Harry, Harry, Harry

Last week was all about Harry.  It was his birthday and he had 3 celebrations...one at home the night before his birthday, one at school on his birthday and then a very very small get together with a few close friends the day after our Christmas Party.  It was also his school Christmas concert.  I already posted about our family celebration on his birthday eve but here is the rest. I need to document this so that when he claims he gets no attention as the middle child, I can prove him wrong (kinda kidding/kinda not!)  I am a middle child too so I get it:)

We (Dave) always make Harry gluten free/dairy free chocolate chip pancakes on his birthday.  The first pancake is shaped as Harry's age:)

This year, I brought Harry's favorite food (buffalo wings) up to school for him and a friend for lunch.  He was so happy.  They are supposedly gluten free but this batch must have been cross contaminated because he did get sick later:(  I felt so bad. 

 I also brought cupcakes up to his class but no photos of those.  They were gone before I could pull out my camera:)

The next night was Harry's Christmas concert.  He almost skipped it because he came home from school with tummy/allergy issues (we think from the wings) but since this would likely be his last Christmas concert...he decided to go anyaway.  Luckily, he was feeling much better too.

Harry does not really like to sing (although he can be quite an actor).  These concerts type things are not his favorite and between you and me...I think he lip-synchs;)  Kate, Dave and I thoroughly enjoyed it though.

Finally, Harry had a few of his favorite buds come over Saturday. They went to an indoor playground type place for a few hours, we had more wings (no problems this time) and a sleepover.

Harry's favor for his friends was Cuponk which is a fun little toy for kids this age if you are looking for a small Christmas present.  All the boys loved it.  (Yes, it is pretty much cup and ping pong balls but it is SO much more...it lights up and makes sounds etc...and it gets them thinking creatively)

He did not want a full fledged party~which was fine with me.  But he did confess feeling really bad when a few friends (who were not invited) asked him if he was having party.  He did not know what to say.  He felt as though he was lying if he said he was not having a party but he did not want to hurt anyone's feelings.  I told him we would just say he was having a few friends sleepover and not call it a party.  Anyone have tips on handling something like this?

Since I try to always write a little letter to the kiddos on their b-day, I want to include that too.

Dear Harry,

Today you are 10...double digits!!!  I try to tell you often how proud I am of who you are becoming. You are an incredible big brother to Kate.  There are times that I think she trusts you more than anyone.    You are a lot of fun to her and you have so much patience with her.  You know she will always be looking up to you so you had better be there for her;)  Similarly, I know you and Will have your ups and downs but I love when you two are getting along like best friends.  I hope you always are each other's best friends.

I watch you at school, with your friends, on the playground and sports teams and you are a natural leader.  You have charisma and others are easily drawn to you.  That is a good trait to have in life.  I know you will always use it for good.  In fact, I have never seen you leave anyone out on the playground and you are so good at accepting all kinds of different people.

I know sometimes you get mad at me because you think we don't spend enough time together (just the two of us).  I am sorry about that and I am trying so hard to carve out more special time just for you.  I  hope you can see that.  I am really enjoying the Narnia book we are reading right now and watching you get ready for your class talent show.  I also am enjoying teaching you about photography a bit.

Harry, God has blessed you with so many gifts that it is hard to even list them here.  You are good at sports, art, school, judo, spelling, reading, socializing.  You have a huge heart for the Lord.  Honestly, you seem to be good at everything you do because you are determined and you give 100% all the time.  I know God has HUGE plans for you.  I really do.  I am so honored that God entrusted me and Dad to raise you.  We love you more than you could possibly know.  Happy Birthday!

Love,
Mom

Okay, off to finish stuffing and stamping the Christmas cards.  I am almost done with that!