SEVEN!

So we've already had two birthday parties by this point, but the actual birthday day is here! I found this Elf on the Shelf "expansion set"- so Sneaky was all set to arrive for James' birthday!

Of course for $18.95 you got a new book. And an outfit for Sneaky.

James discovered this book on his bed. It was there by magic!

 

We read the story about Elves that return for Birthdays and decorate a chair!

James told me what to write in his invitation and he signed it.

 

And the next day, this happened.

 

 

A chair with the best decorations I could think of! Orange streamers and seven dollar bills!

 

I don't know about this chair tradition, but the dollar bills were a hit.

 

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Birthday Friends

Do you know a Mario cake is impossible to find locally? Jim found these custom icing sheets online, and you put them on a plain, smooth white cake. It was quite a chore peeling it from the backing sheet, but we did it.   With love!

His party was Mario themed, when possible. I did find a giant moustache balloon, thinking that was close enough.

James invited a few of his buddies from school, from New Horizon, and his buddy Ryan (my friend's son). It ended up being the perfect amount of energetic boys. Oh, and we hired our babysitter Abby to help!

The problem with a cool cake is that every boy had a specific character they wanted on their piece. James chose Mario, of course.

And then the gifts happened. Chaos!

After we were done in the party room we headed out to play!

I didn't approve of the gun play.

Air cannons play area.

Do you see James up there?

Best buddies James and Ryan jumping!

And then the best part of the party... The bumper cars! I liked this area because all of the kids were contained (: and this is how the parents came back and found their children- all under control! Ha!

This is our favorite picture. James is having a ball and Russell in the background has his feet up, not a care in the world!

Happy birthday to James and thanks to his friends for a great party!

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Big Spender

James saved a total of $125 from his allowances, family "donations", and loose change. His timing was excellent. He reached his goal at the same time the Nintendo 2DS system was released!

We were at Target on the release date. Surprisingly, no lines ;)

And James spots the systems!

 

Yes, this is a happy kid!

 

Thank you to Mom and Dad for contributing the extra few dollars and then tax. Oh, and for purchasing a pricey game so that he can play something on his new system.

 

James and his Dad set up the system.

 

And total happiness at last!

 

Goal reached!

I'm still very amazed that James was able to save that much money. It took a lot of self-discipline to not be distracted by Pokemon cards, Angry Birds, and other toys.

 

James took a small break from his 2DS to visit the dentist. No cavities! We're keeping an eye on one tooth but so far, so good!

 

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First Day of 1st Grade!

Guess who came to wish James a great first day of 1st Grade?

 

 

Sneaky! And he brought good luck money :)

 

 

I was also returning to my "First Day" so I didn't see James off on his bus, but I was home to help greet him from his first day.

 

Of course it was splendid. James really does like school. He never complains about going.

 

Grandma Rose called to get the full report.

 

And right away we established the routine of doing homework immediately after dinner. It is still working!

 

It's going to be a great year!

 

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James believes in God

We're not religious people. Jim and I both grew up Catholic but for whatever reasons it didn't stick and/or I realized my set of beliefs didn't sync up. It almost feels like you shouldn't admit that you don't go to church, or even feel bad about it. My God doesn't mind, that's what I think.

So when James suddenly told us that he believes in God, we were like, "Okay." Don't know where he got it, but we accepted it.

My plan was always for James to explore religion and figure out what's going to stick with him. I thought we'd do a tour of churches but sadly I like to lounge on Sundays. Horrible excuse, I know.

And then one day in August I asked James what he wanted to do that day. He said he wanted to go to church. Who am I to deny that??

The friendliest church I know is in Anoka. I've actually been here with James before, for a Justin's Gift ice cream social. That organization supports our gay students and families. The church also has a huge rainbow banner on its outside, which is excellent. It means they are accepting and loving.

So we went. Mario came with us too. He must believe in God too!

 

Inside we met an elderly man I explained that I just wanted to show James the church. He seemed prepared to take us into the chapel but I asked to go in alone with James. I want to be the one to answer his questions and start his "journey". It was also going to be our moment.

We talked about why there are churches, why people pray, etc. James said the sweetest prayer, something about hoping that all kids have food and love in the world. I was very proud of him.

And then he wanted to approach the altar. He didin't say much. He just looked and then was satisfied.

 

He does want to return to church, but doesn't know if he wants to see the "show" (his word, not mine) for up to an hour.

He did get excited when I showed him this hymnal and one of the first pages we see mentions a pure heart. Oh, this boy loves his Mario games and one of the objectives in Super Paper Mario is to collect pure hearts. Surely its a sign!

 

There was no singing on this fieldtrip.

There really hasn't been a mention of returning to church either, but I'm sure we'll go again some day soon.

The worst part of this experience was going to the Christian store in Blaine. It was musty and crowded with statues of saints. I couldn't find any children's bibles that weren't all hell-bent and full of sins.

I feel like I really need to be selective about what he's going to read. No random books. It's been a lot to think about.

We did purchase a Children's Bible, after I asked a couple of Mom friends for a recommendation. I wanted something fairly non-demoninational and nothing too heavy. He's only 6. So I did find a Bible and James has loved it. We've read through it twice, all the stories of the Old and New testaments.

So James loves God, and God loves him.

We're still not quite sure what to do with all of this, but we are just letting it happen.

 

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