I can't believe how fast seven years has flown by. On a Thursday night during an exceptionally warm March, our fist child was born!! I remember that first second that he entered the world reaching for him and greeting him with a "hi baby"! A moment I will never forget.
I could imagine all I wanted about what kind of boy that baby (all 8lbs. & 4 oz. of him) would be. He is far more of a blessing than I could ever have imagined. On Monday Feb. 22 of this year he felt his need to ask Jesus to be Lord over his little life. Yet another moment I will never forget. That day became his "spiritual birthday". What a great leader and example he is to his two little brothers. He is such a sweet, smart boy and we are very thankful to call him son.
The morning of his birthday we did one of our usual birthday morning traditions, waking him up with a doughnut, candles and the birthday song. We had him open his gift from us, a scooter!
He had been wanting one for awhile, I had it hidden away for months and it was hard to save it.
Evan gave him a hot wheels car and got a hug in return!
Then for lunch we tried to eat at POP'S, but because of the time demands of daddy's school, we had to settle for Freddy's (not a bad compromise). We were also all sick so his party had to wait until the following weekend.
The day before his party he helped to make cookies. He chose to make mint chocolate chip!! YUMMY!!
He helped mix the ingredients and break up the Oreo cookies for his dirt cake.
The next day was his party day, finally! He chose to have a family party this year, with the neighbors
kids and our close friends the Kittredges. We had pizza, cookies, cake and presents!! Then the
kids retreated to the back yard to play, what a great day!!
Now I want to reflect on the past seven years with you.
Our first family photo
Clayton's first hour
Clayton's first birthday
Clayton's 2nd birthday
Clayton at 3
Clayton at 3 1/2 with new brother Evan
Clayton at 4
What sweet boys!
Clayton at 5, during our vacation to Durango
What a fun day!!
Clayton at 6
6 1/2 welcomeing another brother!!
"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be STRONG, be BRAVE.
Let all that you do be done in LOVE."
~1 Cor. 16:13-14
What a blessing these past seven years have been!!
Dearest Clayton,
What a joy it is to be your momma. I am so thankful that you have such a loving heart. You have an awesome example of what it is to be a man of God in your father. "Listen my son, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding." (Prov. 4:1)
You have a special calling on your life, God given. I pray that you will learn to discern God's voice and do His will in your life.
What a great age to hear your need for a Savior!! You, my son, are AMAZING!! Remember Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the Lord is the begining of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." You will grow and do great and mighty things!!
I love you!
