Happy 5th birthday, Grant!

 My dear, sweet Grant! 

Happy 5th birthday!  I have always considered FIVE to be a big birthday--sort of a step out of little kid-ness and into elementary school.  You have continued to develop into your own unique person, very different than your big brother.  Your interest in trains has waned a bit, but you can still be persuaded to play with them or watch a DVD about them.  You love cars and have taken a huge interest in building things with legos.  We are amazed by how you are able to visualize symmetrical structures (airplanes, buildings, robot transformers) and then build them with the Duplo legos.  It awesome to see how your mind works!  At the same time you still love to sit down and look at books, always with your legs straight out in front of you and sucking your thumb as you did when you were a toddler.  I love seeing those hints of babyhood still in you! 

 

School has been crazy this year with three different teachers rotating through your class.  You, however, don't seem too fazed by it.  If I ever ask you what is happening in your class you either ignore me or stick your thumb in your mouth to avoid answering the question.  I trust that you will eventually enjoy school, but I have a feeling it may not be your favorite thing--a scary prospect for this teacher-mama!  There is just too much sitting and listening and not enough activity, but maybe that will change as you get older.

This year I am praying that God would work in your heart and that you would come to know Jesus as your Savior.  Your interest in spiritual things doesn't seem too high on the list of priorities for you, but I am praying that God would reveal Himself to you and open your eyes to see your need for Him.  I am also praying that you would make friends with boys who would be good influences on you and that you would be able to make good choices as you enter kindergarten next year.  It is hard for me to think about sending you on to a whole new school when I still see you as so young and vulnerable.  I am trusting God with my fears.  I am also praying 1 Cor. 16:13-14 for you: "Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be men of courage, be strong.  Do everything in love."

I love you very much, my sweet, adventurous, sensitive boy.  Happy birthday!