Foster Further

 Just for the record--yesterday when the eldest son packed up for college that triggered a reshuffling of all the kids' bedrooms. So, in one day I rounded up, washed, dried, folded, and organized every single piece of clothing for all 5 kids. Then, I emptied bedrooms, cleaned them, rearranged furniture, and put back every single piece of clothing.  Sometimes I feel guilty that I don't get more done. Then I remember that I have 5 kids and what the day to day reality of that entails.

 This week James had his birthday. He turned 6. Usually in the week before any kid's birthday I do a feel special things for them. For example, I might make their favorite breakfast one of the mornings. Or, if I need to run to the store anyway I'll take just that one kid and make it a 1:1 outing with me. When I do these small things I'll say, "this is your birthday week!" and that way it prolongs the celebration and makes the kid feel special for more than just one day.  For two years now Jane has struggled on Kate and James' birthdays. She doesn't appear jealous or angry on anyone else's birthdays--just those of the two little kids who are her playmates.  After reading a new book and having an in-person session with our therapist I've tried to be more intentional about naming her feelings, even the difficult ones that I'd like to avoid.  So, on the morning of his birthday I pulled her aside and brought up the topic. I told her that I knew she