Happy 7th Birthday, Atticus!

Today Atticus Robert is 7! He woke early early and opened his gifts -- the headboard and light are from my folks! Sliding doors, mid-century, cool. He got a magic kit, some books, a sketchbook, the Rise of the Guardians movie (if you know this kid's obsession with the Tooth Fairy -- despite my attempts at separating real and pretend -- you'd appreciate the perfectness of this story for him), a FBI costume from Aunt Lindsey and Uncle Aaron, and fake mustaches (I know - weird -- but he kept asking and asking....and they were a buck fifty with free shipping so...). Other gifts are on their way in the mail...and a Pancake Breakfast for friends at school coming in another week. (That was his idea! (-:)

Cheesy Daddy

 

Magic Hat...

 

 

I wish I had time to write/think through what I have learned about you, Atticus, in seven years of knowing you...but there are cupcakes to frost for your birthday dessert and streamers to get up for dinner tonight. And your sister will wake up from her nap at any minute. And small group is at our house tonight, so I need to keep on schedule. And the only reason you get to finish watching your new movie this afternoon is because your sweet dad left work early to pick up Deke's bike from the repair shop and get the buns for your tuna melts (even though I've been to the grocery store twice and Target once in the last 4 days and couldn't remember to get them!! Ahhh!!!) And that, my dear son, is why so much of our life together is "on the fly" with so many mistakes and so much rushing and lots of "bullet" prayers asking for wisdom in the midst of the rush. I miss you like I miss each of your siblings, like I miss your dad. Life is full and quick and urgent. But you are my boy. I love you and am so glad to see your absolute adoration of reading...always reading and when you are not reading, you are drawing. And I love that we share those two things. Yesterday you told me your favorite Bible verse is "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth..." And then you told me you like that verse because it lets you know how powerful God is -- so powerful that what He dreams in His head He can make his dreams flesh and blood real -- exactly like that. Not only is He a great artist but He can make His artwork live and breathe. And THAT is why Atticus loves that verse. Just when I think Atticus can only think about computer games and Ninjago comic books, I find out there is something else happening in that head/heart. I hope your love for the Creator grows and grows -- deeper and higher and wider -- and that God gives you love for your siblings (which has been so difficult for you this year) and that the big black hole of hunger for affection/friendship/attention that is in your heart will be filled by a God who is also your most faithful and unchanging and limitless Friend. Only He can be what you long for most. And I can't teach you that, Atticus. I can barely model that with my own life. I want it too. We share that too. And with that, I will go frost those cupcakes...and add some sprinkles and fancy candles...because you love fancy and I also love that about you!