Rachel Turns 6

Rachel turned 6 yesterday. We were staying at Grandma's house, so I could sew costumes for Ruth and Kate's Shakespeare play, so we had Rachel's party at Grandma's in Provo. I think that worked out pretty well for Rachel, because it made it easy for her cousins to come and play and spend a lot of time with her. First, we decorated and ate cupcakes. Then we had dinner and opened presents. Lastly, we went to the Classic Fun Center and jumped in the bouncy houses for an hour. I think all involved enjoyed it a lot. Rachel is still going to get a little at home party with some of the neighbors, as well as the fancy dinner she requested.

A few months ago, I couldn't believe that Rachel would be turning 6. She just seemed so immature to me. But, within the last 6 weeks, Rachel has matured a lot. She seems to have finally given up on crying and whining to get her own way and she is doing her chores with a lot less nagging. "Few!!!!" I like to get to this point with each child.

Rachel is very tiny for her age. I think this helps her get away with acting more like a baby. She is about 38 inches and weighs only 31 pounds. So she looks like a small four year old. I am concerned about her size as is the doctor. So she will be getting some tests done to make sure that everything is working right.

Rachel is a very assertive little girl. She is the bossiest of my kids. She expects a lot from other people and likes to be in charge. Kate was real assertive like this. I think Rachel will do a good job at standing up for herself. I just pray that I can point Rachel in the right direction. Rachel is not easily persuaded. With Rachel, the approach of learning gospel doctrine seems to be the right approach. While, parenting such a determined child can be hard, I at least know that she won't be so easily persuaded by her friends. Kate is very much the same way, and at 12.5, she could care less what her friends are doing. Kate and Rachel do what they want and if no one follows them, they complain they have no friends but have not yet altered their course to fit in.