Big O Turns 7!

My Birthday Boy

Night before party working on his buddies' party favors

Saturday, October 26th, 2013

finally able to dig into those chocolate donuts he requested

B'day boy and his posse on route to Soccer City!

Let the games begin!!

even big Sis got in on the action 

(Abby looooves soccer)

Will and Grant added some teenager challenge to the field

One year apart...same height

I always love seeing this lil' beauty at our parties :-)

The Birthday Gang

Silly Faces :-<>

Party Room time

Ready for that Cookie Cake!

Placing his 7 candles right where he wanted them...

Make a wish!

One friend couldn't make it so b'day boy was pumped to get a favor!

BFF came home with us for a play date 

They always love to "strike a pose"

(can you totally tell that O has a 12 yr old sister?!)

Words cannot express the love I have for this lil' guy. He makes my heart so full. He's all boy...and yet has so many other adorable qualities. He's super sensitive, he diligently does his homework when asked, he's so excited to be able to read "real" books now, he is a great Mall companion, he loves food more than anyone I know (Well...a close rival to his Momma and Uncle Kendall!), he cuddles with me, he still has that cute little boy voice, he still lets me dress him, he's my baby...my forever baby.

Abby made his a darling homemade card with all sorts of cool "coupons"; she then awarded him with the Million dollar candy bar because he's a million dollar brother!

Owen only asked for a couple of things...and this was one of them.

A remote control car

He wanted it opened and active pronto - Romey was a riot chasing and hiding from it

Next day after church I caught the b'day boy reading his classmates b'day cars out loud...

melted my heart

13th Birthday

My beloved firstborn turned the BIG 13!

(that's him having his requested fried eggs and bacon for breakfast, adorned with the Ruley family tradition of wearing the cheesy Birthday Hat!)

Now for some, this is a dreaded age...but for this Momma it has truly been a Delight!

(The gang getting ready to devour some raspberry filled Krispy Kremes - Will's Birthday dessert choice almost every year)

My son is everything I prayed he would be...one of the things is his Confidence in Christ. 

He is not swayed by peer pressure. He knows who he is and WHOSE he is.

Adolescents are not monsters.  They are just people trying to learn how to make it among the adults in the world, who are probably not so sure themselves.  ~Virginia Satir, The New Peoplemaking, 1988

His requested Xbox Live Gold Subscription

Favorite Snack - Honey Mustard Pretzels

and yet another favorite - flamin' hot cheeto's :-)

some sweet new Puma's

a homemade concoction from his lil' sister

(of which he so graciously opened and thanked her for)

including a most creative poster size card

The Fam at Will's requested Dinner Joint:

Outback Steakhouse

Biggest Surprise of the night: Mimi gifts Will with an I-Phone 3!

(Thanks to one of her most generous friends giving it to her)

Uh yeah...he was just a wee bit excited!

(this was #1 on his b'day wish list since his current phone malfunctions constantly)

Not only does Will look the most like me, he also has a refined palette like me!

So, for his B'day Dinner he wanted *Ahi Tuna*

*Time for his PAR-TAY!*

Will's 3 Best Friends arrive for an evening of Fun

1st Up: 

TRAC-BALL 

Singles turned into Doubles

Grandad & Nana stop by to wish a red-faced, sweaty Will a Happy B'day

8:00 p.m.

Time to depart for next up on Will's Wish List:

JOSH'S SNO SHAK

the line was just a tad long

the boys weren't the only ones wanting some flavored ice

after a 30 minute wait in line, it's finally their turn!

In case you're wondering what flava they went for, (3) got Josh's Mix and (1) went with Wedding Cake

(for me? no thanks...I'll take chocolate cake!)

Tried to keep some serious distance so they could be "cool" hanging out

(I'm sure this is the last year I can be around snapping pics) 

And, last but not least on his B'day Wish List:

HOT TUB TIME!

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate

Psalm 127:3-5

(B'day letter to my Boy)

My Dearest Will, 

13 years ago today was probably the most magical day of my life. The baby that I dreamt of having for so many years was laying in my arms. Our eyes met, and we were instantly in love. 

We have never had a dull moment with you in our lives. From window dancing as a toddler to the happy dance as a young boy...you bring so much JOY into our lives! The thing that has moved our hearts the very most is watching you grow in your relationship with Jesus. To know that you found the most important thing in life ,and desire to pursue it with all your heart, is a dream come true. We anxiously await the awesome future that God has for you (Jeremiah 29:11), and want you to know that we are so proud of you and love you more than words could ever express! Love, Mom