Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Letter to My Birthday Boy: Seven Years Old

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My sweet, precious Reid, how can you be seven years old? Six still sounds like a little boy, but seven? Seven sounds so old! And although it's been seven years since you were first placed in my arms, you still have the exact same personality that you had when you were a baby…usually serious, always curious, needing constant attention, craving affirmation, over-achieving…you're a daddy's boy on most days, but lately I've been savoring the extra hugs and cuddles that you've been giving to your mama. 
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You thrive on competition and you're good at all sports. You love to "shoot" anything…whether it be balls in the garage goal, trash in the trash can, or throwing toys in the toys box. You're always trying to "make it" or beat your record. You love being outside, and a day doesn't go by where you haven't rode your bike, your scooter, or played soccer, baseball, or basketball in the backyard. You say your favorite sport is basketball, but you love any game or competition. And since math is your thing, you are always keeping score! You're a numbers guy like your Papa Kelbo and Uncle Kass. You achieved Kindergarten Math Masters Club and Mrs. Lyle's Math Master this year, and you consider working math problems "lots of fun!" And although you don't quite love it yet, you became a super reader this year and even read your first chapter book! 
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But your true love? The number one thing you are crazy about? When are you in your element? When are you completely relaxed and happy? When you're fishing. You're fascinated by aquatic life. You can't get enough information about sharks, the ocean, or what fish lurk in the muddy Oklahoma rivers. You can bait your own hook, tie on your own lures, and you know every species of fish there is…especially the ones in Oklahoma! The last day of Kindergarten you held up a sign that said you wanted to be a fisherman when you grow up…and I believe that is true. Even if you don't make a career out of fishing, I know that it will always be something that you love and enjoy. You started really fishing when you weren't even two yet, and it's been your favorite past time ever since. I love that you and your daddy get to bond and have special time together doing something that you both enjoy. I know that one day you'll look back and realize that a lot of your best childhood memories involve a rod and reel. 
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Since you were very little, you've always had a heart for others. A worrier like your mama, you have to always be in the know and make sure that everyone is alright. You are like a sponge when it comes to emotions. You've always absorbed the feelings of those around you, and you have a great sense of when someone is upset or needs help. It was no surprise that you received the Leader of the Pack Award in your class this year. Your teacher told me that you are always a great example of good behavior and that "you can always count on Reid to do what's right." 
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You have a lot of confidence and leadership skills, especially around those your age or younger, but you seem to be a little more ornery around older boys. You're all boy and you love to wrestle with your cousin Jett, challenge any boy who will agree to a foot race, and get dirty at the lake catching crawdads and grasshoppers. You've lost seven teeth and you're convinced that the tooth fairy only leaves $20 bills. People say that you're starting to look more like me with your hair getting darker, your precious ears, and your chubby little cheeks. Your eyes are still as dark as night, and I'm crazy about the little freckles on your nose. 
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Here is a list of words that make me think of Reid Jackson.
fishing*kind*empathetic*basketball*Kevin Durant*Under Armour*curious*hard worker*Michael Jordan*big dreams*sneakers*sharks*helper*dirt*water*leader*giver*competitive*perfectionist*math*basketball cards*swimming*athletic clothes*T-Rex*shoe lover*lures*loves progress*great style*baseball*weather aware*OKC Thunder*soccer*popsicles*PS3*Legos*lasagna*loves Jesus*wakeboarder*teacher's pet*artist
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My precious Reid, my prayer for you is that you'll always be confident in who you are, knowing that you are a child of God and loved more than you can ever imagine. I pray that you'll develop a strong relationship with Chris,t and follow His will for your life. I pray that you will worship Him in good times and bad, and always turn to his Word for guidance and direction. 

I love you more than Milk Duds. 
Your Mama

Mightier than the waves of the sea is His love for you.  Psalm 93:4

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