Super Seven

Lauryn is SEVEN!

She got a new bike that looked enormous in the store, but as it turns out, is actually almost perfect for her. She can still grow into it, but is also able to ride it perfectly fine right now.

Games from Allison!
She requested monkey bread for her birthday breakfast!
Funny cake story...we were looking online at the different flavors available at this bakery. I was reading the list and when I said "red velvet", she started jumping up and down and said, "Yes Yes Yes!!"

Then she said, "Wait...is that good?" I explained what it was and that she had tried it recently at Mimi's house and liked it. She wanted to be sure other kids would like it and I told her I was sure they would. So she confirmed her decision, and as she was walking away I heard her talking to herself under her breath saying, "It's gonna be good...it's gonna be good..."

Luckily she was right :)
Testing out her new bike!

Daddy is so silly :)

Can't believe it has been seven years...it has gone SO fast!

Allie and cousin Katelyn
Feeding Baby Alive, whose name is now "Olivia".
So much to say. I love celebrating my kids' birthdays. Although it can sometimes be stressful with all the party details, etc., I spend the entire day reminiscing about the day they were born. I love thinking back to how life was with a newborn, and realizing that those days are so far from anything we know now! I don't know if I would know what to do with a newborn anymore!

Lauryn's birth changed us forever. We became a real family that day. We realized what true, unconditional love really is. She is such a special, fun, unique kid and she brings us joy every single day!

A few things about Lauryn at 7:

*She loves music and is very musically talented. She loves piano lessons and her teacher always says how well she is doing. She is a great sight reader and often covers an extra lesson during her 30 minute session because she picks it up so quickly.

*Lauryn is very crafty. She will take fabric and glue (or sometimes safety pins!) and make a dress for her dolls. She made a "swim suit" for her teddy bear out of zebra print fabric she dug out of my trash can in the sewing room! She loves to draw and do any kind of art project. She makes cards for us all the time that simply say things like "I love you" or "You're the best mom and dad in the world".

*Singing is one of her many passions. She loves it. Her music teacher chose her to be a contestant in the school's "American Idol" contest in a few weeks. She will compete with a few other first graders singing patriotic songs in front of three judges. She is super excited :)

*School is now fun for her. She likes playing with her friends at recess and LOVES to learn. She has come so far from the early weeks in kindergarten when she cried each morning. She is a wonderful student and is definitely a teacher-pleaser. She adores reading and taking AR tests. Reading has always come naturally to her and I would guess that she reads at almost a 4th grade level.

* Being a big sister suits her perfectly. She is an amazing role model for Allison. She is patient (mostly) and kind to her little sister. They play every chance they get and are extremely close.

* Lauryn is one of the most tender-hearted kids I have ever known. She hurts when others hurt. She shows compassion even for those who treat her unfairly (this has been an issue this year...wanting to give bullies the benefit of the doubt. I only wish I could have a heart like hers!)

*She is a great eater and will try anything once (very unlike her mother at this age!) She tells me all the time that I am the best cook ever and that I should open a restaurant :) I can always count on her for a self-esteem boost!

*She is a cuddly kid, and loves hugs and kisses. She wants to be carried to bed every night. One of her very favorite things is to have her back scratched (just like her mommy!)

Seven Year Old Survey:

Favorite Color: Light blue and Light pink
Favorite Foods: Monkey bread, chicken and rice casserole, plums, cake
Favorite Place to Eat: Luby's, Babe's
Favorite Friends: Aria, Brooke, Liz
Favorite Book: Ramona
Favorite Activity: Piano Lessons
Favorite Toy: Barbies, Dolls
Favorite Game: Twister, Memory
Favorite Part of School: Specials (art and music)
What do you want to be when you grow up: A Mommy

We love you Lauryn! We thank God for you every single day!