Happy 5th Birthday, Turner

Dear sweet Turner,

I blinked...and you were 5 years old. How does the time go so fast? I do not know. All I know, is that you are this amazing, big hearted, smart, energetic, creative young lady...and you are registered for kindergarten with one foot on the school bus already.

I am truly blessed to have been chosen to be your mommy! Thank you, Turner, for the joy you have brought me over the past five years. I cannot imagine what Daddy and I did before you came into our lives! I know that everything has so much more meaning now that we share it with you.

Happy birthday, Turner! You are "beautifully and wonderfully made," and we love you so much, precious girl.

Love,

Mommy

Pap Free by 5

Tonight was the end of an era in the Guerard household. We said goodbye to "clear" pap, gnarly "yellow" pap and squishy "blue" pap. I was honestly a little sad. Turner was really sad, too, but she was ready and so brave!


At bedtime, Thomas, Turner and I prayed over the paps. We thanked God for providing great paps to help comfort her through tough nights, long car trips and much-needed naps...and asked God to give them to someone else who would need and love them as she has.

It may sound trite -- to pray about giving up paps -- but honestly it was a great lesson (and reminder for all of us). We cannot do anything -- large or small -- without giving it to God and asking for His hand in it.


This was the first of many difficult goodbyes on her journey of life, and our little girl has proven she can handle them with grace!

We're proud of you, Turner!

...Now, we have to work on Parker's equally strong addiction! :)

Chopsticks for my Baby!

We went to a hibachi restaurant in Myrtle Beach to celebrate Turner's birthday as a family. After supper, they brought out the giant gong, affixed to a statue of Buddha. They beat the gong and sang Happy Birthday to Turner. Afterwards, the waitress told her to touch the belly for good luck.

On the way home, Turner said, "Mom, why did that lady tell me to touch the statue's belly?"

"Some people think it is good luck to touch Buddha's belly."

"Mom, how do you know his name?!!!"

The Rearview Mirror

We pass the fire station every day on the way to school. It's a big thrill, and of course, it reminds Parker of his visit when he turned two in December.

So, yesterday on the way to school as we drove by, Parker exclaimed: "Mama, I found my birthday!!! Mama, I passed my birthday!!! There goes my birthday!"

:)

Out of the mouths of sweet babes...

Below are three of the sweetest videos I've ever seen! A BIG thank you goes to Mrs. Jean, our Bible teacher and Sunday School teacher. She is amazing and wonderful and has taught my kids soooo much about Jesus and his love. What a blessing!

Happy Valentine's Day!

We had a fun Valentine's Day family party last night! Turner made and decorated a beautiful heart-shaped cake for dessert, and we exchanged home-made Valentines and gifts.

We have been talking a lot about love over the past week, so Turner has enjoyed reminding all of us that "love is an ACTION, NOT a FEELING." As in..."Mom, I picked up my toys. See, I am saying I love you with my actions."

WHEW! She keeps us all in line!

Parker's Treasures

Preparing all his "stuff" for bedtime (a flag, lacrosse net, cowgirl Barbie, etc., etc.)

And...he's OUT.

Parker is officially a hoarder of "stuff" (as he calls it)! The kid LOVES his "stuff." He is napping right now with a pack of valentine's (in the wrapper), two massive trucks, a cell phone, a matchbox car, a necklace, a "guy," three blankets and some pacis!

Maybe he'll be a Boy Scout someday! Always prepared.