Amidst the turmoil of transition and adjustment that has marked the back-to-school season for our family, we celebrated a happy event on Monday when our youngest completed his eighth year. The fun began on Saturday, in fact, when we hosted new friends for dinner and decided to end the evening with birthday cupcakes. J chose the theme of soccer, his most recent passion, and had a marvelous time playing with the soccer ball in our backyard before and after the cupcakes.
On Sunday, after a family lunch at our current favorite sushi restaurant, he opened a few presents. The indoor basketball hoop has been the favorite so far, although the noise it generates has created more than a few protests from his sisters.
On Monday, I visited his classroom with oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. I enjoyed putting faces with names that I have heard him mention, and it was helpful to get a better sense of where J spends most of his school day. The class had enjoyed a wonderful day, the teacher assured me, with a double long recess period. I fielded numerous questions about J and about living in Australia from his curious classmates, and most of them thanked me on my way out in spite of the fact that they had looked at the cookies with dubious glances when I began distributing them.
"They actually tasted good," one boy said. "They looked bumpy, but they were ok." Apparently homemade cookies are not the normal birthday treat for this school . . . So many things for us to learn.
After school there was a special package waiting for J to open. It had been sent by his best friend from Australia (you can read about him at the end of the post here). This same friend sent a video of himself singing "Happy Birthday" to J. It was adorable, and it made it realize how much we have adjusted already to the American accent. We all loved the Aussie Homesick Pack included in the gift box.
From my archives I pulled out a couple of photos from four years ago, just after we arrived in Melbourne, and two from just before we left.
Above: J with his echidna birthday cake when he turned four. Below: J with the friend that sent him the birthday package.
What a pleasure to look at and include so many happy faces in today's birthday post. A very happy birthday to our youngest. You have put into words so many of the thoughts and feelings we have all been experiencing. We marvel at your insight, cry with you over your disappointments and frustrations, and we covet God's richest blessings upon you in the coming year.
Wow, sounds like James had a fabulous Birthday! And those soccer cupcakes are awesome! And so pleased the presents from Oz hit the spot! And we miss you too...much love for this day & the year ahead for James & you all!
Posted by: Sarah Moore | 09/17/2014 at 08:04 AM
Credit for the soccer cupcakes goes to my friend Becky---they tasted even better than they look! Thanks again for the special package.
Posted by: Christie | 09/17/2014 at 09:10 AM
What a sweet post for your wonderful James! Happy Birthday to him.
Posted by: Shanda | 09/23/2014 at 11:58 PM