The Rogers' Family: Corrie

December 26th marked Corrie's 5th birthday and Matt and I are blown away by how quickly time is passing as we watch our oldest child grow. A day-after-Christmas birthday makes it difficult to find a time for a party, so we've had to do some trial and error the last two years. Last year her party was held on a Sunday night the week before Christmas, hoping that people hadn't left to visit family yet, and it was great. This year, we decided to try after Christmas, but then people had plans for New Year, so we pushed her party to the 7th of January (which is also Matt's birthday). Needless to say, I did not enjoy this option. Next year we'll either try a half birthday or go back to the week before Christmas.

Corrie wanted a "camping party" so we set up the tent in the backyard, played "Going on a Bear Hunt" and had sack races, a tent cake, and hotdogs cooked over the fire. The weather said it was going to rain, so in a moment of creativity, Matt and I hung white Christmas lights on the ceiling to look like stars and a long branch through the chandelier over the kitchen table with photos hanging of Corrie from each of her birthdays. She felt very special and we all had a great time!

Corrie, here are our favorite things about you:

1. You are a great oldest child - we never have to worry when we leave the kids with a sitter. You tell them exactly where everything is and the order everything should happen.
2. In the same vein, you're very helpful. You take great care of Avery and Hudson, offer to help me when I clean, and initiate straightening up your desk without me having to ask.
3. Your understanding and question-asking amazes me. We have great gospel conversations because of the things you notice and the questions you ask.
4. You love to learn! One of your favorite things to do is read a book. And not just any cutesy picture book - we've already finished the abridged versions of Peter Pan and are a few chapters into Swiss Family Robinson. You're already reading on your own, but I can't wait to start teaching you in Kindergarten in the fall!
5. If we give you some crayons and paper, you're happy for hours and create really beautiful artwork. My favorite is still your coloring of flowers that you copied in such detail from a picture.
6. From the moment you were born, you were thumb-sucker and we are trying really hard to break you of that habit now. But, I admit, when I catch you sucking your thumb, I'm immediately brought back to seeing you for the first time and *almost* talk myself into letting you keep the habit....almost. :)
7. You're a great leader, sometimes a bossy leader, but mostly you enjoy seeing others have fun and you lead them in games where everyone can participate and have a good time.
8. You love to give to others. All of your art gets a friend's name at the top because you want to give away what you've made. You share very well with Avery & Hudson, and even share candy with Mom and Dad! :)
9. You love your family, especially your Daddy. I pray that love continues to deepen.
10. Your heart is soft to the things of the Lord. My deepest hope is that God would call you and awaken your dead, sinful heart and give you abundant, full life in Jesus.

Celebrating Corrie & Matt's birthday

Matt leading a "Going on a Bear Hunt" game. He set up obstacles and all the kids chanted, "We're going on a bear hunt. Come to a fence/log/etc.. Can't go under it, can't go around it, gotta go over it." Matt did a great job, and it was so sweet seeing all the kids following behind him as he led the game.