The Deck is Finished!

Sally - Part 2

Jenna's "friendship" with Sally is still going strong! The big kids have been at VBS in the mornings, so Jenna and I have had some one on one time then ... that's when I learn a lot about Miss Sally. Jenna has told me all about going to Sally's birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese's, and how they ate crackers, cheese, and salad - I didn't know they served cheese and crackers!?! Since I never drove her there, I asked how she got to the party - she said that Sally's parents drove her. I then asked her if she had been in her car seat, and she said Sally's mom let her ride in a big girl seat. "What are her parents names?" I asked. Her response: Sally's mom and Sally's dad. As we were getting ready to go to the pool this afternoon, she told me that Sally has a pool in her backyard, that it's round, and her mom doesn't make her wear sunscreen. I asked her why Sally doesn't need sunscreen, and she said because Sally doesn't get hot and her face isn't dirty. Makes perfect sense, huh?? And a few minutes ago (the reason I wrote this), Miss Jenna asked me to call Sally - is it possible to call an imaginary friend?! I asked what her phone number is, and she told me the number to call is 333 - I'll let you know who answers. Maybe this thing is going too far...

**UPDATE**
When Dave came home last night, she started telling him all of the same stories. I was amazed at how consistent her stories are! The only thing that changed was Sally's phone number - I guess I'd been calling the wrong one all along. That must be why I couldn't get in touch with Sally's mom...

Kirsten's Birthday

Kirsten's birthday was on June 13th (no comments about Friday the 13th, please). Almost all the family turned out at the Fondue place to celebrate Mommy's special day with her (Erica had a sleepover for a friend's birthday). Mommy liked the flowers and all of the well-dressed, smiling faces. Yes, Mommy had to cook on her birthday, but she said that it was o.k. if it was at a fondue restaurant. Cheese, meat and chocolate-what's not to love (yes, the bill:-). We love her and think she's worth it.

The Best Daddy!!

The kids know they have the greatest Daddy in the world! Since this is the 12th Father's Day that Dave has been able to celebrate, the kids have listed 12 things that they think are really special about their Dad. To make it fair, I let each child pick 3 things ... they could've gone on and on. Here are their favorites:
1. He works hard so Mommy can stay home with us.
2. He works on projects for us.
3. He does projects WITH us.
4. He takes us special places.
5. He takes us running with him.
6. He's fun!!! (there was much agreement on this one!)
7. He lets me use his tools.
8. He's building a deck with stairs for us.
9. He carries me to my bed.
10. He hugs me.
11. He kisses me.
12. He loves me!
And they love him!!
I could add a million things to that list, but I'll sum it all up with this: I thank God for giving me a great husband who is an amazing Dad to our children! Happy Father's Day, Dave!

Happy Birthday, Erica!

Well, I'm a few days late in posting this, but I was on time to wish my daughter a Happy Birthday in person! Erica's 11th birthday was on Sunday, June 1st. She had 4 friends sleep over on Saturday night and then they all came with us to church on Sunday morning. (Would you believe that we were actually early to church?!?) After church, we headed down to Richmond to meet my parents for dinner at Olive Garden - and Erica was thrilled to get to order off the adult menu. It was a fun and busy weekend, but Erica really had a good time!

Celebrating her birthday always makes me nostalgic - I can't help but think back to when she was just born... at a whopping 5 lbs. 14 oz. She was an amazing baby, and has grown into an even more amazing young lady! We feel blessed to have a daughter that is so thoughtful of the needs of others. She is a great helper to me, she enjoys playing with and teaching her younger siblings (most of the time), and she is a caring friend. It's neat to see the young lady she's becoming, but it sure is sad to see her growing closer to independence and maturity and farther away from the young years of needing her Mama. Happy Birthday, my sweet girl! We love you!

Sally

I have to tell you about Jenna's dearest friend, Sally. Jenna talks about her frequently - she talks about playing at Sally's house, she tells us about Sally's dogs, and she has mentioned many times that when she's at Sally's, she gets to play on the puter. The puter part is mentioned frequently ... I'm not sure why it's such an important part of the story, because Jenna has never used (or asked to use) the computer at our house - but she seems to love it at Sally's. If you ask her what Sally looks like, you'll get a description that sounds an awful lot like Jenna - blond hair and brown eyes. She will also tell you that she is three, just like Jenna. Have I mentioned that Sally's dogs are Kadie and BJ?? You've probably guessed by now, but Sally is Jenna's imaginary friend. None of our other children have had imaginary friends, so this is new at our house. I have to say, it is just so fun to talk with Jenna about her dear friend! She just goes on and on, and loves to tell us all about Sally. I guess one day we'll have to discuss the fact that Sally isn't real, but for now it's just so doggone cute to hear her tell the stories; I think I probably fuel the fire. Did I mention that Sally is in her preschool class and she's coming over with other friends for a sleepover??

Deck Photos for Papa