Engine Engine Number 9

Today is Casey's 9th Birthday!!!

He's actually sittting next to me on the other computer playing Neopets, but I wanted to surprise him with a blog post since he thinks that means he's famous. In a few days, if you Google Search his name, this post will come up.



Casey, when you were born, I was so relieved. I was on bed rest nearly all of the 8 months you were in my tummy. The doctors made me strap something on my belly all day while we were laying on the couch that told nurses in Arizona if I was standing up, if I was drinking all of my 2 gallons daily of water, and if I was treating my body nicely. It wasn't fun, but even then, you were a sweetpea and tolerated it all so well.





When we brought you home, Nana came over and held you on the couch and said "Wow, this baby is staring at me with huge eyes. This is how Ashley was. He'll probably be sweet like Ashley" and guess what, you ARE! Each of you reminds me of one of my siblings, and let me tell you...you and your Aunt Ashley are soul twins. You're so caring, and sweet, and helpful, and you couldn't hurt a fly. How lucky you are to be like her. And how lucky for the world that you are who YOU ARE.



You're the first one to draw us pictures on Mother's and Father's day. For Christmas this year, you surprised us in our bedroom with a card for each of us. It was so personal, and there's no mistaking the love you put into it. Your attention to detail, and the personal touches that you always add just melt our hearts, and we love you for that.

You're artistic, and you love to create things. You could be left in a room with legos and a pad of paper and colored pencils for hours...days even! Your latest thing is to draw a picture of a structure...a house, a building, a hospital...and then to recreate it in what you call your "artists model". If you only knew that you were walking down the line of an architect. Remember what you love to do in your life, and do whatever you can to achieve that for yourself. If you grow up to do something that you love...you'll be a happier person.



Sometimes living in a house that has 5 kids in it can be intimidating. Sometimes you might feel like you get lost in the hustle. You're in no way the most needy, the loudest, the most aggressive, but know this...WE LOVE YOU. We know you're there, and we thank Heavenly Father for you every night when we pray together in our bedroom. You're the second to the youngest, and you're in no way the second to last in order of favorites. We have no favorites. We really don't. Each of you is so special, and Casey...you're an amazing kid.



Nine is scary, you're almost a teenager, and all your teenage emotions are just around the corner, but don't rush it. Enjoy 9. Enjoy the treasures that come from leaning on us to take care of your needs while you spend every minute of your life learning about this world around you, studing about things you love, playing with everything you can reach, and soaking in the blessings that come from being righteous.

Casey, today is your birthday. You didn't want a cake until Nana and Grandpa came, so we went and got you 2 pies from Marie Calendar's. I asked you what you wanted and you said you wanted something lemony for the adults and something with berries for the kids. What a funny kid you are. So thoughtful, and always taking care of other's needs. There isn't a kid or adult in this house who doesn't love you Casey, and today...remember that. You are surrounded by 2 sisters, 2 brothers and 2 parents who love you more than anything in the world. You are so awesome...and you are so loved.

Love-

Mama and Dah-ee