Dad's birthday

We went out to eat for John's birthday. His choice was Pappa's Seafood. No one was upset with his first pick.

Christmas blur

Christmas morning...at last. This year has been the best thus far with Zachary. He has understood every aspect, even misbehaving means Santa might not come.

He stayed in his room until 8am, which none of us expected because we were all up by 7:15 am. The next thing I hear from around the corner, is "It's Christmas morning!" STOP...I need to get the camera ready. OK, go.

He saw the items Santa left for him. These were not wrapped, so big thrill apparently. After a bit of encouraging, he did open one box. But back to the wrapped items. "No, no, no, let's do the stocking first." In my attempt to create and control the "perfect" Christmas morning, things were not going as expected.

DUMP...out came all the stocking gifts. Nothing too great here apparently because again, all was unwrapped. Now on to other wrapped presents. He did at least grab the ones with his name. I made one last effort to coordinate opening gifts with Zachary and everyone else. No luck. He was going through presents like a monkey eating an unlimited supply of bananas. Unfortunately, there did not seem to be much excitement as my mom and I tried to get a comment or two from him. On to the next gift, and the next, and the next, until all of his were gone, and then the ones with no names. "Whose is this? Can I open this?" The words flew out of his mouth like a machine gun. Then he tried to open other people's presents.

I sat in amazement and wonder. What just happened? In less than about 30 minutes all of his Christmas presents were open. (Sigh). Open your presents now. All is well. No, I don't get to open mine, I must prep all of his and then play with him, all the while half opening my stocking and shoving pancakes and fruit salad in my mouth. Now I felt like the monkey inhaling bananas.

This year, my joy on Christmas day came when I finally sat down after dinner to watch a movie and reflect on the day. I thought about a little boys excitement leading up to the big day, and how I had been busy being a hostess. When I realized, our phone did not ring once nor had we called anyone. It was just family, in the quiet of our home. I thought, that is how it must have been for Mary and Joseph. After the birth, when all had calmed, an opportunity came to reflect on that great day. I'm still reflecting and decided I will continue to say Merry Christmas until after the first of the year.

Merry Christmas, as you reflect on our Savior's birth.

Precious words

I've missed it this year. The church in front of our neighborhood has a beautiful sign they post every year. Last year, when Zachary saw the 'REJOICE' sign, we would loudly exclaim... 'Rejoice, the Lord is King'. It really helped me keep my eyes focused on the on the meaning of Christmas. It was a big let down last year when they took it down (actually a full meltdown insued). He was excited to see it again this year, but I haven't heard the words that rang out each day as we drove past. So for now, I have the memory of that gentle sound ringing from the back of the car. I'm glad to have the sign as a reminder.

Rejoice...we will celebrate the birth of our King in a few short days.

We got snow

In 2004, we got snow on Christmas Eve. Santa had already dropped his presents off at our house, so I struggled with whether or not to get Zachary up. Well, I didn't, and have felt bad ever since. But Wednesday night, we got our second chance.

This is our backyard

It started snowing and snowed even harder when we stood outside. I ran inside and got him up and dressed, and out we went. He did everything a typical child would do...we made snowballs first, then he plopped down and made a snow angel. We attemted to make a small snowman and catch flakes on our tongue. I finally told him we had to go in. We were wet and cold, but we made memories.

Snow angels

Me and Mom

Thanks Mom for letting me play in the snow!

We are going to the North Pole

And so we did. Sunday night we took the Polar Express train out of Palestine and rode to the North Pole. Zachary's excitement made the six hour round trip worth it.

When we arrived the train was already out on the tracks. I guess they had to back it up to make the grand entrance with all the steam and smoke like in the movie, so when they tooted the horn to back it up, Zachary exclaimed, "all aboard. We have to get on" with a sense of urgency. Mom got a great photo of him practically flying through the air to get in line. He could hardly contain himself.

We had to wait another 25 minutes before we could board. When he heard the train coming, he practically climbed my mom to see it. We boarded the train, and immediately were served hot cocoa and Rice Crispy Treats by the "dancing" servers. They were dressed according to the movie. While enjoying our treats, we saw deer running outside of the train. That was a highlight!

Then we heard the Polar Express story being re-told as we followed along in our books. And just as the sun set, we saw it in the distance. The North Pole. Santa and his elves were coming out of his workshop as we slowly rode passed. Zachary wanted to get off the train, but I told him he didn't have a ticket to get back on. So we watched and waited. Then the train lurched, and we began to head back. That is when Santa came into our train car. He handed Zachary a bell and asked him if he could hear it. Zachary was thrilled.

We then sang Christmas carols, and danced in the isles with the cocoa servers. As we rode back the Conductor came through and punched our ticket. Zachary said, "I need my ticket." He knew he had better get his punched. A wonderful evening was had by all.

As we drove home, Zachary finally drifted off with visions of sugar plums dancing in his head. Now we are counting the days until the 25th.

Our Thanksgiving gift to you.

What are you thankful for on Thanksgiving? I'm thankful for my little pianist and the way God is using him to encourage others.

A while back Zachary saw some sheet music at his piano teachers house. It was Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven. He was very interested in it and so she offered to make a copy for him. He dove right in and basically figured a lot of it out on his own. We of course had her guidance on a few areas and he still is not perfect, but I am so impressed with his talent.

Please take a moment to enjoy Zachary's newest masterpiece. This is the hardest thing he has ever played. It is about 5 minutes, but I had to capture every moment of my seven year old's success. This is our Thanksgiving gift to you.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I pray that God brought you happiness with family and friends on Thanksgiving Day as we remembered His goodness.

Love, The Sansing Family

What's been said

I've been keeping up with some of the funny and not so funny things my sweet son says. Here is the top 10 list...

10. "Soda is not good for you." - yeah, he is learning this early, but he does still love to drink it.

9. "We need to get the Chic-Fil-A recipe" - he had asked to go, and I said no, then he asked to make some, and I said it was a secret recipe.

8. "I'm sick of it!" -upon being asked to do a simple task, he made this response. You can bet I couldn't resist the opportunity to tell him what I was sick of.

7. "When are my teeth coming in?" - in response to noticing the bottoms one had been out for a while. I told him we could take a pciture at Granmommy's dental office. He got very quiet. The dental office makes him nervous.

6. "I want a park in my backyard for Christmas" -I tried to explain we didn't have room for a jungle gym and had one in the neighborhood. He went on further to say we needed to buy a bigger backyard.

5. "Pete, Daddy is going to blister your bottom." -in response to John calling Pete to go outside before bed. John had told Zachary he would blister his bottom for bad behavior a previous day. Hmmm, watch what you say Dad.

4. Zachary: "I want to move to my own home." - me: "OK, let me get you a bag." This was stated when he was upset about having to do something and figured his own place might be better.

3. "Daddy has a baby in his tummy." -he then proceeds to pop John on the belly. He has also said 'daddy has air in his belly.' Sure makes you think about what else he might be implying. Ha!

2. Me: "what do you want for Christmas?" Zachary-"I want a 6 month real baby girl." -maybe this is why he is hitting John's stomach requesting a baby. I had told him he could have a dolly. That is where the 'real' part came in.

1. "Good night mom" as I closed his bedroom door. I followed up with "I love you" and like it was nothing, he said, "I love you too." How long I have waited to hear those four sweet words, as well as a spontaneous 'good night'.

The sound of my son's voice most of the time is a precious sound for me. Like music to my ears. I've waited for the sweet words, and thank God for His timing. This reminds me that I need to record Zachary so that one day I will be able to hear those words in that sweet little voice again.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

We finally got a Wii, and Zachary is loving it! I decided to give it to him for his first report card after he got straight A's. That was a tough 9 weeks on us all. We are all having fun learning the games. I can only hope some of this sports enthusiasm will carry over to the real thing.

Here Zachary is boxing, which mind you, he totally knocked me out his second try, and just kicked John's behind as well. He is also a major pro at bowling. He got four strikes in a row the other day. And now he has tried tennis and thinks it is pretty fun. He has decided golf is a bit too hard for him. So, I guess we will wait. No interest in baseball...yet.

Mostly, I'm enjoying the family time and funny things Zachary is doing. He tilts his body when he bowls, like that will make the ball go left or right. He just won at tennis and came running to tell me. He loves to tell you that he won and you lost, but it is in the sweetest way. It has been good fun for all.

Lauren was ready to play when she got in from school. And she was so patient about playing with Zachary.

A week of "miracles"

About four years ago, I got into the habit of writing down all the "miracles" I believed God was allowing to happen in my life. Some times they are as little as completing a packed day and often they are recorded as Zachary's achievements. I've looked back over this when I get in a funk and need reminding that God was there and is still there. Then I find myself saying, "get over it" and recognize God's goodness again.

Last weekend, as I mentioned already, Zachary did great with Halloween. But not only that, he took interest in some of the activities that were sports related while at the church's Halloween festivities. That is big for him because he has limited interest in sports. To follow that up, he recalled a friend played baseball. I asked him if he would want to play baseball or basketball next year and he said "baseball" with a slight level of excitement. Cool!

I also had some work on Sunday I was trying to finish up and suggested he play with some of the numerous toys he had in his room. I found him happily playing with cars in his room. Cars have always been a chore for him. He then asked me if I would play with him. That was a shock too! I gladly sat down.

In the past week he has taken interests in taking a bath versus a shower. I couldn't get him to take a bath for anything, but ever since visiting a friend's during Ike, he is copying everything her kids do. He has also had frustration with the jacuzzi jets. Not this time, and he actually wants to turn them on so the tub will fill with bubbles. What fun!

On another day, we went to eat dinner. While we were waiting for the food, Zachary announced he needed ketchup for his fries. He got up went to the condiment area, picked up a bucket, pumped ketchup from two locations and then came back. Whew...no problems, no talking to strangers, no getting distracted, and even picked up some bread sticks to boot. At the end of the meal he announced that he had "eaten a full meal and it was good".

Last at school, we continue to see improved behavior and performance. Their Bible verse for the week was reciting all five previous verses they had learned independently. He got it the first day. We didn't even have a chance to review it. And Wednesday, we got his report card and he made straight A's the first 9 weeks. I'm overwhelmingly proud of him!

As my Aunt Ruth said, I am getting to enjoy areas of progress that a lot of typical children's parents overlook. It's has been a longtime coming, but I am enjoying it! For those who pray for Zachary's healing, please continue. We are not out of the woods yet, but the trees are thinning and I expect we will be in the clear in the next 12 months (God willing).

God bless!

The best costume

A rubik's cube - yep, that is what he wanted to be. So, home made, or no made, was the costume this year. I think it cost a total of $5 (even better). And we got tons of compliments. Zachary did really good this year too. He totally got the 'trick or treat' part and saying thank you. We also went to a church and he played lots of games. Of course, he won the cake walk the first try and won a 2 liter of root beer. For those who don't know, he loves cake and thinks soda is the best drink ever. So, not to keep you waiting any longer, here he is...

Fall

Isn't this time of year just beautiful!!! The weather is finally starting to turn cooler, and I always enjoy the costumes, and then into Thanksgiving and Christmas. My church had a Fall Festival, so of course, I made Zachary endure the torture of a full photo experience. Check out the photos. Because his teeth are not fully in, he looks like a snaggle tooth child. It is totally funny to me.

Must I sit like this?

Snaggle smile.

The best one...Happy Fall Ya'll!

Zachary's Angels 2008

Wow!!! What a beautiful day God gave us for the walk this year. It truly was the best weather. And as you can see, our team is steadily growing. We've had a few walkers make it all three years and many returning walkers this year. It has been exciting to watch the support slowly grow. John also sent out an email to a few of his friends and co-workers, so that increased our donations too. Once all donations are posted, we will probably gross $14,000. I think that will put our team in second place. Here are a few more photos. Thanks to everyone who supported and walked. What a blessing you all are to our family!

Me and my sister

The Salazar crew

My buddy Alexis

Amy, Andrea and the girls

Autism Walk

After another year of fundraising, we are just about ready for our walk tomorrow. I'm excited about all the financial support we have seen this year. We also have had an increase in walkers. The walk is casual, the atmosphere buzzing, and all with the desire to raise funds to find a cure for autism. Our team goal is to raise $10,000, and I think we will definitly make it. I hope after all is said and done, we will be one of the top three teams.

In particular, I want to thank all those who donated this year and continue to support us with your prayers. Zachary is healing and only by God's grace. We give Him the glory for the Walk's success. I also want to thank The Salazar Family. There support for the walk and desire to find a cure has really touched our hearts.

We can't wait to see everyone tomorrow. If you can't make it this year, I hope we will see you next year.

This is our team from last year. I'll post another picture after the walk.

Milestones

Riding a bike is pretty important. This summer Zachary learned to ride his scooter and his bike. I have to laugh because when we first started him on his tricycle, he had absolutely no interest. He did not even care about being outside. So about the time we started therapy, bike riding was one of his skills to learn. We would hold a popscicle out and have him ride to get it. It was all about the reinforcement.


Now he has realized how much more freedom he has, as well as how quickly he can get away from us. He is allowed to go down to the end of the street, but must stay on the side walk. We check on him pretty regularly since I'm not real sure if he might try something I had not thought of yet. So far so good.


I remember how important bike riding was for me and my brother. My mom has my brother in the air on his bike and fully wheely-mode. I always thought that was a cool picture of my brother. Thank goodness we are not there with Zachary yet, but in due time, I'm sure.

We are working on roller blades now. Balance on skates is a whole new ballgame. 8-) Enjoy.

Perseverance

Ever worked so hard for something and still struggled? Maybe even felt a little defeated? Right now, Zachary's thing is the Rubik's cube. He says he got his 3x3x3 cube in February, but I don't remember. What I do know is that Nana & Papa and Granmommy & Pops, got their share of questions on how to solve the Rubik's cube. Until September 6th, when he finally solved it!

He was at Nana's house, when he figured it out. My dad says he was so proud and talked about it for the next day and a half. I'm sure that drove them crazy. The neat thing was that when I picked Zachary up, the first thing out of his mouth was that he solved the Rubik's cube. He came up to me, and had a semi-excited smile when he told me. That was the blessing...he came to me to share his news. He's never done that before, so I was thrilled. And to see excitement on his face was a nice suprise too because he doesn't do that often either. I try to relish in the little victories and thought you all might like to hear about this one too!

He can now solve the 3x3x3 cube in 1 minute and 45 seconds, and that is not really trying to beat the clock. So of course, we had to get the 4x4x4 cube. I'm done after that.

So, when you are feeling defeated, think of Zachary and the challenges he faces. He perseveres until he completes the task. I never said he doesn't fuss or complain, but he is determined. I thought about where I might need to persevere, and how Zachary is always teaching me something.

Hurricane Ike

Aaaaahhhh, the sight of neighbors helping neighbors, the sound of chainsaws, the smell of burn piles, and the sound of whining children being forced to work...just a few of the things I witnessed Saturday. We went up to my mom's to help cut down some fallen trees and of course brought Zachary along.

We explained in the car we were going to help Granmommy and Pops cut down trees and he would be helping too. He immediately told me, "I am retired from helping" (a little confusion with the use of 'retired'). I tried to explain that we needed to help our family and that sometimes we just do things for the satisfaction of helping. More whining. Then John chimed in, "Are you a big boy or a little boy?" Zachary responded that he was a big boy, so John added "then you can help." Zachary then said, "But big boys play with toys." As the trip progressed, he whined about the idea of helping.

When we arrived, he actually did a great job once I pryed him away from Granmommy. I think he thought she might save him. Some of the other complaints were, 'It's hooooot!'; 'My shirt is sweaty'; 'it's (branch) too heavy'; and 'ouch, it (pine cones) hurts my hands.' Most of the time I could re-direct him by singing an old church hymn.

Thirty wheel burrows full, and we finally finished up. We were all tired, but glad to have helped. We treated ourselves to Chic Fa La, and headed home. In the car, we praised him and then informed him of how he would be helping unload pumpkins at the church Pumkin Patch. More whining, but I figure this is good practice for UM ARMY, and one more thing for me to pray about regarding Zachary's social skills. 8-)

Two boys hanging out

I'm enjoying watching my son bond with Daddy. Sometimes they are very different, but other times very much the same. I like watching them because for so long I've wanted them to be buddies, but considering Zachary, things have simply come at a slower pace. We are getting to enjoy things at a delayed rate. And don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, because at least we are getting to delight in him.

Here the boys are enjoying two of their favorite activities after dinner...ice cream and golf. The other day Zachary was sitting with John and said, "Put it on golf." Do you know, I nearly fainted! But, it is good, they may have a common interest later that will continue their bond.

Here they are washing the car. Something they both detest. But side by side, they are getting it done. And low and behold, we sold the car in about four days.

The sweetness of a little boy's love for his dad. I'm soaking it up while it lasts.

Cone head

Have you ever seen those dogs in the movie's with a big cone around their necks. Well, that is my Pete this week. He is our family, attack dog, and is vicious until you reach out to pet him. I thought he was loyal, but when Zachary's helpers started coming to the house, he decided they were pretty nice too.

This is the third time I've noticed Pete blinking alot and his eye tearing. Of course the worry wart in me takes over. What if it's cancer, or cataracts, who knows, so we head to the vet. It is just a scratch, but he gets the cone and medicine.

Pete is my buddy. He keeps watch in the house during the day, and he alerts me when someone is outside. At times, I find that comforting because it can be quiet around here. I've never really thought of a dog as being down-trodden or depressed, but when he became a cone head, he looked so let down. It made me wonder how I handle upsetting situations. I'd like to say I run first to God every time, but I'm sure that is not the case. The funny thing is, God never leaves, we do. He waits on us to turn to him.

We took the cone off today. I'm still keeping an eye on my old buddy. One thing I thought about...isn't it funny how God teaches us when we are least expecting it.

Blessings in Abundance

Well it has been two weeks and Zachary is doing absolutely fabulous in school! This time last year I was frustrated, crying at times, and doing an awful lot of praying. But this year is sooo different. Zachary's main teacher is Mrs. Delany. She is wonderful! She has a kind, warm, caring personality and has expressed that Zachary makes her laugh. She was re-hired after a year off with her new baby. I'm sure Dr. B told her Zachary would be in her class. What I love is that she was willing to take the challenge, get on the adventure ride, if you will.

Zachary's other teacher (they team teach) is Mrs. Rollins. She has turned out to be a wonderful suprise and has embraced Zachary's presence. She quickly recognizes when Zachary needs a prompt and has been able to engage him during her lessons. Both teachers seem open to suggestions and to encourage Zachary's learning environment.

I always have felt this was the right school for Zachary, that God honestly led us here. The reason's are numerous, but last year was tough. It was the first time for a child like Zachary at this school. This year, it seems all the hard work, at the school and with Zachary, has finally paid off. We are seeing straight A's on all tests so far and Zachary has stayed on white (the best color of the day) for the past 9 days at school! His therapist have little negative to say. And while, we a few things to tweak, I think we are really on the right track.

Last year, there were times I felt I was just under the surface of the water. Like I couldn't quite breath. I finally feel like I, or better said, we are breaking through the surface. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. I can FINALLY faintly see it. God is good!

Tall or short socks?

1st grade

2nd grade

There is something about the first day of school...new clothes, new back pack, routines being established, the smell of new school supplies, etc. I like it. This year, I had to decide to buy Zachary the tall socks or the short socks. I know the short socks are 'in' style, but he is my little boy. I'm not ready for him to grow up and worry about style. Sometimes, I consider myself lucky because with Zachary, he doesn't care about the 'in' thing, the fashionable haircut, being with the cool kids. He is happy just being Zachary.

Well, I opted to buy the short socks, as you can see. I've posted 1st and 2nd grade pics, and you have to admit, his tall socks are pretty cute on his little legs (only a mother would say that). You may also notice his hair is a bit fuller. When we went for the haircut, I asked him if he wanted it shorter like last year or longer like the summer. He said longer. Maybe he does have likes and dislike when it comes to style, but for now, I'm keeping him carefree as long as I can!!!

Disney delayed - bummer!

We were off to Disney last Sunday, until I came home Friday night, and John said...Houston, we have a problem. There was a potential hurricane over Cuba with an uncertain track, but possibly headed toward 'the World'. We had until Saturday to make a final decision....should I stay or should I go now (I think that is a song). Even if the parks stayed open, we would likely be in rain 2 of the 4 days. After more contemplating, we decided to postpone our trip to January.

Did you know you have to 'plan' for your Disney World trip? I didn't! Some restaurants take reservations up to 180 days in advance. Ridiculous! Well, after changing the hotel, flights and now restaurants, I am finally done 'planning' our Disney trip...at least for a few months. Should be fun, and I will give you the full update. Oh yes, and I was unable to get one of the restaurants because there were no reservations left...Disney has truly brainwashed us all. 8-)

My point to this post is, have you ever wondered why God sends 'disaster' your way? I wondered that with this trip. I think God sends disaster because it is part of His sovereign plan. And thankfully, He normally reveals why the storm has hit. So for us I think it was not the best time for Zachary and school. I can't tell you how many times I found myself saying, this was a bad time to plan this trip. We have used this week to get back into a routine of going to bed earlier and getting up to get ready. We also got to meet Zachary's teacher on Thursday in a much less stressed setting as originally planned. I think it was better for Lauren too. She has had a long summer with 9 hours of summer school. She just finished an intensive reading class with Business Law (boring, I remember!). I think she needed to force herself to relax before starting Fall classes Monday. And for John and I, we were committed to being lazy and not really do much. That was difficult for me, but not so much for John. A little hard for him though because of so much rain...he was having "golf-withdrawals". So, all in all, our 'stay-cation' was a good thing, though maybe not for the residence of Florida.

He has it!!!

No, not the chicken pox! I am trying to share this with as many music fans (and others that think Zachary is cool) as possible because I want you all to be ready when you see his name in lights. So, here it is...are you sitting down, because you are going to think this is soooo cool!!!

Zachary has perfect pitch! He can tell you any note on the piano and tell you intervals (2 notes together) as well as what two notes you are playing simultaneously. He can even tell you sharps and flats. Yesterday at church a music friend of ours wanted to see if he could do it with guitar....he can! Then he got a hymnal and decided to sing a song, and as he was singing, he was kind of changing the pitch of his voice. My friend said, he is site reading that song. Well hello music prodigy.

Piano lessons: $65/month, gas to piano lessons: $10, the look on Zachary's piano teacher's face when she discovered he has perfect pitch: priceless!

Pretty stinking cool. Of course he thinks it is nothing. Another friend noted, where God taketh, He giveth in another way. By golly, I believe He has!

Share in our exciting news. These are the little victories we relish in!

Oh, and please excuse John's crazy morning hair. We were up doing "important" things with Zachary. And of course, I am such the amatuer behind the camera...stupid voice and all.

I'm hooked!!!

This blog stuff is about cool. I'm copying my cousin and friend's ideas as I learn more. What a neat way to share videos and pics of the fam! Love that!

I bet you are wondering why I would pick such a boring background. Well I did it as a tribute to Zachary. His new favorite color is 'dark' blue. More recently it was 'dark' green. Things are 'dark' and 'light' these days. He even tries to make dark green and dark blue with his crayons by adding black. Pretty ingenius, I think! He hasn't figured out that crayons don't mix like paint does. In due time...

I tried to add a cute border with music notes that would tie in with the Zachary theme. I think my Type A personality got the best of me. I couldn't get the text part to center with the background. After a bit of time, I gave up. Annoying!!!

Don't expect I will post every day, but I have a little free time before school and such get into full swing. It is kind of nice. I never find I have too much free time, so I am living it up. And of course this is on my 'summer to-do' list. I love to check things off my list.

Back up to the beginning

Well, maybe not the beginning. I wanted to share our Zachary with you, so that you could share in his accomplishments amidst the challenges. Zachary has a diagnosis that has posed many challenges, but by God's grace, we face them with hope for a better tomorrow.

I will start by expressing my gratitude for the many prayers and support from family and friends over the years. This blog is for you. Thank you!

So what is new this summer. We have had much go on, so I will pick up where we are currently, and add previous summer events as I post more.

Today was an exciting day! We finally earned $22 for a strawberry shortcake ice cream cake from Coldstone Creamery. Zachary earns checks for nearly every good behavior you can think of, but he can loose them for bad behavior. I love the check list system (self monitoring system)!!! If he gets 100 checks in one day, he earned a dollar. He's been working nearly all summer. And as soon as he had $22 dollars, he was ready to head out the door last night at 8:30 pm and get his cake.

Well today, we stopped in to buy the cake. He picked out his cake and proudly carried it to the counter and handed all of his money to the cashier. He was all smiles from ear to ear and never stopped talking about it all the way home.

We ate lunch, and proceeded straight to eating cake. He did not want a smaller slice but opted for the larger pre-marked slices. I do not know where he put it, but it wasn't until the last two bites I was able to convince him to save the rest for a snack later.

When dad got home, he told him about the cake, and then recalled 'the snack'. And no less, after dinner, we had more cake.

I truly believe one of the biggest blessings of parenthood is watching your kids enjoy themselves. While the frequency of enjoyment opportunities has increased with time, in my opinion, it certainly could happen more often. What a joy it was to watch him shoveling in cake, followed up with licking the plate. Priceless!