Happy Birthday, Young Padawan!

Today is Braden's 9th birthday. I can't believe how fast time is flying! So to celebrate, I am listing nine reasons my sweet boy is so special:

1. Braden is extremely compassionate. I never have to worry that he is picking on anyone at school. He stands up for the underdog, and doesn't care what others think. He befriends those that he knows the other kids don't like, and doesn't worry about what they will think of him for it. I so admire this in him, and couldn't be prouder of my sweet guy.

2. Braden is a conference-attending Star Wars fan in the making! I have seen all of the movies, but honestly couldn't tell you anything about the story line. He knows all of the characters, and is endlessly building ships out of Legos, drawing ships and Storm Troopers, and talking about it in general. He chose Star Wars as his theme for his birthday party this year, and what an event it was! Morgan and I made light sabers out of swimming noodles, a Death Star pinata, Star Fighter cookies (he decided against a cake this year), Death Star pizzas, and Yoda Sodas. We trained 14 (yes, I said 14!) nine-year-old boys in the ways of the Jedi, and had a great time. I think my favorite part of the party was when he was opening his presents. He sincerely loved everything his friends gave him, and after opening each gift, he hugged his friend and said "thank you, Buddy!"

3. He loves to play soccer and baseball, but he isn't really competitive. He is still a little cautious, but he truly has a great time out on the field, and it shows on his face.

4. He is a Cub Scout, and loves all of his meetings, campouts, activities, etc. Morgan is his Den Leader, and also the Committee Chair. We are so proud of all of his accomplishments.

5. Braden has always had a special bond with his dad. They are like two peas in a pod, and look and act so much like each other. When Braden was little, it was funny to hear him say "I'm my Daddy's clone." I love it that they love each other so much.

6. He is an avid reader. He can devour an entire chapter book in one evening. He especially loves The Series of Unfortunate Events, The Hardy Boys, Captain Underpants, Beverly Cleary's Fudge Books, and Star Wars books. He also loves reading the scriptures.

7. He is a loving and protective big brother. He and Lydia have their spats, but they play so well together. One of my favorite sights is Braden reading a book to his sister. He is very protective of Liam, and helps me follow him around wherever we go. And he loves holding and cuddling Grayson. I am so happy that the younger kids have such a wonderful big brother to look up to.

8. He has many interests. He has done Tae Kwon Do, horseback riding, sports, swimming, etc. He is now learning to play the piano. True, I have to coerce him into going into our music room for his lessons every week, but he is doing well, and I catch him playing the Imperial March on his own quite frequently!

9. Braden is my special boy who first turned me into a mommy. We have learned and grown together as I have tried to figure out this journey called "motherhood." I love this guy with all of my heart, and am so grateful to call him my son.

We already had his party on Saturday, so today we are going to spend family time together. Morgan and I are meeting him at school for lunch. I sent in 24 brownie cupcakes for him to share with his class. And tonight he has chosen steak and sweet potatoes for his birthday dinner (a change from his normal spaghetti birthday dinner). And today at 4:31 p.m. (8:31 a.m. Utah time) we will snuggle on the couch and look through his baby book and I will give him his "birth minute kiss." I have to take all of the snuggles I can get, because he is growing so fast, and there may come a time when he won't want to cuddle with me anymore. But for now, he is still my sweet little man. I love you, Bubba!

Mommy Workout

Several years ago, at a yearly physical exam, my doctor asked me if I was getting regular exercise. Embarassed, but honest, I replied "well, not unless running after two small children counts." He smiled and, a little condescendingly, said "I'm afraid not." Well Mr. Doctor, I beg to differ!

The following is an exercise plan that anyone with access to one or more small children can do while they accomplish other important tasks. Follow it closely, and watch the pounds melt away!

Warm ups: To warm up, simply jog around your house looking for keys, sippie cups, socks, etc. Another good warm up is to run around looking for items to restock your diaper bag.

Now it is time to head to the grocery store.

Squats: To maximize this workout, strap a 15 pound infant to your chest. This accomplishes two goals: you will be forced to keep a straight back, even when bending over, and carrying the extra weight increases your strength.

Place your toddler in one of those great shopping carts that look like a truck that they get to "drive." Invariably, they will eventually discover a way to escape once the novelty of turning the stearing wheel wears off. This is where the fun begins! Bending at the knees (so your infant doesn't fall out of the Baby Bjorn), squat down to pick up your toddler. You will be able to work in many, many sets of this particular exercise, especially if your toddler has freed himself in the open candy bin section.

Resistance Training: Your toddler is not going to come with you easily -- use this to your advantage. The more resistance, the more calories you will burn!

Cardio Workout: Chances are, he will get away. You will be required to run up and down grocery aisles, enabling you to work in a great cardio workout.

Weight Lifting: After driving home, carry your infant in his car seat (which somehow adds roughly 152 pounds to the weight of your child) and your toddler into the house. Proceed to carry bags and bags of milk, canned goods, produce, meat, etc. -- enough to feed a family of six for a week -- into your house. Feel the burn!

Lunges: After you have put most of your groceries away, your toddler will find the bag containing a glass jar of spaghetti sauce. Lunge toward him in an attempt to retrieve it before it drops. If he has good toddler reflexes, he will do what all toddlers do in such situations. No, he won't gently place the jar back into the bag. He also won't walk over and hand it to you. No, he will throw the jar. Onto the tile floor. (why, oh why do they do this?)

Bonus: Now you get to work up a real sweat cleaning up shattered glass mixed with tomato sauce!

Upon completion of this workout, you deserve a break. Cool off by placing your toddler into a warm bath. The spray created by his splashing is really quite refreshing. You will feel like a new person.

I know this workout must be working, because I can feel it in my muscles. But I can't figure out why I don't look like a Victoria's Secret model. Perhaps it is my stress-induced ice cream addiction? Nah.