6.18.2007

Birthday Reflections

Our Birthday Boy
June 2007

My iTunes: Can't Touch This by MC Hammer
(that's right...I said it...it's Jack's favorite tune right now)

It is 11 pm here and I have my oldest son and second child fast asleep next to me. Where did the time go? Today Jack turned 9 and it seems like yesterday I was pregnant with him. One of our traditions with each of our kids is to bring out the baby book on their birthdays. They can't wait to do it and it is a real joy for me seeing how I labored over those darn books! He is growing so fast and I am doing all I can to keep up with him. He is such a blessing. I pray that God can make up for what I lack as a parent. These times are so vital....for their hearts, their minds, their tender spirits and their souls. I always wonder, what kind of man will he be? What will he value? My mind certainly can go a million miles a minute as I think of these things. Those questions will be answered soon enough I am sure. For now, I am going to savor these years...

I have been waiting to use this image. Jack's Uncle Jason is a Marine. He is getting ready to go to Iraq. Jack thinks the world of him and talks about him all the time! When my husband went and visited the beaches in Normandy, France with a friend, he brought back this replica helmet from the war. It weighs a ton...after having it on your head your neck starts hurting in no time. A few minutes after John pulled it out of the bag, it was clear it was no longer his anymore. My poor husband...what is his, is ours. Quickly, Jack camouflaged it with leaves and grass and the ownership was complete. Of course I did my part in sealing the deal by photographing him with it. After all, possession is 9/10ths of the law, right?!? Hopefully his Uncle Jason will be seeing this as well...that would make Jack's day!

Happy 9th Birthday Jack...we sure do love you.

18 comments:

Alice said...

Happy Birthday Jack! It is hard for me to believe that you are 9 already! All my grandchildren are growing up way to fast!! I think you look very handsome in that military helmet. Love you...

Someone in Al Ain said...

happy birthday for him..

nice post..i enjoyed reading it..

John Roberts said...

Yes, they grow too fast! Our oldest will be a high school senior next year. We're wondering where the years went. Treasure every minute - they're not with you for long.

Chad Oneil Myers said...

"Hammer Time". Wow, rocking the oldies there, Anna ;)

Your image reminds me of the cover of U2's "Best of 1980-1990". Were you going for that? You pulled off a tribute to that image non-the-less.

Beverly said...

Happy birthday, Jack. Enjoy being nine.

Kyle said...

Happy Birthday Jack!

As soon as I saw this picture I thought three things:

U2 (because of the theme of alot of their covers)

Full Metal Jacket (my favorite war movie of all time; Stanely Kubrick is a cinematic genius)

and . . . Anna is so freaking good!

Love the picture!

Paula said...

Such a tender expression! I don't always leave a comment, but do enjoy seeing your photos. You certainly have a knack for capturing the emotions of your subjects. Great photo!

photowannabe said...

The heart is spoken through his eyes. Its a beautiful picture Anna. Wishing Jack the happiest of birthdays. Savor every moment because life is fleeting but wonderful.

srp said...

A very Happy Birthday Jack! Nine is so fine! And then you'll be ten! Into the double digits!

Moksha Gren said...

Wow, you guys are busy in June. That's three June birthdays.

Excellent picture and a wonderful birthday tradition.

Happy Birthday, Jack.

CG said...

Happy birthday Jack. Very moving words Anna!

Bobkat said...

I hope he had a wonderful birthday. It sure is a great photo.

Cris said...

Amen... what a beautiful prayer, God bless you Jack!

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday Jack. Jack sure looks good in that helmet. He did a great job on the camo netting!

Chica, Cienna, and Cali said...

beautiful Anna....u are blessed with such a great talent.....love your personal shots so much...

Rebecca said...

I'm with Kyle - I totally thought of "War" or "Best of..." :) Good stuff!

Jack and I share the same birthday...as well as Paul McCartney and some other famous people... :)

HAPPY belated BIRTHDAY JACK!!

kenju said...

Anna, please tell Jack I am sorry that I missed his birthday, and I hope it was happy.

Don't wonder what kind of man he will be - with you and John as parents, they cannot fail to be good people!

JAM said...

An absolutely wonderful photo. Happy birthday to your son.