Birthday Celebations

As many of you already know, my two oldest kids have birthdays two days apart. Those birthdays happen to fall at the end of April so I now have a 7-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter. Makes me feel really old but also so proud of who they are turning into.

Jordan is such a helpful and sensitive little boy. He is so willing to do things for me and helps a ton with his youngest brother. Most of the time, he doesn't even complain. He's about to finish first grade and he is pretty dang smart if I do say so myself!! He is WAY ahead in reading and does well in math too. He loves to learn new things and comes home from school excited to tell me what he learned that day. He is also growing in the gospel so much. I love to listen to him pray at night. He includes his brother and sister in his daily prayers, as well as most of the rest of our family. His testimony is growing and he's beginning to understand what having faith in Jesus Christ means.

Jocelyn just turned 5 but she acts more like she's 16!! I hear that is just how girls are but I don't remember being like that. She is a doll though and I wouldn't trade her for anything. She is the most loving little thing. She is constantly giving me hugs and kisses and telling me she loves me. I adore her, even with her strong personality. Sometimes I think of the things she will have to face in the world as she gets older and I truly am grateful that she stands strong in her opinions. Now it is just molding those beliefs and opinions to be in tune with her Heavenly Father and she will be set for whatever she faces. She is also a smart little girl. She'll start Kindergarten in the fall and she is beside herself with excitement. I truly cannot wait to see what her future will hold.


Now about their birthdays--the Saturday of Jordan's birthday, our stake had a day of service which included a 5K Fun Run and food/clothing drive. We participated in the event and I used the opportunity to share with my kids the importance of giving to others, even when it's YOUR birthday. We all had a great time. Jordan's school carnival was also that day so that is where we headed next. With the day already being so full of activities, we opted to have a quiet family birthday dinner/party with family on Sunday. It was also a good compromise since Jocelyn's birthday fell on Monday. The kids love being with their cousins, aunts, uncle, Nana, and Poppy. They each got their own cake this year too since Jordan wasn't having Hannah Montana and Jocelyn refused to have a boy cake.

I am so proud of both of them. It has been a difficult few months for them, moving in the middle of the school year. Jordan has done just fine adjusting to his new school and making friends. Jocelyn had to give up her preschool, but we've worked really hard together at home. But having their daddy still in Las Vegas has been the hardest thing for them. We pray everyday that he'll get to join us soon but it breaks your heart when your little girl cries in your lap about missing her daddy. But we work together to get through it and we get visits from him each month. Hopefully, this will just strengthen us as a family.