It never fails Jared has some sort of "sports" cake for his birthday
The request this year was a Cardinals cake, this is as close as I could get.Nine years ago today our Y2K baby was brought into the world. I look back at how much Jared has changed, yet some things he does remain the same. Here are NINE favorite memories I have of you over this past year.
His new favorite shirt(I know they stunk, but he still loves ASU)
1. We discovered since he began to play sports at how much he thrived at them. It doesn't really matter which one specifically, as long as it involves running, competition, AND getting a trophy at the end. Jared played machine pitch baseball for the first time, then moved on to kid pitch within a few months. (after we moved to Arizona) We realized that your left-handedness may be a good reason to keep you in baseball. Playing catcher, shortstop and pitcher were your favorites. These of course all involved being in the CENTER of the game.
2. If it were up to Jared he would have played tackle football this year as well. As a parent I just couldn't commit to the time and energy it took to get him there. (sorry bud!) He just started basketball and already he has been practicing his lay-ups religiously. Dad is especially excited that you FINALLY got on a team that "connects" and works well together as players.
3. Your personality has remained the same since you were a small little boy. From the moment you entered into preschool you have been a people pleaser. You still worry at the most minor things, but if you didn't, you wouldn't be my son.
4. Jared is our "lunch" child which means that is his favorite meal of the day. If I allowed it, I think he would eat Subway EVERYDAY. Seriously. However, each birthday there is a request for a special breakfast, this years choice french toast and eggs.
5. This is the first year Jared gets to go on a special "outing" with dad. He hits the ski slopes tomorrow to try snowboarding. I know he will do great because Jared is one of those kids that tries something and it instantly connects.
6. Jared has had the opportunity to ride his bike to school since moving to Arizona. He was the only one who didn't get a bike for Christmas, so for his birthday he requested a "trick bike" This turns out to be a double bonus for his brothers since they can ride on the back.
Jared and his cousin Aaron
(another lego star wars junky)7. Jared has always loved Star Wars AND legos, but now he has gotten really into collecting and building them. He will spend hours (and still does) building and recreating. In fact over October break he built the entire Indiana Jones 800 piece set over 2 days by himself. I still can't believe I didn't take a photo of it! Jared received 4 new lego sets for his birthday, you can just imagine the excitement.
Jared getting his wolf badge8. Last year Jared started cub scouts. We went from only attending 2 den meetings in Texas (there was no leader) to attending weekly. Thankfully we had a few months and crammed through to get your wolf badge. Lucky for me I now get to have you in our bear den. We are proud of your efforts at striving to be a loyal scout!
Weston, Luke and Jared
(before church a few weeks ago)9. Jared may never admit it, but he has a spiritual side as well. Last month I witnessed my what used to be "shy" boy to go up to the stand and bear his testimony. Each Sunday it never fails that he is the first one up and ready for church.
Jared, we are so lucky to have you in our family. I want you to know that your dad and I are very proud of you and love you very much! I hope you have a GREAT 9th birthday bud!
good deed Tuesday: took Doug a Sonic drink.
good deed Wednesday: remembered to say my prayers morning and night.
good deed: went visiting teaching.
The annual pancakes made into the age they are.
Thayne, Logan, Jared and Landon
Jared was a trooper with numbing shots and a little laughing gas
Eating Fresh
Claim Jumpers with Grandpa and Grandma Clouse
Pinewood Derby 2010
