Eden

Today is Eden's last day of Head start. She is very excited to come home and eat lunch, too, after her fun day at the park where they get photo albums from the year and strawberry shortcake to eat. She told me last night she's going to eat whatever she wants in the whole house because (as I have told her before) "there's no menu in this house", and, well, since it's my birthday and I'm feeling rather wonderful, she might just get to do that!

I can't believe we have a whole school year under our belt and summer is just around the corner. She has grown up so much and I want to say that as much as I post about Lars and his all- consuming life, my Eden is a brave little soul, complete with the kind of compassion you can't teach children. In this world of loud noises, strange textures, funny phrases, unpredictable changes in plans, bright sights and unexplained movements, Eden is the one who is always there for Lars, comforting him and looking out for him. She tells me, "Lars may not like these crackers because the texture is kind of rough on the edges" or "This might be too loud for Lars, so we better bring his ear muffs" or "The sun is bright today, so I got Lars' sunglasses in case he needs them."

When he bites her (which he often does) she eventually says, "I forgive you, Lars, do you need some gum?". When he grows out of his shoes and needs new ones (not a fun endeavor), she tells him, "It's OK Lars, you'll get used to them like I did when I got new ones." And when he comes to Headstart to socialize, she's the first to greet him and say, "I'm right over here Lars if you need me."

Honestly, can you teach that to a 5 year old? Maybe by example.

I have a wonderful husband who is a great father, not to mention a soon-to-be hilarious bumble bee race car driver, and three God given children to bring up in the faith and teach the ways of the world without exasperating them. Not an easy chore, but one that is made simpler by that of my oldest, my dear Eden. I love you!