Tara's Birthday

It is amazing to me that my little baby is 7. Most days I don't realize that time is flying, but when we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries it makes me stop and think.

I remember how overwhelmed I was to be a parent. I seriously begged my mom not to leave! I was sure I would break such a small, helpless thing. Now, I think sometimes she might break me! One of the things I love about Tara is her intensity. I'll admit that it can be frustrating and exhausting at times, but I enjoy feeling her excitement and happiness even if her sorrow can be too much to bear. She is so smart that I can't pull any fast ones on her, darn. I admire her absolute faith. I have never heard as sincere a prayer as when she was praying for her sister. Amy is lucky to have her. I marvel at how kind, understanding, and compassionate she is toward Amy. Even when Amy is being an annoying baby sister, all we have to say is "that's the sister you wanted," and Tara is totally calm (amazing) and happy again.

I enjoyed our relatively quiet day. Tara got some special time with her dad. He took her out to lunch at, you guessed it, McDonalds. Then the kids and I took her swimming.

Presents and cake with the family was the highlight of the night. You can see she is very excited!


The kids loved giving Tara their present. Ian shouted out what was in the bag the second it was in her hands.


Tara didn't seem to mind knowing there was a fairy book in the bag. She loves to read those fairy books!


Jared did a good job picking her new soccer stuff. Yes, my super feminine daughter has decided to play a sport. You will love her reason. She told us if she had to miss Saturday morning cartoons to go to soccer games Eric was playing, she might as well get to play too.


Tara was a little upset to see that I didn't make a chocolate cake for her birthday. (The temptation would have been too much for me and I'm still banned from chocolate...3 weeks more) Anyway, once the candles were in it didn't matter what the flavor was!