seven years of wisdom

lessons from my Caleb who turned seven at 6:58 am today.

always wake up cheerful
you will never estimate how much cereal you need in the morning - you'll always have too much
utilize the phrase this is the best day ever everyday
find joy in things like cotton candy, swing rides, playing games, and tomatoes
check the garden every single day and pick things that are ripe immediately
never grow tired of giving your mom hugs
embrace climbing trees

teach your siblings to pick flowers for mom
don't give up
love your family
learn how to open the fridge very quietly
know what your name means - his means "brave" - and learn from that
be proud of your freckles
ponder things of life

walking down the stairs is such a thing of the past - always run - and then do it again
clothes don't need to match
shorts can be worn in the winter
be friendly
help people out just because you care about them
like a clean room, but don't complain too much when it's not
be creative and ask for a picture to document what you make

always tell your mom when you really like dinner
be proud of your nicknames
have an awesome laugh
it's okay to be just a bit silly
ask to go to the store with mom when she leaves
where a baseball cap whenever you can
enjoy spending time with your family

say things like great job and that's cool and more
work hard at what ever you do
answer what loudly and boldly when you're needed
think of others and share
and never ever ever get tired of saying love you mom.

Happy 7th Birthday to my very wise son, Caleb Daniel
You are cool fabulous awesome amazing funny smart creative and oh so loved.

And weren't you just born? It feels like yesterday.