$130

Today is the big day, my little man is six. Six years of him being with us. Somedays it feels like he has always been with me, and other days it feels like he is brand new.

I've talked about it a lot lately, but life does not wait. It charges ahead whether you are ready or not, so I have (reluctantly and with many tears) decided to charge headlong into the next stage. I hate to see the baby years end, those are sweet and cherished memories. I have the indescribable good fortune to know that should my husband and I decide to add to our family, the odds are good that we would be able to, it is not a done deal. That said, for now, we are moving in to "kid" territory and out of "baby" land. This is the age of riding bikes, long lazy summers, and flying kites. Popsicles and scraped knees. School and homework. Reading, playing, dreaming.

As I wrote last week, we were aiming for a $100 birthday party. I am sorry to say that I did not accomplish that. However, I did it for $130. I am pretty happy with that total! We had a tremendous time, loads of laughter and squealing. The children went home with loot bags full of junk food that I do not allow in my home. My son had great delight in telling the cashier at the grocery store that he was going to be allowed to drink Kool Aid because we never drink it, we always use it for making play dough. I can tell you my heart absolutely swelled with pride when he told her that! He is learning what is good for his body and is happy, truly happy to have treats. He has not been "spoiled" and he can appreciate a treat for what it is. This evening, to celebrate his "real" birthday, we are going for burgers and ice cream. Tomorrow we will go back to healthy food.