Ten for Ten

Kindhearted, joyful, loyal, inclusive, exuberant, independent, intelligent, practical, outgoing, musical. #10for10

This young man is ten today. TEN.

We woke up this morning very early as we do every Wednesday morning, but Mike had time to make eggs and bacon for breakfast before we rushed out the door to piano lessons before school.  I celebrated with him by bringing his favorite lunch (tenders from Slim Chickens) to him and cookie cake for the entire Fourth Grade (and all the teachers!)! 

He has tryouts for a part in the school Christmas play after school, but this evening we will enjoy his favorite meal, spaghetti and meatballs, and open his gifts from the family.  He'll head out on Friday for a weekend of dove hunting with 7 friends and their dads at a ranch near Coleman.  

ColeMan celebrates 10 in Coleman. :)

And, because LittleManTate has lunch at a different time but has a sweet tooth (or 10), he got his own personal slice of cookie cake today, too.

Cole is FAR from perfect and frustrates me to no end sometimes, but here are the things I love about him most... 

1. He is kind. WITHOUT A DOUBT.

2. He is joyful, exuberant, goofy, energetic, active, happy (READ: wild).  These qualities can drive me INSANE sometimes as a mother, but other times I wish I could be more like him: happier, livelier.

3. He is the most loyal friend anyone will ever have. He has never, ever, ever "told" on any of his friends.  The opposite of a tattle-tell, he resolves issues on his own and will stand by the side of his friends until the end.

4. He is the best big cousin. He enjoys being the oldest and in charge, but he isn't "too cool" to get into costume and play make believe with the little boys for hours on end.

5. He is independent. This is the quality that will make my life as a mother of a teenager easier. WHEW - I needed one! ;)

6. He is handsome, but doesn't realize it. 

7. He is an awesome public speaker, and IS confident about that. It will serve him well.

8. He is inclusive and lifts others up. Admirable qualities we could all have more of.

9. He has great musical talent, rhythm, and dance moves. Of this, I am jealous.

10. He is not overly competitive.  This is different for Mike and me, who are both competitive, but I love that Cole is more laid back. He is a perfectionist with himself, but doesn't have to beat the kid next door. I am learning from him: what a gift.

 You are amazing.

You are 10.

YOU ARE COLE. 

Happy birthday, Little Love!