Happy Birthday to Spence

With every New Year
comes the celebration of
our sweet gift from the
Lord, Spencer James.
A millennium baby, Spencer was born eight years ago on January 1, 2000. He has been an energetic and radiantly happy child. His cheerful disposition characterizing him since infancy, Spencer began consistently smiling at the young age of three weeks. He delights in making others happy as well. Even tonight we had a houseful of children having supper with us and Spence had them all cracking up. In videos you will notice Spencer making Lauren laugh, as the one below. This is not an uncommon scene:

Spencer also has a very tender heart. He regularly admits his faults when he has done something wrong and asks for forgiveness. Often sympathetic, he notices the emotions of others, and tries to make things better if someone is sad. 
Spencer is sincere and enthusiastic about the slightest kindness. At his birthday party this week, his wholehearted "thanks" were made clear after each gift was opened. He is recurrently grateful without being prompted.
It's hard to believe eight years have flown by so quickly. I distinctly remember Spencer sleeping in my arms the night he was born, and the joy on my Mother's face when we drove by her house to surprise her with our new little one. It seems just yesterday he was pulling out his little "gunnies and fights" (guns and swords) trying to keep up with his big brother, and sleeping with his cowboy hat on. He no-longer calls skeletons "bone-mannies", nor does he refer to my Mom as "Mrs. Grandma". No, my little boy is definitely growing up, and what a delightful "young man" he has become.
We love you, Spencer and hope you have a wonderful eighth year. You bring much joy to those around you, and are a delight to our souls. Happy birthday, buddy.