Huge Sigh

Graham asked me this evening at bedtime when was he going to be allowed to go to bed by himself.

(Huge SIGH)

I told him he could try to do it all by himself tomorrow night.

He told me I could give him his good night kiss at the bottom of the stairs.

Of course I am proud that he is growing more independent but I will be waiting at the bottom of the stairs just in case he calls me up.

If this is what 5 is like bring back 4.

A day in the tulips...not!

We planned to spend the day at the Dallas Arboretum and enjoy the blossoming tulips. However, the children had other plans and tulips were not part of it. After over an hour traffic jam to get there the kids were in no mood to sit and pose and look pretty for the camera. So instead of seeing beautiful background greenery, we have kids frolicking everywhere but near the flowers.

Three B's: Bryce, Bennett and Braxton

If you want to see what the Arboretum really looks like go here and you can see beautiful flowers.

Who is that guy?

Brian took G to get a hair cut on Saturday and I was shocked to see his "surfer" hair G.O.N.E! He looks like such a different kid with his hair short and much blonder. I took him to a friend's birthday party and some of the kids and moms did not even recognize him at first. I am not sure if I am happy with this new cut but I am sure it will grow on me after a few days. But I sure do miss his long hair.
One good thing that came out of this hair cut is his dad is very happy because Graham looks like like him more than ever.

Party pics

Five

Dear G,

I have stewed and stewed about how I would acknowledge this special day. Turning 5 is such a huge milestone! So many things have shaped you into the person you are and the person you are to be! I hope I have led you in the right direction. I know that I still have a lot of learning to do as your parent but I am so proud to be your mom and on this journey with you. Since, I could not come up with anything creative I am just going to make a list of some the things that melt my heart.

I love...

• that you love Jesus and you think he is the boss of everyone including me
• how you protect your sisters at the park and other play areas
• that you hug and kiss your sisters when we pick you up from school
• holding hands with you when we walk into a store
• watching you play with your sisters

Things you can do now...

• just learned how to ride a bike without training wheels
• recite the Lord's Prayer and Hail Mary
• write your name and on the verge of reading
• whiz on the computer and video games
• snap

Things we can work on together...

• more variety in your food choices
• patience when things don't work out the first time
• picking up after yourself more frequently
• sleeping in past 7:30 :)
• watching less Spongebob

I love you, Bubba! Happy 5th birthday.

Love,

Mommy

Spring Break Madness!

Spring Break started off slow but it quickly picked up speed as we headed to Houston mid week. The kids love going and spending time with their grandparents and cousins. Bryce and Jordyn

Graham and Jacob

Hunter, Graham and Haley getting ready to rock climb.

Graham reaching the top of the the rock wall.

All 6 Doffing grandchildren playing together!

Bryce riding a Dora trike! She loves Dora!

Layne concentrating on blowing a big bubble.

Baby Abby joining in on all the fun!

Graham and Haley climbing trees.Bryce and Layne

This boy will be 5 in 2 days!!!

Bryce smiling for the camera!

Sweet Layne!

Graham Bryce and Layne playing in the tent before we headed home on Sunday.

But the biggest news of the break is that Graham learned how to ride his bike without his training wheels. I was shocked at how easy he picked it up. He did it on the first try. He still has some practicing to do but he definitely is riding a bike on his own!

Where my babies at?

When did all my children start taking care of themselves?

Graham will be 5 in eleven days. He is on the countdown! Tonight as I was leaving his room he asked me if I was happy that he was turning 5. Of course I said, YES! But inside my head I screamed NOOOOOOO!

Most days, I pray for their independence from me. I want them to be able to do things for themselves and for each other. The majority of the time I am still a huge part of the necessary day to day things ie...getting drinks of water, brushing their teeth, changing clothes, and so on. I always wonder when they will be able to do for themselves. I look forward to the day when Mommy does not have to do EVERYTHING.

But then tonight, I caught a glimpse of their independence. My heart swelled with pride knowing that they can take care of themselves and each other. But then I realized I was on the sideline just watching and wondering where my babies at?

I had to leave the room to assist Layne in the bathroom and returned to Graham reading Bryce her bedtime story while she gave herself her own breathing treatment.

*Note to self...don't give breathing treatment right before bed. It makes her giddy and can't fall asleep. Which in turn means 2 sisters stay up late talking to each other.
Layne wanted privacy in the the bathroom and wanted me out. I guess my assistance really was not needed. Of course I could not resist going back in and taking a picture of her getting ready for bed with her sunglasses on. Who does that? A ROCK STAR 2 year old that is who!

Basically, what I learned from this small glimpse of independence is that the time will come when they won't need mommy for everything, so I better savor ALL the mommy moments now.