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August 26, 2014
Dearest Cade Ryan (CR),
What an adventure this year has been with you! You love life, and are the child I can best relate to, because we are so much alike in personality -- you still look just like Dad. You crave one-on-one time, are sensitive and sweet, impatient, prideful, quick to make friends, silly, a leader, and a little hot headed. Your hobbies include: Ninja Turtles, Legos, Minecraft, and all things outdoors. You blossomed before my eyes this year: in stature, by setting and reaching goals, and by your growing faith in The Lord.
You have grown to be 47.5 inches tall and 51.6 lbs. You have lost all of your baby fat, and are a Lean Machine. Although you are growing into this bigger version of yourself, you still have excellent coordination. You love to play outside every night and make me cringe as you ride your bike or scooter down our steep driveway (barefoot of course). We were finally able to buy you shoes that were not just designated for wide feet, a true miracle. And you can swim like a fish, as long as there are goggles involved.
Salad is one of your favorite foods, and you ask for it almost everyday. As the least-picky eater of the group, you have tried all sorts of new food this year, and always pressure the other kids to give something a try.
This was the healthiest year you have ever had. Not one day of school was missed for sickness, which is quite remarkable after our struggles the previous year. You were patient and so willing to try out new options, and we all were so relieved by the healing of your lungs after many long years. Praise be to God!
You had the opportunity to do a lot of soccer training, only taking one full month off in the past 12. Although you always complained about leaving the house, in your true home-body fashion, you always tried your best and had fun once we got there. The hard work and dedication paid off, and you were invited to play on one of the best teams in Tulsa. This Fall will mark your 6th season, and I can’t wait to see you continue to progress.
I had the honor of being your Dugout Mom for your first season of baseball too. Watching you play baseball brings me and Daddy indescribable joy. Out of 15 games, you scored on every At Bat but 2. I am so looking forward to doing it again this Spring.
This summer you also began taking horse lessons after seeing how much Ady liked it. You ride Western, and after every lesson you ask if you can do it everyday. We hope to start showing in the next year, and have been horse and barn shopping for Papa’s land.
Academically, Miss Marye pushed you to new heights. As a little boy entering Pre-K, you had a pretty good grasp of the basics, but she challenged you and made learning so fun. As we have been working at home over the summer, you still can’t get enough. You are reading short readers, learning new words each day. You pick up anything math/engineering/problem solving related VERY quickly. You love to compete in or out of the classroom, and are very intentional about how you organize your thoughts (belongings too for that matter). I am so excited to be your teacher this year! I have so many fun things planned to challenge your mind.
We dealt with some really tough things this year, Cade, and I can honestly say you taught me a lot through your faithfulness. While Aunt Val was sick, we prayed together every single day. While we are grieving as a family, you are quick to remind us that “she is healed” and “she has a new heavenly body that isn’t sick.” Your example has been a blessing to all of us but especially Hunter, who doesn’t quite make sense of what happened. I am always proud to hear you share God’s word with such ease.
Cade Ryan, you Sir bring such joy into our lives, and we love you more than words can describe. As your parents, we want to provide you with every opportunity you are willing to work for. We will continue to train you up in the way you should go; guide you with love and gentleness; and correct and discipline you when you stray from His path.
Wishing you the Happiest of Birthdays, My Sweet 6 year Old,
Mom
