Kate is 5

My Sunshine Kate turned 5 this week.

On the way to take these pictures she said "mom it is girls day. I got to wear makeup, and you get to take pictures." She is explaining that this is a win win for both of us.

Then on the way home she has these yellow flowers in her hand.

She says "Mom do you like the sun- cuz it is really yellow" knowing yellow is my favorite color.

I tell her I do, of course, and that is just one reason I call her my sunshine.

Kate at 5 is awesome.

Weight- 35lbs- 13%

Height- 40in- 25% I knew she'd been growing cuz her pants are all short

She is super smart. And still remembers every little detail and event of the last 3.5 years way better than I do. It is almost concerning.

She is the best big sister too. Always bringing something home from preschool for Sam. Also making Marianne laugh. She really wants to please. But she is also really strong willed, making for some internal conflict which can be frustrating for a mini genius.

She still is determined to be an astronaut when she grows up, and still wants to convince Sam to be one to so they can play together in space.

She likes lots of girly things, like dress up, new clothes, make up, dolls, singing and friends friends friends. I wish I had her confidence. Her ability to make new friends. Her memory. Her great ideas. She is such a great leader in our family, always thinking of new things to do, reminding us it is family night... every night. And she is beautiful, and silly. That is one great combination. She has been so great about moving, and up to the adventure even though she had to give up friends and school and life as she knew it. She has a great attitude. She tries to hard to be good. I am such a lucky Mom.

She is so loved by each member of our family.

Today she told me about her plan for life.

She wants to be a mom astronaut and is concerned she might find the boy she wants to marry may not want to be an astronaut and live in space with her.

She told me she is going to have two boys and one girl- tommy, max and lily. I don't know where she came up with these names. But I like them. I hope all her astronaut mom dreams come true. In the conversation I must also add that she asked me a question. When I answered she said "cuz you know everything huh mom?" :)

Kate's Birthday

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We celebrated Kate's birthday yesterday.

She had been planning her birthday- well basically since her last birthday. In october she came across a monkey plate. It was pink, the monkey had a pink flower in her hair and she decided that is what she wanted. And she talked about that monkey plate for 6 months. When it was actually time to plan her party, her mind remained unchanged. So I searched high and low and finally found the exact monkey plate she remembered, and ordered them along with cups and napkins.

She also decided that she wanted to go to a trampoline place again. Just like last year. She loved it last year why not do it again. Despite me trying to convince her otherwise, her mind remained made up.

As far as presents she would ask for certain things, but allowed me some choice.

As far as decorations, that was all determined by her. The night before she even reminded me not do do the decorations like a surprise because she wanted to help (mostly because she doesn't trust me to make her vision for her birthday a reality) it included green vines all over the place- for the monkeys. She encouraged everyone to wear brown like a monkey. She is my party planner.

She even got the same cookies from the grocery store-except this time a different color, for favors just like last year.

We took all our cousins to the trampline place- there was a lot of us and they had tons of fun. While there Kate said to me "This is the funnest day ever!" Just the reaction you hope for. I noticed her try to tell all the staff working there that it was her birthday- just like when we had been at the store and purchased candles and cake mix and she had attempted to tell the cashier it was for her birthday.

After the jumping place we returned home to prepare for our family party. My parents were here and so was Amy and her kids, so we actually had another big party. It was one big party for her all day. We ordered pepperoni pizza- Kate's current 2nd favorite food only to Panda Express (She ate 5 pieces between lunch and dinner) and decorated the kitchen like a jungle, a jungle with a balloon covered floor.

Then it was present time. The 1st gift Kate opened was a CTR ring from us. She had mentioned a few days before that she wanted a CTR ring because now she is really a CTR 5. When your kid asks for a CTR ring for their birthday you have to get it for them right? But there are not Deseret Books on every corner around here, but I did find one bookstore about 20 minutes away that claimed to sell them. I went and they did have- one kids CTR ring. It was a little big I thought, but it was pink.

When she opened it she exclaimed in the perfect delight "This is just what I wanted!"

This was actually her reaction to every gift she was given. So thankful and excited about games, stickers, dolls, dresses. Then it came time to open her gift from Sam. He got her a large Cinderella doll. I wasn't sure she would love it. It actually went with the bike I had gotten her- but that is another story. But I knew Sam would remember that he had picked it out so I let him give it to her anyway. She opened it.

"Sam knew I liked blue and he knew I liked Cinderella!" She was in love. Jumped up and gave him a hug. Later she repeatedly told me it was her favorite gift.

Her last gift to open was a bike we got her. The bike is a story. I had looked and looked at many stores to get Kate a bike. She had wanted this one with a seat for a doll. I finally found it in a box at Target and bought it. Unfortunately when we went to put it together the night before at 8:30pm we realized it was not the bike, and actually a very small toddler bike. I was super upset, as I had spent the better part of all my energy and thought into making her day perfect for the last week. I decided to run to Toys R Us. It was close though expensive, and I figured they would at least have bike to buy. I tried to buy basically any bike that was the right size, only to find that most of them were not in stock. All but one- the kids bike that was like $130 and I wasn't sure she would like it! I bought it too. I was desperate. It was only 9, though so I had another hour before everything closed and thought I would try a few more stores. I did and kept coming up short, until I went to the super ghetto Wal-mart. I usually refuse to go her and it is really disgusting. But like I said-desperate. And there was a bike, not the bike, but a bike, reasonably priced, not pink- but blue (her favorite color) and purplish pink, with princesses, a fanny pack and a bell. I thought it would work. So home I came. The third bike I bought for my girl. Of course now this week I have the task of taking all the other bikes back. It was worth it though I think. When she opened her eyes and pulled of the blanket covering it she was happy- and a bit confused saying "now I have two bikes" I told her it was for her because he other bike was too small, then she understood and made plans to put mail in the fanny pack and ring the bell to deliver mail.

All my work and I think it all paid off. She was super happy and perfectly pleased with her day.

She loves birthdays so much and I did not disappoint her. In return, it was one of my favorite days of the year, again, as she was just so pleased and excited and pleasant.

After gifts we ate lunch and cake.

She was happy with her cake, I tried to replicate the monkey on the plates with the flower in her hair. She went to blow out her candles and leaned over the candles and burnt her forehead a bit- but was cute and sweet and stood their pleased as everyone sang to her. Then smiled as everyone said something nice about her. I loved Sam's the best- he liked that Kate colored with him.

As we were eating cake I was sitting next to Kate and she said-"mom now that I am five I will do all the chores and only play a little" It made me a little sad. A few weeks ago, frustrated with all the house chores and told Kate she needed to help me, as she was old enough that mom shouldn't have to do all the chores. In an attempt to get out of chores for the moment she told me "when I am five mom, then I will be old enough to do all the chores and you won't have to do any" I smiled but surely still made her clean up whatever it was I was insisting. She remembered the conversation, and that she had promised me when she turned five that she would do all the chores. I think she said it a little sad, but dutiful. I reassured her that I would love her to be a bigger helper, but that she could still have fun and play even though she was a real grown up five year old now.

She spent the evening playing with her new things, playing games, and being so content. The happiness has continued into today as she is still being helpful and nice and sharing and sweet.

The evening ended with me telling her the story of when she was born for a bedtime story- a birthday tradition. She ate up every minute.

And then of course was so excited she refused to fall asleep for almost two hours.

It was a really great day.

I have been feeling a lot lately like I spend all my energy trying to make those I love and care about happy, and still despite doing everything I can, they are still unhappy with me, some how dissatisfied, unappreciative etc....

But Kate didn't disappoint. Like I said, I spent so much time and energy into making her day perfect, and she believed it. She had the perfect bright reaction to everything, was thankful and happy and I felt like all my work paid off. What more could I ask for.

More on Kate to come on her actual birthday I am sure.

Enjoying Spring

I took both these photos while we were playing in the backyard today I uploaded them and thought they were funny. Funny because the top is the best picture of the older kids I got. Hair all messed up, funny faces and in the dirt... with lunch on their faces and what was around the third outfit for one of them for the day. A contrast to miss Marianne. She looked so perfect in her spring dress. Smiling at me with her toes in the nice green grass.

The Girls Too

Cute pictures of the girls in my life. I've been playing around with my portrait lens today. The blog has been over run with Sam lately. But these two beauties are copy cats of me, and one another. Kate even likes to take a cup of ice to eat when she gets in the car.... that is totally a me thing. Sometimes I can't get Kate to even look at me when I am trying to take her picture. Today not only did I get a smile, I got posed hands for my strong willed daughter.

Church with Kids.

This girl is growing up.

Some days she is pleasant. She is helpful, sweet, tries to get her siblings excited about things.

Other days her ears don't seem to work.

Yesterday she came home from church in disbelief that Daniel was protected in the Lion's den. Like we haven't done that story at least five times before for FHE and she was hearing it for the 1st time.

She clamored on about Daniel in the halls as we exited church. People commented on how precious it was.

We met with the a member of the bishopric yesterday. With Sam in our lap, that is where he almost always is during church. Sam saw a photo in the office.

"President Thomas" he exclaimed.

Yes our two year old is a well educated sweetheart, we assured the counselor.

And secretly felt like awesome parents for ONE moment.

We needed to as I had left sacrament one time with Sam, sunday school three times with Marianne- then gave up and didn't try to re-enter, and only caught the last few minutes of R.S. due to crying whining kids. jake didn't make it to any Sunday school because he was taking care of Sam. I wanted to be in class. I haven't been in class for over two months because of sick kids or crying kids. When I did make it into R.S. I stood in the back rocking a baby. I saw several women on their phones on pinterest and texting from where I was- one even took a phone call that did not seem urgent. It made me so angry. Why don't they take care of my crying kids and I'll sit and listen to a lesson. More whining from me.

What a surprise.

A Little Love

Kate came up with the idea to make these lips all on her own.

Making some decorations.

Sams says he is making a Valentine for me

" I wub you soooo much mommy, I wub you becuuuuz, I wub you becuuuuz, more than Daddy"

Awesome Sauce Sam. I wub you too very much.

our festive results
Because I was taking pictures these two joined in on the action with their cameras as well

Back to Preschool

I included this mis hap picture because if you look at Kate with her eyes half closed and her hair slicked back and her mouth covered- she looks just like Sam. It is a little spooky how much so for me their mother who never thought they looked so alike.
This post is really about Kate returning to preschool.

I was almost in a panic trying to find Kate a school. Mostly because she kept asking about it, and every time we would pass a school she would say " I found a school mom". Thinking that when I say "we will find a school" she meant like literally drive around and find one.

We didn't have to look too far. She is attending Creative Corner, a preschool done in a home by a woman in our ward. It is less legit than her other school, and more expensive, but it is also longer. She already loves it, mostly because you get to bring your own snack and for recess you go to the park and sit on a bench and eat your snack then get to play. There is a neighborhood park next door to the woman's home. And you get to bring show and tell every day.

Her teacher told me she was perfect.

I said- she didn't talk too much?

Her teacher said- no.

Either her teacher is lying or Kate was not her sure self in the new school today.

No worries, she seems content and nothing beats 9 kids playing at the park for 20 minutes mid school when you are a four year old.

Of course she was styling. She loves picking out her clothes for school all by herself.

After we picked her up me and the kids went to lunch at Panda Express. It is right around the corner and Kate's favorite meal is Chinese noodles.

We sat at the bar height table. This made their day. They are always asking to sit in the high tables but I never let them. But today we left Marianne asleep at home with Dad, so we could do it. We talked about school, and our fortunes.

Sam's said something about not over indulging.

He told me is said "no growing up"

That is what I am always telling him.

We have a new schedule for the new year.

The kids are excited to have a schedule too. They keep saying the word "schedule"

It is a cork board with their pictures then under pictures of tasks to complete before they can watch tv or play, or go outside. It worked awesome today. Sam chomped his toast down in four seconds flat because Kate was getting dressed - and then they listened to me as I helped them know what to do for the "clean room" picture. And were happy to complete it.

We are also doing our own little school, just Sam, Kate and I on the days kate doesn't go to preschool. It is mostly to help me with one new years resolution play more with my kids. Each day - once the schedule is done- we have songs, books, and projects while Marianne is napping. We've only done it one day so far, and it was tons of fun, for me and them. I think it will help Sam with what his resolution for the year should be- to sit and listen better to me and at church.

Back to the new year, new school and new schedule.

Fresh starts are always nice, but ours feels extra new.

Dance and Preschool

Kate had her last day of preschool today before we move. It was so sad. Her little preschool has been the best. Really! I am so sad Kate won't finish and that my other children won't get to participate in such a great school. Kate and I made that gift for her teacher, then she got to bring treats and be the teacher for part of school today because it was a special last day for her. Her teacher even sent her home with a special gift for her and for me. On the way home Kate said "my teacher loves me". Kate has enjoyed preschool so much especially with Mrs. Duke.

Kate had a dance recital on Dec 2. We were all so excited. She had an audience too with Grandma Grandpa, Aunt Carol, and Aunt Ali, and our whole little family. She did so great, but it was hard to see her because another girl was in front of her. I videod it. She was mostly excited about all the makeup her teacher had her wear. She did well, but most of all I could tell she was trying to do her best and be focused. I think she was looking for me the whole time, and finally when she was done and walking off stage she saw me, and smiled and gave a little wave. How proud I am of her.

Snow Day

Just some backyard fun in the snow. Got to get all the snow in before we leave for sunny CA in just two weeks. When I was there this week the birds were chirping, the leaves had mostly not even changed colors yet and it was 70 one day. That is a little ridiculous.

Sweet and sillly

my kids are extra awesome lately.

Like how they are perfect patients for the doctor.

Yesterday we went to the pediatrician to check their growth. With all the food allergies and digestive issues Sam and Kate have, and seeing how everyone in Kate's dance and preschool seem to tower over her, I thought it a good idea to get their growth checked in between their annual well checks..

I stay up at night with worry for their silly tummies that never seem to work just right.

Turns out they are doing alright. Perhaps I will sleep better now.... or find something else to worry about more likely.

Kate was 31 lbs 7% and 39 in 12%

Samuel was 28.5 lbs 31% and 36.5 in 48%

They are a little small, mostly Kate, but I guess she'll be just like me.

While at the doctors Sam repeated to me over and over again

"my daddy is my best friend" in his cute broken word voice. I loved it. The doctor had some comment about his ridiculously large vocabulary, but sentences like" daddy is my best friend" are better than any big words.

later that night during family prayer he said he was grateful for "Mariannd"

he is such a sweetheart.

Last night- after we taught them how to play fruit basket for family night :)

Sam went upstairs and came back with this diaper box- ripped up. He was siting in it saying it was a digger tractor. It did after all have a working cardboard shovel. Kate and Sam sat in it until Kate decided she wanted it to be a bed for a baby. They fought, until she found another box and turned it into the craddle.

Sam is just making me laugh left and right.

Last night he was sitting on the potty, and then requested "spiderman panties"

he does not own or has never seen spiderman underwear, but I think Kate gave him the idea that he should want them.

Here is Marianne. She is still cranky from her ear infection and strep throat. Did I mention to you that our pediatrican has never seen strep in a baby so young. Seriously- poor girl. She is smiley again though. She actually has huge laughing smiles now, but we can't ever seem to catch them on camera. Here is one we just barely missed. You can see she is adding chub to that chin and cheeks every day. Also her hair continues to grow, and now it is dark brown at the end, red in the middle and blonde at the roots. I actually can't wait for her hair to be all blonde like I am sure it will be, just because then she will look like the rest of us.

Kate is still loving preschool. She dresses herself, and tells everyone about her school coat or shoes or hat or dress or whatever she is wearing. She likes the layered look in case you did not know that already. I often have to coax her into wearing only one dress or skirt to school. Today she brought her toothbrush for show and tell. She sees what other kids bring and then always wants to bring that the next time it is her turn. Last time we were at he store she asked if she could buy a new toothbrush- then described the kind she wanted because somebody at school at brought it for show and tell. We found what she wanted, then I let her get it.... it was a toothbrush after all. Then today she insisted on bringing it. I didn't realize we were buying it just so she could show her friends she had one too, but I guess that is what we were doing. Is this really already happening?
This morning I spent some time on the phone shopping auto quotes. Sam got a hold of some of the papers and within a few minutes he had created several masterpieces he was very proud of.

He tells me this is a snake in a hole.
And this one is daddy happy.


Kate arrived home just in time to make a masterpiece of her own. It is a dad hunting a bear like some kid at preschool told her about. Her dad does not hunt. She tells him he should. So she can get a bear claw like the boy at preschool. She tells me you can tell it is a dad in the picture because he has no hair. Ha!

Such sweet and silly kids!