Mi Amoré

We decided to get Spencer a pet hamster. Just because.

I Failed to Mention....

He's nine.Spence celebrated with a Spiderman party.

More Adventures in Boone

Spencer spent the last three days with Uncle Mike, Aunt Lisa,
and Maggie in Boone. On the day after he arrived, we received
a phone call from Maggie...up in a tree. 
Apparently, Lisa, Mags, and Spence went for a hike through a pasture. Little did they know the pasture was frequented not only by several cows, but also by their rather large mate. As the curious cattle came to check out their visitors, the hikers headed up an apple tree where they remained for about 15 minutes until the bovines departed.
Later, I spoke to Spencer on the phone. When asked about the adventure, Spencer replied, "Mom, it's not funny! It was really scary!" : )

Wordless Wednesday

The Toothfairy Has Been Replaced!

Loose teeth are not uncommon in our home. Thursday, Alyssa lost a tooth, and after announcing her accomplishment she was generously rewarded $5 from her Grandpa!
As soon as Spencer recognized this lucrative opportunity, he began fervently wiggling one of his own loose teeth.
This particular tooth had already proved to be quite delinquent in its removal. (After all, Spencer is eight years old and has only lost two of his baby teeth so far!) Alyssa, observing the situation, offered her services to her baby brother. After much deliberation, Spencer acquiesced and allowed the young dental assistant to wrap his tooth in a paper towel and yank it right out of his mouth! (OUCH!)

Conclusions:
1) Kids will do anything for money.
2) Grandparents are going to put the Tooth Fairy out of business. ($10 in one day for teeth! How can we ...errr... the Tooth Fairy ever measure up to such compensations?!)

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.

Wordless Wednesday

Love is...

Sammy is Spencer's best buddy. Recently, Sammy's Mom gave me a copy of a writing assignment he had done in school. Can you decipher the phonetic spelling?

(Don't worry, it took me a minute, too.)
Here's what Sammy says about his great pal, Spence:

"Spencer is 7.
And fun.
He is also funny.
He is nice.
He is second biggest on our team.
He is very friendly.
He is my best friend."

(Now, don't you feel all warm and fuzzy inside?!)

Hooray Spencer!!!!!

Spencer scored the winning goal today in soccer! Well, it was the only goal scored by the Tigers today, but none-the-less we're so proud of him! Best part was seeing his expression and both hands UP in the air when it went in. He turned immediately to me... Boy, did I yell! : )