Happy 12th Birthday Will!

Happy Birthday big guy! I cannot believe that you are already 12! Throw a few more boys in the mix and the times just flies by.:) This year is a big year for you. You started 6th grade and moved onto middle school. You have a locker and change classes. That took a few days and a few hiccups to get perfected but you are cruising along now. You really like middle school and your friendships that you are continuing to develop that you began in elementary school. Your best buds are Caleb and Braden. Unfortunately, Braden is moving this Spring, and you are dreading it. He is a very good friend and I am sad to see him go too. You got a cell phone this year just before the start of the new year. It isn't anything fancy but you are super excited regardless. And I didn't realize how much I would enjoy you having a phone but there have been times that it has come in super handy. So, I am praying you stay out of trouble so it doesn't get taken away. We might both be in trouble then:) You and Sam elected not to play soccer this Fall but instead are doing a running club. Sports aren't really what interests you right now so this running club has been a nice compromise for all of us to keep you active. You do love art. You got to choose that as an elective this year. Of course, you are rockin' that class on your grade card! Will, you are an awesome kid. You have a really kind and thoughtful heart. You are sweet and patient with your brothers, and I could not do this mom thing without you! You love Jesus and are learning to really look to him during your times of doubt and worry. You are becoming a wonderful young man right before my eyes. I love you Willboy and am very proud to be your mama!

Happy 9th Birthday Sam!

Well Happy Birthday Sam. Of course, this post is late for your big day but that should be of no surprise. We run late alot these days:) And although this is late, were were on time celebrating you and all your 9 years. We celebrated with a gaming truck party for you and several of your friends. You had a blast with all your buddies! Sam, you are awesome. You are in 3rd grade now, and Ms. Brunner is your teacher. We had a parent-teacher conference this week and she said that she would like to have 22 Sams. She said that you are so sweet and a very hard-worker. She also said that you have a whole lot of friends in class. Really, neither your dad or I were surprised by all the kind things she had to say about you. We could say the exact same things and more. This year instead of playing a sport, you and Will are participating in a running club. You really want to play basketball, even talk of going pro;), but until basketball season starts, you are running. You are also very much into Minecraft. You play it on the x-box, wii, computer, my phone, really any electronic device. That is also what you and Isaac and Mac are dressing up for Halloween. Your bestest friend outside of your brothers is Karl from school. You two have great fun together. You are a fun and likeable kid, and I am sure many people think they are Sam's bestest friend. You are very inclusive and always open to new adventures. You work hard and love even harder. You take guilt very easily. I know that you got that from me. I do always want you to be thoughtful and considerate of others but guilt can be such a drag. I pray you become less inclined to feel guilty and instead just love others and let the rest go. I love you very much and am so proud of the young man you are becoming. You have a contagious laugh and are a great snuggle bug. You freely hug and that is awesome. You are obsessed with our dogs, Pepper and Stitches. You just can't believe how cute they are:) Sam, you are a sweet spirit, you love Jesus, and I am so proud to be your mama! Happy Birthday Sam!