eight

so, back to the number theme....one last birthday in this run of special "gifts" to celebrate.  tomorrow my youngest, my baby, turns eight.  sniff, sniff.  he legally doesn't require a car seat anymore.  he's reading chapter books with help, he's biking the "Jumps" at our local park, he's running 5 km easily in the Terry Fox run last Sunday, and he's skipping rocks far better and further than his mama.  he's finding his way, his sass voice, and has no problem speaking his mind in this large family where he holds the title of "youngest".  it's necessary for survival, i know it...  

he's a far cry from this toddler seen on my computer screen below.  this was our first picture ever of our precious son, at just over three years old...his expression says so much.  

we'd travel twice to the plains of Africa, into a small remote Ethiopian village to find this boy who was chosen just for our unique family.  we'd step in as his second family, his forever family, and never be the same because of it.  the tears spill when i consider that God orchestrated such an event~ down to the very last details...how His heart bends for the orphan.

  AJ~ you are so loved and we consider the blessing all ours to have found our way to you. 

have the happiest of birthdays, little man.  wishing you joy and strength and purpose as you continue to grow!  have a blast being eight!