Christmas' Past.. All full of Tools!

We just watched two hours of Christmas videos. You were just one when the first one began. I was young with a shape ;) and your dad looked like, like, a combination of you and Kyle. Wow, that was weird to see him so young and looking so very much like my sons.

The first year we watched, you were nearly two. Kimberlie was four, and so very old and in charge. Definately telling you what to do already. You were very quiet as a baby. Just so easy going. You actually developed a little slow with your gross motor skills, because your mental skills were way ahead in their speed. You communicated and used your fine motor skills with great accuracy way young. It was fun to watch you throw the basketball up into your new basketball hoop when you were only two. You really liked doing that. But you LOVED the hammering little tool you got. All day long (and we took way too much video footage that year) you had that hammer in your hand. You might be playing with something else, but you always held on to that little red hammer.

Then at three, guess what you got. Tools. Yep, more tools. And at four, some more tools. At five you got a real saw and a real hammer (were we crazy in the head! AGE 5!). And you said very excitedly as we taped it "I'm gonna make something real".. Guess what you got at age six.. Tools and a tool bench. I think all we really saw you get every year from Santa was tools. I don't know if it was us or you that wanted them.. But you seemed pretty happy year after year getting more tools.

So, when I see you trading pick-ups for tools, I now know where that addiction came from. Us, your father and I somehow created the tool demon that you must go through life being. We started so very young, you just never had a chance.

Our Hero Ryan's beginnings

Well, it's Christmas time, and Ryan is not here. He's off fighting a war. That's ok with us, but not our first choice. So, to tell you we're thinking about you, Mom (Yes mom, not Kimberlie, but mom. Computer illiterate mom) is going to make you a blog. I think I'll start by telling you what I remember about your birth.

It was suddenly apparent that I would be going to the hospital that night. I had been in labor all day off and on, and remember attending a homemaking event. I arrived home and my water broke. I was a bit concerned, that was a new experience. So off we ran to the hospital. I think we dropped Kimberlie off at the Halls as we headed out.

Then you were here. Well, it took all night, but by early the next morning, you arrived. Our first son, and Grandpa Williams' first grandson. I don't know who was more proud. You were the cutest baby I ever saw or gave birth to. Sarah rivaled that, but I'd still have to give you the final vote. So perfect. So very much like a little doll. Your round little face, and dark hair made me really proud to show you off when your first visitor showed up at 6:30 am.. Grandpa couldn't wait to see you, so he stopped on his way to work. JOY! Joy! Joy! It just doesn't get better than that. It never could.

Then there was your childhood. I still wish I had kept a recorder near for every clever thing you said. You were so smart so young. I didn't think it possible to love someone as much as I loved your dad and Kimberlie, but sure enough, you found a way to be special. Very special. I was constantly smiling at your words and your antics. I literally fell in love with my Ryguy. That smile of yours has charmed many more than just your mom. How lucky we are who have you as part of our life.

How can I ever forget the times you inspired me. The time at age three you dreamed (after praying to see 'Jesus') and told me that you 'saw a man, and mom he was wearing a white dress :), falling slowly from the sky. and he helped me and you and Kimberlie. He saved us from the nice man that was driving on the road.' I still look forward to the time when I shall ask and be shown just when we were saved. But I shall never doubt that we were.

And then there was the time you showed your father what real faith was. When you asked him not once, but twice at age five to just say a prayer to start the old pick-up. And sure enough, after the sweet and innocent words were uttered by a five year old, it started. It was your pure and simple gift of childlike faith that started it. What a gift that was and is in your life.

How about the time you looked out the window, after I had gathered you and Kimberlie in prayer to ask that the dark spirit in our home leave. You just sat there watching the empty lot. I asked what you were looking at. You said 'those three men had to leave' as you pointed at something I could not see.

Such faith. Such teaching from such a little thing. What a gift your life has been to me. Thank you. Thank you for saying 'yes' you would come to us. I shall always consider that one of my greatest blessings.
I love you. Mom