Ephraim Turns 6 and Graduates

Ephraim turned 6 last month and we had a Ninjago party. (Ninjago is Ninja Legos.) Here is my pinterest Ninjago board.

Ninjago weapons for a Scavenger Hunt with clues
Ninjago weapons for a Scavenger Hunt with clues

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We did a paper lantern craft and had them decorate their own ninja headbands (Ace bandages and Sharpies)
We did a paper lantern craft and had them decorate their own ninja headbands (Ace bandages and Sharpies)
I bought Ninjago eyes on Etsy and taped them to balloons to look like ninjas
I bought Ninjago eyes on Etsy and taped them to balloons to look like ninjas
This poster was already in Ephraim's room, so we just moved it downstairs and tacked it to the fireplace.
This poster was already in Ephraim’s room, so we just moved it downstairs and tacked it to the fireplace.
Ninjago face cake made by yours truly (and I won't show you the pic of cake #1 that fell apart!)
Ninjago face cake made by yours truly (and I won’t show you the pic of cake #1 that fell apart!)

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Scavenger Hunt - one weapon was in the fridge!
Scavenger Hunt – one weapon was in the fridge!
Chopstick relay
Chopstick relay
Tornado game - we split into teams and used streamers to turn a team member into a Spinjitsu Tornado!
Tornado game – we split into teams and used streamers to turn a team member into a Spinjitsu Tornado!
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The birthday boy with his cake!

Ephraim enjoyed his party and I think the little boys had fun. That said, I am staying away from Pinterest for a while. Too much pressure to put on a presentation and make your party a “show.” I get way too stressed about putting these parties together. It should be a relaxed time to celebrate the birthday kid, not a time to impress everyone!

A few days later, this happened:

Kindergarten graduate!
Kindergarten graduate!
He had a solo
He had a solo
Got his diploma!
Got his diploma!

Seeing my son graduate from kindergarten was bittersweet. When I saw him up there in his little cap and gown with all his friends, I teared up with a mother’s pride, and also with a mother’s fear. My chubby baby boy has grown up and learned so much! I love his gentle heart, his boyish mischief, and his wild abandon.

But I still remember the night my parents and Will’s body came home from Thailand, and Will’s high school graduation gown was hanging in the doorway of his old room. He died four days after he graduated. I will never be able to completely lose the fear that something will happen to my children. Most days, it is kept at bay, somewhere in the back of my mind, ignored. But sometimes, it swells up and pushes itself into my thoughts.

I hope and pray that my children will always be safe, healthy, and happy. I am so very proud of them both.

One comment

  1. Karla says:

    I cannot believe how big he is!! It is so fun to watch him (And Madeleine) grow up into such awesome “big kids”! You are a wonderful Mother to them both. I am proud of you every time I see them or read about them. There is nothing like the fear we feel for our children. I cannot imagine how much greater that must be for you. I never thought about that before, and it brought tears to my eyes. I pray an extra prayer of strength and faith for you my friend! Their lives and precious and they are lucky to have such a faithful and attentive/supportive Mom!! Love you all!

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