Happy Birthday, Parker!

I am 100% convinced that there is not a better boy in the world than our Parker. If you know him well, you know what I mean. Parker is not only athletic, funny, super smart, cool, and talented in so many areas, he is also generous, kind, spiritual, and so tenderhearted. He has always amazed us with the love he shows his siblings. Often, when he can sense me getting frazzled or frustrated, he will quietly step in and help. I don’t think a day goes by that he doesn’t offer to do something for me. He is protective of all of his little siblings. Every day after school, he picks Lexi up from her 1st grade classroom and walks her down the street a block to the place I pick the kids up. He does this despite the fact that his friends are running ahead of him, horsing around and having fun. And he has never once complained about it. That’s the kind of brother he is.

Parker’s birthday was yesterday. He chose a fried egg sandwich, sausage, raspberries, and mangoes for his breakfast in bed. After I sent the kids to school, I got thinking about how Parker had not-so-subtly hinted several times that he really wanted to stay home on his birthday. We had told him that no, he couldn’t miss school for his birthday. But I got to thinking about how happy it would make him and I decided to go pull him out before lunch. When I checked him out, he had a huge grin on his face. We came home and ate fettuccini alfredo together (his favorite food), played a game, and then cuddled and watched TV while Sophi napped. Best afternoon for both of us! I could do that every day!! Parker has declared that it MUST become an annual tradition. (:

Parker had his friend party tonight. He has such good friends-- I am so grateful! I took them all to the rec center to swim and play basketball. Then we picked up pizza and came to the house. Parker wanted warm pie and ice cream instead of cake. After they ate, they were hanging out in the living room just being boys. I was in the kitchen cleaning up, and after a few minutes, in came Parker to ask me if I needed any help. I think he’s going to make some girl VERY happy someday.

We love you, our wonderful Parker Matthew Green, more than we can ever say. Happy 11th birthday!