8 isn't great, it's awesome!

just after you were born, i went out shopping for baby sleepers for the upcoming winter. you must've been only a couple months old. unsurprisingly, i grabbed the wrong size and didn't realize it until i came home. size 4?! that seemed lifetimes away from here and now, and your tiny newborn self. i planned on taking it back, because it would be forever until you'd be able to fit in a size four. days went by, and i forgot to take the package back. before i knew it, you were blowing out four candles on your birthday cake and those humongous sleepers were actually just the right fit.

i know i say this all the time, and you are probably tired of hearing it, but how in the world did you grow so fast?!

today you are 8. last night as i was cataloguing movie clips for your birthday video, my throat tightened, my eyes stung and all i could think of was how grateful i was for each and every day of each and every year that dad and i have had the pleasure of watching you grow.

we've witnessed your first

cry,

tears,

giggle,

crawl,

your first spoonful of butternut squash  (which was your absolute favorite, by the way),

your first day of school.

we've held your soft skin against ours,

we gave you your first bath,

pulled your first tooth,

kissed you your first kiss.

we've watched you grow into an incredibly honorable young man.

you protect your little sisters and brother, just as you should.

you stand up for your friends.

you are respectful.

you are honest.

you are virtuous.

you are helpful.

you are so very fun.

you are kind.

you are loving.

 i am utterly amazed at what a righteous young man you are. despite my failings and shortcomings as your mother - although, i've done my very best - you have taken the very best pieces of life and it's teachings and exemplified these qualities. 

i am so proud of you, especially at this very special time of your life. you are eight years old. you have been preparing to be baptized. you are now responsible for your actions, good and bad. and deep inside my heart, i know you will be making the right decisions that will make you happy in life. i know you will continue in helping and serving those around you. i know you will continue to stand up for what is right, honest, true, and good. yes, you will make mistakes. dad and i will always love you in spite of them. use these mistakes to learn and grow from. pray, repent, and always remember you are a child of God, and He loves you.

you are so much more than i ever was. i know i'm your mom, and it may be a little backwards, but you are an extraordinary example to me. you motivate me to be a better person everyday. you inspire me to dream and accomplish my goals. you fill my days with joy, laughter, and love. your sweet face brings back special memories and comforts my aching heart. and i can't help but feel something heavenly and unearthly about you. 

you are my hero.

happy birthday, my handsome boy.

we love you forever.