8!

Dear Carter,

How on earth do I have an eight year old? In my mind, you are about four! But when I look at all you are doing and how smart you are and the conversations we have, I am quickly reminded that you are NOT a baby anymore. 

You just started second grade a couple weeks ago, and you are absolutely loving it. You have never been one to love to get up and go to school, but this year, you are the first one out the door. You have the best group of little buddies and Mrs. Turner as your teacher, so it only makes sense that you are loving it. 

Speaking of buddies, you've got more than I do! Cooper, David, Henry, Ben, Ethan, Whit, all the Turners and Graebers, and of course your beloved cousins who you count as your very best friends. You spent most of your summer with David who lives across the lake. You two are nothing but giggles and fishing and video games, and junk food together. I love your little friendships.

Some things you love right now are Ole Miss football, riding your bike, basketball, flag football, minecraft, anything Lego, making clubhouses....oh the clubhouses!, creating all sorts of things out of cardboard boxes, Harry Potter, all holidays...my festive child, steak, mac n cheese, all things sugar and junk food, BB and Pawpaw's house, the beach, any time whatsoever with cousins, and the list goes on. 

As far as at home, you and Coop are best friends/worst enemies. I have never seen two siblings closer, but goodness gracious you two beat each other to death! Just yesterday, you were horsing around together, and Coop ended up with stitches in his lip. Boys! 

You and Emerson are buds too. Every now and then you will go in her room with her and help her set up a clubhouse or jump on the trampoline with her, and boy does she eat it up when you give her attention. 

I'm loving the conversations we have as you get older. You aren't one to offer information about your day, but if I get you talking with a few questions, we are quick to solve the world's the problems together :) I love that you will still ask me anything. 

I've really seen you grow so much this year in confidence. Age has been such a great thing for you. You have branched out and tackled things I never would have guessed. You are very quickly becoming a leader. And oh my are you competitive! You love to win....especially races. Lol! We race in the backyard, you are only about six months from being able to beat me. You better believe I'm holding on as long as possible though! I've still got it. Ha!!!!

Most importantly, I'm praying that you continue to grow in your faith and character and love for the Lord. Your sincere prayers and childlike faith amaze me. You truly believe in Jesus and that He died for you and that he's with you. You are quick to remind us that God created everything, and He's in control of everything, and that He's the most important thing in life. I need those reminders! So thank you :) I love your commentaries at our dinner table devotions. I hope and pray you continue to think through your faith and own as your own as you grow up. Every night I pray over you "Help Carter to grow to love you and know you and worship you all the days of his life." I believe God is doing that in you.

I couldn't possibly love you more, Buddy. You are gift, my first born, my baby boy. I am crazy about you. Happy birthday.

Love,

Mama