THREE

Little girl...

You turn three today and I want to tell you some of the things I love about you.
Of course, I love you because you're mine. That's obvious...and the reality is that it's the biggest reason I love you. The fact that God gifted you to Mommy and me still amazes me.

But I think there are some other things...some "three-year-old girl" things...that make me love you.

_____

• I love it when you come out of your room decked out in a pajama shirt, swim trunks, with a scarf around your neck and a tiara on your head. You change clothes about 12 times a day...all on your own. It's quite a pain really, but about as cute as anything. I guess "cute" beats "convenience."
  
  
• I love how much you love your Mommy. I love that you look like her and want her when you're sad. You don't even know it yet, but God has given you an amazing Mom. You'll see.
  
  
• I love that you get along with your brother. I love that you guys take up for each other and that you cry for him when he's at school. I love that you want to be like him...I love that you love him so much.
  
  
• I love to see you come down the hall each morning after waking up. Your hair is always ridiculously tall and those blue eyes are sparkling. Each morning, when you see us, you throw your arms up and break into a run. I love mornings with you, Finley.
  
  
• I love that you love donuts. 'Cause that proves you're a Wright.
  
  
• I love it that you're trying to talk like a big girl. Even though you say every woman you meet is named "Leslie" and you pronounce your S-sounds as Fs. You're not a big girl yet and I love that you're still little...but to see you trying so hard to adjust to the world around you inspires me and makes me grateful for every day with you.
  
  
• I love the way you watch "The Polar Express." It comes alive in your face and I'm reminded that you're able to see magic in places where I don't.
  
  
• I love your laugh. That loud, giggling, belly-laugh of yours is enough to get me through the toughest of days. I want to hear that laugh for the rest of my life.

Someday, Finley, maybe you'll look back and read this.
And it might mean something...or it might not.
But that won't matter. Because I'm decided. My life and my words and my actions will speak all of this love (and more) to you every day. You won't need memoirs or journals to know what your Daddy thinks of you, girl.
In fact, you'll be filled up with the knowledge of how much you mean to Daddy and you'll carry that love no matter where you go.

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl.
Daddy loves you.

SEVEN

When Kristen was pregnant with Jonah, I remember a mentor of mine pulling me aside and saying,
"Cherish every moment, Todd."

I took his words to heart. I've tried to cherish this little guy...even in those times when I haven't felt like it.
Jonah turns seven today. I know it probably sounds silly to lots of people, but I will say it nonetheless:
The time has flown by.

This little boy has changed my life in more ways that I ever imagined.

Every day, I am amazed at what God's built into his little mind and soul.
Every day, I am perplexed as to how to raise him in a way that pleases God.
Every day, I am heartbroken to know that, in addition to new opportunities and wonders, the new year also brings new challenges, new hurts and new tears.

I don't know what God has planned for Jonah, but I know He has a plan.
He sees and knows this little one, my firstborn.
He knows what awaits my Jonah.
And I pray that I'll be smart enough and quiet enough to let the Father speak into me the things I need to love and raise my son right.

Jonah, words aren't enough. But here are a few that come to my mind when I think about you, buddy.

You can make me laugh, when all others fail
My shadows no match for your smile
Your voice, the sweetest, purest thing
Better and stronger than mine

Your mind moves faster than I could guess
Your heart beats so fast and so loud
You laugh, you cry, it's all the same
Same within, without

I thought I would teach you, and maybe I have
But it's reversed more often I feel
To have you, to love you, to be loved by you
A gift heaven in the now and the here

One more testament to God's good hand
One more reason to sing
One more smile, one more day, one more year to watch you
become what God made you to be
---
I love you, Jonah.
Happy Birthday.

Birthday Recap!

Todd's Birthday Recap! from Todd Wright on Vimeo.

Help Me, Blogfreaks...You're My Only Hope

Dear ToddBloggers,

I am in desperate need.

You see, I would like for my wife to buy me a black Flip Video. Preferably in October as it is the month of my birthday and therefore I deserve muchos presentos, no?

If you would do me the honor of "encouraging" my wife with a nice, polite, pleasant email, it would mean all the world to me. Now, emailing my wife is a tricky thing, so I'd like to offer a few suggestions that will make your message catch her eye.

#1. Use one (or all) of these words in the subject line of your email message: "Bono," "Hugh Jackman," or "Clive Owen." Trust me. She will open that email.

#2. Extol her a bit, but don't over-flatter. She's a no-nonsense kinda' girl. Something like "Your hair looked terrific yesterday" or "I wish we hung out more because you so funny and me and my friends can't stop talking about you" would probably be just the right amount of praise.

#3. Work the family angle. DO NOT mention vlogging, blogging, confessionals, or church videos as reasons for purchasingthe Flip Video. Stick to "capturing wonderful family memories" or "he'll be sure and use this to video you opening that huge, yet-to-be purchased jewelry for Christmas." It's all marketing, gang.

Thank you for your help. I know the influx of emails will move her to action. Her email address is dorothy_girl74@yahoo.com. If you're so inclined, you might also ask her to start blogging again.

And for those of you who are my REAL friends and who care about me more than life itself, you can just go here and buy it for me yourself.

Grace, Peace, Justice, Love, Faith and Power,
Todd Wright

JONAH'S BIRTHDAY!

Jonah started off the day going to get donuts with Nonna. While he was gone, me, Krist and my Dad worked on setting up his gift - a trampoline!

Here are some pictures:

Then we went to UFO Pizza Company for pizza and presents.

For more pictures, check out our Flickr.

Jonah's Birthday Party...

When all the kdis got to Jonah's party, we had "hero music" playing a video of Jonah in his hero getup running around the yard punching and kicking. The kids got to pick a cape and head over to the "mask table" where they picked a mask and decorated it.

Jonah already had a mask but decided to do some add-ons. Note the pink flower. Apparently, he wanted to be a kinder, gentler hero.

When it was time for cake, all the kids headed over to the cake table to find that the cake was missing. It had been replaced with a ransom note from the Evil Lord Brandoni.

The heroes then went on a scavenger hunt finding clues that eventually led them to Brandoni, fast asleep on a couch. Using their "brandonium," (which were glow sticks, they attacked Brandoni and he gave back the cake.) We ate cake and opened presents.

Tomorrow is Jonah's Birthday Party. It's a Super Hero Theme. (The picture to left went out as our invitation.) It's rumored that Evil Lord Brandoni will show up at the party and steal the cake before the members of the Super Jonah Justice League can eat it...that's the current status of our recon at this time.

Gee, I wonder who's gonna' play Brandoni...

Tried to add a link to my new flickr account...go check it out and see if its working.

Later...will post pics of party as soon as possible!