Happy Belated Birthday Will!

Last week, your dad and I gave you $10 to take on your class field trip to War Eagle Cavern and spend in the gift shop. We told you to get what you wanted but to not feel obligated to spend it all just because you had it. As an incentive to be responsible with your $10, we told you that whatever leftover money you brought home, we would split with you. That afternoon, you came bounding in the door excited to show us the treasures you had purchased. You bought a stuffed bat ($7) for Mac, 2 small velvet bags ($1 each) for Sam and Ike, and 2 bags of precious stones ($1 each) to fill the bags. (I guess the cashier found you sweet because she gave you a $1 discount so that you could purchase all these items.) So, with the $10 we sent with you to buy something for yourself, you came home with nothing but gifts for each of your brothers.:) I guess I wasn't surprised because this is the perfect illustration of who you are.
Your classroom at school has partnered up with Sam's class this year. Every other week, your class goes and does activities and reads with their book buddy from Sam's kindergarten class. Given that scenario, most kiddos would choose someone other than their little brother to partner up with but you chose Sam. I am not sure if you picked him for yourself or if you did it because you knew that he would be disappointed had you chosen someone else. Either way, you make me proud.
Will, Dad has been traveling for work quite a bit lately. Out of your own desire and out of a bit of necessity, you have stepped up and really helped out. Unfortunately, quite a few times lately, your being the "man of the house" has caused a bit of frustration with your "mom of the house". You might be 9 years-old but your heart and your head are far ahead of that. This is part of what makes you spectacular but also part of what makes you so very challenging, not bad challenging, just "I gotta be on my game as your momma" challenging.
You have a wonderful 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Powell. She gets you and because of that your writing and penmanship have improved tremendously from last year. You are still in a bit of a rush with your work so you make silly mistakes. And you are always making plans in your head so you miss a few instructions here and there but again, Mrs. Powell gets you, so she is working hard to keep gently polishing you, helping to make you shine:)
You have played soccer and basketball this past year pretty much against your wishes. You aren't yet nearly as competitive with others as you are with yourself and you aren't currently in love with sports. But, that is okay. It is okay if you never love sports or get an athletic scholarship to college. However, we do want you to know how to be a team player, how to be a humble winner, and how to be a gracious loser. We want you to learn to honor your commitments even when you don't feel like it.
Will, although you have been in my heart ever since we first found out that I was pregnant 10 years ago, you have only been in my house for 9 years. I wouldn't say that the time flew by, but looking back, I don't know how we got here so quickly. You are a precious gift with a very true heart for others. I really think God took the goodness from Dad and the goodness from me, added them together and made one great creation.
I love your sweet spirit and your soft heart. I love your laugh, and that when you giggle too much, you almost always get the hiccups. I love that you enjoy sharing a room and a bath with your brothers, at least for now.;) I love that when you can't sleep, you come to my bed. Although you won't snuggle with me, you will share what is on your heart. I love your complexity, and I love the simple way you live by your heart. I love you bud, and I know that right now you may not be able to see all of the gifts God has blessed you with. One day you will, and God is going to do great things through you:)
Happy 9th Birthday Will.
PS - You got braces this year, and although you are kind of annoyed by them, you have been a trooper and wow, are you ever handsome:)!