Jacob’s 11th Birthday

This year has gone by in a blink! I am so excited as we are entering this new stage in parenting. Jacob is growing and maturing into such an incredible young man. My heart is filled with so much admiration for Jacob and how much he has stretched himself this year.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Party

11th Birthday is a BIG deal because then you get to follow in the footsteps of Mr. Harry Potter and get sorted into your “house” at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Jacob and I have read the first three Harry Potter books (we are currently reading #4) and it has been such a fun thing for us.

So about a month ago, we had Jacob take three of the “official” tests: to get sorted into his “House”, to receive his Patronus, and get his wand from Mr. Ollivander. It was SO HARD not to tell him but also so much fun!

We made sure Jacob stayed in his room and decorated the night before in his “house” colors. I loved watching Jacob’s face as he came out and realized what house he was in – GRYFFINDOR! He was so excited and surprised! He felt very confident he was going to be in Ravenclaw so it was definitely unexpected!

I found all sorts of fun information about all the things and we had way too much fun sharing with Jacob his things. Jacob wanted “Costco Muffins” for breakfast with chocolate milk. Loved it! We went to church and then came home, opened cards and presents, and Facetimed with family.

Jacob wanted apricot chicken and rice for dinner and then we ended with a Peanut Butter Oreo Cake!

For his activity, Jacob wanted to go bowling! We went to the bowling alley which also happened to include an arcade. We’ve never taken the kids to an arcade and they were immediately enchanted. Jacob switched and said he wanted to do the arcade! Jacob loved doing the intense video game type games (we definitely don’t have anything like that at home). We had a great time and ended up making a whole day of things. We went and ate at Cafe Rio, browsed for books at Barnes and Noble, and topped things off with ice cream cones from Chick Fil A. Pretty perfect.

I am going to add all of the information we shared with Jacob (and Mark and I – we did ours several years ago) and that way I have it all in one place for the future!

Gryffindor

“You might belong in Gryffindor, Where dwell the brave at heart, Their daring, nerve and chivalry Set Gryffindors apart.”

“One of the four Hogwarts houses, Gryffindor was founded by Godric Gryffindor and favored students who possessed characteristics such as courage, bravery and determination. The house colors were scarlet and gold, and the emblematic animal was a lion, which decorated the walls of the Gryffindor common room. Gryffindor alumni included all seven Weasley children, Harry Potter, Hermione Grander, all four Marauders and Albus Dumbledore. Gryffindor students embraced a long held rivalry with Slytherin house although they were largely friendly with Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students.”

Hufflepuff

Mark is a proud Hufflepuff!

“One of the four Hogwarts houses, Hufflepuff was founded by Helga Hufflepuff who valued hard work, patience, loyalty and fairness over any particular aptitude in any of her students. Although Hagrid may have once said, ‘everyone says Hufflepuff are a lot o’ duffers’ they were actually well known to be kind, reliable and honest. The house’s colors were black and yellow and its emblem a badger. These colors decorated the walls of Hufflepuff’s underground common room, which featured cozy burrow-like rooms, resembling a badger’s sett.”

Doesn’t this totally describe Mark?!

Ravenclaw

We are an eclectic group – and I am in Ravenclaw!

“Ravenclaw was one of four Hogwarts houses and prized students whose focus was on learning, wit and wisdom. This reflected the nature of their founder, Rowena Ravenclaw who was known to be a woman of remarkable diligence and intelligence. The Ravenclaw common room was decorated with the house colors of blue and bronze along with their eagle emblem. The students were able to study hard in the rooms that were full of tables and bookcases, although if they were unable to solve the bronze knocker’s riddle they couldn’t get in until someone arrived who could!”

Redwood Wand

“The wand chooses the wizard, remember”

Jacob’s wand is made out of Redwood:

“Wand-quality redwood is in short supply, yet constant demand, due to its reputation for bringing good fortune to its owner. As is usually the case with wandlore, the general populace have the truth back to front: redwood wands are not themselves lucky, but are strongly attracted to witches and wizards who already possess the admirable ability to fall on their feet, to make the right choice, to snatch advantage from catastrophe. The combination of such a witch or wizard with a redwood wand is always intriguing, and I generally expect to hear of exciting exploits when I send this special pairing out from my workshop.”

Field Mouse

“The Patronus is the most famous (and famously difficult) defensive charm. The aim is to produce a silvery-white guardian or protector, which takes the form of an animal. The exact form of the Patronus will not be apparent until the spell has been successfully cast. One of the most powerful defensive charms known to wizardkind, the Patronus can also be used as a messenger between wizards. As a pure, protective magical concentration of happiness and hope (the recollection of a single talisman memory is essential in its creation) it is the only spell effective against Dementors. The majority of witches and wizards are unable to produce Patronuses and to do so is generally considered a mark of superior magical ability.”

Jacob’s Patronus is a field mouse and I laughed out loud when we discovered that! It fits him so well – especially when you read the description.

“If you have a field mouse Patronus, you are probably a great listener, very kind and caring, and more than likely a member of Hufflepuff House. What field mice lack in stature, they make up for in speed, perception, and skill.

Dementors should never underestimate the resilience of a field mouse Patronus simply because of its small size.

Field mice can detect predators with their extremely sharp senses. Because they are always aware of their surroundings, this makes them adaptable to any environment and situation. They are more active at night to avoid their innumerable predators, so they are no stranger to the darkness of a Dementor.”

Deerhound

Mark’s Patronus is a deerhound:

“Having a deerhound Patronus means you are unbelievably determined and work hard to achieve your ambitions. Deerhounds are loyal and want to help those they love. If you have this Patronus, those who are closest to you are lucky to have you in their corner.

Deerhounds are trained to hunt, so a deerhound Patronus will do a great job of tracking and taking down Dementors. They can run fast and far, with exceptional endurance. Rest assured, this Patronus will fight hard for you.”

Occamy

I am totally jazzed about my Patronus. It is “very rare” and mythical – so fun!

“An occamy Patronus is said to only be conjured by a “pure soul.” Those with this Patronus will do anything for the people they love, including making significant sacrifices. In general, they crave the attention of others and thrive off it.

This creature is a cross between a bird and a serpent, and usually, Ravenclaw or Gryffindor House members summon them. As depicted by both Ravenclaws and Gryffindors, occamys are thoughtful and creative.

They use their logic to think through all situations and their possible outcomes. Lucky for you, this wise Patronus is a fierce defender.”

Our Eleven Year Old Boy

Questionnaire

What is your favorite thing to do? Read
Do you have any nicknames? Jacobi
What do you want to be when you grow up? A veterinarian
What is your favorite thing to do with family? Playing games
What makes you happy? Snow
What do you like to learn about? Math
What do you do really well? Paint
If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it? Travel the world
What is your favorite thing to do outside? Playing at the park
If you could go anywhere, where would you go? South Africa
If you could have one wish, what would it be? That I could have a polar bear as a pet
What was your favorite birthday present? Going to the Wild Animal Sanctuary with Dad

Jacob’s Favorites

Food: Chili
Holiday: Christmas
Book: Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne
Toy: LEGOS
Treat: Ice Cream
Song: I Am a Child of God
Animal: Polar Bear
Subject in School: Math
Movie: The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Color: Red

Jacob has experienced so much growth this year. I feel like he has changed so much in many positive ways. Last fall, Jacob started both OT and counseling and we have seen abundant growth. They have helped give him so many tools to be more successful and I am very grateful.

One of my very favorite moments happened just the day before his birthday. We were at a ward party at a park and after dinner the youth and children set up a volleyball four square net – and Jacob JOINED! This might not seem like much, but this meant the world to me to see. He was happy and engaged in what was happening. This was a huge thing for him and something I have hoped and prayed would happen for him.

We have been open that the main reason we moved here was because of Lydia – but Jacob has flourished here in Colorado. We have a ward and a homeschool group that is so accepting and loving and my heart just bursts with gratitude. The Lord led us here and I think it was for each of our children in different ways. Jacob has found a confidence outside of our home – that I have never seen him have. It is thrilling to watch.

Jacob has also grown a lot closer with Benjamin. This has been such a happy thing to see as a parent. They enjoy playing together – especially doing LEGOS .

Speaking of LEGOS, Jacob’s love of them continues! He loves the Harry Potter LEGOS and the “Creator” LEGOS that can be made into different things. Jacob has also developed a love for the piano. I love this so much and he plays throughout the day, every day now. He also continues to love watercoloring and other crafts. Jacob is a CREATOR!

Jacob loves learning. He reads so much and reads a variety of types of books. But I think his favorite has to be nonfiction encyclopedia type books. He is always teaching us and telling us what he has learned.

I love that Jacob pushes himself in a really healthy way. He sets goals for himself and tries to improve. He is such an amazing kid and I love supporting him in his ambitions.

Jacob is incredible.

We love you so much, bud. Thank you for being ours.