Testify to Love

Our handsome 7-year-old

Ace is seven today!  Kurt and I repeatedly say, "Ace is SPECIAL!"  Sometimes we're being funny because he says something a bit...off, but truly, God gave this kid an extra dose of "special!"  We are amazed by him and honored to be his parents!

In his honor, I thought I'd post what Kurt and I wrote in his birthday card.  It brought tears to my eyes to hear him read it out loud to all of us - just claiming who he is in our eyes and in the eyes of His Heavenly Father.
The card itself says,
"Happy Birthday...
...to someone who's in a
league of his own."
(ain't that the truth with our "gentle giant"?!)

My words to Ace:
Wow, it is hard to believe you are already 7!!  Seven years ago God blessed us with a fuzzy little baby who changed our lives forever.  You are no longer that fuzzy baby, but you are forever our snuggle bug!
The song that played on the radio when you were born was "Testify to Love." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu0wYHRMfwA
You, Austin Cutler, testify to LOVE more than anyone I know!  God has planted tremendous seeds of love, compassion, generosity, and empathy in your young heart!  You are already a great witness for Jesus Christ, by the way you love and live!  I'm excited to watch God grow you and to see the way He touches others through you.
I love you and am blessed to be your mommy!
Love, Mom

Kurt's words to Ace:
Wow!  Where to start?  It's hard to believe Mr. Enthusiastic has been in our lives 7 years.  You are such a blessing from God - your enthusiasm and excitement rub off on everyone you meet.  Both the Seattle Seahawks and Air Force Falcons are blessed to call you a fan.  Lose the D.R.A and you will make this world so much better.  I am blessed to be your dad!
I love you!
Dad

As you can imagine, there was much excitement in our house this morning!  Isaac and Ace were up at 5:59...ready to party!  As he read his cards and opened his gifts, there was no lack for enthusiasm.  Kurt and I got him a new flight jacket, as the one we purchased off CraigsList for his 5th birthday is getting a bit tattered, due to the TLC it gets day in and day out, plus, he's starting to grow out of it.  As he opened the new jacket, he said, "Isaac!  Now you can have my old one!"  He's always thinking about others!  I love that we can't claim any credit for this kid's heart.  It is truly the way he was made...a true testament!
Happy birthday, sweet boy!

Examining the new Adventures in Odyssey set MiMi and PopPop sent.

As I said...ready to Paaaaarty!

Birthday breakfast, presents, and cards

Oh the excitement of a "machine pitch" baseball toy from the Helms and Bunkas!

The new jacket!