3/16/10 - My dearest Clayton...

To my dearest son Clayton.

From the moment you were born you were always keeping your Dad and I on our toes. You were always hungry and very active. You learned to climb stairs before you learned how to crawl. You started walking at 10 1/2 months teaching your Dad and I the real art of learning how to run after a toddler. Everyone who meets you always loves you. They laugh at your little dances and never ending conversations in your "own" little language that only "you" understand. For some reason you always have enjoyed playing with kids older than you. Making it sad for those that are your age or younger because they wanted to play with you too. Your Father and I can always get a good laugh out of watching or listening to you. And sometimes we both cry for all the ways you are refining us as parents.

The laughter you share can always bring a smile to anyone's face.

As your first year came and went we learned quickly that you are a boy with "no fear". This can be a great quality because it means you are brave and have a lot of courage. However, at times it causes your Dad and I to fear for all that you may encounter because of this bravery. Running away from us or trying to hide in stores or places thinking it a funny games makes our hearts race and our minds worry. All the words you have learned and the interesting personality that you continually develop has us always amazed.

After your second birthday we welcomed your little brother into this world and were worried that you would not "welcome" him yourself. We were completely wrong and were in awe as we saw you hold him and cuddle him with such love and admiration. You have not always enjoyed the many responsibilities and changes that have come with being a big brother but you daily remind me of how serious you take your role in this family. Learning to share and be kind is not something that any one can do perfectly all the time but I see you trying and I thank God for all the progress you have made in such a short amount of time. It is not easy having your whole life change and turn upside down because of a little baby but you have done it in stride and with great integrity for how young you are. I look forward to the close relationship I pray you and your brother have as you grow up together. I ask God to create a strong bond of friendship that will help encourage you as you soon realize how difficult this world can be.

Your third birthday is just days away and I am completely taken back by how fast it has gone by. I struggle daily with learning how to mold and train you in the best way I can to know how to be a "good" little boy. God gave you a strong-will much like myself which causes a lot of conflict in my attempts to teach you how to listen, obey and have as good as behavior as possible for someone your age. I want you to know how much I love you. How much I would give to ensure that what I'm doing today is the absolute best possible Mothering I am capable of giving to you. From the moment I became pregnant with you I was on my knees thanking God for giving me "you". I don't take you for granted one bit. Although, there are days were I am exhausted from trying to remain the "respected" and "obeyed" parent that I need you to see. I would never trade you for a million "non-strong-willed" children. You are so special and valuable a treasure to your Father and I. I hope you always know how important you are and how precious that we have always felt your life is. I pray someday with all my heart that you will become the man that God has created you to be. That you will ask Jesus to come into your life to be your Lord and Savior. To develop a strong and devoted relationship with Him that can never be duplicated anywhere in your life. I pray for your future spouse that she be a woman of God that is faithful and committed to living her life first for Him and then to you and your family. It would be my greatest honor to watch you grow up and get married and have a family. I do not know what the future holds but I do know who holds the future. He is a faithful and just God that works all things to the good of those who love Him. So no matter what the next year brings and whatever road that life takes us down. Please know how proud of you I am. How much you mean to me. The gift I see you are to our family. And how much I pray the absolute best for your life and future.

I also ask, that you please try hard to listen to me and sit down when we eat. Always remember how important nap time is and how much better it makes you feel afterward. And again, always try to listen to me. :)



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I wrote this today for my son in the plan someday to read it to him when he is older and capable of understanding all I have written to him.

Maybe take some time today to write something about your children or a loved one that they would love to read or hear. Its always such a blessed thing to do to remember a special time or memory.

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Have a blessed Tuesday!