Happy Birthday Justen!

I've lots to do today, but first up on my list is wishing our firstborn Grandson Justen the happiest birthday ever!

Justen can be defined in one word. ~LOVE~. This child has the purest, most loving heart of anyone I know. Literally. Let's take a trip down memory lane, reflecting on the past 9 years. Has it REALLY been 9 years already? (Sigh), where did the time go?

Justen weighed in at a robust 8 pounds at birth. His was the first birth I'd witnessed, and let me tell you, there's just nothing like witnessing the birth of your own grandchild!

Despite a colicky start, he was a happy baby, well known for sending the entire family into peals of laughter with his giggles. Then came those deep baby belly laughs, and more times than not, we'd all just 'lose it. Justen's laughter was indeed the BEST 'medicine' around!

Into toddler hood we go, and Justen has now earned the nickname 'Bulldozer'. And rightfully so! The child saw something he wanted, and off he went, in a straight shot. Didn't matter if there were any people or objects in his way-he bulldozed his way right through them! Our toes got stepped on countless times in this little boy's quest to conquer whatever it was he had his sights set on! We learned to pull our feet up FAST when Justen saw something he wanted!

At around age 2, he began having health issues. Many of you know that over the course of the last 7 years, I've sent out numerous prayer request emails on his behalf. Despite those issues, the one thing that has never changed with J-Dawg (another affectionate nickname, given to him by his Daddy), is his loving nature.

Justen wants to be loved. Period. He has NO other expectations of anyone, other than they love him. He's such a friendly little man who LOVES to show his love with lots & lots of hugs. He'd be a perfect Tanner Family member! LOL...

He is also big on compliments. I can't tell you how many times he's said to me, "Grandma, you're beautiful', or, "Grandma, you're my best friend', or, "Grandma, I love you'. Oh how my heart melts and does flip flops when he says things like that to me, because I know he is absolutely sincere in what he says. There is no purer heart.

The past few years have found Justen dealing with some very significant life changes. Several moves, and a new stepmom, and yet for the most part, he just takes everything in stride. Oh sure, he has his 'moments'. All kids do. And sometimes when he's feeling overwhelmed with everything going on in his life, he has a 'bad' day, but we're all learning how to deal with those 'bad' days. And we're thankful that the 'good' days outnumber the 'bad'.

J is a typical 9 year old. Loves to play with car/trucks/anything that allows you to get dirty without getting in trouble for it. He loves his doggies Kingston & Bailey, and loves riding his scooter across the street at the park. He's also held the Wii record in bowling until recently, when Jessica outscored him. Watching him bowl on the Wii is priceless! The kid doesn't aim...he has this special technique, all his own, and simply fires away. Gets a strike 9 times out of 10-it's SO funny to watch, and when he gets a strike, there's no hoopla from him. He simply grins, and hands the controller to the next person.

We are blessed beyond measure to have this child as a member of our family. He adds so much to our lives.

Happy Birthday Little Buddy! You are loved SO much more than you realize!