Sam is Seven!

My seventh birthday is one of the first that I have where my memories, both of that day and throughout the year, really become numerous and vivid in my mind. I specifically remembering feeling so old on the day that I turned seven (probably because I got to get my ears pierced!). Thinking of our sweet Sam turning seven caught me a bit off guard on January 11 this year. Seven! I can already see that it's going to be a big one for you!

We watched Travis go through a time of definite growth and change during his seventh and eighth years, and we've begun to see that pattern of change in you in this past year as well. The desire to be big is there in full force, though the need for the security that is afforded to the "babies" who aren't yet spreading their wings quite so broadly often makes life difficult for our sweet boy. You've always been our boy that needs to stand back and observe before being convinced that something is worth trying, but once you decide that you're ready you charge in full steam ahead. Trying to push you into something before you have had time to fully assess the situation will not go well! While that translates into stubbornness in some situations, it also shows itself as courage in others. You are not a crowd follower and will not be pressured into doing things that you don't want to do. This is an excellent quality, Sam, and one that Daddy and I pray will mature in you as you grow into a man.

This past year you decided to get rid of the training wheels on your bike. You are completely able to ride it now, but you still haven't convinced yourself that it's safe for you to do so, so you choose not to ride a lot of the time. You also decided to give up your thumb sucking and that was that! We created a 30 day chart, complete with daily stickers and a prize at the end (a watch!), but it ended up being a formality because you never needed to be reminded, not even once. You amaze me with how quickly you are able to learn new concepts in math and you really enjoy it. You also pick up a lot of things by listening to Travis' lessons. I'm really hoping that continues once he's doing things like fractions and algebra! Your reading has really taken off this year and I'll often find you all cozy with one of the many books you've started (but haven't finished... I think we need to work on that!). You were really excited to realize that you were able to read the Bible by yourself and you have your own quiet reading time every morning (though you insist on doing it right next to Travis so he can help you with some harder words). You've become a much more willing worker, though you still tend to get sidetracked pretty easily (just like your daddy). You're becoming a bit less moody every day, though it is not uncommon for you to go from wildly happy to grumpy and pouty in a flash (just like your mommy?). You have a very tender heart and hate to ever hear of any suffering. You love to do anything that Daddy is doing, whether it be out working on our land, cleaning out the garage or watching a basketball game. It is not hard to tear you away from playing if there is the promise of one-on-one time! And if there is a job involving organizing to be done I know just who to call. You love to set things up and get them just right and you're good at it, too! You admire Travis and look for ways to follow him. You love to pretend and imagine with Caroline. You let Ben snuggle in bed with you at night and tell him stories and, from day one, you can't ever get enough of Jack. You still love to snuggle and always wedge yourself in between daddy and me when we hug, giving us what we call our Sam Samwich. They're the very best kind.

But the most precious thing we've begun to see in you this year is a sincere and earnest desire for your heart to be changed by God. When you've sinned you are so quick to know that you need to be alone for a little while, and every time I will find you praying (usually crying wailing) for God to change your heart. I'll admit, I'm tempted to laugh a little at such a young child begging for such a grown-up request, but really I am humbled by your understanding of where your strength comes from.

Sam, you have taught daddy and me so many things in these seven short years. Just when we had begun to figure out what "parenting" looked like, our baby #2 arrived and began teaching us from the very first moment that each child is different in pretty much every way! The unique things that make you "Sam" have challenged us to  remember that our parenting isn't about a system or a method or a formula, but about knowing who you are as the individual that God made you and learning how to guide you as you grow into the man He has planned for you to be.

We couldn't love you any more than we do, Sam Buns. Our family wouldn't be the same without you in it and we will thank God for every day that He gives us with you. We feel so honored to be your parents and pray that the Lord would give us the grace to teach you, lead you and love you as He does. Happy seventh birthday, my boy!