Happy Birthday my big Man Tanner! We had a WONDERFUL day today celebrating YOU. I love you with all my heart. There is nothing you could ever say or do to change that love. I will continue to support you each step of the way as you grow older. It made me happy this evening you let me know before you turned in what your favorite parts of the day were. I held back a tear when you said your favorite part was when we brought your birthday card in and everyone gathered around the bed to watch you open the card and your gift. (Even the dog who had a bone in her mouth and was wagging her tail furiously!) I guess you felt the value of LOVE AND FAMILY today. OK, enough mush, let’s get to the good stuff. The reasons why I dig you in a big way. Here we go….
I love that:
-You’re a really good big brother. Even though he tests your will and patience every single day, you put up with Max kicking you in the shins for no good reason, eating your Halloween, Easter and other candy treats without asking, breaking apart your Lego creations after you painstaking put them together, and his successful attempts to continue to annoy you further once he’s found a hot button.
-You have a sweet and gentle nature. You are a warm, caring and sensitive boy who is growing into a young man I am so proud of. You are affectionate and I love that you still think it’s ok to give me hugs and kisses. Even if you’re just about as tall as I am.
-Your dream is to be a professional hockey player. DREAM BIG or GO HOME.
-You are funny and have a great sense of humor. You love to laugh! Mr. Gish says you have a pretty advanced sense of humor. I can tell you where THAT came from. (Hint, it’s not from Mommy’s side of the family).
-You already have strong opinions regarding politics. (Hint, that’s not coming from Mommy either).
-You love to eat! (Ha, I DID contribute something!!) Seriously, I am amazed at how much you can put away but glad to see you’re fit and active. You’re strong and healthy!
-You spaz out with small boo boos. Admit it–you really lay it on thick when you get a cut or bruise. You COULD take up acting if the hockey thing doesn’t work out. Drama seems to come naturally for you.
-You have a wonderful smile and beautiful eyes. They will win some chick over some day and I’ll know how you snagged your wife.
-You’re never the first to break our hugs. EVER. I don’t know who taught you to hold on so long, but that’s totally cool and unique. You’re daddy also hugs this way and I always feel very protected and safe when he hugs me. This is one my my favorite things about hugging my boys.
-Your little brother LOVES you. He doesn’t say it with words often and he expresses it in odd ways, so how about if I use a cliche as I explain that “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”. Think of all that Max does that copies you. In his own way, he’s letting you know you’re showing him the ropes and helping HIM grow up. Always remember you’re in the spotlight there and he’s watching what you do and say.
I could write more, but I think that’s enough for this year’s birthday. You have been such a blessing to your dad and I and I know I said this already, but I’m very proud to say you’re my son.
I LOVE YOU.
-Mom
