Happy Birthday Secondborn!

Secondborn is a bit of an odd duck. At least he was the day he turned into a teenager. He wouldn't tell me what he wanted for a birthday cake (hates chocolate, can you believe it?) or dinner. At least he is the easiest to shop for. All he wants is books, books, books. I bought him a gift card so he could choose his own.

Finally the afternoon of his birthday, he told us he wanted to go out for steak and a loaded baked potato. Off we went. I told him I didn't make a cake since he didn't specify what he wanted. I felt bad.

He ducked every time I tried to take his picture.

Finally snapped him with my stealth.

His brothers wouldn't stop posing.


Even The Love Magnet had to get into the act.


I promised him I would make him a late birthday cake when Grandma and Grandpa B come to visit next week. Right after dinner we went to the book store so he could pick.

Secondborn is my most generous child. He has been know to spend all his birthday money on Christmas presents for his siblings in previous years. This year He has already started earning money for them. He helps the younger kids with homework. He reads to Thirdborn every night (and Thirdborn loves it). Thirdborn loves to play chess. He hates the grief Firstborn gives him for liking such a 'nerdy game'. I have pointed out to Secondborn that he is incredibly smart and chess teaches him strategy, observation and thinking skills. (Pssst, don't tell, but he is getting an awesome chess set for Christmas).

Heavenly Father blessed me with this generous old soul, too. He reminds me very much of a generous brother of mine. (Do you think all 5 will claim that or does the brother know who he is?)