Dude 3 turned 9 today!
It’s sort of a big deal.
For him, for me, for the entire world if you let him tell it.
He loves birthdays. He thinks they are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate people you love.
And, his birthday party is a major event for him.
It is something he plans all year. He picks the venue, determines the theme, meticulously lays out the guest list, –and it’s for his friends as much as it is for him because he truly wants every one of his friends to have the best time ever at his party.
We had it on Sunday.
We rented a local gym and hosted a 3 on 3 basketball tournament for a group of his friends.
It was a ton of fun.
Last year I started this tradition of sharing his wisdom and happy quotes for the year. It’s fun to look back on the things he has shared with me and it’s also a great way to note growth.
Or to simply have a laugh, he’s always good for that.
Happy Quotes for a Joyful Life from Dude 3
Thank the little people
After barf #4…
Dude 3: Thank you for taking care of me.
Me: You’re welcome, besides, I’m your mom, it’s my job.
Dude 3: I know. But some moms are not great at their jobs. You’re sort of spectacular at yours. So, thanks.
Live in the moment
Even when they seem to be dragging by…
Dude 3: Ugh, today is one of those days where you look at the clock knowing it’s gonna be 10pm but then when you look it’s only like 6 and you want to cry.
Me: Oh man, I have those days alllll the time.
Dude 3: How do you live?!
Prioritize Your Priorities
Dude 3: Mom, guess what happened today?
Me: What?
Dude 3: Forgot to put on underwear!
Me: What?! All day? At school? No chonies?!
Dude 3: Yeah. All day. At school. No chonies.
Me: But why?
Dude 3: You rushed me this morning! And I can’t worry about senseless things when I’m rushing.
Forgive and Forget
Me: I’m so sorry I didn’t make it in to tuck you in last night. I’m such a bad mom sometimes.
Dude 3: Not doing one thing doesn’t make you a bad mom. You work like 60 thousand hours a day -you’re a good mom and we all know it.
Me: You are so sweet. I love you.
Dude 3: I know you do.
Play Hard
Dude 3: There are two things I look forward to at school: lunch and recess.
Me: What about reading? And math?! You love reading and math!
Dude 3: Yeah. But not as much as food and playing. I’m a kid, Mom, come on.
Don’t Complain
Dude 3: The house is so clean! Hooray!
Me: You’re so happy!
Dude 3: Yes! Because I feel so much less stressed and uncomfortable when it’s clean. I feel like I can relax now.
Me: Oh, you never said it bothered you.
Dude 3: I figured you wouldn’t do anything about it.
Me: You’re not wrong.
Don’t Be a Poser
Dude 3: Mom, yesterday was picture retake day.
Me: Oh my gosh! We missed it again!
Dude 3: Well, we didn’t miss it again, we just didn’t make me look like a clean, organized 3rd grader again.
Me: Oh well, real life.
Dude 3: At least no one can call us posers.
Comb Your Hair
Dude 3: Good morning, Mommy! You look like Frankenstein this morning!
Me: Gee, thanks.
Dude 3: You’re welcome! I think it’s cool, but if I didn’t know you it would probably be a little scary. I wouldn’t take the dog out like that if I were you.
Try New Things –Just Consult Google for Guidance
Dude 3: Mom, I think this year we should check out Hanukkah. I know we’re not Jewish, but from what I’ve seen they really have that holiday together and it seems awesome.
Me: Do you know exactly how it works? I’m not sure I know enough about it to decide if I want to celebrate it.
Dude 3: No, but we have a few weeks to Google it. I’m sure Google can tell us what to do.
Remember, It’s Always Taco Time
Me: Mimi wants to know what you want at Thanksgiving.
Dude 3: Tacos.
Me: No, tacos aren’t a Thanksgiving food.
Dude 3: Oh really? Because I thought tacos were an anytime food.
Me:
Family Is What Matters, Oh, and Food
Dude 3: I don’t need anything but you guys. Not money. Not fancy things. Just my family. And food. I get hungry pretty fast so I probably can’t last very long without food.
Clarify As Needed
Dude 3: Just so we’re clear, you’re saying I can’t have a cupcake for breakfast, but a donut is totally fine?
Me:
Everyone Is a Star
Dude 3: Someone asked me if I was the star of football today.
Me: Oh yeah? What did you say?
Dude 3: I said I’m not THE star, I’m A star, just like everyone else on my team. Everyone has something they are the star at. It’s the same in life even. We are all stars at something.
Me:
Be a Tool
Dude 3: I love you, Mom. You’re such a tool.
Me: What?! I’m not a tool.
Dude 3: Yes you are a tool. You work to hold our family together. Totally a tool. It’s your new nickname: Mom The Tool.
Me: I really need you to not say that in public.
Let It Go
Dude 3: Mom, when are you going to have another baby?
Me: Never.
Dude 3: So it’s going to stay inside forever?!
Me: What? No. There’s nothing inside.
Dude 3: Oooooh. Ok. Never mind then.
Lee Orlian says
This was so much fun to read! Thank you for posting! You are doing a great job Dude Mom. Also Happy Birthday Dude 3 and thank you for the happy quotes of wisdom!