Today You Are Six...

Dear Cruise,

I am amazed at how quickly this past year has gone. In fact, I'm amazed at how quickly the past six years have flown! One minute you're a tiny little baby who can't stop wiggling and the next, you're a great big first grader who still can't stop wiggling! But either way, I love you more and more each and every day.

Cruise, you have grown to be such a sweet and happy boy. I admire how much you love life and how you spread your enthusiasm to all those around you. I love that you truly live each day to its fullest without skipping a beat. I have loved spending more time with you this summer and learning more about your likes and dislikes, your passions, your talents and interests, and have truly enjoyed your sense of humor. You make me laugh and smile every single day, and I will never grow tired of it.

This past year you learned so much! You started learning how to sight read and do some math. You have become quite the artist and love to practice drawing and writing words. You made some good friends and have been blessed with teachers who see you the way I do. Probably one of the coolest things you learned this year was how to fish! I am always amazed at how good of a fisherman you are and how patient you are when you're out on the water, waiting for a bite. It makes me so happy to see you doing something you love!

This next year you'll be in a new school again and making new friends. But I am confident you will be able to adjust pretty well since you are so good at being a friend to others. I am so excited for you to learn and experience new things this year! You might have some not-so-fun experiences that I wish with all my heart I could prevent, but unfortunately there are somethings I can't control. However, I will always have your back and will do everything I can to help you learn, grow and feel loved.

I know sometimes other kids can be mean and not treat you the way you should be treated. I know there will be kids who will say and do mean things that will make you sad, but please don't let them break your beautiful spirit. Always remember that there are nice kids too and that you are such a wonderful boy! Never lose your love for others and for life.

You are such a wonderful brother and I am so excited for you to have a new one to play with soon! I love watching you play with Jett because you two are the best of friends and are so kind to each other. Thank you for being such a good brother and friend. Jett loves you so much!

Cruise, thank you for being my son. Daddy and I are so blessed to have you as our oldest boy. You teach us so much and are such a great example to us every day. I am so sorry we aren't perfect, but thank you for being so patient with us! My life would be so boring without you; you truly bring so much color and excitement to our home and I love that you are in our family.

Don't ever change, Cruise, because you are beautiful inside and out.

Happy Birthday Kiddo! I love you!

Love,
Mommy