Finally FIVE!

What a sweet week we've had celebrating this five year old!  She's been so excited about being 5.  Monday was her actual birthday.  It was also the first day of the semester for Luke and for us.  Lucy and I made an early morning trip to the donut shop before anyone else was awake to get Noelle's requested breakfast.  

After breakfast and taking Luke to work, we did our first day of school work for the semester.  This included starting Noelle's reading lessons.  She's been anxious to read for a long time, though I think she wants it to happen quickly and effortlessly.  She made it through the first lesson on her bday and a few more lessons since then.  She's a good little student - very bright and with a propensity to do things her own way.  As long as she's learning - it's ok by me.  After some of our school work was done, we went to Caring & Sharing for the first time.  It's a local (meaning - South Longview) ministry run by our church and another Church of Christ.  We are committed to working there or in another service capacity at church weekly for this semester.  The people there were glad to have us (once they were sure the kids weren't going to run around like monkeys).  We were able to fill bags w/ toiletries.  We were also there for the little morning devotional before the doors open for the food/clothes bank.  They knew it was Noelle's bday and broke into song to her during the devo.  My sweet 5 year old really only likes being the center of attention on her terms, so she barely made it to the end of the song w/o crying.  She was snuggled into my neck saying, "Why are they doing that?  Tell them to stop!"  Ha.  She survived their love and we headed home to finish our school work and went out to McAlister's for lunch.  

Monday nights, Luke coaches Isaiah's bball team, so the girls had dinner on our own.  Noelle's request was mac and cheese and peppers - 

She wanted to be in on every step of making her cake.  She requested chocolate cake, helped to make the cake and icing, and did most of the decorating.  

She was so patient to wait for her gifts.  Luke and Isaiah didn't get home until nearly bedtime.  The girls were already bathed, sitting w/ me watching the Pioneer Woman when they got home.  They ate their mac and cheese on the couch while Noelle opened her presents.  Sadly, her main gift (a bike!) hadn't come yet.  We put a note in a balloon for her to pop (she opened it gently w/ scissors so it wouldn't be loud).  She was pretty surprised to find out she was getting a bike!!  And she had such a good attitude about not actually having it yet.  Being in the middle of a very cold couple of days eased the disappointment in not being able to ride it yet.  She did get some bike accessories from Isaiah and Lucy, a new ballet leotard, and some pink metal flowers to hang on her bedroom walls.  

And today was the party!!!  This party has been a long time coming for this sweet girl.  She's been thinking of theme ideas for months and she and I hammered out details all week.  The girl has some strong opinions and ideas - and isn't shy about telling me she doesn't like mine - but I think we came up with a great party in the end.  It was themed - "Ballerinas Drinking Tea"

These are the welcome signs on the door.  What a huge blessing and answer to prayer for her to have these 5 precious girls to invite to her party.  New friends are such a gift.  

Aunt Shannon made Noelle this tutu for her bday.  It could not have been any more perfect for her ballet party.

I need to mention that it was also a big day for Isaiah and Luke as they had their first basketball game!  Upwards league is non-competitive and very positive, so I can't say for sure that the Dragons won (though I think they did!).  The little guys were super cute - excited and learning a lot along the way.  Isaiah made a basket and had some good plays.  Most importantly, he had a great time and is ready to play again next weekend!

The girls each got a little vase w/ flowers as one of their favors - 

This was the craft that the girls made.  Handprint tutus to get the party started!

Next, we played Pass the Parcel!  Each layer had life savers in it and the winner got sparkly nail polish and a bunch more candy.

Next - a ballet story by Luke - 

Then, a girl from church did a ballet class for the girls.  It was precious!  She taught them some positions/moves and led them through a short routine to the Beauty and the Beast theme song.  They were so, so darling, and all of the girls (minus Lucy, who had just woken up) danced.  

Here's Lucy watching the big girls.  This was her first time ever in a leotard and tutu.  CUTE.  The tutu she's wearing was the other favor that each of the girls got to take home w/ them.  

Next - strawberry cupcakes and snacks!  Noelle was a lot more comfortable w/ being sung to at the party (though I did give her the option to not be sung to).  Although we put out china tea cups, Noelle was the only ballerina who actually drank tea.  The rest of the girls enjoyed pink lemonade in theirs!

The girls were all friends from church, except for Elia.

Mabry, Elia, Lucy, Noelle, Addison, Landrie, Chandler, Allie

Present time!  Noelle got a lot of ballet-themed crafts and books.  She also got her first hula hoop and a ballerina Barbie!  (Before the party, Noelle said, "Mom, I hope none of my friends get me a bike for my birthday, since you already got me one!")

Whew!  What fun to celebrate Noelle.  She is such a special little gal and I haven't found many more things in this life that I enjoy as much as telling/showing my kids how special, loved, and wonderful they are.  I hope Noelle's 5th birthday celebration is written on her heart as another moment when she was assured of her value and worth.  We are SO very thankful for you, Noelle Bell.