Happy Birthday, Jackson!!

Today is Jackson's 7th birthday!

What a special surprise he was to us! We had said we would wait a few years before we had more children - if we had more. Thankfully God had other plans.

Jackson - nicknamed Jay by his big brother - was born 7 years ago on my Dad's 60th birthday.

So let the birthday bragging begin...

He is such an awesome kid. About a year and a half ago he passed his older brother in height but never rubs it in.

He's very sweet and kind. He loves little kids. If there is a much younger cousin or friend over, he just gravitates towards them. He wants to read to them, entertain them, help them.

He loves to help. I have actually had to teach him to ask his little brother and sister if they want help before giving it because he just always wants to help them.

He sees the needs of others. Several times he has seen people on the side of the road and asked if we should pick them up or help them. One time when we were riding our bikes home from the park he noticed a neighbor (doesn't even know him) carrying some branches he had just cut from his palm tree. Jay asked if we should stop and help him.

He's a math genius! When he was in Kindergarten I was quizzing Gray (who was in 1st) on some math facts. Jackson would chime in with the answer. So this year for 1st grade we worked quickly through his Abeka 2nd grade math and then started Saxon's 4th grade math. It's just the way God made him but he cracks me up sometimes at how quickly he figures things out.

He's repentent. Often he has come to our room at night to confess something. He says he just can't sleep until he tells us.

He's an extrovert, friendly and a talker. I used to wonder what in the world he told his Sunday school teachers.

When Roddy's aunt and uncle came to visit last year, I wondered if the kids we're going to be shy and quiet. I don't think they were in the door 5 minutes when Jackson asked them to play a card game with him.

And 3 years ago when my brother was getting married he filled in as ring bearer when Gray (who is introverted) backed out! Thankfully he was on his way to catching up to his big brother in height and almost fit into the already rented tux.

He's loving. He never fails to come in and hug me in the morning. He always wants to sit by me in church. He says it's just because he loves me.

And he loves Jesus - which is most important.

Jackson Mark, we love you so much and are so thankful God gave you to us! Thank you for reminding us of our need to look out for others. We love your smile and giggle. You're a special boy and you're going to be an awesome father some day!

Happy Birthday!