A letter to the Girl Scouts

Dear Girl Scouts,

I am not sure what your organization stands for; I went to one Brownie informational meeting as a kid and ended up doing Indian Princess instead (I think my dad was Flying Eagle and I was some kind of Dove). I don't know if you, like the Boy Scouts, believe in always being prepared. I only know that once a year you wreak havoc on my nutrition. You show up at my door and absolutely win me over with your adorable sales pitch. The Samoas you offer call my name and before I know it, February arrives and I find myself helpless, powerless, and ill from their coconutty goodness.

In years past, I have had some semblance of control and only been able to eat the boxes I order in January when my resolutions are fresh and meaningful. But now, in some twisted sales technique, you have found me at Kroger. And your sweet adorable selves literally call to me as I am walking in and walking out . . . offering me more Samoas than my heart and stomach can handle.

I would love to continue supporting your cause, but out of respect for those of us who will be forced to go to the pool multiple times a week this summer, I ask that you start selling something else. Diet Dr. Pepper, for instance, would be something I would gladly purchase from you in LARGE quantities. Sugar free bubblegum, ankle weights, and workout shorts are also more acceptable pre-shorts weather items.

Thank you for only selling them once a year.

A loving (and really full) supporter,
Rachel

New Year's Resolutions

WHAT?! IT'S ALMOST MARCH?!

I know. This is Tru's resolution, not mine. And I was not made aware of it until I went to his parent/teacher conference and saw this most precious sheet of paper hanging on the wall.

He wants to be a better swimmer (**Note to self, call Ms. Johns, oops, Mrs. Haupt or Abby and set up lessons**). Sweet boy wants to jump off the diving board and swim without fear.

He wants to learn how to be nice better and thinks I can teach him. LOVE HIM. That is so touching that he thinks I have the ability to do that. (**Note to self, be nice to Tru so I don't ruin this!**)

There is just nothing sweeter than an unintended compliment from one of your kids where they expect nothing in return. They are rare and priceless moments.

If I had to guess, I would say these are the other kids' resolutions:
**Caroline- find as many places as possible to do a pirourette (regardless of people or glass objects in the path of the twirl)
**Bo- eat everything in multiples of fours . . . 4 wrappers, 4 pancakes, 4 fiber one bars (that is a BAD idea)
**Sascha- live up to nickname "Sassy" and say "NO" to almost everything

I've already forgotten mine for the year. Maybe it should have been reduce my aspartame intake.

Fantasies

Two days ago my sweet, romantic eldest daughter came up with her first fantasy proposal.  If you are a girl, you totally know about the fantasy proposal.  We dream of being cared for and adored and look forward to that day when our prince will drop to one knee and give us a ring. Hers, at this point, is a faceless fiance. I can say this with confidence because right now, and hopefully for a long time, she tells me stuff. In this dream proposal, she had graduated from college (amen) and so had he (yes and yes!!) and they were on a big trip scuba diving to celebrate (I am assuming that we were there too, because at this point in her sweet 8 years she cannot imagine a time we wouldn't all be together.). While underwater admiring the oceanic life, dream boy holds up a sign that says, "Will you marry me?" and she and her mask nod! (I like this scenario because it would prevent some immediate making out! hahaha)

Well I got my fantasy proposal 12 years ago and then my dream wedding and the 4 kids I had always imagined. So I am now fantasizing about what my life will look like if and when I have to (I mean, get to) work outside of our little abode. Hmmmm . . . testing out mattresses, working as a Diet Dr. Pepper connoisseur, being forced to wear the latest fashions and get paid for walking around Target in them. Do any of these jobs exist? No? Shoot.

I really don't know what I will do in real life, but I do know I would love to replace Regis on Live with Regis and Kelly. In my fantasy world, she and I would be BFF and have the best time talking pop culture and kids and then I would fly back to LR on my private jet and be home when the bus dropped off the kiddies. Hey, it's my FANTASY so it could TOTALLY happen.

By the way, I have changed my comment settings so anyone can comment without registering. Sorry, I am a blog novice and an internet idiot; I had no idea my blog was being snobby!!

I heart her iTouch

Caroline got an iPod touch from Santa this year. She loves it!! She sings, she plays Angry Birds, and she takes LOTS of pictures. Here are a few of my favorites . . .

 Friends

 Nana and Papa

One of my favorite things that she does is text me. Sure, I have to nix it when it goes on too long after bedtime, but I love having a way to connect with her that I know we can continue as she grows up. Being able to read her written, "I luv u, Mommy" is precious. Just like her.

Confessions

Here are a few confessions I feel the need to get off my chest . . . please don't judge me

#1 - I love The Bachelor and The Biggest Loser. I love them. I could go without television every other moment of the week, but do not take these from me. The Bachelor is like watching a train wreck in slow motion. I am fairly certain that Brad will choose someone this season because he enjoys breathing. I am equally certain that they will never spend a single Christmas together. I would love to chalk it up to the interpersonal scholar in me . . . like somehow my post-graduate studies in Interpersonal Communication excuses my moral obligation to turn that junk off, but the truth is, it's just really good bad television.

As for The Biggest Loser . . . I am inspired and touched every week. AND thanks to the trainer's tips, I have discovered that I love sugar free Jello and Extra Bubblegum. Seriously, though, the transformations inside and out of the contestants is unbelievable. (And it's nice to see the soft side of Sammy Brady; after years of manipulating and scheming, Allie Sweeney has to enjoy being the nice one.)

#2 - Sometimes after I get home from working out in the morning, I wake Caroline up for her shower and then go back to bed for 20 minutes. I choose not to take advantage of the fact that I am awake . . . wide awake . . . and I lay back down. (Fact: It is always harder to get up the SECOND time, but I can't stop myself.)

#3 - My 2 and 4 year old love Diet Coke and have been known to utter the phrase, "Mommy, I NEED a Diet Coke." Am I proud? Am I worried? A little of both.

#4 - I spray tan as often as my budget allows. My friend, Mandy, has a set up under her house and I now believe and preach the theory that everything looks better tan.

#5 - I can leave my children at my house with babysitters or my parents or Josh and give them almost no thought or worry at all, but once they leave our property, I obsess over their safety, well being, health, and happiness. Apparently I believe that I have built a fortress at home where they are untouchable. I wonder if I have control issues? Hmm.....

Bozer-dozer

Sometimes my heart just gets all fuzzy. Bo has the ability to do that. He is just such a lover. Don't get me wrong, he can be so mean you just want to smack him, but oh. my. goodness. He can hug like nobody's business. And I love the way he says, "I love you to, Mommy." And he says I am his best friend.

This weekend, he got to spend the night with Nana and Papa all by himself. He was so excited and so proud. This morning he was still talking about it. "Because I had so much fun at Nana and Papa's house." (He starts 95% of his sentences with because. I love that.)

In just a few short months he will start pre-K and then he will be in kindergarten just as quickly. The last few weeks, it feels as if he had a growth spurt. He is doing more big kid things . . . winning Mario Kart, putting together hard puzzles by himself, hanging more with Tru than Sascha. It is amazing as a mom how you can be so happy and sad at the same time as you watch your kids grow up.

Anyway. I got some good cuddle time in this morning and thought I would give a little cyber love to Bo-Bo.

Isn't he just adorable?!

UGA

I ended up at the University of Georgia because I wanted the big state school experience without repeating high school (a lot of people went to U of A). My sister lived in Atlanta, so I had family close when I needed it. I love me some bulldawgs! There is NOTHING better than a Saturday between the hedges. (For those of you not familiar with SEC football, that's how we refer to our home field.) The downtown area could not have been cuter or more fun! Shopping, restaurants, and even some dancing! And, of course, you can't top the fact that I met my hubby there! Just wanted to add my shout out to Kelly's SUYL--college alumni. (I have no pictures because I don't know how to scan them in.)

Small confession

Have you seen Father of the Bride 2? You know that scene where they are driving down the road right after Nina finds out she's pregnant and Steven Martin is looking out of his window and seeing all the kids throwing fits and running away from their parents and Diane Keaton is looking out of hers and seeing parents and their children blissfully skipping down the sidewalk with ice cream?

I had a moment like that yesterday. I had 3 of the 4 in the suburban on our way to pick up Caroline from dance and take her for soccer evaluations. As I was passing Frankie's Cafeteria on my right, I saw this mom and dad and their daughter (she looked about 4) holding their balloons and laughing as they tried to untangle them. It really seemed like it was in slow motion to me and almost so perfect for the 5 seconds I witnessed it that it was like a movie scene.

I looked in my rear view mirror at the chaos behind me . . . Tru still blaming me because he forgot his shoes, Bo hollering because he couldn't see Tru's DS and Sascha asking for "MORE TOM AND JERRY!" Hear me say very clearly, I wouldn't trade a single one of them, nor do I regret the size of our family, but sometimes I hear this panicky voice in my head reminding me that 4 kids is a lot!

At first I felt bad for my kids because I don't know that I have ever left Frankie's laughing. Much less laughing because the balloons were tangled. Usually I am yelling, "STOP!! THERE ARE CARS!! WELL, I AM SORRY YOUR BALLOONS ARE TANGLED! WE AREN'T TAKING THEM HOME ANYWAY! YOU KNOW HOW MOMMY FEELS ABOUT BALLOONS!!"

Then I felt kind of sorry for myself because they looked like they had all enjoyed their meal and eating out is hard work in our stage of life.

But I happened to glance down at my phone (fine, I was probably going to call someone, but maybe I was just glancing in a Divine moment to rescue me from utter despair). Anyway, my screen saver is a picture of all 4 kids on our last snow day. They are all standing next to each other, they are all looking at the camera kind of smiling, and no one is annoying anyone else. A year ago, heck, 3 months ago, that wasn't possible.

So maybe in a few more months we will go to a restaurant and leave laughing and skipping and making some other mom on Rodney Parham a little jealous and a lot hopeful.

Casanova goes dancing

Tru's 1st grade teacher has a Valentine's tradition. She teaches her students a simple ballroom type dance and then they have a very special, fancy Valentine's party with a chocolate fountain where they are all dressed up. She warned us that it would make us a little emotional to watch, and dadgum it, I teared up while they were dancing and I did it again while I was typing this. It is a very sweet thing to watch your son be a gentleman.

Here he is with his sweet dance partner, Julia.

Here they are dancing

And after the dancing, he had worked up an appetite for some marshmallows and chocolate

He really is just a sweet heart. He sucked it up to, because he usually gets so embarrassed to do things like dance or sing in front of people and today he held his head high and danced and danced. And stole my heart again.

I got no title, just a small story

Sascha woke up on the, shall we say, opinionated side of the crib this morning. Most of her responses to me today have come with a little stomp of her foot, and while I have tried to address each instance of disrespect, a few may have slid by in my post-flu fatigue.

There was one instance at lunch that I did put my own foot down about. After lovingly and painstakingly preparing her lunch and placing it on a Buzz Lightyear tray and not even attempting to put her in her high chair, but instead offering her a seat in a big chair, that little darling had the nerve to pick up all of her Goldfish (in protest of not being given the bag) and yell, "NO, NO, NO!!!" as she threw them on the ground.

There was some discipline. There were some tears. (All hers, I am too tired to cry.) There was some redemption. And then I started thinking.

I started thinking about how fun it would be to watch her try and throw her food from one of those new-fangled bowls I saw advertised that swear they WILL NOT spill.

Sweet Bo could use one too. I cannot tell you how many times I put a snack in a bowl for him, turn around to put up the box and hear him say, "Oh, Mommy, I so sorry!" and see said snack all over the floor or couch or stairs.

Have you seen these things?

In the words of my mother-in-law, "Now why didn't we think of that?"

She and I are always trying to come up with some million dollar idea. So far, I got nothin'.

She's got something, but I can't tell you what because one of you might be smart enough to invent it before we do.

Anywho . . . Sascha is currently happy and content. Given the events of the day, I do not expect this time to last long, so I think I will go enjoy it while I can.

By the way . . .  have any of you bought a Gyro Bowl? Do they really work?

You never know what's under the tutu

I know she is my baby, but she is seriously all kinds of yumminess. Such a paradox, too. Would you ever believe that this little twirling princess

will only wear Buzz Lightyear pullups? No Dora underwear or pullups or princess anything. So just in case you wondered, Sascha has on a "bu pulyup" under her "tatoo".

A few words of thanks and a brief recap of the weekend that almost was

First of all, let me preface this post by admitting that I am on drugs. A cocktail of them. I hope I am taking them correctly, but there is a chance that my vision is blurred and what says every four hours may look like "keep taking me til you feel better!" I am probably kidding about that last part.

Thursday night, in the middle of family movie night, I began to feel that suspicious tickle in my throat. No amount of attempted clearings seemed to help, and by Friday morning I was feeling like death . . . 101.7 fever, throat on fire, body aches like I had been in a prize winning fight, cold chills that no amount of layering or hot showers could cure. I was officially sick. And my mommy was in Houston for a wedding. THANKFULLY SCHOOL WAS OUT!! Yes, you read that correctly. While most moms would long to be sick on a day when their clan is mostly occupied, I had a secret weapon . . .

This precious, wonderful, too good to be true angel brought me hot tea, diet dr. peppers, crackers, videos, and even a sweet note that basically said I deserved to be cared for like I care for them when they are sick. I would've cried, but I was too dehydrated. Even better than caring for me, she ran a tight ship with the other 3. They were fed, changed, napped, and out of my hair all day. She unloaded and reloaded the dish washer and picked up the living room. And when I stumbled back to bed from the kitchen at one point and told her I couldn't have survived the day without her, she said, "No problem. You know, this really isn't that hard."

I was too sick to decide whether or not I should feel threatened.

This weekend was huge for me. We have some very dear family friends that we have been close to literally since the infancy and toddlerhood of us childrens. The Richards clan and the Bruns clan have made many memories together from the hood of Batesville, AR (what, what Pioneers!!) to our many trips to Sikeston, MO where Cory and I would "smoke" toothpicks and drink our "brandy" (aka, Mr. Pibb in hotel glasses) and call each other darling to Six Flags trips where Scott may have taken a few curves too fast and we may have thrown up all over the Subaru and Petit Jean camping trips and countless other times spent together.  They are more like family than just friends. Cory and I are a year apart and fought like sisters for many years until the fighting melted away and we were just like sisters. Neither of us could hold it together at the other's wedding. We both sobbed uncontrollably. This weekend, her little brother, Jay, got married. I clearly remember him being born. And you know what else I remember about him? He wasn't a typical annoying little brother. He has always been such a sweet guy.

The weekend presented a dilemma because Caroline had a dance competition in Hot Springs and wouldn't finish in time for all of us to make it to Houston. Josh and I decided that I would go alone and fly out Saturday after I got Caroline all gussied up for her dance. Here is where another shout out goes: THANK YOU, MANDY JACKSON, FOR CARING FOR MY DANCER IN THE MIDST OF ALL YOUR DANCE CRAZINESS!!

Once we got all the details worked out, I could hardly believe my luck. I would fly alone to Houston where I would arrive in time to hang out before the wedding, sleep ALONE IN A HOTEL ROOM (I love Josh and my kids, but sometimes a girl gets excited about a king size bed all to her self and total control of the remote), enjoy sweet times with old friends and then a fun ride back with my parents.

The best laid plans of mice and men.

I flew to Houston alone and was excited that they didn't have to ask me to leave the flight because of my uncontrollable coughing. (Hot tea and back to back halls cough drops.)

I felt decent and hung out with my mom, Cory, her mom (also, Becky), and two of Cory's good friends who were doing hair and make-up for them.

I started getting chilled and feeling questionable around 4:30. By the time we left for the wedding at 5:30, I had a bad feeling, but remained optimistic.

Half-way through the wedding, I ran out coughing and choking and kind-of sicker than I wanted to admit. I was shivering and chattering and coughing and aching and had to go back to the hotel and miss what I heard was an incredibly cool and delicious wedding reception.

So, congratulations, Jay and Merideth! The wedding was beautiful!!

Now I am back home. Still running fever. Still coughing. Still aching. (Maybe a tad bit feeling sorry for myself.) But nothing will stop me from getting my 4 sweet Valentines their V-Day donuts. (Except maybe the afore mentioned drug cocktail, but I am probably fine to drive. Or maybe Caroline can.)

Thanks to my Valentine for sucking up his own icks this weekend and treating our princess to a very special night at the Daddy-Daughter Sweetheart Ball and taking such good care of everyone and our house while I was sick in Houston.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

SnowSnowSnowSnow

Can I say something that I know will make me sound weird (and I am sure I am one of like 2 people in Little Rock who feel this way)? I like the snow. I like hunkering down in our house with a fire and the blinds open so we can see the beautiful snow falling. I like movie marathons and not setting the alarm. I have not gotten tired of seeing Sascha lay prostrate on the ground so she can eat the snow because her poor hands are useless thanks to layering and gloves. I am a little concerned about the fact that school may never end this summer, but the rest of it I am fine with. (Well, I guess if it made me miss something I really wanted to do I might be mildly irritated with the weather, but in general I am prosnow.)

Amongst all the comments I have heard regarding Winter Storm 2011, I think the funniest came from Lisa Fischer who called this weather event "Snoprah" . . . and then did her best Oprah impression "Snow for you and snow for you and snow for you!!"

Alas. Tomorrow, temperatures will begin rising and I am betting that this will be the last of the winter weather we get for this year. So I will post these pictures with a twinge of sadness . . .

An evening with friends

Seven years ago, my life-long friend, Elizabeth, got married. One of the bridal showers was given by family friend, Libby Strawn. Libby is an extraordinary cook and decided she wanted to invest her time and affection teaching a handful of young wives and moms some cooking skills. Somehow, I was privileged enough to be invited to join that small group, and all these years later, we are still learning so much from her. In addition to the confidence and advice she has given us in cooking, Libby has also taken an interest in our relationships with our kids and our husbands. We sit around her table or island discussing real life and recipes. Recently, she began rotating through our small group with individual lunches. To say we are all better for our time with her is an understatement. The friendships that we have grown are also priceless and precious treasures. Our kids and husbands really don't complain when we have class because they have had some pretty incredible meals thanks to Libby!

Last night, Libby decided to treat us to a Valentine's dinner of appetizers. Instead of teaching us how to cook these dishes, she just fed us. Between the 6 girls, there are 20 kids ages 11 and under. To NOT cook a meal is a great break; to actually sit at a table full of cherished women and chat over a delicious meal prepared with love is a dream. I think we were all moved beyond words. (Not that there were really any moments without words, I mean, seriously, there were 6 girls sitting around without kids!)

Libby's love and generosity is overwhelming. I know we are all looking forward to our next time together (Amy, we missed you last night!!). Thanks, Libby, we appreciate you and are so grateful for your investment! The returns are invaluable and eternal. (And thanks to your sweet husband, Jim, for sharing his wife and home with this little gaggle of girls!)

Here is a picture of all of us except Amy . . .

And here is a picture of the deliciousness that Libby prepared for us. I was literally sick with delight when I got home!

And in the spirit of Libby . . . I will share 3 of the recipes with you!

Proscitto-Wrapped Asparagus Spears
ingredients:
30 medium-thin asparagus spears
4 oz peppered Boursin cheese, softened
1/4 pound thinly sliced prosciutto
1/4 cup honey mustard
preparation:
Trim asparagus stalks so that the spears are 5 inches long. In a deep skillet bring 1 1/2 inches salted water to a boil and cook the asparagus until they are crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. In a colander drain the asparagus and rinse under cold water. Drain the asparagus well on paper towels.
In a bowl, mash the Boursin with a fork until it is smooth. Cut 1 slice of prosciutto lengthwise into 1-inch strips and spread each strip with about 1/2 tsp of Boursin. Spread about 1/4 tsp honey mustard over the Boursin and wrap each strip in a spiral around an asparagus spear, trimming any excess.

Captain Rodney's Cheese Bake
ingredients:
1/2 cup mayonaise
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 green onions, chopped
6 Ritz crackers, crumbled
8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 cup Captain Rodney's Boucan Glaze
preparation:
Mix first 4 ingredients, then spread in a square casserole dish. Sprinkle crackers on top. Cook at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Then sprinkle bacon on top and drizzle sauce over all.  Serve with your favorite crackers.

Easy Oreo Truffles
ingredients:
1 16-oz oackage Oreos
1 8-oz package cream cheese, softened
2 8-oz packages Baker's semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted
preparation:
Crush 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later use. Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs. Place in medium bowl. Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls (1-inch diameter). Dip balls in melted chocolate and sprinkle with reserve cookie crumbs. Refrigerate until firm (about 1 hour).

Bon appetite!

Guess how I took this picture?!

I took it with my iphone. My surprise iphone. The phone I did not see coming even though I signed for it when it was delivered. The phone my sweet husband decided to buy for me. I am very excited because I spent much of yesterday convincing myself I wouldn't be jealous of Josh's phone when it came. And even sweeter than the surprise is the fact that I think he was more excited for me than I was!

Now, in the words of Forrest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."

Sorry. The kids are just being their average cute selves today. No cute quotes or traumatic head injuries. No one is wearing their underwear on their head.

It is looking likely, however, that I will have some new snow day pictures to upload tomorrow. Woohoo.

Well, I am off to get acquainted with my new toy. And maybe vacumop the floors . . . I don't want my Bissell getting jealous or insecure.

A few important notes . . .

Dear Fox . . . If you can air a commercial where Eminem cusses during one of the earliest commercial breaks, while the little kids are still up, then you can run a commercial where people talk about John 3:16. 

Dear Stomach Bug . . . You have overstayed your welcome. Actually, you were never welcome. Please leave immediately and take ALL of your belongings. Thanks, The Bass Family

Dear Bo . . . Please lift the seat up to tinkle and put it down to poop . . . not the other way around. Love, your Mommy

Dear Little Rock School District . . . Maybe it's time to build some snow days into the calendar. Just saying.

Dear Josh . . . Thanks for letting me run away for a little while yesterday. See, I came back!! You were so nice to me all day and I needed it. I love you, Rachel

Mo snow

I love snow. I love watching it fall; I love how beautiful it is on the trees and rooftops. I would normally be so excited that my phone received a text message at 4:30 this morning saying school was cancelled because of inclimate weather. But today I am disappointed because Josh and I were supposed to go on a community group retreat this weekend to Mt. Magazine. I had REALLY been looking forward to a couple of days away with good friends playing games and snacking.

Now, instead of packing for an excursion, I am sitting on the couch watching Minute to Win It and eating take and bake pizza. The kids and I had a great day . . . there wasn't enough snow in Little Rock to really play out in it so we enjoyed a day inside watching Despicable Me (Single-Disc Edition), playing Mario Kart, building Legos, catching up on laundry . . . but I am still disappointed.

Oh well.

There was enough snow on our driveway for Tru to make a snow angel...

The weather dudes say we have 2 more snow systems coming between now and Wednesday. . . what the heck?

Tru week continues

Well last week I felt bad because I didn't really have any Tru posts or pictures. I guess I am making up for it this week. Who knew I could drag my motherhood guilt all the way into the blogging world?!

Today was the 100th day of school. The kids had the option of dressing like 100 year old people. Caroline choose not to because she is "too old" . . . I left that alone. But really? Too old at 8 to be 100? Anyway. Tru loves any chance he gets to be funny and this is how he went to school today-

I like that the glasses are crooked . . . it adds a certain je ne sais quoi to his ensemble. The cane squeaked when he walked his hobbled little walk.

Around 1:30 my phone rang and the school nurse's number popped up on caller id. I assumed it was Caroline because I get a call about every other week from the nurse regarding some ailment Caroline has. But this time, the nurse asked if she speaking to the mother of Thomas Bass. I understood her confusion. I imagined her thinking, "I know this number, but Thomas is not ringing a bell."

I said yes she was and she proceeded to try and explain to me that Tru had been hit in the head with a board. She was unclear on how but thought I should know that he was going to have a pretty good bruise on his head and that I might want to come get him.

I did. Apparently, there was a mishap during a stacking exercise and a plywood game board and his head met in an unfortunate way. I don't doubt it. That boy has had more head injuries than anyone I know. I would say he was destined to be an NFL quarterback, but I witnessed his flag football season as quarterback and unless they are paying players in Krispy Kreme donuts these days and games are always less than an hour, he is out.

The most amusing part of the entire thing was the sticker they had him wear.

Just in case you can't read it, it says, "Please watch me, I BUMPED MY HEAD!"

He really is fine. Don't be alarmed by his eyes. I told him to look sad for the picture.

Cake Boss I am not

Normally our family would celebrate Tru's birthday with a cake from a local bakery. Mickey's cakes are amazing and Josh and I find ourselves fighting over the last few pieces. Last week when I asked Tru if he wanted cupcakes or a cake, he told me that he wanted me to make his cake this year and he wanted to help. 

In the words of Bo, "AWW MANT!!"

But how do I turn that down? 

He couldn't decide if he wanted chocolate with white, chocolate with chocolate, white with white, or white with chocolate. So . . . 

I made all four variations. And he ate none of them. (Not that I blame him.)

Next year I'm ordering from Mickey's.

Tru Bud

Tomorrow this little baby turns 7 . . . 

We are pleased to say that he grew into that sweet melon head!

But honestly, could he have been any cuter? Or sweeter?

And he still is so cute and so sweet.

It's hard to believe that he is so big. 

Sweet Tru Bud, Truiser Bruiser, Buddy Boy . . . 

You are an amazing kid--smart and sensitive; funny and deep. You keep us on our toes with your questions and your wit. I honestly believe you may be the smartest person I know. I love how you laugh harder than anyone at your own jokes. I am always impressed at how quickly you can put together Legos or figure out a video game. Little in life is funnier than your belly laugh and I especially love hearing it while you read. You are such a boy and find great pleasure in potty words and bodily function noises. You are a sweet brother who loves his brother and sisters and is well loved in return. Your daddy and I are so proud of you and are so glad that you have chosen to follow Jesus. That day was as special as your actual birthday. I am torn between wanting to freeze you as you are or fast forward to the incredible guy that you are going to be! I guess I will just enjoy you each and every day. We love you so much! Happy Birthday, Tru!!!