Anne's 12th birthday

I've never been a fan of big birthday parties - even though I had my share of them growing up. I guess it's what happens when you have so many children -- why would you want to add more? ;). When my kids turn 12 though, it is the start of bigger birthdays - bigger venues and more pals to invite. Then every two years it'll be another big one (ie. 12, 14, 16 etc) -

So this year with anne turning 12, she and another friend had a combined birthday party at the bowling alley. The kids all bowled a game, shared a pizza and had birthday cake -- I must admit it was actually quite fun... My kids had a great time and to their changrin, Josh, their younger brother, beat them all with a high score of 60! It's soooo much easier to bowl on the Wii :D

Also, for the first time, we have at least one child in all the programs of church -- one in nursery, 4 in primary, and one in young women's... -- my family is growing up and I am absolutely, 100% enjoying the ride with them. I'm SUCH a lucky mom!

New table

This is my new kitchen table -- complete with 8 REAL chairs, not the folding kind we've been plowing through over the past 4 years. I am so excited I can barely contain my giddyness ! Only a mom could be thrilled over a new table! It's going to be just lovely to be able to all fit around the table and not have kids squeezed in the corners on bar stools! The old table will be retired to my craft room where I assure you, I will make VERY good use of it!

I've been just engrossed in Pride & Prejudice over the past week - finally reading the book for the first time (the movie sparked my interest). The language has taken some getting used to, and I admit having to even look up a few words! However, it's been so "delightful" to have a good book to read - and even better is finding a quiet corner away from 6 kids to enjoy it! Actually, all I have to do is start reading it out loud to them, and somehow they just disappear:D... it's as effective as playing big band music -- that drives them out of the room too!~

Wednesday night was New Beginnings for Anne -- I haven't been involved in young women's since I went through it myself. It was weird to be back again -- what's even crazier is that it feels like I was just in young women's myself! Sadly, I realized, when they announced what year these girls were born (ie. 93,94, 97), I am SO not a 'young' chick anymore. She really is growing up faster than I'm ready for her to!

sick, anyone?

We are all sick here -- I guess that's what happens with 8 people living together and touching/sharing just about everything. We all have had our turn with this yukky cold/sore throat combo. Some of the kids are coming out at the other end and feeling better; me, on the other hand? UGH - I'm feeling that sore throat and the annoying runny nose and wishing I felt better. On the up side, all the kids are off to school and I have momentary peace and quiet. Gonna go put baby -cakes down and snooze my morning away. Gotta love the public school system!!!