Joshua turned 8!
He celebrated with pizza and donuts. At his request this is the only picture taken.
But photos or not, he had a weekend.
He got to go to hockey games with Sierra. He got to go to a movie AND have a sleepover with Grandma and Grandpa. He got the gift he really wanted from mom and dad. He was a happy boy.
At 8, Joshua is in first grade.
Once in a while someone asks me if we "held him back." I always, always respond, "NO! We did not hold him back, we gave him wings!" Though many kids in his class are younger than he is, first grade is exactly where he should be. He is (at last) working hard at school and feeling so proud of his progress. He is trying to read all the time. It is so encouraging and exciting!
Though he is starting to enjoy reading, he still loves ACTIVE best. Sports are his favorite. He is always engaging in one competition or another with his buddies. At home he plays soccer on the hard flooring in the living room and dining room constantly. He also loves dart gun wars and wrestling with Jamison.
He adores TV. His favorite show is Full House.
Playing games on his new IPad is another favorite.
He is the best big brother and uncle. He plays patiently with the babies for hours. He can make Wyatt laugh like no one else can. It is precious. And thanks to Joshua, Mataya is a champion kicker! She is also very good with blocks because they play together often.
Joshua loves, loves to spend time at my mom and dad's home. He likes to work in the barn with Grandpa. He loves their Wii. He loves that Grandpa sleeps on one couch while he sleeps on the other and they leave the TV on all night long. He loves that Grandma listens to all his stories and always finds him the best snacks.
He adores Sierra's boyfriend. And he drives Sierra crazy. Those two are so much alike that they tend to annoy each other easily - and yet they love each other deeply. Hunter though, he can do no wrong in the eyes of Joshua. Joshua completely idolizes the tall, kind teenager who often plays with him.
Joshua Gubs, at 8 you are funny! You have the same cooky sense of humor that your daddy has. You shock adults all the time with your very grown up, yet innocent, joking. You are smart, kind, and thoughtful. You hurt for injustice and always look out for the underdog. You love to talk. You give the best compliments and notice every detail, but choose to (usually) mention only the pleasant ones, (AKA you tell me when I'm having a good hair day, but skip telling me then I have major bedhead! Thanks buddy!) You are well liked by all your peers. Teachers adore you. You are getting better at managing time. I rarely have to rush you - even in the morning - this year. You hate art and photos. Your penmanship is improving. Your reading is approaching grade level! You are eager to learn. I am so proud of you! You are increasingly logical and easy to parent, though you still "bull up" once in a blue moon. You still choose to hug me, just because. I know that will end soon, so I savor each one. You are a gift, my son. I am so very thankful that God chose me to be your momma.
