Maddie turns 5

The past month has been very crazy around here and I have done a terrible job of blogging and/or keeping up with anything else.

Maddie turned 5 on Decemeber 30th. I can't believe that my little girl is getting so big. It seems like just yesterday she was a newborn and we were watching her do all those "1st" things. She is so grown up and it is hard to let go as she discovers her independence and freedom. She is such a creative and imaginiative little girl. I love her smile and her curiosity even if it does include 20 thousand questions a day. We still do experience "1st" things in our house but I must say they are not quite the same. Last week she got grounded for the 1st time, didn't need any help taking a shower, sat with a friend at church in their own row, reading words, and so many more things on a regular basis. Some of the 1st things are blog posts in themselves. Anyway, on her birthday we opened presents and spent some time together in the morning, Mollie was sick so I had to run her to the doctor, but Maddie and daddy spent the morning together. Then, Nana and Pappa came over and we opened more presents. We then went to Build-a-Bear and she made a special birthday bear. After that we headed to Maddie's favorite place ever...Chuck E. Cheese. We spent the rest of the evening playing and eating pizza. We had a great time together. Mommy even won 500 tickets playing a game....so we got a good prize at the end of the night to say the least. Finally when we got home we ate cake and sang Happy Birthday. Maddie told me when we tucked her in, "this was the best birthday ever, Mom." She made my day with that said. We had to wait a week to have her party because of all the holidays. It really worked out well though because more of her friends were able to come. She choose to have a princess party at a little place where you paint pottery. They each got to choose a pottery piece to paint, we ate pizza and cake, then opened gifts. Maddie asked me to make her cake this year which I have no experience in but told her that I would try. It took me two days but it turned out great. Check out the picture at the bottom. She loved it and asked for the top part all to herself. It was such a good time and the girls got to be super girly. They dressed up in costumes and sat around a table just talking up a storm while they painted. I can only imagine what in 10 years they will all be doing...probably the same thing. It was a joyful time.

Dear Maddie,
You are an amazing little girl. You are so smart and make me smile everyday. I know that you are going to do wonderful things when you grow up. You tell us all the time that you will stay home with us forever and even if you get married that you will stay living with us. You are welcome to stay in our house as long as you want. I anticipate as you get older that will change but we love your infectious laughter and kind heart. I know that whatever you decide to be when you grow up that you will be very good at it. I am proud of your never give up attitude. Sometimes being a big sister is hard. Mommy and Daddy have to take care of little sister at times and all of our attention isn't always on you, but you are so good about understanding and learning about sharing. We don't think that their could be a better big sister. Mollie has a great roll model to look up to. Thank you for being a part of this family. God has blessed us with you and you are truely special and hand made by God. Never forget how much I love you.

Love,
Mommy