I have had this post mulling around in my head for a week now. Last Monday, Ayden had the privilege of representing his grade level at the district-wide spelling bee. In order to get to that point, he had to be one of the top four from his class spelling bee. He then went on to compete with his 3 classmates and the top 4 spellers from the other first grade class. We tried to be really low-key about it, saying how it would be cool if he won, but not big deal if he didn't win.
I remember that as we were driving to school that morning he told me, "But, I just really want to win, Mama." I told him that I understood, because we all like to win and nobody likes to lose. But, that he should remember that if someone else won, that he should be happy for them and congratulate them, because they, too, had probably worked hard on the words.
After he won, we had a fun night of celebrating at home as a family. We enjoyed a movie night and ate his favorite dinner. And then we began practicing for the big-boy spelling bee...the district-wide bee with a real trophy up for grabs and everything.
Ayden is a naturally good speller. I'd like to take credit for it, but its nothing but a gift from the Lord. Seriously, its like to boy sees a word (or any other piece of information, for that matter), and then, its just there. Like, forever.
So, we practiced a little most nights, spelling a few words here and there each time. I knew that they had made it most of the way through the first grade list at school, and he was able to spell all of the words on his list, so we really focused on the second grade list. You know, because they would move to that one if they exhausted the first grade words and still hadn't determined a winner.
The "wh-" words and "been" gave Ayden a little trouble, so the last few days, we practiced those extra. I had him spell all the trouble words on the morning of the spelling bee, and he spelled every single one of them correctly.
He was ready.
I tucked a note in his lunchbox, packed his backpack with a few books to help pass the time, dressed him in a nice church-y outfit, and took him to meet the bus at the school with a kiss and hug and a reminder that Daddy and I would be there when it was time for first grade.
And, we were. Video camera and camera in hand. And, fresh from the prayers we had just uttered on Ayden's behalf. Not prayers for him to win, but prayers that he would have a happy heart no matter the outcome.
We were ready to capture the moment as he took his place with the other first graders. He breezed through the first two practice rounds. He even remembered to say the letters nice and slowly, like his Daddy had said. Then, it was time for the real deal.
I wanted him to win, ya'll. I couldn't help it. My mama's heart wanted to see him succeed and win. It comes with the mama territory.
But, he didn't win.
In fact, he missed his very first word.
A word he knew how to spell. A word he's spelled correctly somewhere around a zillion times. As the caller told him that he'd spelled the word incorrectly, shock registered on his face. Then, his eyes found mine as he came back to his seat, eliminated. My heart broke for my boy. He was so disappointed. He'd been so nervous (although he says he wasn't) that he didn't even realize he'd spelled it wrong.
He sat on my lap and said, "I just forgot, Mama. I just forgot. And, I really wanted to win a medal." Ahhh. Arrow straight to my heart. My heart hurt for him.
But, I was so proud of him. You see, Ayden's tendency is to act kind of ugly when he loses. To pout and say mean things. But, he didn't this time. Don't get me wrong, he was incredibly disappointed to have lost. But, he made us so proud by the way he handled himself.
You see, one of the character qualities Jesse and I have been praying specifically over Ayden this year is that he would learn to both win and lose gracefully. Of course, losing isn't fun. But, its part of life. And we want Ayden to have integrity and honor as his character no matter the situation.
So, I couldn't have been more excited to see this change in his heart. Because, when we look back in 20 years, it won't matter if Ayden won or lost the spelling bee. Thats why his character is our concern. We want him (and all of our children) to grow up to live lives that bring honor and glory to the Lord. And, my sweet boy, took a step in the right direction.
I'm so thankful to be his mom.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Aha!
My Camden boy is, well, so Camden!! He is one-of-a-kind for sure! He definitely adds a specific dynamic to our family.
He does this thing where he cuts his eyes at you, which generally signals that he's getting ready to do something he shouldn't.
When someone {especially a stranger} speaks to him in public, he's likely to cross his arms and look halfway over at them with his eyes partially rolled and his mouth puckered to the side. Its hard to describe, but if you've seen it, you know.
He's also completely random....to the unseen eye.
But, I think I've figured {at least part of} it out.
The boy wakes up thinking about the exact same thing he was thinking when he went to sleep.
For example:
This morning, he was {as he is every morning, no matter the time} waiting for me to get up so he could do the same. No "Good morning" or anything like that. Nope. He says, "I threw my dinner in the trash last night. I wasn't supposed to do that, so my brothers got suckers because they ate their dinner all gone, but I had to go to bed because I threw my dinner in the trash."
Good morning to you, too, son.
The next statement, about 45 seconds later, had something to do with boys being tall, tall, taller, and baby sisters being little because they are babies.
Then, he wanted tea to drink with his lunch today, but I never got around to making it before nap time. So, after a 2 1/2 hour nap, he emerged from his bedroom and promptly began to cry because he wanted tea.
Oh, and as a side note, he likes to run around in his underwear.
He does this thing where he cuts his eyes at you, which generally signals that he's getting ready to do something he shouldn't.
When someone {especially a stranger} speaks to him in public, he's likely to cross his arms and look halfway over at them with his eyes partially rolled and his mouth puckered to the side. Its hard to describe, but if you've seen it, you know.
He's also completely random....to the unseen eye.
But, I think I've figured {at least part of} it out.
The boy wakes up thinking about the exact same thing he was thinking when he went to sleep.
For example:
This morning, he was {as he is every morning, no matter the time} waiting for me to get up so he could do the same. No "Good morning" or anything like that. Nope. He says, "I threw my dinner in the trash last night. I wasn't supposed to do that, so my brothers got suckers because they ate their dinner all gone, but I had to go to bed because I threw my dinner in the trash."
Good morning to you, too, son.
The next statement, about 45 seconds later, had something to do with boys being tall, tall, taller, and baby sisters being little because they are babies.
Then, he wanted tea to drink with his lunch today, but I never got around to making it before nap time. So, after a 2 1/2 hour nap, he emerged from his bedroom and promptly began to cry because he wanted tea.
Oh, and as a side note, he likes to run around in his underwear.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Just Another Day in Paradise
Whew. Life as a family of 6 is busy. And fun. And adventurous. And {slightly} chaotic. Okay, completely chaotic. But, its OUR chaos and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Sometimes, Jess and I just meet eyes over the top of our kids' heads {and whatever mess they've just made}, and give each other THE LOOK. You know, the one that says, "Don't you dare laugh. These are YOUR children. I mean it. No laughing. Seriously." And, then you decide its more fun to laugh anyway.
During the course of today:
-we have stopped Laney Kate from crawling to and digging in the trash can approximately 14 times
-we have cleaned up Laney Kate's spit up messes from the floor around 5 times
-we have pulled a crawling Laney Kate away from a place she shouldn't be (ie, the bathroom (left open by a brother), the boys' bedroom, the fireplace, the stove, the screen door (left open by a brother)), somewhere in the ballpark of 64 times
-we have fished minute particles of whatever Laney Kate can find to stick in her mouth about 3 times
-I grocery shopped for our family of 6 (including coupons and ad matches, having the oil changed, and filling up the gas tank...hey, at least Wal-Mart is a one-stop shopping experience!)
-ran children to and from school
-prepared Valentines
-staunched the bleeding on Ayden's face after he "pretended" to shave like Daddy in the tub and cut his lip for real
-studied for the spelling bee with Ayden
-practiced Landon's nursery rhyme he has to memorize for school
-made dinner with the help of my little chef, Cams
-wiped {and suctioned out} Laney Kate's nose
-gave baths
And, then we looked at each other and wondered why we are so tired tonight?
But, what a fun day we've had. The boys played with their Play-Doh for a record amount of time before arguing, and then it was only brief. Laney Kate is a crawling, pulling up, teething little 8 1/2 month old with a sweet disposition and the prettiest smile EVA. Dinner was NOT a battle. And, tomorrow is the last day of school before our first 4 day weekend.
I'd say we're pretty blessed.
Ready for sleep.
But, definitely blessed.
Sometimes, Jess and I just meet eyes over the top of our kids' heads {and whatever mess they've just made}, and give each other THE LOOK. You know, the one that says, "Don't you dare laugh. These are YOUR children. I mean it. No laughing. Seriously." And, then you decide its more fun to laugh anyway.
During the course of today:
-we have stopped Laney Kate from crawling to and digging in the trash can approximately 14 times
-we have cleaned up Laney Kate's spit up messes from the floor around 5 times
-we have pulled a crawling Laney Kate away from a place she shouldn't be (ie, the bathroom (left open by a brother), the boys' bedroom, the fireplace, the stove, the screen door (left open by a brother)), somewhere in the ballpark of 64 times
-we have fished minute particles of whatever Laney Kate can find to stick in her mouth about 3 times
-I grocery shopped for our family of 6 (including coupons and ad matches, having the oil changed, and filling up the gas tank...hey, at least Wal-Mart is a one-stop shopping experience!)
-ran children to and from school
-prepared Valentines
-staunched the bleeding on Ayden's face after he "pretended" to shave like Daddy in the tub and cut his lip for real
-studied for the spelling bee with Ayden
-practiced Landon's nursery rhyme he has to memorize for school
-made dinner with the help of my little chef, Cams
-wiped {and suctioned out} Laney Kate's nose
-gave baths
And, then we looked at each other and wondered why we are so tired tonight?
But, what a fun day we've had. The boys played with their Play-Doh for a record amount of time before arguing, and then it was only brief. Laney Kate is a crawling, pulling up, teething little 8 1/2 month old with a sweet disposition and the prettiest smile EVA. Dinner was NOT a battle. And, tomorrow is the last day of school before our first 4 day weekend.
I'd say we're pretty blessed.
Ready for sleep.
But, definitely blessed.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Ayden's 7th Birthday
Dear Ayden,
Seven years old! My goodness. I have to just stop and take it all in. Seven. I can't believe you are already seven years old. Wasn't it just yesterday that Daddy and I first held you in our arms? I know I say somehing similar every year, but it seems like every passing year goes faster than the one before.
The past year has been full of big events! You became a big brother yet again to our precious Laney Kate. You graduated from Kindergarten. And we made the big move back to Missouri, where you started a new school with a new teacher and new friends. And, you have handled it all like a champ. You love and dote on Laney Kate and help me with her and your brothers. You were sad to leave your school and Mrs. Tracy and your friends in Jacksonville, but you were so brave to go to Pineville Primary with Mrs. Burch and you have made some great new buddies. I have been so proud of you through it all!!
Since you started first grade in August, you've lost four teeth. In fact, you have three empty spaces in the front right now. I tried to get you to sing "All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth" but you weren't so sure... ;)
You still have the same tender heart as always. Sometimes, we have to peel back the attitude to see it, but it's there just the same. You like to make the people you love happy, and you are quick to offer encouraging words. Sometimes I wish you would be a little easier on yourself and take encouragement as well as you give it, but I know that you come by your perfectionist tendencies honestly, and we'll just work through that together. ;)
Your favorite hobby of the past year has been Legos. Wow. First, it was Star Wars and Pirates of the Carribbean Lego sets, and now it's Batman and Ninjago. It's so fun to watch you create with them. You just got your first Batman set for Christmas, but you've been creating those characters for months using the pieces you already had. Your friends are into Legos, too. At Parsons last year and the beginning of this one, Mrs. Tracy had to ban all Legos from school because the boys weren't paying attention and were arguing over them. A few weeks ago, you went to Buffalo Creek with Daddy and after you were in bed that night, he told me that after the program, you had disappeared to the fellowship hall with the other boys your age. When he went to get you, he said there you all were, gathered around a table playing with the Legos you had ALL pulled out of your pockets. We laughed and smiled at the fun you had.
You still love to draw, too. Daddy and I can barely write our own names....so we both say you didn't get your talent from us. But, Mr. Rusty says you have a natural ability, and, not to brag, but I agree. ;). You will sometimes sit for an hour drawing out a whole story scene, using up every inch of the paper, front and back.
You are so funny. Most times, you don't mean to be, which makes it even funnier. But lately, you are into joke telling. You make most of them up, and to be perfectly honest, most don't make a lick of sense, but when you laugh at your own punchline, it makes me smile.
You are beginning to be very curious about Jesus and what it means to be a Christian. Daddy and I are praying every day for your (and your brothers' and sister's) salvation. The wheels are turning and I know the day of yor salvation will be soon. You think (on some days) that you'll grow up and be a preacher like Daddy. You understand the importance of telling others abouthe Lord. This morning, your Daddy was speaking at FCA, and you very tenderly explained to your brothers what he was doing and why. A very special moment for your Mama to hear, for sure.
Oh buddy, I love you Soooooo much!!! You melt my heart when you still want to snuggle with me. You are such a sweet boy, telling me and the rest of our family that you love us at random times of the day, every day. I am so very proud of you and the big boy that you've grown up to be. I am so excited to see what the year ahead holds for us. In a blink, it will be your 8th birthday. But, for now, let's enjoy every scone of seven. Have the happiest of birthdays, buddy.
I love you to he moon and back....times infinity!!!
Mama
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Focusing on the eternal
I've been pretty quiet on my blog lately (for all 3 people or so who read it ;) ). To be honest, I just can't talk (or write, I guess would be more of an accurate statement), about the things that are going on in our lives right now. Maybe one day, but right now its just too raw and painful. I can say this, though: the Lord continues to teach me, to comfort me, to carry me, to love me, to be what I need when I need all the time. I'm more in love with my husband than ever before and I am filled with thankfulness for our family.
I finished up a Bible study that I was doing through the summer and felt drawn to the book of James as my next study. I love James. Talk about convicting. All that talk about the tongue. Yikes. Its also the book from which my favorite Miss Kim-ism is found: Whats down in the well comes up in the bucket. Yep, James is definitely a doozy. But, I love it. Even when it steps on my toes and brings conviction to my heart. Because, God's Word tells me that he disciplines and rebukes those He loves (Rev. 3:19).
So, with all that being said, I've been study for about a week and have made it all the way to verse 11 in chapter 1. And today, as I read verses 9-11 for the first time, I was like...ummm, okay, soooo.....what do You want me to take away from this??
Funny I should ask.
The Lord started moving my pen across the page of my notebook and pouring out His truth into my heart. The end result? Things are so temporary. We get so wrapped up in our "stuff" that we forget that it ain't goin' with us. But, do you know what is eternal? Well, lots of things, but 4 specific ones are etched onto my heart.
Their names are Ayden Parker, Landon Ryan, Camden Isaiah, and Laney Kate.
4 precious babies entrusted to Jesse and I. Its our responsibility to teach them about eternity. To teach them that Jesus loves them so very much that he stretched out his hands on the cross and took the punishment for their (and mine, and your) sin. All so that we would have a way to spend all of eternity with Him.
We beg God for the day of our children's salvations. We anticipate eagerly the way God will use each of them in His kingdom, not just as adults but from the moment they ask Him to come and live in their sweet little hearts.
Yes, Lord.
And, so, it makes me wonder. Do you know Him? If you don't know Him, I sure would love to tell you about what He's done for me and in me and through me and with me.
I finished up a Bible study that I was doing through the summer and felt drawn to the book of James as my next study. I love James. Talk about convicting. All that talk about the tongue. Yikes. Its also the book from which my favorite Miss Kim-ism is found: Whats down in the well comes up in the bucket. Yep, James is definitely a doozy. But, I love it. Even when it steps on my toes and brings conviction to my heart. Because, God's Word tells me that he disciplines and rebukes those He loves (Rev. 3:19).
So, with all that being said, I've been study for about a week and have made it all the way to verse 11 in chapter 1. And today, as I read verses 9-11 for the first time, I was like...ummm, okay, soooo.....what do You want me to take away from this??
Funny I should ask.
The Lord started moving my pen across the page of my notebook and pouring out His truth into my heart. The end result? Things are so temporary. We get so wrapped up in our "stuff" that we forget that it ain't goin' with us. But, do you know what is eternal? Well, lots of things, but 4 specific ones are etched onto my heart.
Their names are Ayden Parker, Landon Ryan, Camden Isaiah, and Laney Kate.
4 precious babies entrusted to Jesse and I. Its our responsibility to teach them about eternity. To teach them that Jesus loves them so very much that he stretched out his hands on the cross and took the punishment for their (and mine, and your) sin. All so that we would have a way to spend all of eternity with Him.
We beg God for the day of our children's salvations. We anticipate eagerly the way God will use each of them in His kingdom, not just as adults but from the moment they ask Him to come and live in their sweet little hearts.
Yes, Lord.
And, so, it makes me wonder. Do you know Him? If you don't know Him, I sure would love to tell you about what He's done for me and in me and through me and with me.
Friday, July 13, 2012
To Jesse
10 years ago today I was nervously sitting as my hair was done and makeup was applied...as the white gown went over my head and the veil was clipped to my hair. After waiting for what seemed like to me the longest time ever in all my 19 years, my wedding day had arrived. As the time for the ceremony grew near, the reality of what I was doing became more and more clear; to pledge forever to this man who had captured my heart as a 16 year old girl. Needless to say, I was incredibly nervous.
I shouldn't have been.
Today, Jesse and I are celebrating 10 years of marriage. I'm still trying to figure out how we've had time for an entire decade to pass, but here we are...4 babies and 10 years later...and I'm more in love with my man than ever before.
We've had so many memories together...happy, sad, funny, mad. Jess, remember when ___ spent the night with us and had a tummy ache and what happened then? I'll never forget that...and I wonder if the neighbors ever missed that shovel? Remember when the toilet broke and water started spraying everywhere? Not so funny at the time, but I bet our faces and panic would have been comical to see! When I look back, I remember so many funny things. And, I want to say thank you. Thank you for teaching me that life is fun...funny even, and that my serious self can laugh - at myself or the situation or along with you. We've laughed a lot over the years.
As we talked last night, you told me you were glad it was me. I'm glad, too. Because there isn't anyone else I want to travel this journey with but you. I remember when we found out that Ayden, Landon, Camden, and Laney Kate were each on their way. I remember when each of them arrived. When we brought Ayden home and weren't really sure what we were doing but figured it out together. Then a little brother for him in Landon. Our two surprises, first Camden and then Laney Kate. I couldn't ask for a better Daddy for them. Thank you for loving them.
But, more than anything, thank you for loving the Lord. As we face our future, you encourage me to seek the Lord for myself, but you set an example for me to follow. Your passion for Jesus is the best thing about you. I don't know if I've ever told you this, but one of my favorite things to do is to watch you worship. Your surrender and sincerity and desire to serve and be pleasing to the Lord are evident in your life anyway, but even more so in your worship. I know that worship is a passion we both have and that we both believe worship isn't something we do when we sing, but a lifestyle we live. And you do. Your life is a life of worship. So many times you pray that you would bring honor and glory only to the Lord. And you do.
There are so many things to share...so many things to remember - more than I could ever write about. But, you, Jesse LeRoy Ball are my knight in shining armor, my hero, my very best friend, my confidante, my prayer warrior, and the love of my life. As we continue on this journey together, I can't wait to see what the years hold for us. There's no one I'd rather go with.
I love you.
Cassie
![]()
I shouldn't have been.
Today, Jesse and I are celebrating 10 years of marriage. I'm still trying to figure out how we've had time for an entire decade to pass, but here we are...4 babies and 10 years later...and I'm more in love with my man than ever before.
We've had so many memories together...happy, sad, funny, mad. Jess, remember when ___ spent the night with us and had a tummy ache and what happened then? I'll never forget that...and I wonder if the neighbors ever missed that shovel? Remember when the toilet broke and water started spraying everywhere? Not so funny at the time, but I bet our faces and panic would have been comical to see! When I look back, I remember so many funny things. And, I want to say thank you. Thank you for teaching me that life is fun...funny even, and that my serious self can laugh - at myself or the situation or along with you. We've laughed a lot over the years.
As we talked last night, you told me you were glad it was me. I'm glad, too. Because there isn't anyone else I want to travel this journey with but you. I remember when we found out that Ayden, Landon, Camden, and Laney Kate were each on their way. I remember when each of them arrived. When we brought Ayden home and weren't really sure what we were doing but figured it out together. Then a little brother for him in Landon. Our two surprises, first Camden and then Laney Kate. I couldn't ask for a better Daddy for them. Thank you for loving them.
But, more than anything, thank you for loving the Lord. As we face our future, you encourage me to seek the Lord for myself, but you set an example for me to follow. Your passion for Jesus is the best thing about you. I don't know if I've ever told you this, but one of my favorite things to do is to watch you worship. Your surrender and sincerity and desire to serve and be pleasing to the Lord are evident in your life anyway, but even more so in your worship. I know that worship is a passion we both have and that we both believe worship isn't something we do when we sing, but a lifestyle we live. And you do. Your life is a life of worship. So many times you pray that you would bring honor and glory only to the Lord. And you do.
There are so many things to share...so many things to remember - more than I could ever write about. But, you, Jesse LeRoy Ball are my knight in shining armor, my hero, my very best friend, my confidante, my prayer warrior, and the love of my life. As we continue on this journey together, I can't wait to see what the years hold for us. There's no one I'd rather go with.
I love you.
Cassie
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Happy 3rd Birthday, Camden
Dear Camden,
Today you are three years old!! My goodness! Where has the time gone? I can't believe you are already such a big boy! Today, for the first time, Daddy has to be gone on your birthday. But, Grammy gets to be here with us! We are going to go see Brave for your special day.
The last year has brought two big milestones for you...you are potty trained and you are a big brother. Mama was not looking forward to potty training because, well, both of your big brothers were really hard. And, when we first started, you were NOT excited. You would cry every time I put you on the potty. But after you figured out what you were supposed to do, it was a breeze. I think after about 2 weeks you stopped having accidents completely. Whew! Mama will be forever grateful to you for being so easy. :)
You also became a big brother just 5 weeks ago to little Laney Kate. You have handled it so well. You aren't too jealous of your little sister and you like to love on her with Ayden and Landon. You have this way of rubbing your cheek on her head and looking up at me with the sly little grin that you have...and its sweet and spicy all at the same time! None of you boys like it when she cries, and you'll say something like, "Whatsa matter, sweet girl?" or "Don't cry, baby, don't cry." You are going to be a great big brother!
You love Ayden and Landon, too. Some days you and Landon, especially, fight like cats and dogs, but you really are the best of friends and playmates. We are out of our school time routine now that its summer, but you two spent most mornings playing together while Ayden was at school. You are both very imaginative! You like to reenact movie scenes (go figure!). The most popular is from The Lion King. Landon will stand up on the back of the chair (which is actually against our rules...just sayin') and you will climb below and stretch out your arms. Then Landon will grab your arms with his hands and you'll look up and say, "Scar, brother, help me!" Landon will say, "Nevah!!!" and then throw your arms away from him, just like Scar did to Mufasa when he threw him over the cliff. Then, you'll switch and you will be Scar. It is so funny! But, you'll never do it when I want you to, so not too many people have seen you. You also repeat lines and phrases from other movies....all of you boys most definitely get that trait from your Daddy. He only has to watch a movie once before he's got down all the lines and quotes.
Speaking of Daddy, you are a Daddy's boy! Your favorite time of day is when Daddy gets home from work and gets down in the floor to wrestle with you boys. He just taught you how to do an arm bar...I don't even really know what that means, but Daddy is proud! ;) You like to sit on his lap with your "night-night" at night and snuggle with him. I always joke that you save your limited amount of sweetness each day for your Daddy! You'll be the most ornery little boy I've ever seen all day long, and the minute you see your Daddy you become ooey-gooey sweetness, looking up at him with adoring eyes and telling him you love him and giving him sweet kisses and hugs!
You also like to sing. Sometimes in a sweet voice and sometimes in one thats, well, scary. Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Linda are your Sunday School teachers and they sing Jesus Loves Me and Jesus Loves the Little Children with you a lot...so you like those. You also learn songs from Ayden and Landon that they've learned in preschool choir. And, lately, all three of you boys have fallen in love with God's Not Dead by the Newsboys and you sing it nonstop. Grammy has the Newsboys cd, so since she's been here with us, you all three want to listen to it over and over and over every time we are in her van. And you all know the whole song...not to mention a few others that you've picked up from the same cd. It makes my heart happy to hear you sing about Jesus at such a young age.
You are a very smart little boy...sometimes a little too smart for your own good, because you get yourself into trouble. I often say that its a good thing you're so funny, because I'm not sure the two of us would survive one another otherwise. Although, you haven't quite figured out that you can't repeat everything that I say to you....like, its not okay for you to tell me not to sass you...or to point your finger at me. But, just when I think I'm absolutely at the end of my rope with you, you'll do something funny and distract me. Grammy watched all of you boys a couple of weeks ago so I could have a girls' night and you were really acting up. Finally, she told you that if you did ___ again, she was going to spank your bottom and send you to bed....and she meant it! Your response? "Oohh, that's not good." She said she totally cracked up and lost all control. But you are very smart!! You can count to 14, know lots of letters and are learning their sounds, you know your colors and most shapes, right and left, opposites, and you are a puzzle master. You don't particularly like to sit still and read, but every once in a while we get to enjoy a book together.
You L-O-V-E anything that has to do with superheroes...Spiderman, Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America, Thor...and others that I don't even know about. You also like Toy Story toys and Thomas the Train toys. You like to dress up in your superhero costumes. Your cowboy boots are an essential part of your everyday wardrobe. You like to eat mac and cheese, pizza, chicken nuggets, and peanut butter and jelly, and all kinds of fruit...but not much else. You love bathtime but do NOT want water in your eyes and cry and call it "the big water" when that happens. You like to help me brush my hair and to wear Daddy's deodorant and cologne. You sometimes fight with your brothers but ask for them when they're not around. You are fearless, yet say that lots of things scare you. You challenge me, drive me wild, make me wonder if we're going to survive until you reach adulthood, and melt me heart with a look, an "I love you," or a kiss. You are all big boy, but you still like to snuggle in your Mama's lap. And that makes your Mama happy.
I don't know what the next year will hold, but I do know that I'm looking forward to how you'll grow and change. I love you so much, little man. Thank you for being you.
Love,
Mama
Today you are three years old!! My goodness! Where has the time gone? I can't believe you are already such a big boy! Today, for the first time, Daddy has to be gone on your birthday. But, Grammy gets to be here with us! We are going to go see Brave for your special day.
The last year has brought two big milestones for you...you are potty trained and you are a big brother. Mama was not looking forward to potty training because, well, both of your big brothers were really hard. And, when we first started, you were NOT excited. You would cry every time I put you on the potty. But after you figured out what you were supposed to do, it was a breeze. I think after about 2 weeks you stopped having accidents completely. Whew! Mama will be forever grateful to you for being so easy. :)
You also became a big brother just 5 weeks ago to little Laney Kate. You have handled it so well. You aren't too jealous of your little sister and you like to love on her with Ayden and Landon. You have this way of rubbing your cheek on her head and looking up at me with the sly little grin that you have...and its sweet and spicy all at the same time! None of you boys like it when she cries, and you'll say something like, "Whatsa matter, sweet girl?" or "Don't cry, baby, don't cry." You are going to be a great big brother!
You love Ayden and Landon, too. Some days you and Landon, especially, fight like cats and dogs, but you really are the best of friends and playmates. We are out of our school time routine now that its summer, but you two spent most mornings playing together while Ayden was at school. You are both very imaginative! You like to reenact movie scenes (go figure!). The most popular is from The Lion King. Landon will stand up on the back of the chair (which is actually against our rules...just sayin') and you will climb below and stretch out your arms. Then Landon will grab your arms with his hands and you'll look up and say, "Scar, brother, help me!" Landon will say, "Nevah!!!" and then throw your arms away from him, just like Scar did to Mufasa when he threw him over the cliff. Then, you'll switch and you will be Scar. It is so funny! But, you'll never do it when I want you to, so not too many people have seen you. You also repeat lines and phrases from other movies....all of you boys most definitely get that trait from your Daddy. He only has to watch a movie once before he's got down all the lines and quotes.
Speaking of Daddy, you are a Daddy's boy! Your favorite time of day is when Daddy gets home from work and gets down in the floor to wrestle with you boys. He just taught you how to do an arm bar...I don't even really know what that means, but Daddy is proud! ;) You like to sit on his lap with your "night-night" at night and snuggle with him. I always joke that you save your limited amount of sweetness each day for your Daddy! You'll be the most ornery little boy I've ever seen all day long, and the minute you see your Daddy you become ooey-gooey sweetness, looking up at him with adoring eyes and telling him you love him and giving him sweet kisses and hugs!
You also like to sing. Sometimes in a sweet voice and sometimes in one thats, well, scary. Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Linda are your Sunday School teachers and they sing Jesus Loves Me and Jesus Loves the Little Children with you a lot...so you like those. You also learn songs from Ayden and Landon that they've learned in preschool choir. And, lately, all three of you boys have fallen in love with God's Not Dead by the Newsboys and you sing it nonstop. Grammy has the Newsboys cd, so since she's been here with us, you all three want to listen to it over and over and over every time we are in her van. And you all know the whole song...not to mention a few others that you've picked up from the same cd. It makes my heart happy to hear you sing about Jesus at such a young age.
You are a very smart little boy...sometimes a little too smart for your own good, because you get yourself into trouble. I often say that its a good thing you're so funny, because I'm not sure the two of us would survive one another otherwise. Although, you haven't quite figured out that you can't repeat everything that I say to you....like, its not okay for you to tell me not to sass you...or to point your finger at me. But, just when I think I'm absolutely at the end of my rope with you, you'll do something funny and distract me. Grammy watched all of you boys a couple of weeks ago so I could have a girls' night and you were really acting up. Finally, she told you that if you did ___ again, she was going to spank your bottom and send you to bed....and she meant it! Your response? "Oohh, that's not good." She said she totally cracked up and lost all control. But you are very smart!! You can count to 14, know lots of letters and are learning their sounds, you know your colors and most shapes, right and left, opposites, and you are a puzzle master. You don't particularly like to sit still and read, but every once in a while we get to enjoy a book together.
You L-O-V-E anything that has to do with superheroes...Spiderman, Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America, Thor...and others that I don't even know about. You also like Toy Story toys and Thomas the Train toys. You like to dress up in your superhero costumes. Your cowboy boots are an essential part of your everyday wardrobe. You like to eat mac and cheese, pizza, chicken nuggets, and peanut butter and jelly, and all kinds of fruit...but not much else. You love bathtime but do NOT want water in your eyes and cry and call it "the big water" when that happens. You like to help me brush my hair and to wear Daddy's deodorant and cologne. You sometimes fight with your brothers but ask for them when they're not around. You are fearless, yet say that lots of things scare you. You challenge me, drive me wild, make me wonder if we're going to survive until you reach adulthood, and melt me heart with a look, an "I love you," or a kiss. You are all big boy, but you still like to snuggle in your Mama's lap. And that makes your Mama happy.
I don't know what the next year will hold, but I do know that I'm looking forward to how you'll grow and change. I love you so much, little man. Thank you for being you.
Love,
Mama
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