Happy 9th Birthday Jack!

The day you were born.  I was, quite literally, in awe.  Of you, of your birth, of our new family, of the amazing blessing of your life.

Proud daddy!  Oh, how young Jeff looks:)

Your first birthday - in our first home on Brompton Ln. 

Your 3rd birthday.

4th - from left, Zachary, Madeline, Ella-Kathryn, you, and Noah.

7th

8th

Sadly, I couldn't find the 2nd, 5th, or 6th - there around here somewhere!  Today has been quite a day too - I forgot to use the bigger cake pans while baking your cake - cake burnt on the bottom of the oven making the house smoky for about 6 hours!   Ryan decided 30 minutes was long enough for a nap, when 2 hours is the norm, and then you fell and busted open your knee while riding you bike!  Oh my - the goodness is that you got to go hunt with your dad this morning and we're having your favorite chicken pot pie for dinner, followed by that chocolate cake that I managed to piece back together with an ungodly amount of vanilla buttercream frosting:) 
Jack, you are 9 today!  Amazing! 

• You love the Lord and are seeking Him daily.
• You love everything about God's creation - the animals, the woods, the ocean, all of it. 
• You are a great big brother. 
• You love your friends too.
• You love your family - such a sweet, tender way that you want to be with your family most of all! 
• You're a deep thinker, especially when it comes to theology.  Sometimes too deep for mommy - I need to go to seminary just to help you wade through your walk:)
• You love candy and sweets (come by it honestly too.)
• You are a great help around the house and are becoming an asset to daddy as you learn more about cars, yardwork, woodchopping and more!
• While reading still isn't your "thing" you do love a good story and enjoy our read-alouds.
• Your doing great in math!
• You have quite a knife collection going and while it makes mommy nervous sometimes, you've been  very responsible with them.
• You have an awesome artistic streak - can't wait to see how it develops as you continue drawing and painting.
• You're a dreamer:) 

There's so much more to you sweet Jack!  Daddy and I love you so much and are in awe of who you are becoming as a young boy.   It's been fun watching you grow these past 9 years and we can't wait to see what's in store for you this one!   Happy birthday Jack!