Happy Birthday, Miranda, and more...

A few weeks ago, Larry had his "chess party" at the kids' school. He gave all the kids certificates and chess keychains, did a little powerpoint presentation, and we all had ice cream and played chess. He is still the coaching chess, but just one morning a week until school ends instead of two. He likes it that he gets to help three of our kids and the school is really supportive. He plans to do it again next year. This is a typical scene around our house. Derek, especially likes to read in strange postions. He has been rather like a slug lately since he devoured the Harry Potter series in a few weeks. He is now rereading his favorite parts. Miranda has also read a couple, but she likes some variety. I'm glad my kids all like to read, but sometimes I wish that the bookcases had some kind of giant book-vacuum attached to suck all the books back onto the shelves! Kara follows me around half the day with her arms loaded with books for me to read. Luckily, she has realized that Derek, Miranda, and Spencer can also read to her, so she sometimes concedes to go with them.

Miranda celebrated her 9th birthday a little bit ago. She got LOTS of craft supplies and projects. The ladies in my ward donated a whole bunch of scrapbooking supplies/paper/scissors etc., so all I had to do was buy a large organizer for it all. She also got some color by number things, a ceramic stone to decorate for outside, markers, needle projects, and more.

Since this isn't a birthday-party-with-friends year, we just had presents, one of her favorite dinners, and brownies on her actual birthday. To make it even lamer, I miscounted and only put 8 candles in!

Luckily, I redeemed myself the next day when we celebrated with extended family. Miranda had fun decorating her cake with M&Ms. She also had her beloved potatoe soup, garlic cheese bread, and strawberries with fruit dip.

Miranda really is getting so big. She is growing and maturing before our very eyes. She has so many talents and good qualities- like being helpful, compassionate, fun to be around, eager to learn, enthusiastic, humble, willing to try new things, etc. There are so many! Miranda rocks!

As for the rest of us:

Larry is now coaching T-ball for the oldest four kids and well as chess club. With being recently called as Elder's Quorum president and his Blazers in the playoffs, he has been very busy lately. Not to mention the giant pile of bark dust in the driveway that is slowly making it's way to various spots in the yard.

I am feeling quite huge, still getting around, but having some belly-stretching pains. We have baby names down to about 10, so we are doing really good.

Derek is going to get a retainer next week to help push one of his teeth forward- thank goodness for Intel orthodontist coverage!

Spencer is doing a running club on Monday nights. He comes home SO happy! They do some running games, then go for a run in a park. I think he was made to run- he LOVES it!

Lindsey is still doing preschool for another month and is really into her friends. She still dresses up a lot (middle of the night wake up call- "Mom, my necklace fell off!"). She also loves to look at books and make up stories to them. She occassionally makes Spencer call her different names, like Tasha, Roadia, and Cassie.

Kara is FINALLY saying more words that actually sound like something. It is very frustrating for both of us when she gives me the magnadoodle and expects me to draw JIBERKIMISH or whatever sound comes out of her mouth. She can say cat, kitty, mama, dada, please,banana, cow, car, ball, no!, uh-oh, nose, eyes, fish, doggie, blankie, juice, duck, and Shadow. She also got her first haircut a couple weeks ago, so that the top of her hair can catch up to the bottom. She is adorable!