Time flies.....

Dear Bug Hunter,
Today you turned 9. I'm still trying to figure out exactly where 9 years went, because it seems as if they have flown past me. Oh, there were a few times that dragged, like the colic that didn't really go away til you were about 6 months. But I've always loved having you as my son, and I've loved being your mom.
You've grown up a LOT this past year, physically, mentally, and emotionally. You have a great memory, and you love to read (just like me.. when I catch you reading in bed at night, it's hard to get too mad, because I did the exact same thing). You've begun to realize the value of real friends, and one in particular
has become really close. I love that, and I hope that the friendships you make now will last a lifetime. You got a dog in the past year, and you've grown to really, really love her. Sweet.. nothing, and I mean NOTHING can give back love like a dog, except for God. And you've become a LEGO man, too; specifically Bionicles. A couple of days ago, you put together, all by yourself, a 693 piece model, which had 3 instruction books. You did it, man, and we're proud that you didn't give up. Today..to celebrate your birthday.. we went to Red Top Mountain. We wanted to take a hike, and Dad picked the Homestead trail. When one lady told us that it was 4 1/2 miles long, I kinda thought we might want to scale back a bit, but Dad wanted Homestead, and you agreed. Somewhere just past about 2 1/2 miles, you asked if we could go back the way we came. I was just hoping for a helicopter from Heaven (or heck, even a heavenly porta-potty). But the bottom line is that we made it all the way around and back to the end of the trail. And son, that's what I'm praying for in your life. The trail won't be easy, and there will times when you want to turn back or just sit down. But if you trust in God and keep putting one foot in front of the other, you'll make it home. And one way or the other, I'll be there right beside you, every step of the way.