Little Jacky

Dear Jack,

I know your birthday was on the 17th of March, but this is the first time I've had a chance to post since you turned 12! I can't believe that you're all grown up! I started a new thing this past week where I sit and write down all of the things I'm thankful for that day. I just wanted to take a chance to tell you how grateful I am for you, Jacky! It made me remember a bunch of little memories I have of you. Here are just a few:

I remember when you were born in Belgium and how we gave you that cute little soft teddy bear. You cried more than any baby I've ever met or seen, (we called you the opera singer), but you were still stinkin' cute! You cried unless Momma was holding you and still love being around her today.

I remember when you would hold out your little hands and beg me for "me's" (candy or anything sweet) and I would give you some when no one was watching.

I remember when you would sing the whole time you ate a bowl of cereal for breakfast. We thought it was so hilarious!

I remember when you had multiple surgeries to correct the cataracts in your eyes and how worried Ali, Erik, and I were. You were a brave little guy!

I remember when you were diagnosed with diabetes when you were 4 or 5 and how sick you were. But you were still the spunky little firecracker you always were and it didn't slow you down. I don't know if I could have been as strong as you were.

There are SO many more, but those are just a few of the big ones!

I found some funny old pictures too. They reminded me of all of the awesome things I love about having you as my baby brother.

#1 - You look stinkin' cute with your little glasses! (Picture from 2007)

#2 - You love baseball as much as I do. And you are awesome when you play! GO CARDS!!!!(Picture from 2007)

#3 - You put up with your big brother torturing you...and sometimes torture him back (Picture from 2008)

#4 - You're a blast to have on road trips!

#5 - You've been a stud since...forever. (Picture from 2008)

#6 - You love Disney as much as I do! (Picture from 2008)

#7 - You're goofy (Picture from 2008)

#8 - You love me enough to cry before I even graduated! (Picture from 2009)

#9 - You're sassy (and I'm pretty sure you chucked this at me when I told you not to...) (Picture from 2010)

#10 - You crack me up (Picture from 2010)

#11 - You're not afraid to be a dork with me (Picture from 2009)

#12 - We take awesome pictures together (Picture from 2009)

#13 - You'll play Rockband with me and Daddy for hours and get into it as much as we do (Picture from 2009)

#14 - You're gangsta (Picture from 2011)

#15 - You're not afraid to try something new (Picture from 2011)

#16 - You love spending time with Daddy as much as I do (Picture from 2o11)

#17 - You love to be active and run with the family (Picture from 2011)

#18 - You're outdoorsy! (Picture from 2011)

#19 - You love to go shooting with us *No worries folks, the gun is NOT loaded* (Picture from 2011)

#20 - You LOVE Jimmer. And BYU. So that makes it really easy for me to spoil you with gifts! (Picture from 2011)

So, in short, Jacky, I'm very grateful to have you as my baby brother. You're a huge example to me and I love you more than you'll ever know. I love you, bubba! Happy 12th birthday!!!!

Love,

Rae Rae