A Birthday And A Graduation

Mary Kate celebrated her 12th birthday yesterday!! 

When I asked her if she wanted me to wake the 3 younger kids to sing and have doughnuts with her before she left for school she said no.  Her reason?  "I don't want all the crazy."

She was just happy reading her new Tiger Beat that was packed inside her new backpack.

 

 

 

Since she had to sacrifice her End of Year Track party for Matthew's preschool graduation, I told her we could all go out to dinner as a special treat.  While we were there I asked the other kids what they liked best about Mary.

Annie wasted no time in answering with an excited,  "She's my sister!"

Tommy: "She's a good drawer."

Matt: "She's a good babysitter at the playground."  (she's in charge while I watch the boys' baseball games.)

Billy: "She's energetic and playful."

For dessert we headed home to have Cherry Cheese Tarts.

When I was growing up, instead of a cake, I asked my Mom to make these for me.   When Mary heard about them, she wanted to have them too. 

Then we headed to Matthew's preschool graduation.  The jury is still out as to whether or not he'll be heading to Kindergarten in the fall....so I was able to keep my tears at bay.

Here he is in the rainforest being introduced

3 Day Morning Class- Matt is on the right, striped shirt.

Boy on far left not mine, but I think we have that same shirt.

 

Such happy events for a Wednesday!

Everyday Happenings

**Moms (and Pops) and Tots had their annual Easter Party and Egg Hunt.  In years past, more often than not, the weather does not cooperate and we have to hold the hunt indoors.  I don't think the little ones mind at all.

There was a craft, a story, food, and friends.

**It is no secret that I want to learn to take better pictures.  I know I could make my fancy camera sing if I would just buckle down and read the instruction manual or take a class.  The manual is so boring and I haven't had the chance to take a class.  I did get this from the library and hopefully we'll start seeing improvement soon.

 Of course, I actually have to pick it up to learn from it, but I'm too busy reading....

**A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.  So far I like it.  It is book 3 on my list of 12 books in 12 months you see on my sidebar.  That was the goal I set at the beginning of the year.

I've also been reading aloud to all the kids at bedtime.  I've been borrowing from our parish library and so far we've read about St. Theresa of Lisieux and St. Catherine Laboure.  Right now we are reading about St. Thomas More.  The books are geared toward children.  I'm amazed that this has become something they ask for every night and they sit quietly most of the time.  Even Matthew, who at the start of this would say, "Ugh-not again!", now gets his pillow and stuffed animals and cuddles in with the rest of us.

 

It was Billy and Mary's turn to be on either side of me while I read. They say it's the best spot, but in reality they just like to pounce on me when I've read something incorrectly.  Meanie-heads.

**Found this on my pillow a few weeks back and had to take a picture of it.

click on picture to see it bigger

They make me laugh.

**I may or may not post the rest of the week.  A lot of my blogging friends are taking Holy Week off to be, umm - holy.   I may follow suit.

If you don't hear from me, Have a Happy Easter!! 

The Birthday Girl

Mary Kathleen turned 11 years old today!

Here's a walk down memory lane. (digital camera era only)

2007

2008

2009

Virginia - 2010

2011

Here are some pictures from her day today.

Morning doughnuts

Requested: cheesecake by Mary Kate/ regular cake by other kids

Matt not liking the delay in dessert

And the gift is.....

Sister love.

There are not enough kind words to describe Mary Kate.  She's got a big heart and everyone in the house loves to be with her.  (In other words, she fights the least with everyone.)

I'm amazed at her growing talents in piano, violin, and running. 

She's graceful.  She's sweet. 

She eats my dinners whether she likes them or not.

She's very cranky when she doesn't get enough sleep, but is always the one begging to stay up late.

She loves to go shopping.  

She likes to steal my shoes. (yes, she fits in some of them)

***Mary Kate, you are so wonderful and loved very much.  Happy Birthday my sweet girl!***