My first-born celebrated his 7th birthday a few days ago.

Nevermind the fact that because he's so tall, he looks like he's at least 8 or 9 years old.  Suddenly, he seems so much older to me.  Six year olds are kindergarteners.  Seven year olds are about to start second grade. And I actually remember a lot about second grade, so it can't have been that long ago.

It doesn't seem that long ago that I first held him, bundled up like a burrito, and we started calling him Mr. Blue-Eyes.

Mother's Day...from Start to Finish

It started off with this:

Yes, YUMMY!  Stephen made Berry-filled Crepes for my breakfast, and Mr. Blue-Eyes made me a very sweet card.

But it ended with a trip to the ER.  I found a tick on Elsa's leg late in the afternoon.  We removed it, but it looked like we didn't get all of it.  There were no urgent care centers open at that point, so the doctor told me to take her to the ER.

It appeared as though it was going to be a quick visit, but it ended up taking several hours (big surprise!).

Both boys had tick bites last weekend, and our neighbor has Lyme disease from a bite she got last year.  I am struggling now with letting the kids play outside even when I know it's good for them.  Bug spray is a must now when they go out....plus, baths and tick checks each night.

I suppose most of all I'm struggling to let go as I remember that each one of my children is each a gift from God and, ultimately, they each belong to Him. 

I'm praying that He will help me to trust in His goodness and love to us, knowing that He loves each child so much more than I do. 

Home-Run Hitter!

Mr. Blue-Eyes is in his second year of tee-ball this spring, and he started off the season opener with two homers!

He's been saying for a few weeks that he hoped he'd hit a

home-run this year, so he's a pretty happy guy.

This morning's game wasn't quite as exciting, but Dad says that he nearly hit for the cycle which, upon further inquiry, means getting a single-double-triple-HR. But he didn't get that HR today.  Whooee!  You can see I'm extremely impressed with the baseball lingo.

Swing!

He's holding things together at first base too.  He's nearly the tallest kid on the team and definitely the most skilled.  Unfortunately, we didn't realize that he could have and should have moved up to the Pee-Wee league this year, and we're still hoping to move him up, even mid-season, if a spot becomes available.

Until then, he gets to be the big fish in the small pond.

Introduction to a Family Fave...

 Her momma has been remiss in introducing this little one to one of the family's most favorite desserts: 

the Pumpkin Whoopie Pie. 

These creations are nothing less than scrumptious and very nearly divine.

The version that Cupcake is taste-testing here for the first time is a variation on the original recipe as this little lady is allergic to eggs (and her older brother is allergic to milk).  But a little applesauce substitution (and rice milk) worked very well and the difference isn't noticeable at all.

A little cautious at first...

 
...but she soon goes for the two-handed approach.

 

Ah, why not? Just shove that puppy in there!

 

MMMMMM!!

All gone...

No way, Mom!  There's still another half here to finish!