The Bischoff Family: Jacob turns 9

On the 30th of August, Jacob turned 9. Even though most of it was spent in the gym at a volleyball tournament, I think he had a good day. We woke up early to open presents before heading out to Emi's first game. Jacob made his birthday wish list well in advance to make sure that we had plenty of time to get him what he wanted (plus that's just Jacob. He makes a list for anything and everything). The only thing that we didn't get him on his list was a football chain set. Jason and I used our better judgement and opted to get him a football workout box instead. He got Rio 2, a Cody Latimer jersey, cleats, Madden 15, and the workout stuff. He knew exactly what he was going to open up (except for our 1 change) and he was just fine with it. Katelyn likes to be surprised, Jacob doesn't want to take any chances :)

After a trial run with the training parachute (and a quick repair), we headed out the door. He consoled himself about being in the gym with about 20 trips to the concession stand. When there was a break in the games, Grandpa and Grandma Reasch took him and the rest of our family to Blimpies for lunch. He got to open the present from his aunts there....actual football pads. He tried them on right away. He looks so cute in them, and he has gotten good use out of them. The only bad thing about it, is they make his room smell like a football locker room. :)

After a couple more volleyball games and who knows how many concession stand trips, we headed home to make dinner (baked chicken legs and nachos) and get ready for cake and ice cream with family. He got even more presents from Grandpa and Grandma. He had to follow a string to find his new bike in the back of Dani's truck and some new clothes. He really made a haul!

Even though the cake didn't turn our exactly how either Jake or I planned, I think he was still pretty pleased with it. A bonus is that his cake decorations are now hanging in his room as wall decorations. We spent the evening throwing the football around, visiting, and a school clothes fashion show.

The birthday celebrating didn't end there though. The next day we had all of Jason's family over for Sunday dinner and they brought cupcakes and sang to him again!

Then last weekend, while we were in Billings for another volleyball tournament, we went to the Reef water park for his "birthday party", Each year I give the kids a choice. They can either have a birthday party with friends or we can go do something fun together as a family...like the Reef or Chuck E Cheese or whatever they choose. I haven't had to do very many friend parties because they almost always opt for the family thing! And that is just fine with me.

I am sure thankful for my Jacob. He is such a tender-hearted little guy. He is always worrying about other people and is willing to give up what he has to make others happy. He is a good big brother to Dallin (it can be a hard job) and Kinlee has him wrapped around her little finger. Jacob is a big help to me around the house. He had the chore of watering the lawn this summer and did a good job. He was also always willing to take the garbage out and do the other "man jobs" around the house. He still loves to cook and be in the kitchen and asks to help with dinner almost every night. He loves setting the table with a table cloth and centerpiece and making everything just right. He still makes lists galore and keeps thing organized. He is crazy obsessed with football (obviously, since the only thing not football related on his birthday list was a movie) and hopes to play in the NFL one day, but right now he can hardly wait until his first flag football practice.

School wise things come naturally to Jacob, but he doesn't enjoy them. The only reason he goes to school is for recess sports :) He eats lots of things that I cook for dinner (he is my best eater by a long shot), but isn't a breakfast eater. I have to practically shove something in his face before he leaves for school in the morning. He is a pretty independent little guy. He just takes care of things. He was sick the first day of school and spent the night before throwing up. Jason and I didn't even know about it though until Katelyn came in and told us in the morning. He had made it to the toilet the first time and then came out and got a bowl from the kitchen and took care of things himself. When I asked him why he didn't come and get us, he said that he was worried we had just gotten to sleep and didn't want to bother us. What kid is worried about bothering their parents when they are that miserable?!

Jacob loves to make people laugh with jokes and what not and can't take a normal picture to save his life. He is one of those personalities that will always be the life of the party.

He is such a good kid, and I am so thankful he is part of our family!

We love you Jacob Brent and we are so glad you came to our home 9 years ago!