Benefits of brother and sisters

When people find out that Austin is going to be the only boy among so many sisters, the first thing I usually hear is, "Aw, poor boy."  

I get it.  And in fact, I spent a bit of time grieving the fact that he will probably not have a brother.  He really did want one; he even picked out a name for his new little brother--John Jasome (?!)  I feared him being crushed with disappointment when he found out another sister was on the way.

But you know what, God knows him better that I do.  He wasn't crushed in the least.  In fact, ever since we found, out his affection and excitement for Hazel has been growing.  It seems they already share a special bond.  He whispers to her.  They have secrets even I am not privy to.  He even asked if he could have Hazel for his birthday!  My prediction is that they will share much more than just a birthday month.  I don't think there will be anything "poor" about it.

He will have whole-hearted cheerleaders to support him his whole life.

And he will know how to offer his strength to the women in his life in ways that bring honor to everyone.  He will surely know how to play with girls, talk to girls, listen to girls.  Sounds like quite the leg-up for Austin-as-a-young-man if you ask me.

He may be outnumbered but he will not be outdone.  Or over-shadowed.  Or drown in a sea of pink.  He will thrive.  We all will.

Febs

We made cookies on Valentine's Day.

I am usually resistant to such activities--easily deterred by the potential for massive, chaotic, sugar-highed mess making.  This year, I got past that.  However I got totally stressed out in the "set-up" trying to preemptively mitigate potential frosting wars and sugar-sprinkle bombs all over the house.  Gonna have to work on that part because when we got to the actual decorating...we had a ton of fun!

The kids were so proud of their creations.  I was too.  And as a bonus, they were the best tasting sugar cookies we've ever made.

We made different colored frosting with gel food colors, which I love!  The gel is way prettier than the liquid food color.

I manned the baggies of frosting; they were in charge of designing and spreading and sprinkling.  The system seemed to work pretty well.

This is one of Elia's favorites.

Emerson's cookies were mostly pink.

Austin was most proud of this one.

The sheer brightness of it all was worth the mess. 

 And when they were done, I got to play with the leftovers....

It's my birthday month!!!

Just in case you didn't know.

I am so behind on the Vaclav haps.  Here is some randomness from the last month and a half....

Austin decided to participate in the Science Fair.  He did a Sink-or-Float project. 

Handsome boy.

Random photo shoot in the parking lot.

Sweet snuggles.

Belly curiosity.

Elia went to Amarillo to have three teeth removed by her stellar out-of-town dentist.  She was completely and loving doted upon by Mimi and Papa.  And as an added bonus got to play in snow!

Manipedi for the trip home BY HERSELF!  She flew as an unaccompanied minor for the first time and was a total champ!

The 100th day of school happened.  Austin made "Lego Park" with exactly 100 legos to commemorate the occasion.

Hannah is now doing all kinds of big girl things like sleeping in a now-converted daybed...

...and learning to use the potty.  Man, what a process.  It's been different for all the kids, but by now it's my official opinion that potty training is one of my least favorite parenting responsibilities.  Almost makes me want to go diaper-free.  Almost.

Little sparkle-face also went on a solo trip to Amarillo!  She had five days of MimiPapa bliss all to herself.  

She also got snow--but a lot more of it, much to Elia's chagrin.  

My guys.  My favorite guys in the world.