Birthday's

Catherine had a great birthday weekend. We began the weekend with Catherine's birthday. We didn't have a big party on Friday because we went to Matthew's party instead. Matthew is the son of our good friends, and he shares a birthday with Catherine. Catherine loves Matthew very much and would love to spend every hour of every day with him. She often tries to convince Paul and I that she could go and live with Matthew and his mom and dad. She tells us she is going to marry Matthew and they will live with Matthew's parents. Unfortunately for Catherine Matthew doesn't feel the same way. He loves her a lot, but he is OK when she isn't around. He moved away over two years ago; he seems to have made the break well, but Catherine still cries herself to sleep occasionally over the move. She often asks if things could go back to the way they were, when she and Matthew both lived in Pullman. When something reminds her of Matthew, Catherine will break in to tears and become inconsolable. It is sweet that she can love this strongly, but I wish she could also learn to let those she loves grow, change and spend time away from her. Catherine had a great time at Matthew's party. There were some tears when Matthew wanted to play with other friends, but Catherine was reminded that she has a sister she can play with, and she eventually recovered.

Saturday was another birthday party. This time for a little boy in her preschool class. G'ma and G'pa also came up on Saturday. Naomi's Great Uncle Charles also got married on Saturday, so Grandma Calkins came over to Spokane for the wedding. Catherine didn't get a chance to see Grandma Calkins, and that was a little disappointing, but over all Catherine had a great day. We took her to Chucky Cheese for a family party on Saturday night.

Then on Sunday we had her birthday party and invited her friends. She had a lot of fun getting the house ready for her party. Due to many conflicts and some illnesses only two of her friends were able to come to the party. Catherine didn't care at all. She was just happy to share her birthday with some friends.

It has been a while since we got out of the house. We had a nice Christmas with just the four of us. Catherine loved all of her presents very much. The ones from G'ma were a big hit. G'ma got her a How the Grinch Stole Christmas game. In Catherine's opinion it is the best game ever. Not only does it involve one of her favorite books, but you also get to sing. We have plaied this game a lot since Christmas. Elizabeth was very impressed by her new toys as well. Although for her Uncle Marcus gave her the favorite toy. It is this little guy from Yo Gabba Gabba. When you drop it or hit it it vibrates and plays a song. When we first opened the package it scared Elizabeth. When it would get turned on she would run away from it. Catherine thought it was fun, so she kept turning it on. Elizabeth began cautiously coming closer and closer. She soon got to the point where she would hold it, turn it on, drop it and run away. Now she loves it. She caries it around with her, and turns it on a lot. Although the song is annoying, Paul and I love watching her play with it. When she holds it while it is on her whole body shakes. She will shake, dance and giggle when she is playing with it.

As I mentioned we have been snow bound for a while. We made a few trips to Spokane to get groceries and such, but mostly we have been hanging out at home. We have been working on the basement. It had an unfinished cement floor, and the walls had many colors of white paint on them. It is a slow project because we need to repair the floor and move furniture as we go. Paul has been working on shoveling snow. I have been able to help with that a bit, but mostly I watch the kids and he shovels the snow.

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas, and have a wonderful year in 2009.