Happy Birthday to Norah!

Wow. We figure it's all over from here on out. Norah is five. Next is kindergarten, and then things will snowball from there. Before we know it, she'll be learning to drive and looking at colleges.

The theme: Fairies.

The place: Pietro's Pizza Parlor

It was incredibly busy. I'm not sure what happened. Last year we held her party at the same place, and it was lovely. This year, the place was packed and we had about 15 unexpected guests- wanted, but unexpected! So we were crammed it, and although the adults felt the squeeze, the kids were oblivious to it. They just had fun. Because it was so tight, the pictures are limited. We were more concerned with crowd control! Sorry!

Smile!

During Haddon's evaluation, one of the doctors commented that our son didn't smile much...

What do you think? We're thinking that he just wasn't that thrilled with being in a doctor's office for over 3 hours, but that's just us.

Norah Turned Five

Although I'm unable to post all the pictures from Norah's birthday party right now, (which was in the beginning of April, thankyouverymuch!) I can still give you a preview:



That's right. You can say it, "Awww." That is one adorable Garden Talent Fairy!

Can you guess her birthday party's theme?

When Cousins Visit

Living near family has advantages. One advantage is the morning visit from cousins!

What a better way to spend the morning than to dress up as a water-talent fairy, Tigger and a cop with a soft side?

Cutie Patootie

Haddon Had His Evaluation

We have some updating to do here.

Norah celebrated her fifth birthday, and there are other things that we would like to share.

But more people follow this blog than my personal one, so I wanted to link this up. We took Haddon up to Portland for a 3+ hour evaluation by a panel of doctors and specialists.

You can read about how that went here.

And eventually Casey or myself will post pictures and let you know other happenings in our life. Really, we will!

Resurrection Tree

I don't know if anyone else who reads this that has young children can relate to this, but in our family, we keep developing traditions and try to see what different ways we can teach our children and make special times, well, special!

I think Easter has been a harder one for us, in some ways. We have baskets for the kids, and we talk about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus; but we have yet to think of a way to really celebrate the entirety of Passion Week.

Until now...

Since today is Palm Sunday, we are going to go find our own "palm"... really just a branch. On every day this week, including today, we are going to hang different ornaments on the branch that represent a different event or aspect of this week leading up the the death and resurrection of Christ. I drew pictures of a palm branch, money sack, cross, empty tomb, grapes and bread, a torch, and a wash bowl representing different stories. Norah and Haddon colored them, and I'll cut them out and get them ready to hang on our Resurrection Tree. It's kind of like advent for the Easter season.

I just wanted to share this idea with anyone that might read this, especially if you're struggling with making this time of year real to your little ones. I look forward to developing this tradition in our home, and how it will illustrate the greatness of Christ's sacrifice for us. A very sweet resource that I refer to a lot is Noel Piper's book, Treasuring God in Our Traditions. I would encourage you to pick up a copy as you try to think of ways that your family can glorify God in your traditions.

Have a blessed week as we reflect and anticipate the celebration of Christ's taking the punishment for our sins, and conquering death, giving us life in Him.

He is risen! He is risen indeed!