Seven!

I can't believe my first born child has been on the earth for seven years! Actually, sometimes it seems like a lot longer(the boy is a little wise man in so many ways.) Because it was an off-year for a friends party, we had a simple, but still memorable, family affair. He had a sleepover at Grandma's (beats a friends' party any day!), and requested Olive Garden for his pre-birthday sup, where he stuffed himself silly. The birthday itself was on Sunday, and he proudly wore his "IT'S MY BIRTHDAY" badge to church, where he was heralded appropriately. He opened presents throughout the day: one here, one there... (thanks, all you aunts, uncles, and grandparents for the multitude of gifts and calls!). His birthday "cake" was his favorite cherry cobbler, and, as evidenced by the photos, he was determined to get every candle out on the first blow!

Seven things I love about GRANT:

1. He is compassionate. He cares very deeply about others. I've watched him put himself out to make others feel comfortable and welcome, and he is genuinely concerned for others' well-being, be it close friends or utter strangers.

2. He is sensitive. We watched the Water Horse the other night, and I looked over and saw tears running down his cheeks. He was embarrassed a little, but cried quietly for several minutes over the situation being presented in the movie.

3. He is honest. Grant is always wanting to follow directions and rules with exactness. When he knows he's not supposed to do something, he absolutely does not do it. I have never heard anything but the truth come out of those little lips (sometimes to a fault!)

4. He is intelligent. The boy has been blessed with keen mind. Sometimes the things he comes up with absolutely floor me! Give him a random number between 1- 26, and he'll tell you which letter of the alphabet it is without batting an eye. I have a feeling he's going to be a whiz at Trivial Pursuit someday. Along with being smart, I love that he has a hunger to always be studying something. I hope this sticks with him throughout his life.

5. He is funny. I love this dude's sense of humor. He appreciates very subtle comical references, remembers and repeats every joke he hears (so don't tell him any gross ones!), and is, like his father, already becoming a master of well-placed sarcastic comments!

6. He is helpful. Especially with Caroline. He rushes to her side at her every whim. And believe me, it's worth it. The Queen prefers him often to anyone else!

7. He is creative. Says he's going to be a screenwriter, and already has about four scripts in the works! I love his poems, his stories, and his answers and suggestions for problems.

I love you, bud.