Double Digits

Before Jaret turned ten he had a goal.  His goal was that he wanted to jump off the 10M platform at diving.  He had set a goal to jump off the 10M because it is 1M higher than he was old and it was the highest platform.  He has such an adventurous spirit.  Last week at diving, Jaret accomplished his goal.  He first jumped off the 7M and then the 10M.

Ten years has come and gone and I can't believe it is a decade since Jaret was born on a beautiful, fall day.  It was a Sunday afternoon and Jaret in fact said he doesn't really turn ten until 4:21pm on October 16th.  He is definitely technical in all the details.  Jaret was allowed to open a card and one present before going to school.  While driving to school, the sky was beautiful and so colourful.  Jaret smiled and said that he thinks that is God's gift to him for his birthday.  Then at school he was excited to have a birthday certificate on his desk, choose from the treasure chest of mini toys, and received $10 in classroom money.  What was most special to him at school was that his teacher asked his classmates to share encouraging words about Jaret and then she wrote some of the phrases on his birthday certificate.  What a special way to speak into his character and build him up!

Jaret enjoyed the afternoon off from school and spent time outside in the beautiful weather.  He set an alarm clock for 4:21 so he would know the exact moment that he turned ten.  Unfortunately, I was still at work but came home shortly after so Jaret could open his present from us as he had been waiting all day.  We celebrated with supper out at Boston Pizza and Jaret was happy to indulge in a free dessert.  Afterward, Jaret had basketball practice and then a movie night.  A pretty good day to turn ten.

Saturday we had Jaret's birthday party.  He had his party at Xscape @ CrossIron and had lots of fun with his friends.  Some of the highlights include seeing his friend Nathan get 1000 tickets from a game, Typhoon simulation game, Kirra's friend Kaycee getting a stuffie from one of the games, and hanging out with friends over pizza and cake.  It is a lot of work putting parties together but it is so worth it when you know how much they appreciate it and what it means to them.  It was a good start to double digits.  We have had so many blessings over the past ten years and are excited to see what the next decade and beyond holds for Jaret.  He brings joy to our lives each day.

After the birthday party, Jaret and Kirra let go of balloons in memory of Ayden.  It was in a gesture of love to let him know how much he is loved and missed.  Again, I love the heart that my children have and that Jaret would think of doing something so special to remember Ayden this way.

This year instead of gifts, Jaret asked his friends if they would instead consider a financial gift so that he could use a portion to spend on a gift and a portion to be donated.  Thank you to his friends and family who blessed him for his birthday so he could do this.  He has decided to donate a portion to Place of Rescue and a portion for a Feed the Need fundraising campaign that is coming to our school.  I love his heart and how responsible he is with saving, spending, and giving.

Happy Birthday, Jaret!  We are proud of the boy you are and who God is shaping you to be.  We love you and are blessed to be your parents.  You bring us joy each day and we are beyond grateful for you.