Well, on February 13th we were in Thailand preparing for a Homeschool Conference. Since we knew we'd be traveling for awhile we were able to plan and bring some Birthday tradition makings with us. We stuffed some Lucky Charms and presents in our suitcase and were good to go. On the big day we woke and had Lucky Charms in bed and opened presents from extended family and Mom, Dad and sisters. He LOVED the new Legos, remote control helicopter, Spy Watch, Play Mobile Men... Then we made a trip to an American Restaurant that is in Thailand, Tony Romas. We all enjoyed steak, ribs, yummy bread, veggies, chicken... YUM! Then came the Big Decision- CJ had the choice of dessert. He definitely wanted a Theme Birthday cake back home but while in Thailand he had a hard time making a decision- ice cream, ice cream cake, regular cake, Crispy Cream Doughnuts... the options seemed endless and he just couldn't decided. Finally, we made our way to Swenson's for Ice Cream.
A photo of Mom and the Birthday boy at Tony Roma's:
Well, he made the heart wrenching decision of where to have his birthday dessert and what he would have (ice cream) but now the decision- what flavor ice cream. Oh, he was beside himself. After much deliberation he narrowed it down to 3 different flavors so we tried to relive the situation and let him have a double scoop ice cream sundae and then a single scoop of chocolate ice cream. Don't you love the face when his birthday dessert finally arrived?!
We were pretty confident that he wouldn't be able to finish the two desserts but we loved watching his face... until... he became painfully full after finishing the single chocolate cone. Poor fella felt awful and started to cry. The tears were not so much from the pain but because he didn't want the waiters to think that he was a wasteful boy and was not going to eat the food that he ordered. Daddy was not about to let the Birthday boy's day be ruined. He helped CJ resume his dignity by finishing a bit of the sundae. :) A photo of the 'too- full' birthday boy! Ugh!
The Birthday Celebrations lasted over a month. As we returned home from travel he asked for chocolate cupcakes and planned the Birthday meal menu.
He had not forgotten the theme cake. This year the car theme continued... this time it was a race track, which happened to be in the shape of an "8". He was thrilled to share his cake with our Sunday Morning friends and receive a few more gifts.
The final birthday celebration was with a neighboring little girl. Nemo, the little girl, is probably the closest friend that CJ has outside of school. They enjoy playing badminton, climbing mountains, and just hanging out together. They really enjoy each other's company and I'm hopeful that they'll be able to spend more time together when school pressure (for her) lets up a bit. (That's if her mother lightens her extra-curricular activities a bit. She participates in 3 different classes on Saturdays and 1 or 2 on Sundays.)
A bit about our boy, CJ. He is in love with anything with wheels. He likes to read about them. He likes to race them. He likes to construct them (mostly with Legos). He likes to talk about them. And every year he asks for a Birthday cake having to do with wheels- though last year he finally gave in and choose something that flew. He still desires to drive one when he grows up- though he was disappointed to learn that driving race cars is MOSTLY a hobby and not a source of income for a family. He desires to be a dedicated husband and father and has on occasion talked about the type of woman he plans to marry, the number of children he desires to have and how he plans to raise them. (I especially love these conversations. He has told me in detail about the type of man that he'll be- he'll love God and those around him. He has told me about the woman he'll marry- she'll love God too. He's told me about their occupation- they'll serve God wherever He'll send them. I leave these conversations with tears in my eyes and a very happy heart.)
CJ is a unlike his sisters and clueless to detail. I think this has been one of the biggest differences I have seen between boys and girls. His room can be cluttered in NO time at all (granted it is small and easy to mess up in minutes) and he is oblivious to his surroundings. I'll walk in his room and be appalled at the sight and gasp (ok- that might be a bit dramatic but I do like order). He'll look up at me and say, "what, Mom?" I'll motion to the mess and he'll say, "ok, I'll put that book away in a bit." He seems to have over looked the dirty clothes in the middle of the room, the books strewn across the bed, and the Lego container dumped next to the book shelf. He is only aware that he is having a great time and can still find his way to the door.
CJ's weekly tells me of his one wish: to go back to America so he could wake early in the morning, stay home from school and play Wii for hours on end. He is under the impression that he is the only boy in all the world that has to go to school and do work. I continually remind him that even if he were in America he would have to attend school and do homework.
CJ continues to be a very sensitive boy. With some of the limitations that come with pregnacny such as lifting heavy objects or pushing his youngest sister in a stroller, CJ has stepped up to bat and has been such a little man. He doesn't have to be asked- he just notices my struggles and runs to my aide. I'm so thankful for his sensitive spirit. His sensitivity is also apparent in spiritual matters. The most recent thing that he has struggled with is his own sin. He often gets so upset with himself over repeated sinful actions and he will say, "I hate myself", disappointed that he has committed the same sin once again. I hate that he struggles so much with the reality of our sinfulness but at the same time I'm glad that he has a very real understanding of our behavior and need for a Savior. He so desires to do right and is so disappointed when he feels like he has disappointed the Father.
We're so thankful for such a treasure we have in our son. He is a blessing from the Father and we're so thankful for have him in our family.
wow Kar! He's so old. Oh man I can't believe how old he looks. Happy birthday CJ!
ReplyDeleteSo cute how sensitive he is, I just want to come hug on him.
Oh and that cake rocks! I'm impressed.
(did you see my latest disaster cake?)
Also, doesn't the picture in your header remind you of the one we took as a family when we were kids and I was in the middle with my arms crossed like Eliza's?
Miss you guys!