Fifth grade clay project

Claire seems to be going all out in school this year. This seems to include her fifth grade clay project. She is more clay than I think I was given in all elementary school to create a plate that holds cupcakes and a cake on it. This thing is expensive. It’s about a foot and a half in diameter for the plate just to give size perspective. She worked on this for months. She’s pretty proud of it but wishes she would’ve done a little bit more detail in the painting. Remember, I will be able to keep it. 

Great job Clair Bear!

Clair turns 11

Clairs birthday celebration was very busy this year. 

Happy 11th birthday Clair!

Today we celebrated Clair. She was busy from sun up to sun down doing things she loves -practicing for her leading role in the upcoming school play, working hard in school, and helping her softball team pull off another miracle win. In between all that we still found a little time for presents and cake and her favorite birthday dinner - homemade Mac and cheese! 

She’s one awesome kiddo! I love watching her grow and getting to be her Mom!

My kids had an great Elementary School.

This essay written by Clair describes her view of her elementary school. It is so awesome to see her recognize the great school experience she has had. I also think she’s right!

Parenting flies by

The days can feel exhausting which makes us think they are long, but really they fly by like the years. 

These kiddos are the best. I also want the best for them and that can be a bit stressful. I wish I could let go a bit more but I’m not good at it. David is the relaxed one; I worry and plan and figure. 

Tomorrow Clair is 11. Eleven years of parenting this sweet, smart, kind, snuggly child has been nothing short of amazing. She has the patience of a saint and I think that’s a gift Vonita sent her. She has the smarts to become a doctor, which she insists she wants to. She has the heart to love like Jesus. She loves her family! I’m thankful each day that God gave her to me to parent. 

She’s coming down with a cold on her birthday eve. I’m sorry for that for her. I hope it’s nothing more than a cold and she moves through this quickly. 

I look forward to celebrating with her tomorrow. 

Birthday is coming

Clair is 11 tomorrow. 

Last night at the dinner table, Clair looks at me and says you’re gonna make my cake tomorrow right? Worried eyes.

I look at her and say, why are you worried about when I will make your birthday cake? 

Her response, because if you don’t make it tomorrow, then you won’t make it and then I won’t have a birthday cake. With a very panicked voice. 

I looked at her and said have I ever let you down? Have you ever had a birthday with without a birthday cake? Have your brother or sister ever had a birthday without a birthday cake? I don’t think so so you don’t need to worry about when I will make your cake. You will have the cake you want for your birthday.

I told David last night I can’t believe that she questioned whether or not I was gonna have a birthday cake for her considering this is one area. I have never let my kids down on. David says well the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree now does it?

Clairs having a strong season

Clair has started off the season well. She has the highest on base average of anyone on the team and continues to show that she’s starting to learn how to use the bat as well. She’s also quite strong defense. She threw a girl out from third in our second game and pressing everyone. And Friday’s game she dove to catch a pop fly at third base and out. I love that the game is clicking for her. I love that she’s enjoying it! 

Soccer game fun

Saturday afternoon we are watching Max play soccer. Everyone was there. As is typical the girls like to distract themselves. The games are about an hour and 15 minutes long. Max is on a new team this year. The coaches are tough and the team is struggling. Max is doing his best and he’s much stronger after working all winter at Pfp. I really hope that he can get recognized for what he’s doing. Anyway, a couple pictures of Max and his soccer game as well as some of the art The girls left me with on my phone. They sure like editing photos.