Boy Sandwich: The Nine Year Old

Now that its December, I feel I can officially write about Owen's birthday--of one month ago. Haha.
Owen is a strong presence in our home. Things just aren't the same when he's not around. The last chat James had with him about being a middle child was interesting. In Owen's mind, he gets the best of both worlds. He's either an older brother--with many benefits--or he's a younger brother--also with many benefits--depending how you look at it. Glad he feels that way and hope he continues to! When Owen puts his mind to doing something, he will stick with it to the bitter end. Case in point--this weekend he suggested to James that they put Christmas lights on the tree in front instead of the house. He was the only boy to help James and stayed out in that tree for 1 1/2 hours, making suggestions, keeping J's spirits up, etc. James said he could not have done it without the "O."
Owen and I have had our struggles at the piano at times, but when he is on-side with me, he can accomplish so much. I like watching his brain work during his calm moments. He openly talks about how his emotions get the better of him sometimes. He says, "I don't know why I got so mad!" Or, "I didn't mean to tell a lie" or whatever it might be. It's nice to debrief and see that there is more going on than meets the eye.

Owen made this beautiful lincoln log house at the top of the stairs and just as we were going to take a picture, Tommy stumbled up crying "I'm blind!" and knocked it partially over. Owen was quite upset, but he bravely rebuilt it. Seconds after this picture was taken, he demolished it.

Right now Tommy, Owen and I are reading some of the Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle books. They seem to be tailored to this age group. Each chapter is applicable! The tattle-talers, the slow-pokes, the messy table manners, the whisperers, you name it! I love how T and O immediately apply it to our lives too.

Cute little Flippers

I think he's a Sensai. (sp?)

Owen really wanted a pet for his bday. This was the closest I got--taking a pic of one in a pet store. George and I went there one cold day for an indoor activity. It was quite entertaining! I was grateful to leave the pets there when we left.

Owen loves penguins. He has loved them for over a year now. In the summer when we were doing sewing lessons, he really wanted to make a stuffed penguin, but we didn't ever get to it. Yesterday he and I pulled out some fabric, needles, and thread, and he went to town. He made the cutest little penguin I ever saw. He named it "flippers." Then today he made another one for his special Christmas person. Will and Ry were totally stunned when they saw what he made in just under an hour. So was I. I could never have done it in the seemingly careless way he did. He just kept bringing it to me and asking me to tie knots in the thread, which I happily did. Other than that, he figured it all out on his own. He did look at a book, but I loved when he said, "I like these, but I'm going to do it my own way."

I totally love Owen's laugh. He can light up a room with it. He loves to be silly and goofy, and he's also nice and serious sometimes.

James got to take Owen on his date in November. They watched a movie on the big screen at the Institute. Owen loved it. His last date he finagled to get with both James and I.

For Owen's party he invited his friends to swim with us at the nearby pool. Then we went home for cake and games. He chose cupcakes, which was fine with me!