It's a good thing that I'm basically made of stone. We've tried to teach our kids to talk nicely to each other and use kind words but that has not taken root in our youngest as well as we had hoped. He's the first of my kids to ever say, "I hate you," and often, when he's upset, Hewitt will let me know that I'm "the worst mom." He's also the first kid of mine to cry about going to school because, "I just want to stay with you! I love you so much!" so I take it all with a grain of salt.
Last night I didn't start dinner at home and our evening was full. Jeremiah and Isaac went to the Bishop's Storehouse to help stock shelves and the rest of the crew and I went to pack meeting. Scouts wasn't done until 8 and we still hadn't had dinner so I swung by the ever-so-handy Little Caesar's to pick up a pizza. The kids were elated.
On the way home Hewitt said, "Mom, that's so nice of you to get us pizza. Next time that I say you're the worst mom just remind me that one time you bought me a pizza for dinner."
"How about the next time you're about to call me the worst mom you stop and think of all the nice things I do for you?"
"Oh, that's a good idea!"
Clearly the thought had never occurred to him.
Friday, October 16, 2015
Monday, May 11, 2015
To Jack, On Your Eighth Birthday
Or thereabouts.
I'm going to be honest Jack, I'm not sure what to say to you. You have changed so much in this last year that I almost wonder if I birthed twins; one of which I raised until age 7 only to be switched with the other child that I feel you've become. Not long ago I wrote about my concern for you. Now I feel like you are my first child to "get it."
When you come home from school you're very good about doing your homework and chores before you ask to play with friends. You're the only child in the house who regularly wakes up to his own alarm clock and it's not unusual for me to get up in the morning to find you dressed and sitting at the table eating the breakfast you've prepared for yourself. (Granted, it's either cereal or toast, but your older brother lies on the couch waiting to be served and your sister stays in bed until I drag her out most days.)
You are by far my most social child. I don't think there's a day that you don't ask to play with a friend or they ask to play with you. Our doorbell is constantly being rung on your account. You seem to be a good friend to the kids in the neighborhood and it was fun to see you surrounded by them at your birthday party.
While I am grateful for it, I find it highly comical that one of your favorite people is your primary teacher, Sid. Every time you get a hold of you father's mobile phone you start a text conversation with him. He's been a good friend to you and I think it makes him feel pretty special to be admired by you as well.
You're a funny kid. Your humor is generally natural and without pretense. Often your manner is more amusing to me than anything. You like to play it cool and nonchalant; although you may not be fooling as many as you think.
This also goes for your attitude. You like to appear tough on the outside, but really you're a caring kid who still loves to have his back and belly scratched before going to bed at night. When I have babies at the house I can always tell when you play with them because you love to make them laugh and smile.
This birthday was of special importance because you were able to be baptized. Given how funny you can be - and also how differently you've behaved in the past - I've been pleasantly surprised at how seriously you took this ordinance. At your interview with the bishop he gave a you remembrance book for your baptism. That book was proudly displayed by you to everyone who came to our house after you received it. You've taken the time to record memories and moments from your baptism in your book, making you the only child so far to not leave it blank.
I really, truly love you Jack. Your crooked smile melts my heart and I love looking into your big, hazel eyes. You are a blessing in my life and important to our family.
Happy birthday, you little stinker.
Love, Mom
I'm going to be honest Jack, I'm not sure what to say to you. You have changed so much in this last year that I almost wonder if I birthed twins; one of which I raised until age 7 only to be switched with the other child that I feel you've become. Not long ago I wrote about my concern for you. Now I feel like you are my first child to "get it."
When you come home from school you're very good about doing your homework and chores before you ask to play with friends. You're the only child in the house who regularly wakes up to his own alarm clock and it's not unusual for me to get up in the morning to find you dressed and sitting at the table eating the breakfast you've prepared for yourself. (Granted, it's either cereal or toast, but your older brother lies on the couch waiting to be served and your sister stays in bed until I drag her out most days.)
You are by far my most social child. I don't think there's a day that you don't ask to play with a friend or they ask to play with you. Our doorbell is constantly being rung on your account. You seem to be a good friend to the kids in the neighborhood and it was fun to see you surrounded by them at your birthday party.
While I am grateful for it, I find it highly comical that one of your favorite people is your primary teacher, Sid. Every time you get a hold of you father's mobile phone you start a text conversation with him. He's been a good friend to you and I think it makes him feel pretty special to be admired by you as well.
You're a funny kid. Your humor is generally natural and without pretense. Often your manner is more amusing to me than anything. You like to play it cool and nonchalant; although you may not be fooling as many as you think.
This also goes for your attitude. You like to appear tough on the outside, but really you're a caring kid who still loves to have his back and belly scratched before going to bed at night. When I have babies at the house I can always tell when you play with them because you love to make them laugh and smile.
This birthday was of special importance because you were able to be baptized. Given how funny you can be - and also how differently you've behaved in the past - I've been pleasantly surprised at how seriously you took this ordinance. At your interview with the bishop he gave a you remembrance book for your baptism. That book was proudly displayed by you to everyone who came to our house after you received it. You've taken the time to record memories and moments from your baptism in your book, making you the only child so far to not leave it blank.
I really, truly love you Jack. Your crooked smile melts my heart and I love looking into your big, hazel eyes. You are a blessing in my life and important to our family.
Happy birthday, you little stinker.
Love, Mom
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
To Isaac, On Your Twelfth Birthday
Ask any parent and they'll tell you that time seems to go by faster each year their children grow. My theory is that we always remember the moment our child came into the world. It is so imprinted on our hearts and crystallized in our memories that it seems it could have happened only a moment ago. It then seems impossible that twelve years have passed since you entered this life.
When I was expecting you, my aunt, Pat, told me how wonderful it was to have a baby in May, because that's when you were due. She told of how nice it was to have a little baby in tow as the world outside was fresh with new flowers and sunlight streaming in through the window; she painted a lovely picture. But, you see, she lives in California, not good ol' Idaho. And then you decided to come early. The day you were born there were giant, wet snowflakes gliding to the ground out the hospital windows. Interestingly, there have only been a couple of your birthdays since then that haven't also brought snow.
You are one intelligent boy. You came into this world seeing adults as your peers and have always behaved accordingly. Consequently, many adults love you. Over the years the primary teachers at church have commented on how well spoken you are and your future leaders tell me they can't wait to have you. You're school teachers love you, they even negotiated a trade from fifth-grade to sixth-grade over which of them got to have you in their class. Although you are bright and get along well with adults you have no problem making friends your own age.
A big part of your friendships has to do with your personality and sense of humor. You and your friends share jokes and puns, create Lego structures, and build in virtual games. You love to laugh, and up until a years or so ago, would sit at the dinner table and say, "Comedy, anyone?" It is no coincidence that Isaac means "laughter" or "he will laugh." We love your humor, especially when it is impromptu and witty. Recently you have enjoyed reading Garfield comic books and then trying to include their antics in our life at home. Just a couple of weeks ago you awarded Hewitt an invisible trophy for his gullibility.
You are an avid reader. While I was at the school for a book fair I told a friend I couldn't keep enough books in the house for you. The school librarian happened to be nearby and interjected, "I can't keep enough books in the library for Isaac!" Your reading level currently topped out the testing criteria, placing you at a college reading level (for the last two years.) However high your abilities, you've been wise in the books you choose, selecting books within your maturity range. Dad and I have suggested several books for you to read, but unless they're required for school, you prefer to choose your own material, often opting for fantasy and science fictions books.
This birthday is special for you as you will be eligible to receive the priesthood. You've been preparing and it's gratifying as your mother to see your excitement and willingness to take on this responsibility. You have a desire to do what is right that I hope will strengthen as you continue to progress in this life. Dad and I are thankful that despite your intelligence you have remained teachable. You are a special young man with divine potential. We hope that as we guide you and are here for you that you will realize who you are and what you were sent here to do. We love you so much, Isaac. Happy birthday.
Love, Mom & Dad
When I was expecting you, my aunt, Pat, told me how wonderful it was to have a baby in May, because that's when you were due. She told of how nice it was to have a little baby in tow as the world outside was fresh with new flowers and sunlight streaming in through the window; she painted a lovely picture. But, you see, she lives in California, not good ol' Idaho. And then you decided to come early. The day you were born there were giant, wet snowflakes gliding to the ground out the hospital windows. Interestingly, there have only been a couple of your birthdays since then that haven't also brought snow.
You are one intelligent boy. You came into this world seeing adults as your peers and have always behaved accordingly. Consequently, many adults love you. Over the years the primary teachers at church have commented on how well spoken you are and your future leaders tell me they can't wait to have you. You're school teachers love you, they even negotiated a trade from fifth-grade to sixth-grade over which of them got to have you in their class. Although you are bright and get along well with adults you have no problem making friends your own age.
A big part of your friendships has to do with your personality and sense of humor. You and your friends share jokes and puns, create Lego structures, and build in virtual games. You love to laugh, and up until a years or so ago, would sit at the dinner table and say, "Comedy, anyone?" It is no coincidence that Isaac means "laughter" or "he will laugh." We love your humor, especially when it is impromptu and witty. Recently you have enjoyed reading Garfield comic books and then trying to include their antics in our life at home. Just a couple of weeks ago you awarded Hewitt an invisible trophy for his gullibility.
You are an avid reader. While I was at the school for a book fair I told a friend I couldn't keep enough books in the house for you. The school librarian happened to be nearby and interjected, "I can't keep enough books in the library for Isaac!" Your reading level currently topped out the testing criteria, placing you at a college reading level (for the last two years.) However high your abilities, you've been wise in the books you choose, selecting books within your maturity range. Dad and I have suggested several books for you to read, but unless they're required for school, you prefer to choose your own material, often opting for fantasy and science fictions books.
This birthday is special for you as you will be eligible to receive the priesthood. You've been preparing and it's gratifying as your mother to see your excitement and willingness to take on this responsibility. You have a desire to do what is right that I hope will strengthen as you continue to progress in this life. Dad and I are thankful that despite your intelligence you have remained teachable. You are a special young man with divine potential. We hope that as we guide you and are here for you that you will realize who you are and what you were sent here to do. We love you so much, Isaac. Happy birthday.
Love, Mom & Dad
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