Happy 10th, Braden!

Braden turned 10 today. Impossible. It is hard to believe that we have been blessed by his sweet life for ten years already. I believe that he had a great day. We have a tradition in my family that we celebrate by going to lunch or dinner together. Today we had a picnic after church with the family - Holly, the kids and me, along with my parents and brothers and my sister-in-law. Braden commented later that it was nice to be able to go to the park and not have to feel rushed in a restaurant, and that it was nice to be able to talk to everyone and be able to hear. He has such a sweet spirit.

We usually talk throughout the day about the birthday person and what a blessing he or she is, and especially include them in prayers at meal times and bedtime. Tonight after dinner Braden didn't feel like eating a piece of birthday cake, and just wanted to go and take his shower and get ready for bed. He came back into the kitchen after his shower. I could tell something was up. I asked him what was wrong and with a shaky voice he said something like, "well, I'm just getting older, and pretty soon I will be going to college and getting a job and paying taxes." I assured him that he would learn all about those things over the course of the next few years, and that he would continue to learn throughout his life. He asked if he would learn everything he needed to know in college. I said "no," and that I was still learning stuff and that when I needed help with something that sometimes I call Grampie (my dad) to help. I further assured him that he could call on mommy and me when he was older if he ever needed help. I sure hope he does.

So, here's to me son. He is my delight.