On a recent trip to Hobby Lobby, he found the most wonderful kit. He happily lugged it through the store as we finished shopping. He and Joy put it together that afternoon.

Now it has vines, and is big enough for Mom to visit…Chanya at least.

You stopped me mid-birthstory the other day. Message received. So, fascinating as that story is, it can get old.

So…adaptable and creative as ever, you effortlessly switched gears from a planned slumber party to an iceskating event. And you added to the birthday excitement by earning a 100% week just in time for the blessed event. Between today’s excitement and tomorrow’s promise, it’s not wonder a boring old birth story can’t compete.

Enjoy your second decade, sweetie. May it be just the beginning of a rich, rewarding life!

In the meantime, check out this collage that tries to tell about the conflict between real educational opportunities vs contrived ones.

Also, remind me to tell you about our day-long visit to the one room schoolhouse today. It’s relevant to the topic.

Learn this simple hairstyle with this step by step guide.

Early Spring seems to be sticking. When the tulips started blooming in March, I expected to see hints of every flower, even summer ones. The hostas didn’t send up their shoots last week, and I worried. But they’re shooting up now.

And the phlox, which sent forth tentative, unopened whitish flowers last week? Looks like this now:

Soon to come: Azaleas!

and purple tulips!

Does anyone know the name of that blue flower peeking out behind the tulips? It is bushy and abundant in my flower beds now, and I don’t know what it’s called. I thought it might be a weed, but the May edition of Better Homes and Gardens features it on its cover.

Did I mention I’m eternally grateful for my new iphone? It takes such fun pictures!

With a thrill, I noticed that the tennis nets were up in the park across the street from the school where Joy has Girls on the Run.

Chanya and I tried out the court today. Although the temperature was only in the 50s, the sun felt warm and friendly on our faces.

Chanya didn’t know how to hit the ball at first, but quickly learned how to drop the ball on the racket and hit it over the net.

It was addictive. At 4, Chanya discovered the thrill of tennis–even poorly played. It’s about sun and wind, running, controlling your muscles. It is about solving problems and thinking.

I’m so glad I got to share that discovery with her.

You called me yesterday. I couldn’t believe it was my almost 4 year old on the phone, except that you asked to play in the sprinkler. You weren’t even shaken when I asked if it were you. You didn’t understand why I wanted to talk to the big sister that had dialed the number so you could ask to play in the sprinkler.

Because you are grown.

And you handled your 15 kid birthday party with grace. You were friendly and cheerful and you completely got that it was your day. Such a difference a year makes. Last year you were quieter and shyer. It took you a while to get what all the fuss was about at your birthday party.

Not this year! You woke your sisters up saying, “Get up! It’s my birthday!”

Yes ma’am.

Ever since your dramatic entrance into the world, you have been grabbing attention.

Whether it was singing the blues as a toddler, softshoe in a frog suit as a young teen, leading your Bible study, or writing software, you have always put your whole heart into every endeavor.

You bring us great joy.

I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you, Xavier.

Happy Birthday.