9.

dear jonathan

what a joy you are in my life

i can't believe you are 9 today

but i also can't believe how blessed i am by you

you are my oldest, the one who constantly teaches me and 'grows me up' in a way

i can look back on these 9 years together with you

and i am overwhelmed with memories of wonderfulness

you have such a heart that explodes with compassion for others

and that shows in the simple ways

you treat your little brothers and sister with kindness

(even as i write this you are making up a game for caleb and matt

and cheering them on)

and it shows in the way you give of your money

for missions and compassion international

and any need that you become aware of

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i love how easy it is to make you laugh

and when you laugh

you light up a room.

you're so much like your dad

and that's pretty much the best compliment ever.

you two laugh at 'americas funniest home videos'

and even though i firmly believe that stupid show is staged

i end up laughing because you are laughing and it's so contagious.

you laugh when your new helicopter charges into the wall

because you're still learning to fly it...

and you laugh when charity does the arm pump of excitement because of chocolate

and you laugh when dad makes a joke

and when i'm trying to be funny after a long day.

you laugh all the time.  never stop. it's a gift.

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as your mom, i think of your future

and nothing excites me more than to know your desire is to serve Jesus

and right now you are drawn to China.

you've always loved missions and learning about different cultures

and you were the only one at our table last tuesday night

who ate the whole bowl of food from mugina

when we learning about our church's work over there.

whatever you do someday

in whatever country you do it in

i will pray for you

as i do now

that you will know

deep within your soul

that it's not really about what you're doing for Jesus

or where you are doing it

but that you are drawing near to Him while you are doing it

that it's not about being 'perfect'

(as if any of us could live up to that)

but shining in His perfect love.

never lose your sensitivity to sin, son of mine,

but also never lose sight of grace.

i know God's got something great in store for you.

so keep shining for Him on the playground and at the lunch table

and in church and on the basketball court and in our home.

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who you are

is exactly what your dad and i want

we love you just for being you

i'm looking forward to the next 9 years of watching you grow

(and of course 9 after that....and more)

now,

let's go to wal-mart together

and pick out some cupcakes for school tomorow

and you know you'll talk me into playing one of those arcade games in the entryway

 i love you so incredibly much

love, mom

***happy feburary 12, everyone***

it's a great day to celebrate

{we're going to buffalo wild wings, the birthday boy's choice!}