of the semester:



Seven...

This past week you celebrated your 7th birthday!  It's hard to believe seven years have passed since you started me on my journey of motherhood.  I remember the details of that day so clearly.  I was so proud of you then, as I am still so proud of you today as I see my little guy emerging into a young man.  You have a true 'firstborn' personality.  You excel in school and in sports, and you have an amazing ability to memorize almost anything from numbers and random facts to books of the Bible (forward and backward!) You are a perfectionist, and you become very frustrated when you make any mistakes on your schoolwork, to the point of tears.  And you have a very difficult time admitting when you're wrong, even though I know you trust that we love you regardless.  You are a routine guy.  You find security in the consistent, and you do not like to deviate from it.  Since the beginning of this school year, your ability to read has really blossomed.  I am amazed at all the things you can read, as well as the speed and fluency of which you can do it.  You are a great big brother.  Occasionally though, you think it's funny to tease your sisters, or you become angry at them.  But you also tolerate a lot from them too!  Despite the fact that you and Ellie occasionally fight, most of the time you love playing together.  You make up imaginary games, and she is always quick to jump in and follow along with whatever you're doing.  She really looks up to you and admires you, and she is your little buddy.  We love you, and I hope that you know how special you are to all of us.  Happy Birthday, Mason!!

The Paradox Of A (Nearly) Seven Year Old Boy...

This morning Mason asked me what mistletoe was.  I explained to him that it was a plant commonly used in Christmas decorating, and I also told him about the tradition of hanging it over a doorway and kissing someone underneath.  Then I said "like this", and I kissed him on the cheek.  He immediately wiped off my kiss and said "gross!".  Less than 5 minutes later, he bumped his forehead on the pantry door.  And what do you suppose he wanted me to do?  That's right.  He wanted me to kiss it.  Go figure.  :)

Flying High...

Ellie's favorite new way to swing:

 For her, the higher the better.

"Look Momma, I'm an airplane!", she says.

Sometimes I see her swinging with her eyes closed tight, deep in thought, as if she's pretending to fly.  I'd love to know what thoughts are going through her mind as she flies through the air. 

Love those muddy little feet too!