Mitchel.

On Monday, May 17 Mitchel turned 10. At his request, Josh made him biscuits and gravy for breakfast. Grandma picked him up from school and took him to Jimmy Johns for lunch. Dinner was on the run as he had baseball practice and Justin had a game. After Justin's game, we all went out to Sub Zero for ice cream and then back to our house for presents. It made for a late night, but it sure was fun.  To complete the celebration, our family went to the theater the following Saturday and saw the new Shrek.

Anyone who really knows me knows that Mitchel is my hardest child. He was my infant that cried for no reason. The toddler that could not be away from me. even for a minute. The child that cried for more than half of his Kindergarten year.  My one and only impulsive child. The child that loves to annoy his siblings, just for the reaction. The child that's always bored.

However, there are lots of things about Mitchel that I love. And the fact that more people know about his weaknesses and not his strengths is my fault. I need to work on my complaining....

So, here you go.  10 facts about Mitchel. 10 things I love about him...

1. He is the hardest worker.  He can work his siblings and his mom right into the ground.  He can mow our yard, vacuum out a vehicle, load/unload a pick-up full of wood, unload a dishwasher, and shovel snow like no other. And he enjoys working. He gets a great sense of accomplishment from a physical job well done. He really is amazing. It is fun to watch b/c physical work comes so naturally to him.

2. He is creative. He can build and draw and put puzzles together amazingly well. He just has an eye for it. He has been into puzzles lately and puts together 2500 piece puzzles in a very short amount of time. He is also a good fort builder and loves to construct all types of forts for Ashley and Coleman.

3. He is affectionate. I don't think he will ever outgrow back rubs at night.  And that is okay with me. He lights up when given a hug. When he is worked up about something, usually some sort of affection from me can calm him right down. I'm probably guilty of short-changing him on the affection he needs.

4. He never forgets his personal prayers at night. Never. He bears his testimony at church with absolutely no prodding from us. I'll never forget the first time he just got up off the pew and walked himself right to the front. Could this really be the boy that at one time suffered from social anxiety?

5. He is thoughtful. He always thinks of his siblings when he gets a treat at piano lessons or has an auction at school. There are lots of times he comes home with only things for them.

6. He loves music. He can always be found listening to the radio, computer, or an ipod. I swear he knows the words to every single song. And he sings out loud with sheer contentment written all over his face. I love watching him in the rear-view mirror....He also is learning to play the piano and has picked it up quite naturally. When he learns a song he enjoys he plays with such intensity. I love it. He's not too shabby at sing-star and rock band either!

7. He is care-free. He states his opinions without being overly concerned about pleasing others or being the same as others. These qualities need balance of course. but with it, they are oh so good.

8. He thrives on structure and routine. He likes to know what the day holds.

9. He is task oriented. He likes to have things to do.  Items he can check off his list and feel satisfied at having completed.

10. His natural athletic ability. His sparkly hazel eyes. His smile.

Man do I ever love this boy. He really is a good boy and I should be more thankful every day that he is mine.