Birthday Party Details...

Little B has been watching Avatar: the Last Airbender on Netflix the last month. Well, I'll be honest, Ben, Maggs and I have been watching the show. I think I loved it just as much as they have. It really is was a great anime cartoon and I'm kinda sad to see it over. Anyhoo, we decided to have a party with an Avatar theme on a budget no less. Ha ha. It was a hit and some of our guests were big Avatar fans so overall it was a lot of fun. Warning, photo overload. Sorry. :)

The morning started out with Ben's choice of Hootenanny pancakes and sausage links. He quickly enjoyed his breakfast and headed to school. He thought he should get the day off because it was his birthday. Tuh. Whatever.

When he got home we finished all the final details and waited for our guests to arrive. He did have his first present waiting for him at home. He was so excited. When they finally got here they chose out of a basket what nation they were from. I made necklaces from homemade shrinky dinks of their nation symbol. Of course there was some trading because they all wanted their favorites. After that, the kids painted and decorated their catapults. I premade these using scrapwood, clothes pins, popsicle sticks, and water bottle lids. They had fun and was really excited to paint.

We then played the donut on the string game. This had nothing to do with Avatar but Ben really wanted to play it. They had a blast with that. Cute kids.

Next, we sang Happy Birthday to Ben, he made a wish and we celebrated with cupcakes and icecream cones.

Airbender Arrow

  I love how hard he is wishing here. Cutie.

Here is Ben's famous laugh. Love it.

He opened up his presents and by that time our catapults were dry. We spent the rest of the time having competitions with the catapults. The kids loved this. I thought they were pretty cool too.

Bag template by IKari Designs. I just added the paper and image then folded it up.

We ended the day with roasting hotdogs over a fire and opening presents from family back home. I think B had a perfect day. He loved every minute of it. Thanks to our family for all the calls and for sending gifts. It made his day extra special! Love you!

7 Big Reasons I adore Ben...

Seven years ago today I became a mother. Tears well up just thinking about that day. This little man made my dreams come true. It's hard to believe it has been seven years. I love this boy so much and my heart just aches thinking about the joy he as brought to our life.

So with that, seven reasons I adore Ben...

1. This kid has the best laugh. When he gets going his laugh can brighten any room. You can't help but join in when you hear him laugh.

2. He is inquisitive and smart. Ben has always loved science. When he was two he would watch shows about molecules on PBS. He likes to see how things work and will ask questions about the world around him then seek to find answers if he can.

3. Ben loves people. He is just a nice guy. He makes friends with most anyone and I've never seen him purposely be mean to someone.

4. He is sensitive. This is a good thing and a bad thing. We work really hard on not being too sensitive but it's good too because he doesn't like to see anyone sad.

5. He is athletic. I love this about him. He loves to be outside and to run and play. He's not afraid to try new things and will jump right into a game and figure it out.

6. He is a really good eater. He amazes me with his food choices. He likes his sweets but he never goes overboard. He most likely will choose an apple over chocolate or fruit over fries. He just has a healthy relationship with food. I wish I was more like him in this way.

7. He's mine. He is proof of our Heavenly Father's love for us. I am truly truly blessed to be his mother. He makes me happy everyday.

Happy Birthday Ben! We love you so much! :)

First Day of First Grade

Sad, sad, sad....but a little happy too. Beezie started the first grade. I take him to school everyday and my head and heart just can't figure out how this even happened. How my little baby could possibly be in the first grade! I've learned this last year how quickly life can pass us by. So you can make fun of me if you would like, but I'm going to mourn days gone by, try to cherish the day right now, but look forward to the future too. Is that even possible?

Well, back to B. He has mixed feelings about school. I think he enjoys learning and he loves music and art, but he doesn't enjoy the long days and all those silly rules. I can't blame him but we try to be positive. Oh and homework is so unbelievably boring! I'm thinking that him not liking homework already is not a good thing. We'll keep working on it. He loves his teacher and we are greatful for that. I'm excited for him. 1st grade is a big year; lots of learning, lots of fun.

Congrats buddy, we love you and are so proud of how smart and talented you are. You are definitely something very special. I'm glad you are mine.