Israel's Birthday

Yesterday was Israel's third birthday. I know he doesn't get the concept yet, but I still wanted to make it a special day for him. I decided I'd let him eat whatever he wanted (he had a cookie for breakfast), make him a special birthday cake, and try my darndest not to get annoyed or angry at him all day. I showed him some images of cakes online and let him choose one. When we went to the store to get ingredients for Rainbow Cake, I didn't make him put back the fishing game and KitKat that he picked up like I normally would. He loved these presents.


I thought that he would be very interested in helping me make his cupcakes like he is with making his oatmeal in the morning, but he decided he wanted to watch Lady and the Tramp. I didn't complain. It made my life easier, and it was his birthday. He got to do whatever he actually wanted to do--not what I thought he should want to do.




I love how those pictures turned out. It was a very fun process. I will definitely be making Rainbow Cake again.
Just thought this was cute. He loves hard hats.
He pass on trying the cake batter but enjoyed tasting the frosting.
Here he is with one of the gifts he got from his Grandma Knight. Its a box of puzzles. He also received Salty for his wooden Thomas & Friends train track from her and a book. She gives great gifts.

How gnarly and psychedelic are these?

It was a great day. Simple but wonderful. I am so grateful that this special boy of mine came into our lives three years ago. We love him so much.

Some of the top things I love about Israel:

I love how he begs me to chase him. I love that when I do, he can't run in a straight line. I love that the thrill of being chased becomes too much for him, and that when it does, he stops in his tracks and tries to distract me by saying, "Look, _____!" and pointing at some random thing near us.

I love how he has to tell me every time he passes gas. He'll say with the cutest little grin and laugh, "Israels farted." He also thinks its hilarious anytime he hears someone else toot.

I love that anytime he finds a toy that belongs in water (i.e. fish, boat, mermaid, etc.) he must immediately take a bath with it.

I love everything about his cute little three-year-old body. I try to cherish it everyday because he's growing up so fast. I love to kiss and cuddle and squeeze and tickle him. I love the feel of him sitting on my lap to read a story or of his little arms circling my legs for an unsolicited hug. I love that he'll give me a little wet kiss on the lips anytime I ask for one.

I love how sweet (usually) he is to his brother. And I love his cute voice saying over and over and over, "Hi, Brigham!"

I love how he asks me politely to, "Stop, please," whenever I try to brush his teeth or do anything else he doesn't like like get him dressed or style his crazy hair.

I love that he can pretty much entertain himself all day. He knows how to open and play his favorite games on the computer (Angry Birds, Plants vs. Zombies, and Trapshoot) all by himself. If I get him onto Netflix, he can select the show he wants and then click "Next Episode" when it ends. He enjoys his toys and is beginning to be more imaginative in his play. He loves books.

I pretty much love EVERYTHING about the kid. I even love that no matter how many times I yell at him, "NO CATS IN THE HOUSE!" he can't help himself and repeatedly lets them in. Its been a great year. Looking forward to this year and Israel starting pre-school.