Big Hearts

Marcelo's brother, Mario is going through some difficult health struggles. Our kids are aware of this and the older 3 do not miss a chance to pray for him. Every single prayer they say includes the words, "and please bless uncle Mario that he will feel better". It's hard to know how much they grasp at this age, but little by little we've been able to see that they understand more than we think. 

We recently had a family home evening where we talked about mourning with those who mourn and bearing one another's burdens. We talked about empathy, trying to teach the kids to think about other people's feelings. When I asked them if they could think of anyone we know that could be sad or going through a hard time, they were ready with thoughtful answers. The first person they mentioned was Tata Ceci, who lost her husband almost 3 years ago. They knew that it was still hard for her and that she misses him very much. They then mentioned a couple of others who are close to us who are also having a hard time. We had the opportunity to teach them about making sacrifices for those you love. And they got it. 

Yes. They understand a lot. And they have big hearts. 

Eliana's 4th Birthday

Eliana is in love with Frozen just like every other little girl in the world right now. But after going to her cousins' Frozen themed birthday party, she decided she no longer wanted a Frozen theme when it was her turn. I don't know why I was surprised. She's a strong and opinionated little individual. She's a leader. She likes to create her own path, not follow others. Not sure how to channel this so it'll be a good thing in the future and not a bad thing!! It could go either way!

Just because she didn't want a Frozen theme, didn't mean she didn't want Frozen presents. She got an Elsa dress and was pretty thrilled. But when Camila started whining and crying because she wanted it, Eliana sweetly said, "It's ok, Camila! It's for you!" And gave it to her. Her brand new dress that she wanted so bad. I have no idea how I'll be able to raise Camila to not be a spoiled brat when she's got her big sis spoiling her like crazy! The boys gave her a Tinkerbell backpack for the upcoming school year. She was pretty excited about that, too. 

Her party was based on the movie Tangled. She loves Rapunzel almost as much as she loves Ana and Elsa. 

With everything we've had going on with Marcelo's family, I didn't have time to really think about having a party. So I literally decided on a Monday to have a party on Friday. It was madness. I searched pinterest and got ideas for decorations (braids made out of tablecloths) and the cake (donut tower). I saw one idea I loved and had to copy even though I knew it would be time consuming. Rapunzel braids made of yarn. It took up an evening and a naptime, but they were fun to make and the girls all liked them. 

 My friend let me borrow her little blow up pool and I made a water blob (again, from pinterest). The kids only lasted outside for about 30 minutes, so I don't know if I can call this part a huge success. I still want to make it again on a sunnier day and see what happens. I also made chalk paint so the kids could paint on the fence (since Rapunzel paints in the movie). They played pin the hair on the tower. When the boys woke up the morning of the party and saw the tower I drew, they pretty much thought I was the most talented ever. Feels so good to hear my 8 and 6 year olds say, "Wow! Mommy, you're a good drawer!"

After pizza and grapes, the kids got to use a frying pan to whack Flynn Rider in the face. This homemade piñata was kind of a bust. I had to stab it with scissors to make the candy come out. Then we sang happy birthday and Eliana opened her presents. We still need to work on manners during present opening! And then I tried hard to get a picture of all the girls with their braids. This is as good as it was going to get!

For it being so last minute, I'd say it was a success. Eliana loved it and that's what matters!! A big huge thanks to my mom for all her help! Couldn't have done it without her!