Happy Birthday Ryder Daniel!!!
What a joy it was to celebrate that God has given us 6 years with our oldest boy.
In some ways it feels like just yesterday we became a parents for the first time as we walked through the door of our house with our sweet boy in our arms.
In other moments it feels like he's been ours since the beginning of time...
It's hard to remember what life was life before knowing those blue eyes were mine. :)
Having just moved, a big backyard bash was out of the question for his party this year...also because we don't have a backyard...or a front yard, really :) Trying to think of the best possible way to celebrate with our boy this year, I did what any other mother of four would've done...asked two more friends to join us for a sleepover! Honestly...we don't sleep much anyway around here...adding two more boys to the mix sounded like a great way to celebrate! Thankfully, Ryder has a terrific memory and two very close friends that he still has a very close bond with even though when we left for IL, he was only 3!!! What a blessing to be able to have such sweet friends come over and celebrate with us this year, only a week after moving into our new place.
Ryder was SO excited to have his friends come over :)
One of the things I love most about my boy, is that he has a grateful spirit.
He's thankful for the things that some may consider little, but for our boy, he's on top of the world.
It may be because in our family, we like to practice the discipline of living simply.
Not just because it's costs a lot less :)
But because we want our kids to grow up understanding what Jesus meant when he said, "Be thankful in ALL things."
It's amazing how quickly we can begin living with feelings of constant expectation when we get comfortable with having a lot all the time. As parents, sometimes it's hard to remember that God is calling us to set the the bar for our kids based on the example we were given in Jesus...not to have our kids push it to a place that is comfortable for them.
My heart melted a few times when I overheard him say things like...
"Isn't this the best party, EVER?"
"I've never been to frozen yogurt before!"
"I'm so excited to watch this movie...I've never seen it before!"
I love the age of innocence...it is such a gift as a parent, to watch your child's eyes light up as they experience something they consider "special" because to them, that's exactly what it is.
Here it is.
The party in pictures :)
Guest list...
Building a track for everyone to play with when they arrive...
Waiting...
They're here!!!
First game (while waiting for pizza)...who can spell their name and age the fastest?
Then we hopped into the "Birthday Bus"...
The backseat boys :)
Went for frozen yogurt...
And to play at the park a bit before heading home...
Opened presents, then played Star Wars Trouble...
Watched a movie :)
The stage is set for a GOOD night sleep :)
John stayed up telling them stories until they fell asleep...
The next morning, I walked downstairs to find them playing with his new Star Wars Legos :)
We made Mickey Mouse pancakes...
And after combing everyone's hair...we ended up at church!
Looking back on the night, we all thought it was a GREAT way to spend quality time together as a family along with a couple wonderful friends to show our boy how treasured and celebrated he is! The only thing Ryder said he'd want to change, is that next time he wanted them to stay longer!!! I guess that's a good thing :)
My sweet Ryder...
I love you. I love your silly times. I love your quiet times. I love your alone times. I love Mommy-Ryder times. I love your brother times. I love your sister times. I love your helping times. I love your creative times. You amaze and challenge me daily. I am amazed at how deep your love for your brother and sisters runs. The way you correct them, though sometimes feels constant, is so often well received. This tells me they have a deep respect for you, and they trust you love them too. God has incredible plans for you, my son. You don't even have to wait to find out what they are...He's already told us His strongest desire for us. It's to love Him with all everything you have and to love those we meet wherever we are. I love your desire to know His Word. You need to know that more than anyone here on Earth, you are here to bring HIM glory and joy :) May everything you do, say, think and feel bring you closer to the One who knows how many hairs are on your head. The One who formed your heart is the One worth following...Daddy and I will do our best to give you glimpses of who He is along this journey, but honestly...it's really better to hear it straight from Him. I love you, but want you to love HIM more.
I am honored more than I could ever describe to be given front row seats to the stage of your journey. I can't imagine a better show!!!
Happy Birthday, my sweet Son :)
