Happy Birthday, John!

    Happy Birthday, John!

 

And Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

And Happy Half-Birthday, Dom!  

Man oh Man!  What a year you have had.  I realize I say that with every birthday blog post, but it is true.  Particularly when you grow up in the military.  You started the year in Virginia, 

 

and then moved to Ohio for the first time. 

Where you experienced the train museum, Boonshoft Museum, our house and many other places your siblings spent many hours at over a decade ago.  You are no longer missing out!

Summer brought planting seeds and watching cucumbers grow in our backyard.  I received a phone call from a very excited son discovering the first cucumbers on the vine.  If you haven't received an excited phone call from John...you are missing out!

Fall brought playing in the leaves and enjoying the beautiful weather and Halloween excitement.

And Winter brought some epic snow falls which turned into snow days.  Always with plenty of hot chocolate (with marshmallows and whipped cream)

This was also the coldest in your memory, Florida Boy...but, we persevered with plenty of blankets and space heaters to go around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And now, with your birthday, Spring is here and we can spend more hours in the great outdoors with walks, sports, fires, and being on digital devices while technically obeying Mom by being outside...huh...

While experiencing many things your siblings did when they were younger, as the youngest, it is just different.  Everyone else is involved in activities that take them out of the house for hours at a time.  But, you have done a good job of finding your own activities to occupy yourself until they return.  Generally while listening to piano versions of video game soundtracks.  (Didn't know this was a thing, but it is actually kind of relaxing)

Napping...in order to keep up with teenagers (A well rested John is the best John)

Seasonal decorating.  I don't know if Halloween or Easter decorations would have happened without him.

In the Fall, we took several walks and collected an array of pinecones from various yards in the neighborhood. 

Racing cars over and over and over...and frequently distracting a sibling or two in the process.  Something tells me they actually might be seeking distraction.  Just a hunch.

And in the last year, he has learned how to make some of his favorite foods.  Culminating in ramen prepared in the microwave.  Watch out Top Chef!  Though, he also learned how to scramble eggs, make mac and cheese, and is always up for helping me prepare dinner should he wander into the kitchen at the right moment.  Did I mention he knows how to do the laundry?  He really is a pretty handy fellow to have around!  Though as far as dishes go...his siblings definitely do not think he holds up his end of things.  He's not perfect, but who is?

And, finally, the king of solitary exercises: reading. He is a Buschelman afterall!

ahem

 

 

But, you are the happiest when you are involved in the activities with everyone else (even reading).  At Christmas, you were always reminding me it was time for Mandatory Family Fun Time.  Something that everyone did enjoy, but didn't necessarily prioritize as you did.  

Pi Day!  John was first one up...after me, of course

And I would be remiss if I didn't mention that you have continued to serve our church and that you are growing in your faith...even if it is a struggle.  Welcome to the club, pal!  However, you helped our family pray together daily during Lent, and I hope you will help us to continue to do so in the year ahead.  We are all better for it. Thank you!

Dear John, 

 We are so thankful you are a member of this family!  You remind us regularly of what is most important:

VIDEO GAMES!! ...Uh, I mean, time together!  If that happens to be while playing video games?  Who are we to judge?  Dr. Mario anyone?

We all tend to baby you as the youngest, but you are growing up awfully fast.  9 years old is halfway to 18!  #math 

But, we are going to enjoy all of the time we have together.  Mandatory Family Fun Time for the win! Dad and I love your hugs and desire to be near us. And I enjoy the quiet of our Thursday Mom and John time.  (even if it is me napping on the couch while you watch Mark Rober)

Dom and Will appreciate that you know how to do laundry and generally can get a pass from Mom if they are playing with you.  Though, maybe this year you can work on keeping your part of the room a little tidier...for that matter, let's make that a goal for all of you boys.

And I know Molly loves having someone to bounce creative ideas off of.  You are always complimentary and up for a lemonade stand.  Also, Molly...see above goal.  #FamilyGoals

Man oh Man! Are we lucky to have you in our lives.  Here's to a wonderful year of outside adventures pretending you are Link.  Indoor races pretending you are Mario.  And as much fun and love as we can squeeze into our days.  (Is there a Video Game character that epitomizes that?? I thought I was doing pretty good with knowing two...Toad?)

Happy Birthday, John Eugene Anthony!!  We love you to the galaxy where Mandalorian is set and back!  Your birthday is the perfect excuse to take it a little easier and have some cake and popcorn.  Today we  Thank God for your life and how much better our lives are for having you as a part of our family.  I hope you will always find ways to bring us together in the same room.  Those memories will be the ones we keep forever.

 Time to bake a cake!

Love,
Mom