Monday's Child is Fair of Face ...

Joseph Patrick, my wake and hit the ground running, totally hysterical, makes us laugh like nobody's business, 5th born child, turned 9 on Saturday. Time passes so quickly and the rate at which this child moves through this world, time seems to be going at warp speed.

Joe is for sure my complicated little soul. Loving and sweet but talk about keeping us on our toes. He tends to get a bad rap around these parts. Mainly because we often find him saying and doing some of the most outrageous things. You know, those things that leave you standing there, mouth gaping wide open, cannot believe he has said or done one thing or another, outrageous things? But on the flip side, I must say, we have been known to equally stand in awe of his kind words and loving deeds and the glimmers of sheer goodness he showers upon those around him and because of that, those things most definitely outweigh anything else he throws our way.

 *Yep, that is a picture of him peeing in our backyard. Typical Joe.

*Joe's club soccer team. He loves the game. He loves his team and boy are they a good little team.

*Birthday morning outing.

The night before my mom died, she paused mid conversation with someone, to call Joe over and say this to him , "Joe, I want you to know that grandma and grandpa think you are the best boy. We think you are perfect just the the way you are. Okay?" What a gift she gave him that evening and I remind him of her words almost weekly. And on my difficult days with Joe, and in the moments when I wonder how it is that he and I will both find our way through the next say 10 years,  emerging relatively unscathed, I remind myself of her words as well.

Happy Birthday beautiful boy. You are loved.