Lucas: NINE

Happy 9th Birthday Lucas Reid Nullmeyer!

Lucas, you are such a special part of our family and such an interesting combination of personality traits. You continue to be my most affectionate and huggable child, and even when I've only been gone from the house for a short time, you greet me with a big bear hug and a "Mommy!!". You are also my hardest worker and best helper. If I need help carrying something, you offer before I even ask. You have a really sweet heart!

While you have come great strides this year in learning to control your temper, you still struggle a bit with handling your emotions. You get upset easily and often have a bigger reaction than the situation seems to warrant. But you are learning to handle your feelings in different ways than through physical rage, and for that I am so thankful!

You are also really goofy. 

A couple years ago you began writing cartoons and making up stories about "Mr. Pickle" and you just have the best imagination.

Your relationship with Ryan is.......up and down. Here you guys are probably 7 years ago:

And today. You continue to be very competitive with each other, and fight like it's your job. You know how to push each other's buttons and I just continue to pray that you'll be best friends someday.

This year was your first year homeschooling and I feel like you really thrived! Your interest in reading absolutely took off and you proudly tackled some longer books. You say your favorite subject is science, ut you've alsoalready worked ahead well into your 4th grade math book. You enjoy routine and knowing what is expected of you, and having a list of tasks to check off.

You got to experience some new things this year, such as piano lessons (next up is guitar!), riding a horse,

and taking a carpentry class!

You remain my pickiest eater and still have approximately 10 foods you will eat. You love ground beef, tortilla chips, strawberries, homemade waffles, "Lucas Chicken" and strawberry yogurt.

People say you're Daddy's little twin.

You continued to play baseball this year, and were often the starting pitcher for your team. I'm so proud of you every time I see you on the mound, looking like a professional.

Lucas, I just love you so much. You keep life interesting around here and I pray 9 is an amazing year for you. Happy Birthday Lukey!