Celebrating his birthday- The Gifts

After the boys finally blew out any candles that remained, and ate there yummy cake, it was time to open gifts. One thing ds1 wanted was a new Dale Earnhardt Jr. hat.

For those of you not into racing, let me fill you in briefly. Dale Jr. left his late father's company, and went with Hendrick Motorsports this year. He is now teammates with Jimmy Johnson, and Jeff Gordon. His entire car number and sponsorship had to change. His lovely step mother would not release his old #8 to take with him to Hendrick. So he has a new number this year, the #88 that you saw on the cake. His sponsor is also Mountain Dew which makes the Amp energy drink. So, all ds1's hats etc are of the old number that Dale is no longer driving. He wanted to update that for the current car etc.

His first gift from his Aunt Lisa and Uncle Kevin and all their girls, was just that, a new Dale Jr. pit crew hat. He was so excited, and I caught it on my camera. So, Lisa this is just for you.... :-)

Opening and checking out his new hat!

Jumping up and down and yelling! I promise you I did NOT prompt him to do that!

Do I look good in my new hat or what???

Afterward he opened a gift from his brother. It was a remote controlled Dale Jr. replica car. (See a theme here?)

Brothers and Friends!

He also received a Best Buy gift card from Grandma and Grandpa, and he is excited to buy an MP3 player. Auntie Carole gave him a gift card to Barnes and Noble. (We love to pick out books there!) Our good friends and former neighbors sent him a birthday card and in it was a gift card to Toys R Us! Each year they still send the boys a birthday gift even though we have moved away now for 2 years. We miss them so much!! Finally, he received a new game for the Wii from us. Which of course they promptly went and started to play! LOL! What a special birthday it was! Ds1 was so grateful for each gift he received! He wanted to call each and every person to thank them personally!

I have moments were I just stand in awe as a mom and watch this young boy growing quickly into a young man. I watch him succeed and fail, hopefully leaning from each. I watch him learn about friendship, and brotherhood, and how to stick up for each other when the need arises. I have watched him as he develops a love for the lost and a desire to share Christ with people at a very young age. I have watched him tenderly care for little ones who visit our home, helping them with a craft, a puzzle or a train set. Yes, Lord you are molding and shaping this young man into your image. I'm awed at who he is and who he is becoming... I just wish you could slow time down a little bit. I feel as if I need to savor each moment, because this boy is quickly becoming a young man.

I think I'll go read the book, "I'll Love You Forever" and have a good cry. :-)