Happy 5th Birthday, Elle!

We usually decorate the dining room with all-things birthday just to see their faces when they discover it in the morning. This year, it did not disappoint our Elle-Belle, who decided she wanted a princess theme. During this past year she discovered Cinderella -- the book, movie, music -- and it's been all about dressing princess and roll-playing the drama. Eric has become quite good at playing all the parts while Elle dashes about in her pink and blue gowns. You'll often hear Eric yelling out, 'But wait, please wait...your shoe!'

So, Elle's big day had finally arrived. Before Daddy left for work, we all enjoyed eating Elle's requested chocolate chip pancakes, and watching her open up a violin that she's been wanting for months (ever since she played one at her friend's house). She even let Zane try it out. But the biggest joy of her day was when she opened up a package of gum and had her very first chomp of the cinnamon sweetness. It's a five-year-old privilege in the Wolfe home and she's been counting down the days for over a year. It was everything she had dreamed of, and she only swallowed one piece between breakfast and lunch.

Zane LOVED the pancakes too!

Elle's first piece of gum!

After much gum-chewing and talk about gum-chewing, we met Daddy for her requested lunch -- pizza! We stuffed ourselves and had more talk about gum and how life is so much better now with gum. Noteable was Zane's behavior at lunch; he has definitely found a new peace about food and we are seeing far fewer temper tantrums over finishing a meal. We still have to have verbal preparation to transition away from meals, but his new attitude has definitely made eating-out much more enjoyable.

Then it was home for naps, play and more gum-chewing before friends and family arrived for a chili/cornbread dinner. Now Elle had been anticipating her fifth birthday since she turned four. There hasn't been a prayer of hers -- and she prays out loud at least three times a day -- that hasn't started with 'thank you for my birthday'... for a year's time! It's like she has just always known that she should be five! :) I really do believe this will be a BIG year for Elle and you can tell she is glad to have 'arrived' and happy to be living in the moment, finally! Has to be the gum, everything truly is better with gum.

Party friends.

The evening concluded with her requested chocolate cookie and ice cream cake, presents and pictures with her buddy, Isaac. Isaac is a dear friend, who has been on furlough from Africa (with his parents) for several of Elle's birthdays. Elle thinks it's very cool that Isaac was born in a far away country like herself.

It's hard to believe that our baby is five. Seems like yesterday that God performed a miracle and placed her in our arms. She is our perfect match and we are amazed by His spirit within her. There's something very dear, kind and soft about her nature, her care for others and love for Jesus. We are so grateful to watch our precious child grow in His grace.

Before putting her and the day to bed, we talked about her birth story, God placing our family together, His special plans for her... and, of course, gave thanksgiving for gum. Glorious gum!