Lincoln likes Catherine at school

Lincoln was talking to me about school (Mother's Day Out). We were talking about the end of the year program and the practices.

He said "Sometimes I see Catherine while we are singing our songs." I asked "Is she singing?"
L: "Sometimes she is just looking at me. Mommy, I like Catherine at school.... just not always at home." Me: "I am glad you like her at school." L: "I saw her in the hall today and I gave her a hug." Me: "That was sweet." L: "Yeah, I am nice to her at school, Mommy. Just not always at home."

I was glad to know that he was friendly to his sister at school. Isn't that how it always is? Siblings liking each other more when they are away from home? I remember the feeling seeing Jeff lifeguarding while swimming, seeing Greg at school (especially as a freshman at Lipscomb), and having Amy with me at church camp/events. It was always so reassuring. So kudos to Lincoln for giving Catherine a hug. I don't know how much it meant to her as a 3 year old, but I can only imagine that it is weaving a relationship of love, trust and security. I pray that it continues to grow stronger and stronger throughout the years.

"Today is my real birthday. I 3 (thrusting 3 little fingers up into the air)!!!" says Catherine. Three years ago today at 1:11 pm Catherine Elizabeth blessed our lives.

She had her first little friend party yesterday at a playgroud close to our house. It was the PERFECT evening for it. We kept it simple with pizza and cupcakes. She enjoyed playing with all of her friends, and really loved every minute of it. The smile on her face was priceless.

On the way home, Lincoln started talking about how he was going to do this or that with Catherine's new gifts. I reminded him that they were Catherine's new things and that she got to play with ALL of them first. He said, "That will take FOREVER!!" Smiling, I thought "You're learning patience". When we arrived home, the three of us sat at the kitchen table (Brad was bringing stuff in). I unpackaged a gift, handed it to Catherine who played with it 3-5 minutes, and then she passed it to Lincoln. Lincoln typically likes to take charge and orchestrate how long Catherine plays with something and does it to his advantage. However, last night he was so patient and didn't rush her a bit. I was pleased.

Since Easter, I have been working hard to get a good picture of all of my children. For some reason, in my mind, Easter is the day to get good family pictures to last throughout the spring. And because we didn't get good pictures, my quest has continued.

This past Sunday, I chose to try again. The pictures were quite telling. There was the first picture, and they did okay but I decided to keep going for an even better one. Then there was the picture where the kids were smiling but they were looking WAY above my camera. It was VERY obvious that Brad was assisting me in that one. And then there was the picture where Catherine was leaning all over Coleman, and I asked her nicely to get off of him. And that led to this picture, which could sum up my children quite nicely:

Here we have Catherine somewhat leaning on Coleman, and Lincoln, the rule enforcer, somewhat frustrated with Catherine who is obviously pushing limits in such a cute way. And then there's Coleman... he does so well considering what he faces each day. :)

Lincoln does not enjoy playing alone.

Last week while I was getting supper ready, Lincoln and Catherine were playing with matchbox cars in our driveway. They were playing so nicely, it caught my attention and I walked to our screen door to watch. I was enjoying the sweet interaction until I noticed Catherine getting distracted by our neighbor's cat that was sneaking into our yard. She immediately left Lincoln's side to visit with the "kitty cat".

At first, Lincoln didn't seem to mind and continued to play by himself. And then I heard him say "Hey Catherine, did you hear that roaring lion? (pause) I think you need to come back up here with me!"

Unfortunately for him (and probably for the cat too), the threat of a "roaring lion" didn't faze Catherine. To Lincoln's dismay she didn't come back up to play. It wasn't until a few minutes later (and a few whines from Lincoln) that she came back up- only after he threatened to go inside.