My sweet Mitchell is nine years old!! Halfway to 18! I can’t believe that. Wasn’t it just yesterday that I brought him home from the hospital and oooed and ahhhed over him while he slept? Wasn’t it just a few nights ago that I was getting up with him two – or more – times a night? No? Well, it sure seems like it.

He has always been such a happy baby and a happy young man. He cheerfully greets our church family as they come through the doors. He smiles and says hello to strangers in the store. He loves to play with his baby brother, and help me do chores. He starts school and works quickly and efficiently. His smile brightens each and every day.

I’ll never forget one precious memory I have of my sweet boy. My Dad went to heaven two weeks before Mitchell’s second birthday. Shortly after he turned two, I sat on the edge of our bed one day, sobbing. I was missing my Dad. The grief would wash over me, seemingly out of the blue. Suddenly, I looked up, tears streaming down my cheeks to see my little toddler standing in beside me. He walked over to our dresser and opened the door where Terry keeps his handkerchiefs. He pulled one out and brought it to me. “Thank you!” I said tearfully. “Thank you, Mitchell.”

He’s always been that way. Thoughtful, loving, tenderhearted. Kind words and deeds mean a lot to him. He doesn’t need fancy toys to be happy. He’s happy just being with his family.

He couldnt’ decide on a what he wanted for his birthday, so we gave him money to spend when he decided. He got several birthday cards from family, and they graciously gave him more money! He should be able to pick out something nice. If can ever decide what. 🙂 He asked for a Spiderman cake. Those are kind of expensive at the bakery, so I just baked his favorite – chocolate on chocolate -and purchased the Spiderman kit that the bakery puts on the cake they would make. He was pleased, and so was I. I saved about $15!

The Party begins! 🙂

The boys. I love how Mitch is looking at Matt here.

Sweet smiles. 🙂

Us. Yes, bad hair day for me. Hey, it was HOT! 🙂

He blew them all out with one try!

We enjoyed a meal with Nana at Western Sizzlin’!

Leslie wasn’t in the other one. 🙂