Will turns 8

i have an 8 year old. how is that possible? there were moments, like when he would cry everyday from 5-7 pm as a 3 week old, when i thought time had stopped and would never start again. but now i look back and see the truth. the time has sped by, faster than i wished and i already feel many of the mundane memories of everyday life with my boys slipping away. my mental pictures are yellowing a little and that makes me feel a certain desperation to record all that i can. it is one of the reasons i blog you know. this is a place where i store up treasures for my entire family. one day we will all look back on these posts and be glad that some little narcissistic side of me compelled me to write this blog. plus i sucked at scrap booking, so there's that...

to Will on his 8th birthday....


you make me laugh more each day. i love your sense of humor, the way you get your brother to giggling, the way your eyes sparkle when you smile. and that dimple, i drown in it everyday. someday some blessed little girl will take a swim in that dimple and never come out. i tell you that all the time. you just look at me with that "what are you talking about mom" look. but i know. trust me, i know.

i'm thrilled at how much you love to read. you walk from room to room with a book in your hand. words are important and i'm glad that you seem to think so too.

you impress me with how patient you are with your brother. he can be a bit demanding but you respond, most of the time, with gentleness and love.

you are getting to be a bit more of a smart alec but you get that from your dad, so i will let it slide when i can.

you did get grounded for the first time in your life this year. it was one of those moments that made me cry because i knew it wouldn't be the last.

you are starting to notice how you look. it is cute to watch you get dressed up in your cowboy shirts and boots and then ask dad to put gel in your hair. at times like that i think you are already 16.

i love the questions you ask me about God. you don't settle for glib so i have to stay on my toes. though at times i'm at a loss for a way to explain things to you in a way you understand, know that i want more than anything for you to KNOW God and who he has made you to be.

i love you William Austin Campbell. i can't wait for another year with you.

oh and so you don't forget, here is what you did on your birthday this year....

Will picked a bounce house for his birthday. and yes, he asked dad for some hair gel.

well you can't take normal pics at a place called "Going Apes"

Will with his best friend Damien

let the sliding and jumping begin

Will and Joshua

the boys awaiting the cake, birthday (which was Stars Wars for a second year in a row)

legos...all the boy wants...ever...