My littlest has turned 4 (more about that later). In the past couple of weeks it feels like a switch has gone off in his head, and he has become a "wild child." Not malicious. Not unkind. Not a sociopath. But wild none-the-less. There are moments when I feel like only his body lives on the planet earth with me. The rest of him is totally and completely engrossed in a world all his own. Granted, he has always been my creative, imaginative, pretending, fantasy loving child. I mean you tell the kid a story about a "boy named Jack" who saved the elephants at the circus, and in his mind, he truly is the hero and is very tired from his adventures saving the critters.
Lately, it seemed extreme, and as a mom, you get concerned. OK- maybe a bit over dramatic. In my defense, I didn't actually call the Dr. to order an MRI to see if he has a developing brain tumor in his frontal lobe (I kind of wanted to though). And I haven't rushed to the ER just to be sure he wasn't having seizure activity when he looks right through me and hasn't responded to his name 98 times (but the thought did cross my mind). Anyway, in spite of an increased level of activity and decrease in attention (I know I know he is 4) there have been moments of profound wisdom and reminders of things greater from him too.
"Mommy, God lives in Heaven with Jesus." Yes, Jack, you're right. "And he gives salvation for a free gift." Right again, Buddy. "If we take the free gift we can live in Heaven with Jesus and God too." Amen, Reverend!
We were listening to a CD of scripture songs, and the word baptize was sung. Jack asked what "baptize" means. I started to explain that when we believe in Christ as our Savior and repent of our sin and make Jesus the Lord of our life that we obey by being baptized, etc. He stopped me and kept saying, "like Jesus." I didn't get it until he said something about the bird from Heaven on Jesus in the water. He was talking about how Jesus was baptized, and God was pleased. At that point I think we are doing great as far as theology and the salvation message go. Then he blew me away. "Mommy, Jesus is 3 persons but just 1 God. He's a Father and and and he's a spirit (so we missed the Son). There's 3 persons but only 1 God. Really, Mommy, He is!"
So while I worry that he isn't washing his hands after using the rest room, and that he is marching to the beat of his own drummer, my child is developing a faith and understanding of the gospel itself and the trinity. His faith- truly that of a child- is precious to me. And it gives me glimpses of what (hopefully) his heart is leaning toward. This precocious little boy with his crooked smile, eager laugh, silly sense of humor, wild imagination, affectionate spirit, enthusiastic and endless energy is a gift entrusted to us. I pray we will be wise in how we teach, love, guide, mold, handle, and discipline him and respect the person God created him to be and to become.
In the beginning...... so tiny and new!
First birthday- still a baby
B-day #2- looking a little more like a big kid.
Age 3 years
Jack's 4th b-day party
Cupcakes with cowboy hats and cow sprinkles were the back-up plan just in case fondant and I couldn't be friends.
But.... thanks to the internet, a five pound tub of chocolate fondant, and a friend who knows a thing or two about cakes... I conquered my fear of fondant and made Jack a cowboy hat cake for his cowboy party. 
Add some bandannas, a few of Jack's buddies and his great-Grammie, and the party is on! 
Grammie fed Maddie beef brisket, veggies, and cake. Should we be surprised that she threw up the next morning? (the dog- not Grammie)
Even Maddie got a pink cowgirl bandanna!
Big Dad traveled from Texas and celebrated at the party too! Missed you Nana.
Playing cowboys with Sam. This face shows why Jack is the baddest gun-slinger this side of ....? Not sure what we are on the side of.
Happy 4th birthday, big boy! 
