To Peter, on your fifth birthday…

You’re a little young for kindergarten so “they” say, but we sent you early.  Being the youngest of six, you’ve never been one to let “them” tell you what you are too young to do- you have proved your siblings wrong, and even your mama wrong, more times than I can count.

When you went to kindergarten, the big kids had told you (more than once) many of the hilarious jokes that Mrs. Barnett usually tells. After your first week, she said to us, “I just can’t get that kid to laugh!” I can just see you, looking at her with your half eye-roll, your skeptical face. You use this face all the time at home- when we tell you a dragon stole your socks, or that daddy ate all the cookies, or that we are having frosted dog food for dessert, or that you can’t call me mommy any more- only Emiliah on Fiah. You get teased in this family so much- have we made you into a cynic already!?

You are the one Cook kid who is more than happy to sleep in a bed or even in a room ALL by your OWN self.  The older kids think this is rather odd, and maybe even a little brave.

You are always asking me, “What do apples do for your body?” and “Will this banana make me run fast?” and “Is pizza good for your body?” You actually seem to care about the answer- we google things when mom doesn’t even know.  Perhaps you are a future doctor or nutritionist?

Every now and then you like to pretend to be “little,” but not a little boy; a baby mountain lion.  You crawl around on all fours while work around the house. You intimidate Oliver and Snowflake: mere cats ought to be frightened of a lion!

You moved on from your love of chickens, but then you had a serious obsession with Canadian geese. In fact, this spring you insisted on having a “goose birthday!”  A goose birthday? Pretty sure not even pinterest can help me there. I envisioned some sort of craft with feathers, and then perhaps leaving tootsie roll treats all over the yard as party favors… ??? I am thankful that your interest changed to ninja turtles by the time of your birthday! (You also love minions, and the girls in your kindergarten class, especially Ellie and Eliza, but that's another topic.)

One of my favorite things to do with you on your no-school days is take a walk down to the pond. You love to walk slowly and look for bullfrogs. They make a weird squeaky noise when they are startled and jump into the pond, and every single time this happens, you are startled, you let out a big HA! guffaw, and you look at me to make sure I also saw that most amazing and hilarious event!  So shocking! So funny! Every! Single! Time!

Craft time is one of your favorite things ever. You will sit at the table with me for as long as I can take it. Our most recent project, minions for volleyball girls, now hangs proudly on the wall in the gym.  You faithfully glued on arms and feet, and you even drew some awesome hair and crazy mouths for me.  While we were making them, just you and me, on one of your stay-at-home days, you sighed and said “Mommy, I love this day.”  And later, we took a nap together, and you said you weren’t tired but you wrapped your arms around my neck and you were snoring in minutes. I loved that day, too.

I also love this one.

Peter, five years old.

Happy birthday, buddy.  May the Lord keep blessing and keep keeping you.

Love, Mom

To Aggie on your tenth birthday

To Aggie on your tenth birthday,

I just realized with horror that I did not write you a birthday letter last year!  Please forgive me, and remember that I also wrote an entire book while thinking of you!  I blame the kitchen remodel of 2013, and the party planning and milkshake making and … whatever, you understand I’m sure. YOu are not the type to hold a grudge!

Ten. How are you TEN?

Big kids are so awesome. This year you started playing volleyball and I got to be your coach!  I hope you had as much fun as I did! Of course you did- you are still the child who makes fun wherever you are!

We just made another trip to Cleveland and we got to see Dr. Wyllie.  As you danced into her office, she said to me, “You know she’s cured, right?”  Such wonderful words to hear from such a woman. I will never entirely forget the scar or the shadow over you (and all of us), but I do forget it most of the time these days.

“Mom, do you have a job I can do?” You ask me this all the time. You are the most diligent, hard-working child I have ever met. You love to organize and to make things pretty.  You love getting paid for it too.. and when I asked you the other day what you needed so much money for, you shush’d me and said, “Now don’t you worry about it. Christmas is coming, that’s all.” You have interviewed the whole family about Christmas gifts already. Who am I do try to reign in this beautiful drive of yours?

One of my favorite things about this year has been our enjoyment of A Series of Unfortunate Events. You have devoured all 13 books, racing past me (I am still on #11.)  I love that you love the wit and the drama in these books. (Wit: a word which here means snarky and hilarious statements by the author scattered throughout dramatic and exciting tales of orphans running from Olaf.)

I am writing this several weeks after your birthday, after an epic month of busyness with church and school.  Right now I am in Florida with your daddy and you are chuggin’ chocolate milk at Nana’s house. Last night we talked via Facetime, and you could hardly carry on a conversation because you were having too much fun making weird faces into Nana’s Ipad. Oh child, you make me laugh!

Last week we camped in Kentucky. It was so much fun conquering the trails with you. Conquer you did- you and Marcus (and sometimes Eldon) led the way. I don’t think you ever got tired, not tired enough to stop. You climbed huge rocks and waterfalls and rejoiced in every bit of the wild.  I love your adventurous spirit!

Happy, happy birthday my dear daughter!

May God sustain your cheerful and generous spirit as you grow up in Him!
Love, Momalina

to Marcus on your seventh birthday...

To Marcus on your 7th birthday:

First grade gets to have you this year, every single school day. I miss having you home on Tuesdays and Thursdays like last year, and you miss it too (mostly because you love to play with little Reese, but I think you miss me a little, too.)

You are such a good big brother that other people are taking notice. Katie Jo asked you “Will you be Jimmy’s big brother?” You thought for a moment and said, “I’ll be his big friend.” Perhaps you feel like you have enough live-in little brothers. I can’t say I blame you!

You are STILL the one who can make me laugh when I really don’t feel like it. I remember one day when I was SO tired of the wrestling and noise, and then you decided to pants somebody. I was MAD. “Marcus! It is NOT OK to pull down someone’s pants!” Your brother was freaking out and you were trying so hard to look serious and sorry, but that twinkle in your eye! and that smirk!  I couldn’t take it. I said, “It’s NOT funny…” but I couldn’t even convince myself of that, so laughing I said, “Ok fine, it is funny, but you have to decide if this laugh is worth the consequences…” Somehow, I think you’ll be the kind of person willing to pay a high price for a good laugh your whole life long.

You notice when I’m feeling grumpy, and most of the time, you stop whatever you are doing and you sing to me, “Oh baby YOU got what I need…” in the style of Biz Markie. Gets me every single time.

Your birthday this year was all about “boy stuff,” slingshots and nerf guns and hikes in the woods. You watched Home Alone and made your own bad-guy trapping plans. You are still certain you want to be “a police” when you grow up. I’m beginning to believe it could happen.

Until then, we will try to contain your manliness in this little house of ours!

Thanking God for seven years with you,

Marcus!

Love, mom

To Peter, on your third birthday

Dear Peter,

It’s your third birthday, or thereabouts. It’s your birthday week, and it has been quite a week indeed.  You did not get one special day this year, but you were given special moments scattered here and there through this wild week.

Daddy has a big test this week, plus a million things at church, so we decided to celebrate you 2 days before your birthday.  With Sunday dinner, we had cake; Thomas the Tank engine cake, per your request. But, you had been sick with croup since Thursday (Friday was awful!), and your appetite had not yet returned. So, you smiled about your cake, but you did not eat it. And you were too tired to open your presents that afternoon.

Monday, we had the rest of the cake for breakfast, and you did eat that, but you still needed all kinds of snuggles (this is not typical for you!)  Then Aggie got sick, and Marcus. We watched lots of TV.  Tuesday your best friend Deandra came over (with Enola and Reese), but we had to evacuate the house-- the septic system failed, and there were leaks and fumes and all kinds of awfulness. But to you, it was a grand adventure. We spent the morning playing with new toys at Aunt Mary Anne’s house.  And while daddy and the other men dug and fixed and worked through the night, we had a weekday sleepover there, too.

Wednesday and Thursday were all about trash runs and bleach. But for you, playing, first at Mary Anne’s then at home. Thursday night I remembered you still had birthday presents to open!  New Thomas underoos, a Thomas playset, and a Batman playset- you were in heaven, and your brothers were drooling with envy!

And now, finally, it is friday.

Friday has become a highlight of the week for me. Eldon goes to preschool, and I do not babysit, so you and I almost always go to town.  A slow-paced day with just my Peter was exactly what I wanted, and it was a very nice morning.

“Mama, I gonna wipe my boogers on you!” you said with your sparkling eyes and dimple cheeks. You are the most hilarious little boy ever, and you know it, too.  My kisses to you were strategically placed today, so as to avoid the booger fountain on your face.

As I write this you are playing with my ipod.  Your tongue is out, pointing to the right, to help you concentrate.  You are a big, very big boy. You’re wearing underoos now to prove it. Sometimes, just to mess with you, I say, “Hi there, little butt!” and you say, “No mama, I big butt!”

It’s your third birthday, or thereabouts, and today I set my mind to say “yes” to you as often as possible. When we got in daddy's pickup truck, you told me you wanted the music to be "crazy loud." So, it was. At the store, I let you buy Velveeta shells and cheese.  You loved holding the box, until you discovered how much more fun it was to drop the box out of the cart repeatedly.  We saw some “Jake and the Neverland Pirates” shoes on clearance, and you saId, “Mama I want those!” I said, “sure, you can have them!” and you looked pretty surprised- I almost never say yes so easily!  You held them, then discovered that the light up, so you smacked them against your hand, over and over, as we continued our shopping.  Then (oh, happy day!) your indulgent mother let you pick out a candy bar in the checkout line!  We were stuck behind a lady with 57 coupons and 99 price matches, so I was understanding when you “accidentally” opened it. In fact, I even let you eat it right there in line, and I just handed the cashier the wrapper. In an old life, I would have thought that was tacky, but my priorities have changed.  You sure were cute and happy covered in chocolate.

I put your new shoes on for you in the parking lot.  “Me do it!” you insisted when it was time to buckle buckles, and you did.  We shared an orange on the way home in daddy’s “hiccup truck,” and you thought it was fun to wipe the white pieces on my arm.

Just now, you needed my help with a button, but then you insisted that you wanted to wash your hands by yourself, rather, “by my OWN self.”  You are growing up, growing out and away from me, so quickly, my little boy.  You are not mine, and you are not little, I know. But I sure am grateful for these simple days with you.

I love you, big butt.

Mom

Eldon's fourth birthday

To Eldon, on your fourth birthday--

Today, at The Commons, I leaned against the wall with my coffee, waiting for you. You'd been in the potty for quite some time, but it was our special morning out, so I was not in a hurry. Suddenly I hear you, voice echoing off the walls-- "I love you so much mommy!" 

"OK, but do you need help yet?"

"No. I just love you."

Don't I know it! :) You are so affectionate, especially when we are alone together.  Today was wonderful. We went to the Bakery, just the two of us, and you chose a huge chocolate brownie.  We sat at the window, watching the cars and birds while we ate. ("I just love you mommy, so so much," you said.)

We were the only ones at the indoor playground. I let you talk me into climbing with you.  You normally go up only a level or two. I sat with you and then said, "Let's go up just one more." 

"One more?" You were unsure and nervous. 

"Yes, just one more. Take my hand."

You did, and we enjoyed the view again.

"I think I'll do one more, Eldie. That next part doesn't look too far away."
"One more? Ok mama. Wait for me."

Gently, I encouraged you, and suddenly you found yourself at the top.  You could hardly believe how tall you were, how big it seems to be up high and to be four.

"Mama look at those worker mans on the roof over there!"  Then, "OK, let's get down now."

You are often the child in the middle, squished by siblings on either side.  Yet those brothers and sisters love you dearly.  For your birthday, they spent two hours making you pictures and gathering some of their toys and precious buddies to give to you. Your sister Aggie also used some of her own candy to make treat bags for everyone, then she hid them around the house. She likes party games!

Eldie, we love you, so so much.

Happy fourth birthday!

Love Mom

And because I could not resist the nostalgia that comes with birthdays, here are some baby pictures!

To Seth, on your seventh birthday

Dear Seth,

On your seventh birthday,

Two of my favorite moments with you in the past month:

Helping you choose a library book

The girls flew through the fiction section and loaded their arms with fairy stories and puppy stories and books about horses. I told you that you are old enough fora chapter book, and with a satisfied air, you agreed. We began our book hunt in the fiction section, where the girls had had so much success.  I suggested book after book, and you shook your head. I tried not to insult you by suggesting anything with unicorns or mermaids, but you rejected everything that seemed even the slightest bit whimsical.

Finally you chose a book about a train. It was three hundred pages long and about a fifteen-year-old and his struggle through the Great Depression. I gently put it back, and we walked to the nonfiction section. (I'm a little slow, but I'll get it eventually.) Nothing satisfied you there until we discovered the biographies. Suddenly you spied a book called ""The Amazing Mr. Franklin: The Boy Who Read Everything." I saw that look in your eyes, the one you get when you finally find something worth thinking about, when you are finally given a respectable challenge. "Ben Franklin- of course! He was quite an interesting man..." I explained.  

We ended up checking out six books about Ben Franklin.  You have found a new superhero.

Watching Old Yeller

I knew just what would happen, and it did. I wore my soft blue robe for your sake. It is absorbent. Oh my dear boy, I understand.  Your daddy may not, but I do.

For your birthday, we had our first boy sleepover party with 2 of your friends. You boys had so much fun! You are a gracious host- making sure your friends like whatever we are eating or watching.  There was no "I'm-the-birthday-boy-so-there" power trip!  You boys ran like crazy at the gym, ate loads of junk food, and then watched Star Wars.  Judging by sleepovers alone, I say yes, boys are easier than girls.

You seem to know that God gave you smarts, and you don't hesitate to let people know about it (especially your sister Lorraine!) I often hear you say "YES!!! I was right again! I love being right!"

You take school seriously and love getting As.  I think your penmanship is better than mine!  You are curious about how things work. Last week you requested library books on tarantulas and on hybrid cars.  You enjoy your Legos and your circuit board.  You are taking piano lessons and doing well, and I think you enjoy it!  You are the only one of the children who will play the piano when you are not told to practice!

You definitely have your opinions. You love to read, but you most certainly, emphatically, do NOT like onomatopoeia.  ("Mom, do you see where it says 'plop, plop?' I don't like that part.  You read it.")  

When I sort through hand-me-downs, you are close by, making the final call on each piece of clothing. Once, I made the mistake of revealing that I loved a certain blue sweater.  You looked at it and made a face. Then, when you saw my hopeful eyes, you tried to compromise. "Um, well, I guess we can keep it. I will wear it on Saturdays. Only on Saturdays when nobody's coming over."

You'll always be my first baby boy, even when I'm not longer your favorite girl! 

I love you Seth, Happy Birthday!

My God continue to bless and keep you!

To Seth, on your sixth birthday

Dear Seth,

You are still my little blue-eyed baby!

Today, we got to have some special "Mommy time." Marcus and Eldon went to preschool for a few hours, so you and I went shopping. Peter was there too, but he doesn't count. He doesn't clamor for attention like the other two boys.  Plus, you think he's incredibly cute. (He is.)

We went to Target so that you could spend your birthday money. It was quite nice to be able to take our time shopping.  We walked through the store for an hour, and I didn't have to break up a single fight!

You are a big kid, now. You're a school kid. You read books and play "sports."  You used your birthday money to buy yourself a new basketball. 

"Honey, you could always borrow one of the basketballs at school..."

"But mom, those basketballs are so dirty," you said.

I couldn't argue with that.  You also bought a small truck with a trailer that hauls 2 tiny motorcycles. You would much rather have bought yourself a real truck. It is going to be a long wait for you.

At your request, Nana bought you a new skateboard for your birthday.

"Mommy, I think when I'm bigger, like 21 or something, I might be able to ride on my new skateboard and dribble my basketball at the SAME TIME!" 

Maybe, son! 

Keep practicing!

One of my favorite memories with you when we were in Florida. I know, you don't like to stick out in a crowd, or to act crazy like your brothers and sisters do. But you were swept up with the rest of us in Florida. You wore the tie-dyed shirt without complaining, and you even grabbed my hand and asked me to SKIP with you!  Like your daddy, I think you get a little intoxicated by the beautiful Florida air! 

Happy sixth birthday, Seth!
We love you!
Mommy 

To Aggie, on her seventh birthday,

Seven years ago today I was in the worst pain I had ever imagined.  Labor with you was horrific.  Daddy was in Iraq.  It was not good.

And then, you:

Aggie Sue, the little girl who turned a day of pain into a day of joy.  Your mere presence transformed a hospital room, a hard day, a sad heart.  It was your debut as a joy-bringer. 

 You continue to be that joy-bringer, even now at age seven.

God's gifts to you pour out of you freely and bring joy to everyone who knows you.  I cannot count them all, but I will name some of my favorites.

Your big heart:

One night we snuggled and listened to "Horton Hatches the Egg."  I asked you girls if you would sit on the egg for that lazy Maisy bird like Horton did.  "No WAY.  It's HER egg, and SHE should sit on it!" Lorraine insisted.  Then, you quietly whispered, "...but she asked nicely..."

I love the way you are always cleaning and organizing your room, and sometimes your brothers' room.  (Or, as you call it, "sortinizing.")  You smile so big when you run to get me (or them), and insist that I close my eyes when I walk down the hall so you can surprise me with the room that you made so beautiful!

Your cheerfulness:

You are constantly RUNNING home from school to tell me (loudly and quickly) about all the WONDERFUL  and AWESOME things you  did each day.  On an especially happy day you told me, "My smile was up to the ceiling! "

Your honesty:

One night before bed you gave Peter a huge goodnight kiss.  "Goodnight my sweetie little sweet baby Petie Pete!  Sissy loves you!

Eldon was not noticed though he was right next to him; so I said, "What about Eldie Aggie, do you have a kiss for him?"

 "But mommy, he's not so cute anymore."

One day I yelled, "AAAHHH! Eldon is peeing on me!"

And you said quietly,  "but it is a little bit funny though."

Another day you stood jabbering in the kitchen, and while your sister shot you the loudest BE QUIET look she could muster, you told me,  "Mommy, sometimes we get up in the night and spray the spray butter in our mouths..."

  

Your creativity:

You are constantly singing.  Sometimes you make up songs, or modify them to your liking:

"When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie... then it will poke your eye out..."

One day I downloaded a bluegrass song that made me think of you, called "Ode to a Butterfly."

When I played it for you, you started dancing like crazy, as if bluegrass was the music your heart had been playing all along!  Then you said to me, "Mommy, I love this song!  It sounds like me when I'm running and trying to wrestle a turkey to the ground to eat it!" 

Aggie, on your seventh birthday, I thank God for the seven-hundredth time, for you, for joy, for the way you make all who love you smile "up to the ceiling."

Happy birthday Aggie Sue.

Love, Mommy

Pete!

Sweetie Petie!

For a year now you have delighted your family just by being you!

You have been called many things:

happy guy, little explorer, snuggles, drooly man, dance buddy, ankle biter, blankie-stealer, shoe chewer, grass face, banana face, dirt face, cake face, sticky face, homework eater, scavenger, stair climber, tipsy, smiley butt, big boy Pete, little pest, little destroyer, tornado, mess-maker, Peter puppy, sippy snatcher, Swiper...

Sweetie Petie is the best name for you!

Happy first birthday, Sweetie Petie!

A"shout out" to Aunt Katie!

Jaxon turned four this month!

Aunt Katie had an Angry Birds themed party for him at the lake!

What a great idea!

Snacks: 

Eaten too fast for me to get a picture!

They were birds with cheese and olives and peppers.

Here's the cake: 

For those of you who don't know,

this is the naughty pig that stole the baby birds.

  

and this Bump, was our very own naughty pig:

   

 Of course, pigs must be destroyed with birds.  

Our angry birds were water balloons,

launched at that pig via sling shot.

Bump reported only mild hearing impairment,

and the whole thing ended in a fantastic romp in the water for all.

Happy birthday Jaxon!

And great party planning Katie!