Monday, March 7, 2011

Many Happy Returns of the Day

Calvin turned 8 yesterday. E. I. G. H. T. Somehow that seems really close to ten.

Sometimes I get so frustrated with him. Sometimes I think he is incredibly immature and naughty for his age. Sometimes he makes me want to bang my head against a wall with his obnoxiousness. But you know what? He's awesome. And he's growing and maturing and changing and learning more every day and I love him to bits.

On Saturday we had a group of 5 extra boys at our house. Four friends/neighbors and one best friend from church and a different school district. First, let me just say that having 5 extra boys is a quick reminder that my kids are not the only ones who are not perfect ;-). Cal had a great time though and really they were all good and all had a good time. I think. I was SO proud of Cal. Not once when they were here did I hear him complain about giving someone else a turn or making sure he included someone (especially the friend who didn't know the others). Seriously? Was this MY firstborn "alpha male?" It was a small glimpse of the young man he is becoming and it was one that made me incredible pleased and hopeful that maybe we are not messing up all this parenting business!

We have a tradition here that I (stupidly) created, once the kids could make their own requests, of making a cake of their choosing. It has led to some challenging requests and often has fallen on Mike do decorate as he is the better artist between us. This year Cal settled on a Wipeout cake. I was a bit concerned that his, ahem, particular nature would not be kind to me if I didn't do it "just so" and if it didn't turn out looking like one (rather professional looking) that we found online. But, in the end, he promised not to freak out and I promised to do my best. I think we were both pleased with the simple results.

topple towers


sucker punch


big balls


Wipeout cake


Sunday we enjoyed the cake with a bit of my family (as we'll see Mike's family next weekend) and some pleasant and modest presents.



And then Cal disappeared into his focused world of Lego building, spending the next hour or so bent over his guide books. Later, he realized he had put something together wrong and needed to start over, so he just CALMLY took it apart and set it aside to take a break. CALMLY PEOPLE. No crying, no frustration, no anger, just the thought that he wanted to do it right, so he'd try again later.


I think I say this every year, but I think I'm going to like 8.

9 comments:

Melissa Crowe said...

NICE WORK, MOM! And Happy 8th, Mr. C!

Ms. G said...

Happy Birthday to Cal and I'm very impressed with the wipeout cake, Mama! Sounds like 8 will be shaping up just fine too: )

Theresa said...

Eight is close to 10, I admit. But this weekend I realized that come July, I'll be closer to 50 than to 25. Eek.

But happy birthday to Cal! Of course, you could see some of the maturity coming through even last year when he attempted to explain the concept of silly bands to my mother, with infinite patience ;o)

Artfulife said...

Happy birthday buddy! I love the cake Lis it turned out great!

Jen said...

I never watch the show, but I think the cake turned out great! I think it is cool (and a bit crazy, but still very cool) that you do that for the kids. What a great way to make them feel extra special.

Nicole said...

I love the cake! It looks amazing! (And delicious, which is sad because I missed the day hahaha)

UK lass in US said...

My son turns 8 this week - it's really snuck up on me. Luckily he doesn't get to dictate the cake, though - I'm just happy if I can produce a cake that stays in one piece these days...

Happy belated Birthday to Cal

Nicola said...

Happy happy belated birthday! 8 is getting so grown up. Dang, that cake rocks! I am so impressed!

6512 and growing said...

That cake is awesome. Nice job. (came here form baby by the sea). :)