Dekker turns 5!

1. Oh how I love my Dekkerman!
I can't believe he is 5 years old. Okay, I kinda can, because he started counting down to his Birthday back in November when we were celebrating Naomi's. Five really is a big and exciting one though, and I think it turned out pretty perfect. It started out with a pancake in the shape of a #5, then he got to take Oreo-pops to his preschool class as a treat. When I picked him up I told him I'd take him to lunch wherever he chose (McDonald's- with the play space of course). Then he got to play Dance Central on the X-Box, and when Josh got home we loaded up, picked up his friend Trevor and headed to Chuck E Cheese for the real party! We had lots of other friends meet us there. Jake put together the requested Batman cake- and he LOVED meeting Chuck E Cheese and the Ticket Blaster and everything else that made up the party. He was all smiles the whole day. I was exhausted by the end of it, but it was worth it to see this guy who's been counting down for so long, so happy! (Not that 'happy' comes from such worldly things, but when you're a kid, certain moments can be truly magical. Your fifth Birthday is one of them).

2. Facebook notes to Dekker:

Brian Snowone Bybee likes this.

Natalie Bush Dekker, you are such a sweet boy! You are always so happy to see friends, it makes them feel very welcome and special! Happy 5th!!
Yesterday at 9:23am · Like

Becca Farwell Happy Birthday Dex! Always love your smilles and hugs! Hope you have a fun day. See you soon. Love, Aunt Trish.
Yesterday at 9:34am · Like

Christine Jackson Dekkerman you are such a happy, handsome, awesome guy!We love you so so much!! Have a super fun birthday. Our gift to you is in the mail...
Yesterday at 9:34am · Like

Christine Jackson Love, GrammaChris and Papa Denny (your fellow car-lover)
Yesterday at 9:35am · Like

Jackie DeCocq Pedersen Dekker! Happy birthday! You always make me grin when I see you at preschool and you're full of smiley hellos!
Yesterday at 10:04am · Like

Jackie DeCocq Pedersen ‎(oh. My. Gosh... He is ridiculously cute.)
Yesterday at 10:04am · Like

Angela Ritchie Happy Birthday from Logan! We need to play soon! - Logan
Yesterday at 4:31pm · Like

Leah Runyan McQuigg Happy Birthday Dekker James! We love you SSSSOOOOO much. Love Kylie, Dallin, Chloe, Auntie Leah (the awesome one), and Uncle Cliff.
Yesterday at 5:17pm · Like

Jenny Runyan Dear dekker,
Happy birthday! You turned 5 so fast-you are lucky! I miss you! I wish I could stay at your house longer next time. What did you get for your birthday? You are my best cousin. I love you.
From mckyla
Yesterday at 8:20pm · Like

Marcia Koseki Barrand Dear Dekker,
15 hours ago · Like

Marcia Koseki Barrand Happy Birthday! Lucas says: I hope you have a good present! You can come to our house. from your friend Lucas

3. "I love you, Mom". "You do?! Wow, I am one lucky Mama!"
I've mentioned before that I'm thankful the words "I love you" are spoken so frequently and openly in our home. I guess the fear with that is that then they become just words, or not greatly appreciated. Well, one of the ways we avoid that is in how we respond when we hear it- by not always just saying "I love you too". When one of the boys tells me they love me I sometimes respond by acting really surprised. "You DO?!!" I say, and when they nod or say "yes" I say "WOW! I am one lucky Mama to have such a (and I add in something I love about them)___ boy love me!" Well, I guess Dekker really likes it when I do that- cause a few times now when he's told me he loves me and I've replied with a simple "I love you too Dekker" he's said, "No Mom- don't say that, say 'You DO??!" and so then we start over and I make sure to tell him how lucky I feel to have such a sweet little guy like him choose to love me!