The Powers That Be: 2011

Quite amazingly, 12 years ago Brice came into our lives at 12:05 a.m.

He only gave us a 55 minute warning that he was coming, then grabbed the open scissors as they went to cut the cord.

Every birth has a story . . .

I should have known back then that just being a Powers was going to be dramatic. Surviving being a Powers is going to be a miracle.

He's a little bummed today though. He can't spend his day with his most favorite person in the world.

This post is his mother's lame attempt to cheer him up. Apparently, spending the day with me isn't going to be enough.

12 Reasons we love, love, love Bricey:

1. He's a boy.

Age 11

When I was pregnant with Mikayla (the first born), Buff wanted a boy desperately. We didn't know she was a girl until birth - and Buff cried when he held her. His little girl needed him and he was thrilled.

Two and half years later, Brice was born. Once again, we first found out he was a boy at birth - and Buff stood by the side of the bed and said, "I can die now. My life is complete."

To which his wife said, "Don't even think about it, Buddy."

2. He is careful and cautious.

He gets this from his mom. He suffers severe guilt just from jaywalking - because it's against the rules. A few more years hanging around his dad and he should be cured.

Age 9

He lives life at his own pace and very little ruffles him. He sleeps anywhere. He listens quietly. He's always thinking about what's coming next. He doesn't get any of that from his mom. He's teaching me a thing or two.

3. He jumps.

He jumps for the Packers. He jumps for the good guys chasing the bad guys in the movies. He jumps when he's close to winning a board game. He jumps playing video games. He jumps if he knows he is going to surprise you on your birthday.

He's very skinny and he sleeps like a log.

4. He draws.

And is very good . . . if a mother can say so . . .

5. He's creative.

I mentioned he can draw, but there is more going on in his head. He can build. He can paint. He can glue. And it all looks amazing!

He'd love to learn how to cook and putting together science experiments excite him - especially if all his creativity gets to go BOOM!

Age 8

6. He will try any food.

Eating is an adventure for this kid. It's not unusual to get a call while at the grocery store to bring home an artichoke, a pomegranate, a whole coconut or a kumquat just so he can try it once.

7. And he likes his food spicy.

He quivers in the condiment aisle at the grocery store when he learns of all the hot sauce flavors he can try.

No, wait, he jumps.

8. He dreams.

And he dreams big. Just this week he mapped out his whole trip of how he wants to see the world. He even planned in time to come home and work to pay for the trip (a.k.a. visit his aging mother). It was fun to watch. Just think of all the foods he gets to try . . .

Age 8

He dreams of flying jet airplanes and army helicopters with names that contain only letters and numbers. Then when he crashes, he is going to survive off the land like Bear Grylls. He even has a shirt like Bear's to get him started.

He wants to jump out of an airplane and do other insanely crazy stuff. I said he's more than welcome to do it all - as long as I don't know about any of it until after it's all over.

9. He loves babies.

Age 11

He was super with his cousin and now loves his Carson to pieces. It's a good thing, because they adore him back. He's known to have 2 & 3 year old girls look for him at church.

He's a lady killer.

10. He looks out for his friends.

If he knows something that will make their life easier, he's the first to inform them and help them out. He desperately wants to go to camp this summer because it's his friend's first time. He is concerned about him passing the swim test - and just wants to be there for him. It's very sweet.

Now if only I could convince him to think the same about his sister . . .

11. He loves the outdoors.

And unfortunately brings it all indoors with him. He is happiest lost in the woods seeking out wildlife, getting dirty and climbing trees.

12. He's ours.

We love you to bits, Bricey. You teach us how to love, to slow down and to enjoy life.

Happy, Happy Birthday, Bubba* Brice!

** Nickname origin: When he was born, Mikayla was 2 years old and she kept calling him "Rice." I set out to correct her and told her he was "Brice. B - B- Brice."

So from then on she called him "Bubba Rice."

And then one day I decided to teach my kids at home . . . you can guess how well that's going . . .