William turns 5!!!

On December 19, William turned 5 years old!!!  I can hardly believe that my baby is 5 and will be starting Kindergarten next year.  Time has really flown, seems like just yesterday I found out I was pregnant.  Taking five pregnancy tests to prove it to myself.  These have been the most enjoyable, most rewarding five years of my life.  William has brought so much joy and love into our family.  I never imagined I could love someone the way I love this little boy.  He makes me laugh and melts my heart daily.  William, you are one of the best gifts God has ever given me and I am so lucky he gave you to us. 

I have learned so much about my faith in God from this sweet boy.  His total reliance on God is amazing and a great reminder of how we should live our lives.  William is always praying and two of my most favorite recent prayers are these:

"Dear God, I hope you are having fun in Heaven and thank you for taking care of my Grandpa Billy."

"Dear God, I know you are having a fun time with Baby Caroline, and please send the Ruple family another baby girl to love."

Through much prayer Wilson and I have made the decision to take William to Africa with us on our mission trip in June.  We really feel like he is ready for this experience and can't wait to see how God will use him to touch the lives of others.  Please pray for William as we embark on this adventure.

We never do big birthday parties but since this was a big birthday we let him choose some friends and had a bowling party for him. We had a great time and appreciate everybody coming. 



Blessed to have such sweet friends!





Hoping for a STRIKE!




Little brother getting in on the action.



Waiting on cupcakes and ice cream




Present time was pure chaos!!!




I love the boys expressions in this pic.  That was one cool race track!




Cowboy hat from Mommy and Daddy.




Winn boys and Crouch girls...pre arranged marriages made in Heaven!