John V

So, it's about time for me to update everyone on my kids. I'll start with John V and work my way down to that third child that no one knows anything about. Yes, he does exist and is quite a little character. Anyway, I could probably write for days about John V and how hilarious he is right now. Is it just me or do kids get better every year? Just when I think they are the cutest, funniest things, they get cuter and funnier! It is glorious to begin seeing the fruit of the prayers, blood, sweat, and tears that have gone into the last five years. John loves to please and to make choices that will make him a wise son. He adores the "big guys" with Dad being about ten notches above any superhero on the coolness scale. John V also can't wait for the small group "guys" to come over so he can "show Kyle and Freeby how cool this is." Then there will also be the random, "Does Uncle Jordan or Cameron or Christopher do this? Do they like this?" With every passing year I become more deeply grateful for the enormous amount of godly men in his life.

John is 5 and keeps asking when he will be 6. Slow down there, big guy! He loves doing his school every day. He thinks not doing school on the weekend because Mom needs a day or two off is fairly ridiculous. I mean, come on! We went to New Mexico for a few days and he made me pack all the school books. Maybe that's why we had to pay the heavy suitcase fee! He still loves gymnastics, became a great swimmer this summer, and is into playing any sport. We decided to squeeze in a season of T-Ball this fall before we move so that family could come and support him in his first baseball endeavor and also so he could be on a team with his best bud, Jack. His first game was rained out last weekend but he took it like a man. He is very ready for this Saturday's game. John V is a fantastic older brother and growing in patience by leaps and bounds. He will sometimes solve problems between Kailey and Levi without me ever needing to get involved! He does an excellent job with his chores of bed making, table setting, picking up, running the dustbuster, and helping with lunch. We are on a schedule that he adores. He loves to check the back of the pantry door and see "what it's time to do." Boy, that kids loves a clock. Here are just a few of the prime examples of John lately. I've posted these as Facebook statuses so bear with me if you've already seen them. We love our John V!

John (with admiration in his voice while watching me chop onions for dinner): "Mommy, you do that just like Rachael Ray!" (Yes, I'll take that ego boost. Thank you very much.) He is always my encourager.

At the first T-Ball practice John V was in a group with three boys, a coach, and another dad who were all total strangers along with Big John. When two of the boys starting picking on the other extremely shy boy, John V puts both hands out and says, "Guys, guys, leave him alone. He's just shy!" After that the shy boy was much more comfortable and the other two kids said, "Oh really?" and dropped it. John V already shows signs of being very perceptive of other people and their needs.

John V has a few minutes in his schedule each day where he can play Wii, which is a favorite activity. Over the past week I've noticed him opting out of that choice several times. I was curious about this new development today and asked him if he didn't enjoy playing Wii anymore. His response? "Mom, I just kind of feel like I'm 19 and need to work or something instead of playing games all day." Umm, okay. I wasn't aware that 30 minutes was all day and I can definitely tack on some more chores if he just desperately needs them.

Tonight at dinner I was feeding Kailey some bites of food. Me: "Kailey, open your mouth." John V: "Open. Like open the door. Or open your eyes to a world of 3D fun with the viewmaster and Discovery Channel!" Me (falling out of my chair laughing): "What?!" Apparently his animal binoculars say that!

At lunch the other day I was having a bit of a rough morning and again John V picked up on it without my saying a word. On the way downstairs after finishing school he said, "Mom, I'm going to help you with lunch. When people work too hard, it wears them out." Bless the child!