I have a tradition with my children each birthday I tell them everything I remember from the day they were born.  I love watching their eager faces as I tell them their story.  It is funny each year it is like the first time that they have heard the story, because they await each detail like it is new information.  Today my sweet Joshua turned 9 years old.  When I finished his story of the day he was born, he looked at me and very seriously said, “I am so glad you told me this today.”

Joshua is turning into a young man, I know at 9 he has a long way to go but I am starting to see a few seeds of maturity starting to grow. He is a helper, I call him my runner, he has so much energy that often if we are doing some tidying I will keep him with me and as I am cleaning I’ll hand him things that are out-of-place and he’ll run them up or downstairs so fast.  He also loves to do outdoor work, he likes to help David in the garden.  He is also taking on some responsibility with the animals, and helps Elijah with their feeding.

We have also been blessed to see his faith grow and begin to really become his own this year.  I know he has far to go in many ways, but when you hold them in your arms for the first time and imagine the journey they will take, it is nice to see them beginning to soar.

We celebrated Joshua’s birthday early because my parents were going to be gone on his birthday.  We had a great time together and enjoyed my Mom’s homemade lasagna, there is nothing like fresh homemade pasta.   Joshua asked for chocolate cake with chocolate icing and strawberries.

We came home after a fun-filled night, Joshua the new owner of some new clothes and a lot of Lego.

Joshua I am so proud of the young man you are becoming.  May you always press into God and stay in His steps.