The White White House: Jackson's 10th Birthday

We had a big week of celebrating last week! Jackson turned "10" and we had cupcakes with his team, cupcakes with the family at Fiesta Mexicana, and a baseball cookie cake with a few of his baseball buddies. We celebrated Jackson turning "10" for several days.

Dinner out on Jackson's birthday was wild, to say the least. It's always wild when my family gets together with all of the children. Jackson's words about next year's birthday were, "Let's make reservations for five next year." It was fun, nonetheless.

Since Jackson and Webb go on a baseball trip every summer, we don't do big birthday parties. However this year, Jackson asked if he could have a few baseball buddies over just to eat dinner. The original plan went from two kids to five kids. We ordered pizza and the boys played capture the flag, wiffle ball, and football for most of the evening.

Something amazing happened on Jackson's actual birthday. All but one of our butterflies hatched. To me, butterflies symbolize growth, change, and letting go. I felt as if it was somewhat of a gift to Jackson that the butterflies hatched on his birthday. Maybe they too were celebrating Jackson's life. I truly believe that God uses EVERYTHING to show us how much he really loves us. It was also a little reminder to me that my baby is changing and growing up. As hard as that is, I know it's the way that God designed things. Caterpillars spend their short lives preparing for a greater purpose. God is molding Jackson into the man he was created to be.

Yesterday, I took Jackson to see the movie, A Dolphin's Tale. We received a homeschool ocean study guide via email so I thought that this would be a fun (and educational) way to end the week. The movie was very inspirational and one that I could watch again and again. It's based on the true story of a dolphin, Winter, who received a prosthetic tail. One of the main characters is homeschooled and so there was a large homeschool turnout for the movie's opening yesterday. It was a great bonding time for Jackson and I which ended with a trip to Michael's and Target to buy birthday gifts (see paragraph below).

We have a big weekend ahead of us so I'm trying to catch up on the blogging now. Jackson has two birthday parties to attend, one which includes a night a hotel, Japanese steakhouse, bowling, and Frankie's, all in one day! He's beyond excited. He gets to have a Nerf gun war tomorrow after going skating at Jellybeans. I guess once Monday rolls around, he'll be worn out. The boys also have a big baseball game today against "Cousin Colby" and his team. Finally, Granny is hosting all of Granddaddy's sisters and their daughters this weekend. We will be celebrating Aunt Anne's 50th birthday. Although it's rainy and we are ready to see the sun shine again, it's still going to be a great weekend.