Happy Birthday, Sam!!!!!

Sam turned 7 today!!! I can't believe how fast my little (big) boy is growing up. For the first time ever, he helped to decorate his cake (which was a Hummer). Somehow we have graduated from Thomas cakes to the world of 4-wheel-drive vehicle cakes. :)

I thought it would be fun to list seven things I love about Sam, in honor of his 7th birthday.

1. He has such a loving heart. He doesn't think himself too old to give me hugs and kisses (thankfully!) and he is very affectionate with those he loves.
2. His big, beautiful gray-green eyes totally melt my heart.
3. He is learning to be more responsible. He does a great job letting the chickens and ducks out every day and shutting them up at night, and collecting the eggs.
4. He is a good eater and is becoming much more willing to try new and different things. He compliments my cooking, which is also really nice! :)
5. He is very creative. He especially loves to draw and comes up with some very fun and interesting pictures!
6. He is brave (at least a lot more than he used to be ;)). He'll go flying down our hill on his sled without fear, and does the same on his bike in the summer (trust me, it took quite a while for him to get to that point, which is one reason I'm so proud of his bravery now!).
7. He is a good encourager. I've seen him take time to encourage others (including me!) when they're feeling down or struggling with something, and I appreciate that.

This boy is a lot of fun, and I am so glad God put him into our family. It is a blessing to watch him grow and learn, and we pray that he will one day be a man who loves and honors God above all else. Happy Birthday, Sam! We love you so much.