Pumpkin is in Kindergarten and LOVING every, single day of it. She is 6 1/2 years old (you all know how important that 1/2 year is at this age!). Her favorite days are when she is the helper at school and can bring a treat to share with her class. She likes to draw, color, jump rope and take coffee breaks (with a sweet treat, of course!). She is learning how to read, which is opening up a whole new level of independence for her. Pumpkin exudes happiness (and a bit of bossiness) and loves being the youngest!
Sweet Pea is 7 years old and in 2nd grade. She will be making her First Reconciliation in two days, which she shared with me yesterday, "I want to be closer to Jesus." Bless her! She'll be making her First Communion in April. Sweet Pea loves to draw, color (especially in her new adult coloring book she received at Christmas) and craft. She is not much of a TV watcher, so she likes to be very active.She is in her first year of taking piano lessons and doing well. She still struggles with the loss of my Mom, but each day we try to work through that, sometimes with tears, but always with a prayer in our hearts. She still remains one of my best helpers around the house - always asking if she can lend a hand!
Cucumber is 9 and is in 3rd grade. She takes both piano and bass guitar lessons, which she greatly enjoys both. She loves clothes (I'm blaming her God Mother for that!) and likes to play "fashion show" with her sisters, where she dresses them, helps them with hair and
lip balm make-up. She makes friends easily and in the summer, can often be found playing football with the neighborhood boys. Cucumber remains our comic relief and is quite witty (we are working with her on when and where to appropriately use her wittiness!).
Gummi Bear is in 5th grade and is 10 years old. She ran Cross Country last fall and is currently playing basketball. She takes piano lessons and chose to play flute in the 5th grade band, which she absolutely loves. We have to actually tell her to stop practicing the flute some days, just so she can accomplish other tasks. She altar serves at church and is a school crossing guard. Gummi enjoys crafting, especially sewing, knitting and sketching. She is growing up fast, teetering on being a little girl and becoming a young lady (it's making her dad a little uncomfortable!). She is still a gentle and kind-hearted soul, who desires to help others.
Honey Bunches of Oats is 11 years old and in 6th grade. He plays both guitar and saxophone. Last summer he placed first in his age group at our local county fair talent competition, singing and playing guitar. He went on to compete at the Minnesota State Fair. He didn't place, but he loved the experience. Honey Bunches also ran Cross Country this past fall and is currently playing basketball, which has become yet another passion for him.
Sweet Potato is a teenager. Yikes! He's 13, in 7th grade, and loves to be involved with just about everything. He plays basketball, is a Student Council member, participated in Knowledge Bowl, placed in the school Geography Bee, altar serves, takes piano lessons, plays the trumpet and attended our diocesan Boys Discipleship Camp. He's passionate about sports and statistics. Despite being outgoing, his favorite activity remains being at home on a Sunday, watching football and being surrounded by his family, good food, and hanging out with his cousins.
Life is busy with six, active Love Bugs. I have realized, however, that when we keep our priorities in check (God, family, work/school), racing around with the kids isn't so daunting of a task, nor is it something I resent. With that being said, we also rely on much help from others. If it weren't for family or teammates parents who are ever so willing to open up their homes or provide a ride when needed, we wouldn't be able to do all that we do. We are ever so grateful and extremely blessed for the many helping hands.
"The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord." Psalm 33:5
