Dear James,

Happy Birthday, buddy! It’s difficult to come to terms with the fact that you will be thirteen in less than 365 days! I will have three teenagers in the house oh so soon.

You are growing up quickly. I know you can’t wait until you are an official teenager. You’ve been begging for your own phone for years. But, you know you have to at least be 13 before that can happen.

I’m so proud of how much you have matured this past year. You have overcame so many fears. You are once again enjoying singing in the choir at church. There was a time you felt like singing just wasn’t going to be your thing. I’m proud of you for trying it again.

On vacation, you swam in the ocean like a champ. I really couldn’t believe how well you swam under all of those waves. You had a blast every single day while we were at Bald Head Island.

You have also recently found a new hobby. You have battled in airsoft games with your friends and siblings. I love hearing you tell me how much you have enjoyed being around your friends once again.

One of the biggest steps you took this year is how you willingly took your COVID vaccine after you watched your great-grandpa pass away due to COVID complications. I’m so proud of you for taking such a big step and making such an important decision in your own life. I heard you pray many times in 2020 for COVID to leave.

I know you will feel safer traveling to Wyoming with Neannie, Pawpaw, and Jacob. I know you feel relieved to finally be out and about again. We all do! I hope your trip goes so well for all of you.

Happy Birthday once again sweet boy! I had a blast celebrating with you with a Star Wars themed party. It was a blast! Stay strong in the Lord this year, and He will direct your paths.

Love Always,

Mommy 💙

James’s Birthday Interview

How old are you? 12
What is your favorite food? Sushi
What do you hope you never have to eat again? heath candy bars
What is your favorite thing to do? travel
What is your favorite animal? wolf
What makes you happy? seeing wildlife
What is the best memory from when you were 11? going to Bald Head Island
What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 12? help with wildlife rehabilitation
What would you like to be when you grow up? Wildlife rehabilitator
What is your favorite song? Help is on the Way by TobyMac
Where is your favorite place to eat? Mexican
What is your favorite book? Magic Tree House books
Where would you like to go on vacation? Alaska

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.