February Love {part two}

          When Joseph was born, I had a strong and distinct feeling that he had a very special purpose in this life.  There wasn't anything particularly remarkable about his birth (besides the fact that his was my first natural child birth and I had just experienced what it felt like to think I might, in fact, DIE).  I simply felt a closeness to his little spirit that caused me to feel overwhelmed with a sense of humility and love that this little boy was mine to care for on this earth.  I felt like being his mother was going to be a great blessing and privilege.  

I was right.

          Joseph's uniquely joyful disposition has been a ray of sunshine in my world in a way that I will always cherish.  There have been difficult days, moments of sadness and suffering, but this little angel has been a light of happiness and joy in my life that has helped carry me through.

This month we celebrated his birthday, feeling ever so grateful for his role in our family.  Joseph has a pure, kind, and unfailingly cheerful heart.  He is remarkably bright, spiritual beyond his years, and has exceptionally prolific creativity.  At his last parent-teacher conference, the first thing his teacher said to me was, "Joseph is amazing." 


Yes.  He really is:).

The only thing Joseph really asked for, what he wanted this year more than anything else...was a binder.  To organize his school work in.  Yes, he is special.  (Thank you, Ashton, for fulfilling his dream!)

Another DK Eyewitness book.

He loves his grandparents:).

This year he requested a "BYU" cookies-n-cream cake. (He has developed quite an obsession.)

Since we celebrated his birthday the night before, he needed a little something on his actual day of birth.  Here, his favorite homemade muffins for breakfast.

          With each year that passes I often wish I could turn the time back and have my squooshy, beaming, little buddy again.  But at the same time, I love watching him grow and learn and experience his life.  Sometimes when it is nice outside and he invites me to come watch him play basketball, I get to just sit and observe him and ponder about what else is in store for him in the years to come.  And when I see that infectious smile and hear the joy effusing from his laughter, I have a feeling I will be witnessing true greatness, whatever form that will be taking.  I can't wait to see it all happen:).

How we love our Joseph<3.