It's hard to believe we are celebrating one of our kid's 5th birthdays. To daddy and I it seems like just yesterday we welcomed you into the world and held you admiring each and every part of how God created you. We continue to marvel and discover new ways He's made you. I love that! May 27th, 2011 came with much anticipation and a count down that you started sometime in February. Each day marking a moment closer to being a big 5 year old, you so anxiously wanted to become. We love your passion for life Traeger and your desire to live it to the fullest. It makes living alongside you a fun adventure.
A few things we love about you and several things we have discovered about you in the last year are...
We love how God has placed in you a gentle and compassionate spirit.
Though we don't always see the gentleness, we know it's in there :O)
You love being with people.
Playing with friends and new friends have become a favorite past time.
We love how God has made you to be a brave and an adventurous boy.
You want to be just like daddy....
Even down to what pjs he is wearing at night.
By God's grace, daddy is a great example to follow.
You learned to swing and pump all by yourself in July 2010.
It's fascinating to watch you soak in God's word and truths during bedtime devotionals, church, Awana, and during everyday lessons in life.
Our prayer is that you will continue to passionately pursue learning God's truths....because it's worth it! There is nothing in life that will satisfy you more!
You're just like your mama and could sit and observe others all day long.
We discovered that one of your love languages is quality time.
Playing cards, board games, outdoor activities, family movie nights are some of the things that fill up your love tank.
You're just like you're daddy and love any game you can wrap your mind around.
You transitioned out of naps.
You still need an occasional nap to catch up, but fight it every time.
Any time with cousins is a score in your book.
You're branching out and creating independence....
You occasionally want to cook all by yourself.
You want a chore chart (yes, I will remind you of this when you're older :O))
You joined the "I can cut my own hair" club
You thought sporting a mohawk would fit your style (I now think so too)
I love your desire to serve our family however you can by shoveling, cleaning, etc.
There are times you would prefer not to as well, but you are learning too that sometimes we serve because that's what God has called us to whether we feel like it or not.
I love your curiosity and how you ask great questions about life...
"will it hurt to die?"
"who do you love more mom, me or God?"
You're developing a servant's heart...
You loved leaf raking with youth group kids this fall
Making pizzas with Nonnie and Grandpa's youth group
Picking up trash whenever you see it.
You're learning that it's fun to at least try new things.
You learned through your daddy's depression last spring-fall that God is stronger than Satan and ANYTHING else!
July 2010 you learned to ride your bike with 2 wheels.
You got your first real scar on your elbow after falling off your bike.
Happy Joes is still a personal favorite, but any place you get a gift card to you think is pretty special too.
Family movie nights are a special occasion in your book.
This past year you have chosen to turn from your sin and trust that Jesus died on the cross for your sins and accepted His amazing gift of love.
Traeger Jace Hatfield...I'm grateful that you're my son. God has used you to teach me a lot about myself and who God is in the last 5 years. I count it a privilege and a blessing to be your mommy. I desire to love and serve you well. I know I don't always do it perfectly. I'm thankful we serve a mighty God who loves us no matter what and allows us to turn from our sin and turn back to Him. He's always one turn away. I love that you are learning about God's truths and His amazing love for you. We're on the journey together buddy. There is nothing better than living our lives for Christ. God has blessed you with unique talents to serve Him well. My prayer is that you will continue to choose to live your life for Christ and find it a joy to love and serve others. Traeger, you have been made with a purpose. I'm looking forward to the new adventures we'll get to embark on this upcoming year, and hope that we'll press in to whatever happens with the power of Christ.
I love you like crazy!
Mommy
Colossians 2:7
"Let your roots grow down into Him and draw up nourishment from Him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your life overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done for you Traeger"
