The Krause Bears: Jack - The Little Quarterback

To get this blog up and running I am going to post an update on each child over a short period of time. So we start with Jack.....as many have heard me say he is the one that can inspire me and give me gray hair all at the same time. He is a daredevil at heart, constantly speaks with his "outside voice", is passionate about EVERYTHING, and can speak a thousand words with his facial expressions. Jack knows no stranger and ignores a "no" or "not now" or "later please".....so the world turns on his timeframe and if he has something to share he will at that time. His left eyebrow is sandwiched between two scars - testaments to "never-slow-down" attitude. But, just to watch Jack run is one of the most inspiring moments - I LOVE to watch him run. I want to live life the way he runs - he puts 100% of himself into it - the big smile, the sparkle in the eyes, enjoying the wind in his hair as his shoulders and hips push his body forward at quite a speed...Joy is written all over him! It is as if at that moment in time his whole body is rejoicing life!!

running in a obstacle course during his birthday part (Apr 2008)

Jack's goal in life is to play for the Denver Broncos. He can see a Broncos bumper sticker a mile away and get excited as if it were the first ever spotted. Those of us in the car know it is a about the 1'986,348th one spotted - but that is ok - it is fun to hear the excitement. To help his dreams come true, John signed Jack up for a "Little Quarterback" football camp. It is just four Saturdays for a couple of hours each but Jack's anticipation had been mounting for months. A count down going until the first Saturday arrived - of course that followed a Friday night with no sleep because he was so excited. It was bigger than Christmas!! With his little yellow jersey on, Jack is on the field with the big boys....but he had the biggest smile. He's fumbled and tripped, but smiling the whole time. With each water break we get those "did you see me?" questions and a blow by blow just in case we didn't see everything to be admired. Despite being one of the younger kids out there - Jack is one of the fastest....that whole "never-slow-down" mode. When camp is over we start the count down till next Saturday! Two down, two to go.....he's going to be devastated when it is over. We will need to find more camps for him to do.

I have to share a tender Jack moment. Those who have spent time with him know he is full of love and has a huge heart! Yesterday Michael got in trouble at home and was quite upset at the consequence. After apologizing to Alexandra and Jack for his actions - Jack ran after him to try hugging him. Michael was grumpy to say the least and was avoiding Jack. I asked Michael to stop - which he did (wow!). Jack put his little arms around Michael's hips and hugged as tight as he could.....you could almost see him shaking he was hugging so tight. Then he said "When I love somebody so much and they are sad, I just want to hug them really tight! And I love you so much Michael"......Alexandra and I were in tears by the short but amazing moment between the two boys. Of course tears, more hugs and kisses passed and Jack took that moment and turned it around by simply sharing his love so openly.

Promise to try and get some good photos of Mr. Little Quarterback soon! And he is off to Kindergarten this fall - so no doubt many more memories to share. Until then - we hope that you too will be inspired to live life to the fullest and run (even if for a few feet!) rejoicing in that moment.

We love you Jack!!

catherine