A Birthday Wish

We like to do a family activity around the day of each of our children's birthdays.

This year (two days before his birthday) we surprised Tate with a trip to Gram and Pop's house since his ever-present and unceasing wish is to live at Grammy and Poppy's house.

We kept the party a secret and when we pulled in the driveway Tate opened his eyes and exclaimed, "This is where we're going?!" He was so happy.

Gram made him a peanut butter cake--pure delight for my little peanut butter boy.

It was a perfect day.

On his birthday he chose to have a French Breakfast Muffin with an orange lego candle for breakfast.

At 10:00 seven little boys came over to our house for Tate's birthday party. Unfortunately, I misplaced my phone right before they all came so I didn't get a single picture. (My hands were quite full once the party started...I'm sure you can imagine...)

We had a pin the flag on the treasure map, pirate stories, and then a treasure hunt that led them to their party favors. We ended the party with pirate treasure cake and ice cream.

 Oh Tate,

I can't imagine my life without you. You are the sweetest little boy I've ever met. You are learning to read so well this year; I'm so proud of you. I love how your teacher thinks you are the sweetest boy and are so good with some of the difficult boys who misbehave and bother people. You are so patient, you cooperate so well in your class, and help everyone to get along.

You amaze me with your endless supply of hugs and kisses and your mischievous antics that still keep me on my toes every day. I wouldn't change a thing about you.

You are perfect--just the way you are.

Thank you for being such a perfect little boy.

I'm so glad you are mine forever and ever!

Love always,
Mommy

You're 6?! Wow, you are growing up so fast! I have loved growing with you this last year and seeing you begin so many new things! You have been so brave as you have embarked on many new adventures!

This past year you played T-ball for the first time and made so much improvement in hitting the ball! You also began school for the first time with kindergarten and you have done so well! You have grown up so much as you have become so much more brave and independent in all your activities. Your reading is also improving so well as you can pick sight words out anywhere, especially as we read scriptures. Mom is right about how accelerated your reading skills improve as you read from the Book of Mormon.

I love you Tate! Happy Birthday!

Love,

Dad

A Birthday Tribute for 30 Years

May 16th was my sweetheart's 30th birthday. I wanted to make it so special for him on this landmark day. So with input and ideas from both of our moms, I planned a surprise yard work birthday party for him--inviting his favorite 30 people. I planned and worked for several weeks to create a beautiful dessert table display and food, and then I texted everyone, inviting them to come to his party with rakes and shovels and gloves in hand. It was such an amazing surprise when he found out the night before the big day that everyone was coming to help him in our yard. And with everyone's help, we accomplished so very much. We were able to haul in and spread 10 scoops of compost, build a complete sandbox, rototill the high spots of fill dirt in our yard, level the dirt, finish the wiring on the sprinkler system, and complete 2 dozen sprinkler heads. After the evening was over, we stood back in complete awe at all that been done. By ourselves, it would have taken us several months to accomplish what we did in just one day. It was such a blessing. I really can't even express how grateful we are to all of our sweet family members who gave us the best gift ever. We are so very blessed.

I failed to get any pictures of people working--it was kind of a blur for me that night. I did manage to get pictures of the dessert table though, but I sincerely regret taking pictures of everyone else!!!

Here is the other surprise I gave Patrick--30 reasons why I love him in 30 white balloons...

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

Daddy's Tribute to Maylie.

Dear Maylie,

This past year has been so fun with you! You have learned so much and taught me so much too!

I can't believe you are talking so well, it was before you were even 2 years old and you were already speaking in sentences and describing to Mom and me what you want. I love your way of expressing things and your cute personality coming out in words now!

I love how we can rock-a-by every night and sing to you primary songs and have you sing along with us. You already know so many songs and are a good little singer!

Although you are the youngest of the three children, you are already practicing very well on how to be a good mother. Keep honing those skills and just follow your own mother's example and you will be the perfect mother just like she is.

I love you so very much Maylie. You are a vey special daughter to me and Mom. You are even more special to your Father in Heaven, don't ever forget this. I love you and Happy Birthday!!

Love, Dad

To Our Tater Tot.

From Mommy:

We love you, Tate.  Sometimes we both can't believe that you're in our lives.  We were talking the other day about the essence of you and the special gifts you were born with.  How is it that ever since you were a wee infant, all I had to do when downtrodden or hurting or sad, was to pick you up and hold you close?  A cuddle from you cured all my sorrow.  

And it is so even now.

The only way I have to describe it is like an intangible, spiritual power comes to me from you as I'm wrapped in your sweet embrace.  You've been blessed with the gift of healing, and it's this gift, above all others, that I wish to mention this year.  You've always loved to observe our physical owies and make them go away...and though you may not know it yet, you do the very same thing spiritually. 

I pray that I will be able to help you develop and hone this spiritual gift throughout your life.  May you learn to mend broken hearts, strengthen the weary, and heal wherever you go.  This is my birthday wish for you, my sweet second child.

Love forever,

Mommy

P.S. Each of our children has a symbol from nature that describes their personality.  For Easton, it's a sun.  Maylie is a star.  And you, dear Tate, are my ocean...you are peaceful and so serene.  You calm me and help me live in the present now.  You remind me of the tranquil blue waves of Portugal that I miss so much.  And with your healing touch, you always help me center myself...

Tate now you are 4, happy birthday! 

This year has been one of growth. I know it hasn't been the easiest for you as you have had so many adjustments. With Maylie's birth, lots of moving, and Easton starting school, you have had to grow up fast! 

I am grateful and love you for your constant reminders of innocence and love. You have so much love to give and I count myself blessed to receive some of the love you share so selflessly. You truly do have a divine gift to express His love and it reflects so brightly in your countenance. I love your example of always looking for ways to serve and show others your love. 

Keep it up T-Dawg!

Love, Dad

In honor of Tate.

It's interesting how mothers are sometimes given glimpses into the dispositions of their children.  What I felt my boys would be like (while they were still inside of me), and who they are today so closely matches that I am amazed.  I always knew that Tate would be sweet and special and full of angelic light.  He really is.  What I didn't know was how many times I would hold him close and cling to the aura of heaven that surrounds him.  When overburdened or saddened or downtrodden, all I need to do is hold my Tate close and I immediately. feel. peace.

Truly, the Lord was full of mercy when He sent us our little Tate.

December 29, 2008

December 2009

December 2010

December 2011

Tate, you bring such joy to our lives.  Our home has been so much closer to heaven since you've arrived.  Your polite little ways, your proper enunciation of your words, the way you like things to be just so, everything about you is unique and wonderful.  Like a peaceful river, you bring an added depth of serenity to our family and a special cuddly love to all around you.

This Year's Accomplishments:

Learning all of the primary program songs by heart even though you were still in nursery.

Starting primary on Sunday.

Learning how to talk.  You now speak so well!

Learning how to cut and use scissors.

Learning the letters in your name.

Learning the First Presidency's names and pictures.

Why Mommy Loves You:

I love the way your eyes light up when you smile.  Your smile is beautiful.

I love the way your little voice sounds.

I love the way you say "squee-ee-ee-ze!" when you give me a hug.

I love your soft kisses, your hard kisses, your eskimo and butterfly kisses, and even your "mean kisses."

I love the funny comments you make in utter seriousness that come from nowhere!

I love how you insist on holding my hand wherever we go.

I love how sincerely you say "thank you" and "welcome" without ever being asked.

I (mostly) love how you've found a silly streak from copying your big brother.

I love the way you copy everything Easton says or does.

I love the way you teach me to follow.

I love how you can spend hours with any toy that has wheels.  I love how you sit and watch the wheels turn in mesmerized wonder.

I love how sweet and tender you were with Maylie when she was born.

I love the way you always want to hover over her, to give her a kiss, smell her, rub her hair, give her a hug, or hold her hand.

I love how you have always been able to entertain yourself--with books or cars or anything.

You were the perfect fit for our family when you came in 2008, Tate.  And I can't imagine life without you.

Some Words from Daddy:
Tate, I love how much I have been able to see you grow these past three years. It has been a blessing in my life to see how much you have learned and how much you have taught. I love you for the sweet way you remind me of heaven and how close we can be to it as a forever family. I love your testimony that is lived instead of spoken. I love how sweet you are with Maylie and all other babies. I love you for your kindness towards all people, but especially your family. I love how you cuddle right up to me or Mom when we meet someone new, it always feels so good to be loved and that you feel comforted by our holding you. I love the way that your eyes shine of heaven and reflect the light of the Savior. I love to listen to you talk about Jesus and all the new stories that you are learning from His marvelous life. I love how you love nursery and now primary and your eager desire to learn. I love you, my son, I love that you are a part of our family and my life.

Love, Daddy