8 EIGHT 8

She's 8.  My oh my, where did the time go?

Yesterday, our Noelle turned 8 and we celebrated with both sets of grandparents.

She chose black beans and rice for her birthday meal and brownies instead of cake!

Her oldest brother tolerate the rice and beans, but it isn't something he really enjoys.  However, her younger brother had to continually be reminded that this was the meal his sister chose for her birthday and he needs to be kind and eat it without complaining.  He ate a few more bites and stopped.

A few minutes later, he walked up to me, with those big brown eyes, and so sincerely stated, "Mom.  I will eat the brownies for Elle, because I know she wants me to."

Wow, what a sacrifice!  haha

The grandparents went together on a gift and we added a little more to it.

Here she is peeking inside the bag!  I think she's excited!

YAY!  A sewing machine!  Mommy has an apprentice now!

From big brother!

Gifts from brothers! I've never told the kids they had to give something to their siblings, but each time, they just find things in their rooms, that they've seen the other admire, and they wrap it and give it with such joy and pleasure.

Here, she's opening a drawing set from big brother.  She said she had always wanted it and that he had never drawn in it.  In his driest voice, big brother corrected, "Yes, I did."  She was still thrilled!

When the kids turn 8, we go into the local Christian bookstore and pick a picture with a verse for their rooms.  (Here's the one from when Q turned 8)

Making her wish!

It goes so quickly!

I believe her wish may have had something to do with a certain someone coming Tuesday evening.  It has been 4 months since we've said goodbye to K and tomorrow night, we get to bring her home for 4 weeks!  Christmas in America!

You may have noticed some ornaments on the tree - the kids made them out of Le.gos.  We are waiting for K to arrive to hang the rest of the ornaments on the tree!