Clare's "real" birthday was on a saturday this year. Friday night she wrote out hour by hour what she would like to do. Have breakfast, go shopping with her birthday money, etc.etc. It was a nice day. In the afternoon we went to the park and then out to dinner at Boston Market. Dave got paged before dinner so we ate quick and then he had to go back to work. After dinner we went home to do Clare's birthday cake. She got a great cake decorating tool for her b-day so she was excited to give it a try. She did a great job on her first cake.
One of Clare's friends gave her a stuffed animal for her bday which she already had. So Saturday morning we went to Claire's to exchange it with a gift receipt. Instead of a different stuffed animal Clare chose to get a mother daughter necklace. It has a heart and a key and we each wear one. It was very sweet. I was touched.
Another sweet part of Clare's birthday is that a few days before her party, somehow I ended up with just Lexey at the store. There was no school for Clare and Lexey but Jo had school as usual. Clare was at a girl scout event so I had just Lexey. We talked about going to the zoo or something but she didn't really want to do that. So we went to Target and Lexey helped me get party supplies and favors, and picked out a gift for Clare. She also picked out a card. She carefully read all of the cards that were appropriate for sisters and then picked her favorite, though she loved them all...every sweet and sappy word. Lexey is a good friend and full of love for everyone.
It is hard to believe we have a 10 year old daughter. The years have gone by quick. Clare is really growing up into a lovely little person. At her parent teacher conference last week her teachers told me she is doing great in school. Very confident, outgoing, loves to participate in class and doing well in all subjects. She was selected to be in the honor society, a small group of good kids who are known to be trustworthy, honest and obey the rules in the class. She was very proud of that. Clare works hard in school and is a good student. I have noticed she does a good job of remembering to plan for her day and pack homework, books or extra things she needs for school or after school if she has an activity. Clare is a good big sister and can help out with home life. She still loves to read and has amazing recall of details in spite of her lightning speed. Most nights after I get the little girls to bed I sit in Clare's room and read while she reads. Sometimes we read aloud together but if we start a book she will usually finish it on her own rather than wait and read a chapter a night with me. So, most of the time I read my books and she reads hers. It usually takes me weeks to finish a book and she'll finish a couple a week. Last week she read "where the red fern grows." Dave and I were both sitting by her when Little Ann and Old Dan died. She cried and cried...but kept reading. She loves her books!
Clare tries to take care of her possessions, but it's hard in a busy house with lots of siblings. Clare often decides she will keep her bedroom door closed and not share with anyone but inevitably she changes her mind and invites everyone in to color with her new crayons or play her new game.
Clare loves Meyer. She has so much patience with him. He recently shredded her bedspread. I was livid. She was not phased at all and keeps trying night after night to get him to come in a be a good dog. (no such luck yet). She is also really wanting him to be in our christmas card....worried a precious family member might be left out.
Clare also really enjoys crafts and other creative outlets. She recently learned to knit from bobbie brunson. She likes looking at pinterest for recipes and other cute ideas.
After Thanksgiving this year, clare brought all of the Christmas boxes out of the garage and organized the decoration of the house and christmas tree (while I sat on the couch and blogged and shopped). She is awesome.
Clare is not a huge fan of practicing the piano but she is getting better. I noticed at the store the other day she asked the super #8 ball "Am I going to be good at piano when I grow up?" I know that as much as she struggles to enjoy practice, music is a talent she enjoys and hopes to have her entire life.
