HaPpY BiRtHdAy Tj!

We hope you had a ball!

This year Talan got to have a birthday party. He invited several friends over, and we rented him a bounce house. The kids bounced almost the whole time. We grilled hot dogs, and made brownie sundaes, and opened presents. I think he had a blast. He told me next year he didn't want a party, he wants us to save our money. How many of you have heard that? From him it doesn't surprise us.
They grow up WAY to fast. I can't believe it has been 9 years since he came into our family. Our family has been so blessed to have him a part of it. Talan has always had such a big heart. He is always worried about others and their feelings, and is very upset if he thinks he is the cause of others hurt feelings. He is a very hard worker and he is helping me out regularly with things around the house. He is everyone's friend but he is especially fond of his sister. (he likes his brother too, when he's not getting teased by him) She gets very upset at Kaleb when he is taunting Talan and she will yell at him, "Stop it! He is my friend." It's funny how protective they are of each other. Talan likes to tease her also and she will threaten, "You are not my friend any-more!" and the teasing will quickly stop.

He has always been my buddy. He is great to take shopping, and is a great help with keeping on track of why we are at the store and what we are there to buy. Sam is so proud of his saving habit, he has been known to tear up on occassion, when Talan announces that he would rather go home and eat to save money than to go out to eat at a restaurant. ;)

We are so proud of you and what a wonderful young (man) you are becoming. You are a great example to all who know you. We hope that you had a special day. We love you so much!