7:41 a.m. -- Officially 4!

Here is Sylvia at exactly 7:41 a.m. this morning--precisely 4 years after she was born! Happy birthday little Pookieboo! We love you so very, very much!!!!

Sylvia's 4th Birthday Party!!

Saturday we had a birthday party for Sylvia Claire at "The Indiana Dairy Queen" in Columbia City with our families!! Sylvia recently found some Care Bears items we had left from her 1st birthday party, and decided she wanted another Care Bear party for her 4th birthday!

DQ ice cream cake....mmm!



Caeden all ready for the party to start! He still insists it is his birthday, and NOT Sylvia's!

Sylvie gets a birthday hug from Grandma Lopshire!

And a hug from Great Grandma DeHaven!


Auntie Erin have a double-birthday snuggle! Happy Birthday Aunt Erin!!!

Joey's photo-op pose!



Magnetic princess paper dolls from Grandpa & Grandma Lopshire and Great Grandma D.

Aunt E. & Uncle T. keep Annah and Caeden occupied during gift-opening time.


The magic moment. This was what Sylvia really wanted for her birthday: a Belle costume dress. It definitely brought happiness!

Sylvia said, "My dreams came true!" and gave Uncle Travis and Aunt Erin hugs and thank-you's for her Belle gown.



Sylvia blew her candles out one at a time.




Everyone enjoyed the cakes, including Simon!


Annah found some interesting uses for party hats, such as a bird beak, and a bugle.


Trying it on...such happiness!

Definitel a princess.


Thank you to everyone for the gifts, hugs, precious moments together, and wonderful memories! Sylvia felt very special and loved!

Thomas Catalog

Caeden found a Thomas the Tank Engine yearbook catalog at Gram & Krampa's house and wouldn't let it out of his sight all weekend. He carried it here and there, asking any adult, "Will you read this to me?" He seemed undaunted by the fact that there was no story to read, but was happy to point out which train cars he has in his collection as well as tell about who all the others are. I think it might be safe to officially call it an obsession.

10 blessings right now

up early this morning, so excited for the things awaiting us this day. needed to connect with the Lord after spending 2 days being incredibly grouchy for unknown reasons. looked up my favorite women's ministry site: proverbs 31, and came across this devotion for today. so here's my list:

10 blessings in my life at this moment:

-some quiet moments alone this morning!
-that i am here with my family visiting my wonderful extended families!
-that i get to be a part of my sweet sylvia's birthday celebration today!
-my husband cares for me and loves me! (even after 2 days of my being a grouch)
-a warm home when it is cold and windy and miserable outside!
-safe travels here last night!
-a good night's sleep!
-the love of my savior!
-i have much, much more than what i need!
-peace about life! i am content!

Annah & Jada, by Annah

Annah made this little book during inside recess today.

cover page
Annah and Jada. by Annah

page 1
Jada watid too playe awt siyde.

page 2
I sed yes Jada sed yay!

page 3
So we went aoot siyde.

back cover
The end

Beatboxing and the Flute?!

Have you seen this guy? I think he is crazy and amazing at the same time. His name is Greg Patillo, and you can find more about him if you Google him. (No, I don't know him personally, just saw one of his YouTube videos, and thought I'd share for your entertainment.)

RAGS!

A few weeks ago, Sylvia was very frustrated to discover that many of her play dress-up clothes were not fitting anymore. Being a girl who frequently has the stories of Cinderella and Snow White read to her, she cried in outrage, "I don't have any clothes anymore! All of them are RAGS!!!!!!!"

Tooth Troubles

Annah really wants her tooth to come out really soon! She tried pulling it tonight, and was SO sad when it wouldn't come out! She cried and cried, while we tried to explain to her that it's just not ready yet. It's getting looser every day though, so it won't be long.

Jump Rope For Heart

Annah is participating in her school's Jump Rope For Heart this week. She has her own pledge web page.

crazy weird weather!

We're having hail right now! I know it is dull to blog about the weather, but the weather around here in the past day has been anything but dull! Within the past 24 hours we have had:

• rain
• hail
• thick fog
• ice
• mud
• sleet
• high winds
• snow
• bright sunny skies

Weirdness!