Five

I can't even begin to define what being five is all about. I have wondered since Roland turned two how it is that one can be so energetic and at times horrible while simultaneously being so sweet and affectionate and hilariously funny that it sometimes makes me want to cry. Even as early as a few months ago, I began to notice small changes in Roland that I really liked. Maybe a five year old doesn't really listen any better (we haven't perfected first time listening, but we have improved significantly), but they are a little more responsible and a little more understanding and still soooo affectionate and hilariously funny. I can not count the times in a day when I have to drop everything for a "Mom I need a hug." Better yet, Roland will leave something he really enjoys to come give hugs. I love it. We have finally managed to get Roland to go to school without crying. I guess misery does love company because his mood improved greatly when Duncan began to go to school. Over the past few days, both boys have went to school with no tears. You can not imagine how much easier this has made all of our lives...and I don't go to work feeling like a dog.

Roland and Squaw
Make a wish...

Cullen, Roland, Duncan and Jacob. The little guys were itching to get at the cake. There were numerous finger trails in the icing, but nobody was fessing up to the crime.

The world according to Roland:

1) Three wise men following the star = three wise men were following the start (almost a week after our conversation about why I thought that they were following the star rather than the start, we were riding in the car and Roland randomly says, "Mom, you were right. They were following the star."

2) The final countdown = the fight of downtown

3) Roland is constantly telling me he wants to be a fighter fighter (aka firefighter)

4) After a extremely long detour behind a slow car on a one lane road in freezing rain on our way to MawMaw's, I was forced to punch it (rental car) and pass said slow car. Roland says, "Thanks for the pleasure Mom!" What?

I can't even recall half of the things that are said, but I am always laughing. It is so cool to see how the little people perceive things we take for granted. I will never see a "Caution Mower" on the road again and not think of my nephew Jesse.

Dinner-check. Cake-check. Blanket-check. Unlaxing-check.
As part of our birthday celebrations, we met some family for some food and cake and a day at the NC transportation museum in Spencer (from which I have no pictures of the birthday boy). It has been really cold here and rains approximately every 48 hours, so we had a great time getting out of the house. And we got to ride a train. Sweet.

My internet connection hates to add videos, but I did manage to get a short clip to load of the birthday present extraordinaire. The initial reaction was excitement, but within the hour that waned to not so excited, to "but I wanted a go-kart" to "I thought you were going to get me the blue power ranger." Ahhh. to think we could have bought his affection for a mere $6. I think he will like it more when he gets more experience-hopefully.

Thanks to all of you for the birthday calls, well wishes and gifts and for making Roland's birthday so special!