5 Year Old Birthday

Mr. Tate turned 5 just before 2013 ended.  I looked at a picture of him yesterday from our 2012 family pictures and couldn't believe how much he older he looks now.  He's always seemed to grow up so gradually that I couldn't believe the stark difference.  And I've noticed he's really turned a corner as of late.  Matured and grown-up so quickly, I hardly recognize him.  Or maybe I've just become a better mother to him--learning a few keys to connect to his heart.  As I've been reading through my last year's journals (which is a story for another day), I came across a couple of keys to Tate I learned last year.  #1--Connect with him. Cuddles, hugs, tickles, stories from when I was little, helping him clean, playing with him (even when he seems to be doing just fine playing by himself). And #2--Having Fun with him. Joking, turning things into a game, pretending, imagining, anything to make a job (and life) fun.

I've learned much and together we've traversed much ground.  This year, I believe, is the turning point.

And now onto Tater's Celebration:

Saturday morning (the day before his birthday), we went to Frozen at the most quaint little theater you can imagine.  I kind of wished I could make a movie or write a story about it.  (I had a whole plot with characters going on in my head as I waited for my little ones to use the restroom).  The movie was darling, and the whole day was fabulous.

Then when Sunday dawned bright and early for Tate, the house was decorated and presents were wrapped--all waiting for our big boy to awake.

After church, I finished up his fire truck cake which he had requested, and then Nana and Papa, Coco and Jason, and Grandma and Grandpa all came to celebrate with us.

Mommy's Tribute:

Dear Tater Bug,

You have grown up so fast, I can hardly believe it.  I am so proud of you for learning so many things this year--like how to ride a two-wheeler, how to make toast, and the letters of the alphabet.  You are the most loving, caring, forgiving boy I know.  And how you are always always happy is truly a gift from Heavenly Father.  You are at times a little sunburst of energy, and at other times a cuddly, snuggly, quiet, and peaceful wave of the sea.  I love how you ebb and flow just like the ocean tides.

I love having you home with me, and I always miss you when you're at preschool (even though you're just three houses down the road).  I'm not sure how I'll ever let you go to kindergarten next year--it hurts my heart to think about it.  But until then I will cherish every sweet moment I have to spend all day with you.

I love your inquisitiveness Tate.  You ask me at least 50 thought-provoking questions a day, most of which I don't have the answers to or have ever even thought about before. (Like today when you asked me if ants ate the bad bugs that try to eat caterpillars). You observe everything around you with such focused detail.  I love this about you.

You are such a good big brother to Maylie and a little brother to Easton.  And even though you are quite the tease, I love how you fit right in to your middle child role.

Your testimony has grown so much over the past year.  You can bear your testimony in Family Home Evening all by yourself now and I love to hear your conviction about how you will never use "smokers" (cigarettes) or drugs, and never drink coffee, "caffee" (caffeine), or "uncahol" (alcohol).  You also have followed so well in your brother's footsteps to not watch movies or read books that have people who are immodest.  You are the best Tate!  You are a valiant, strong, true son of your Heavenly Father and I am so privileged to be your mother and your friend.

I love you Tate, (my little ocean), with all my heart.
Love always,

Mommy



Daddy's Tribute:

This past year has been one of growth for you Tate! You showed great courage when I had to take you to the Emergency Room to stitch up your head after you fell off the couch! The doctor had to give you some shots and you were so brave and even pleasant while we were there. After the hospital visit, you didn't even want to go home and rest, you wanted to still go to church!

You started pre-school this year and have learned so much! Mommy keeps working with you on your letters and when I quiz you, you always know each letter I ask you! Thank you for working so hard at learning and for being so excited for being able to read! You are going to be a great student and reader in Kindergarten next year!!

Mom and Dad still enjoy all your very special hugs that you always so willing give to cheer us all up or sometimes just because. Thank you for sharing your special gift of the spirit of healing with all of us. This gift will always be something you can draw upon to help others throughout your life. 

Your testimony and knowledge of the gospel has also grown this past year. Mom and I can ask you many gospel questions and you know the answer, sometimes even before Easton can answer! Good job and never stop learning and developing your testimony Tate!

I love you so much and look forward to another year ahead with you and all the adventures we will go on and experience together!!

Love, 

Dad

This Morning.

Today's a good day for recording. So let's begin.

New Year's was simple this year--we made homemade cookie dough without eggs so we could eat it, I interviewed the boys on video as is my New Year's custom, and vowed that this would be my year to begin my vast amounts of video editing. (Which I am so excited for I can hardly stand it!)

We made homemade granola too--for the first time.  It turned out amazing and it lasted less than a week before every last crumb was gone.  It's on my to-do list to make again.

Easton started Little Cubs Junior Jazz a couple weeks back and loves it.  Sports are such a novelty to me since I grew up with sisters.  I'm loving this part of motherhood--the going to T-ball games and Basketball games.  I stand in awe as I see my little boys harness their endless energy to learn skills and sportsmanship.  It's a fascinating vista I'm beholding for the first time.

And now for a little snippet into our daily lives here during the last few weeks...

{Tate decided to pour water in his marble run instead of marbles...it worked perfectly!} 

{After getting this jersey from Nana and Papa he decided to put his coat underneath so he would really look like a football player}

{Natural Curls}

{Their favorite place to put Kitty}

{Little Miss Sweeper loves to help Mommy}

{When I was feeling really tired one night, Easton surprised my by grating the cheese for our dinner.}

{Easton's Snowman for school made all by himself}

{My Beehive "Cupcake Wars" activity}

{Something I look forward to every day...cooking dinner with Maylie}

{She makes play dough dinner and I make our real dinner}

{And last but not least, Tate's soapy beard}

{He asked me to take pictures of it}