Dear Jacob,

It has happened again. You have gotten a year older. The double digit saga continues. You have broken us in well. I am sure you will agree that this past year wasn’t so bad.

Being 10 didn’t slow you down one bit. As a matter of fact, you will be taller than your mama very soon. And, your last tennis shoe purchase was a good day for both of us. I can finally borrow your shoes! Thanks for letting me wear them to the park on Easter when I forgot mine. That was very sweet of you. But you letting me ride your brand new mountain bike the very same day showed your character.

Your generosity didn’t come as a surprise though. You demonstrate your selflessness each day as you share your candy with your younger siblings, as you ask if I want seconds before you refill your plate, as you beg to buy a good friend a gift because he is moving, or when you surprise me by making me lunch. Yes, all of those acts of kindness are great. But, when we were on vacation recently, I breathed a sigh of relief the moment you stretched out your arm and gave your siblings a hand. Things like that mean a lot to me. I am sure that I don’t say thank you nearly enough, but the small ways that you show love make me a proud Mama.

I am proud of who you have become. You bring joy to my life each and every day. I know we have had a few squabbles over silly things like math or how you should style your hair. And sometimes I have said things that have been unnecessary, but you have proven you understand Christ’s love by always being so forgiving.

Today I want to take the time to say thank you for all the things you do to keep things running smoothly. Even the simplest things like taking out the trash, doing the dishes, or holding Jayce help me more than you will ever know. I am sure you get so tired of hearing me say your name over and over again. But, I am truly grateful for all you do.

I love you more than you will ever know. I can’t explain how special you are to me. Just a few days ago, I was thinking about how excited I was when I first found out that I was going to be a Mommy for the first time. You were an only child for 2 years. I know that is hard to believe! But it’s true. I enjoyed taking care of you those first two years. You were such a happy little guy. You hardly ever cried. And, you loved to snuggle. You didn’t make your way to your own bed until you were at least 6 or maybe even 7.  God knew I needed you to be our oldest.

When your first two siblings came along, you graciously shared my bed with them. But by the time the last two came along, you decided your own bed was your best bet. Although, you still ask to sleep at the bottom of our bed at times, you have made room in your heart for all your brothers and sisters. You have cared for them and loved them. You have taught them more about our Savior. You have played your guitar so they can sing about Jesus’s love. You downloaded the Kid’s Bible app so they can hide God’s word in their hearts. You teach them about the book of Revelation (your favorite). You even take time to help James with his Wednesday night church paper.

You have a boldness for Christ that I don’t want to ever fade. God has given you a desire to help those that don’t trust in Him. That’s why you go places that help you learn more about the Lord like Crown College and Illinois. That’s why you helped make breakfast for the adult RU Sunday School Class. That’s why you are taking the soul winning class at church. That’s why you knock on doors. That’s why you write letters to those who have lost their way. That’s why you ask to go to Seedline Ministry and you hold up signs at the RU car wash. That’s why I see the same names written in your prayer journal time and time again. You have a burden for them to be saved or to be healed. All of those things show that you care. All of those things show that you serve a risen Savior.

Don’t ever change, buddy. We all love you very much. Thank you for caring. Thank you for all your help. Thank you for being there for me after Jayce’s birth.

Happy 11th birthday sweet boy. Hopefully everyone will be well very soon, so we can throw that birthday party you planned!

Love you,

Mommy

Your Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 11

What is your favorite food? chicken noodle soup

What do you hope you never have to eat again? guacamole

What is your favorite thing to do? playing sports

What is your favorite animal? rabbit

What makes you happy? Jayce smiling

What is the best memory from when you were 10? going to the park

What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 11? go to Carowinds

What would you like to be when you grow up? I want to work at the Credit Union.

What is your favorite song? God’s Not Dead

Where is your favorite place to eat? Japanese Steak House

What is your favorite book? The Adventures of Arty Anderson

Where would you like to go on vacation? Gatlinburg

What would you like the world to know? about Jesus

Jeremiah 8:20The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.

(This is a verse Jacob learned this year. It displays an important message.)

Want to see how much Jacob has changed?

https://learninggodsway.wordpress.com/2014/04/14/double-digits-oh-my/

https://learninggodsway.wordpress.com/2013/04/02/happy-9th-birthday-to-our-first-born/