8, 8, 8 is Great!

Ryan...

• loves that his birthday is on St. Patricks Day. He will deck himself out in all things St. Patty's from head to toe. This year I found a shamrock tie to add to his collection.
• is one of a kind. Even if this means being the only one on the dance floor showing his moves to Michael Jackson.
• sees himself as an adult who just hasn't reached the government's ideal age. Parents and other fellow adults merely give suggestions on how to live not commands.
• has unlimited confidence. If he has not already mastered it, he will soon.
• will help out any chance he gets. His sister sometimes gets frustrated with all of his "helping" but it does come in handy for Mom from time to time.
• is great at spelling. Thank goodness he inherited his Dad's mad spelling skills and not his Moms.
• is a lover and not a fighter. He has been in love with girls since the age of three. He is counting the days until he is sixteen and can finally kiss one.
• has a compassionate heart. He will take care of you when you are sick or hurt. You can see it in his sympathetic smile, just how much he cares.
• uses his words well. He has always paid attention to the words people use, big and small, and adds them to his bank of vocabulary. You have to watch out though, because you never know when he will make a withdrawal.
• hates art projects. The faster he can get them over with the better.
• treats his sister like she's a princess (most of the time). We are so proud of how much love he gives her and attention. There are many times when Matt and I will find him sitting in the rocking chair with her on his lap watching TV.
• loves to perform. Whether it's at a wedding showing off his dance moves or singing in our Church's children's musical, Ryan will give quite the show.
• is super funny. He has a wonderful wit about him. We crack up at least once a day from the things he says.
• is a great son. Matt and I are blessed to have him and he enriches our lives daily. Happy 8th Birthday Ryan, we love you for all that you are.