Grace the thief...

A few days ago we were at the Dollar Store doing some amazing Christmas shopping with the girls. Later that day I saw Grace playing with an ugly green balloon that I knew I had not purchased. When I asked her about it,I found out that she had stolen it from the store...
So, we had the talk about stealing, she wrote an apology letter to the manager and we put the slobbery balloon in an envelope to return to the store later.
Today was the big day to return and confess with letter and balloon in hand.
The manager was very poilet and listened to Grace quietly admit her wrong doing while hanging her head and trying to hide behind my leg.
The lady told her how proud she was of Grace for doing the right thing. She told her she was very brave and she was very happy she returned the balloon. She also told her stealing wasn't right and she hoped she would never do it again. The manager was perfect! As I was watching it all happen, a lady in the check out line was watching as well and we made eye contact. She gave me that - "You are doing the right thing look" and that's when I started to tear up. We thanked the manager and walked away both glad it was all over.
As I was buckling Willow in the van, the woman from the checkout came over to me and said, " I just had to tell you that you almost made me cry back there. You did the right thing by having her do that. You have to teach them while they are young." I agreed and thanked the woman.
I smiled as we drove away but my heart hurt for Grace too. "Mom, I'm really nervous," she said before we went in. " I know," I told her, "but I'm right here with you."
We talked about how when we make a wrong choice we can make it right by apoligizing and praying for forgiveness. Heavenly Father loves each of us so much and is so forgiving, I'm glad that a ugly green balloon reminded me of that today.

Singing Happy Birthday to Grace...

Birthday madness...

Everytime we have a birthday party, I look around at all the kids and wonder- How in the world do we all fit in this tiny house??? Somehow it all works and they all have a blast. Grace picked a Hannah Montana party, so we had a few rock stars show up for the event. They looked so cute and grown up. I wish we could keep them small for awhile longer.
(Thanks Annikan & Angie for your help. Thanks for hanging out Jen, I'm so glad you stayed!)

Grace's 4th Birthday party...

Grace's birthday is actually on the 22nd, but with a lot of her friends out of town for Christmas, we decided to have it a week early! She waited and waited for months for her Hannah Montana party. She was tickled when she saw the decorations going up and even squealed once with delight. That was all I needed to make it all worth it. The count down began at least a week ago- that's all the girls talked about!
I think she and her 10 little friends had a great time. They played games, danced around the house, ate food, opened presents, colored and then went home on sugar highs dressed in crazy rock star clothes and blue wigs!It was so funny to see some of the outfits- you could tell the outfits the Mom's picked out from the ones the kids choose themselves.
Grace was spoiled with presents and had a great time. I am so glad. I just want my kids to have a special day that is all about them. I want balloons, decorations, food, tons of kids running around and treats. I want them smiling and laughing and having the time of their lives. I want my kids to get excited for thier special day and hopefully remember a tiny bit of it when they are older. I want them to know they are loved and if a bunch of clearanced Hannah Montana birthday stuff does the trick, I am one happy Mama. I love you with all my heart Gracie, Grace. Happy 4th Birthday!