double digits

On Wednesday my baby turned ten...


Lately I've been thinking about how hard it is to see Oliver changing so fast... but as much as that tugs at my heart, having Evan (my first born) turn 10 nearly breaks it! I am totally happy for him and so grateful for the past 10 ten years that we've had him and all that he has become... he is a complete joy, always has been. I just cannot believe he's TEN. I remember when I was ten and in fourth grade and I thought I was practically a grown up... and now he is ten and in fourth grade and I can't stand to see him growing up. I just want to keep him here safe with me forever... totally sappy, I know... but it's the truth!

I've wondered if a mother can truly love all her children the same and have been pleased to find that-I do ... all my boys have the same spot in my heart. I love them all alike but the thing that's special about the first born is that they are the ones who forever change you and make you a mother... that is a special bond that I have with Evan... we both took on a new journey at the same time... he into life and me into motherhood!

Evan is such a special kid... He is well rounded, smart, athletic, funny, respectful and kind. He is good at making friends, he tends to be cautious, but is confident once he tries new things. Evan loves loves loves to read, ride his bike, build things with Legos, play video and computer games, jump on the trampoline, swim and earn badges in cub scouts. He also likes to play with his little brothers, he is such a good babysitter, loves to hold Oliver and play games with Gabe, He also likes to drive the four wheeler, mow the lawn while singing along to his i-pod and he is good at blowing bubbles with his gum. Evan's cousins are his best friends, he's rather play with them than anyone else. He loves to watch football and scooby doo on TV, he is excited about learning to play the recorder in his music class, his favorite dinner is Hawaiian haystacks, favorite candy bar is a Hershey cookies and cream. Evan has a heart of gold, he is always trying to improve himself and he is full of empathy for others, He he always asking me what he can do to help and is willing to do anything that I ask him, seriously! If you don't know Evan... you should get to know him I guarantee you'd love him right from the start... he's one of those kids (I know I'm his mom, but I'm not exaggerating!) ... All these things are just a little bit of what makes Evan special!

On the morning of Evan's birthday he woke up to streamers, balloons and happy birthday signs all around the house! We surprised him for breakfast with his favorite hostess raspberry filled donuts and chocolate milk. He opened a few presents before school but he decided instead of more presents he'd rather have a party. One with his cousins and one with his friends.
The evening of his birthday Evan had a flag football game. He decided his birthday would be perfect if he could make a touchdown at the game. I told him just to do his best and that would be good enough... you know the whole "mom speech" Well I should have just been quiet he was determined and his wish came true he scored a touchdown and his team ended up winning too! After the game we ate dinner at Evan's restaurant of choice- Wendy's! That night my parents came over and before opening his present from them we all went around and each named 10 things that we love about Evan... it was a perfect ending to the day for a special birthday boy!!

Evan chose to have a rollerblading party with his friends the next day after school. He invited six friends (and Eli too!) two from football, two from church and two from school. they had lots of fun blading, playing a few arcade games, eating pizza, and celebrating!

I didn't even think about the fact that a few of the boys had never been on blades, they were good sports though, and picked it up pretty quickly. Then I started worrying that with eight crazy boys trying to do tricks and show off... that I'd be hauling someone to the hospital with a broken bone!! Luckily they were all sent home in one piece!

The boys.... David, Austin, Evan, Eli and Jayden in front. Matt, Josh and Nick in the back

The birthday boy!

Pepperoni pizza and root beer

My mom and dad are the best! They shopped for party favors for me and they also watched Gabe for us so that Glen and I could focus on the party.
They joined us for cake and ice cream towards the end of the party

It was a great birthday party, the Fun Park did all the work, the boys all had a blast and Evan's only wish was that he could have invited 100 more friends!! He loved it! Evan gave all the boys a party favor telling them thanks... it was a bag filled with some treats and silly putty. tied to the outside was a skate board key chain for them to hang
on their back packs

We had a change of plans with the cousin party... but we are hoping to have a little movie night at some point... any excuse to have another party, my boys think they need to celebrate all month!! Well...Evan is TEN! I look at pictures from last year and he has grown up so much... last year he still didn't have all those permanent teeth, he is taller and more confident and is his own person now with lots of opinions and ideas ... it's crazy because I swear he was just two and so dependent on me?? And...If he's ten.... that makes me OLDER too.... It's hard to believe I have a child who's in the double digits!!

Happy Birthday to our sweet Evan! We love you so much!!