Dear Jacob,

I’ve put off writing this letter for several weeks because I just can’t wrap my head around the fact that you are already 18 years old!! How did these last 18 years fly by so quickly? I never thought we would get here in the blink of an eye. But, we have. I’ll never forget the day you were born! What a special day it was. You were such a good baby who loved to be held and cuddled. I rarely ever put you down your first two years!

You turning 18 is definitely bitter sweet for this mama. I am so thankful for the godly young man that you are. You honestly have not given me any trouble over the years. Of course, we all learn and grow as we get older, but you, my son, have done a great job of growing in the Lord each and every year.

You can’t even imagine how much I have enjoyed spending so much time with you from the moment you were born until now. I will never regret being able to homeschool you. I have not missed a minute of your childhood, and I am so grateful. A lot of mamas and sons don’t get the opportunities we have had. From nature hunts, field trips, farming, sports, reading probably over 100 books together, and going on many vacations over the years, I have loved every single second with you!!

I have witnessed you being able to do absolutely anything you put your mind to. You have made homemade fishing baits, skinned a bear, completed construction projects, and dug a trout pond. You have flourished as an artist and pianist. You have cared for baby lambs, raised rabbits, rode horses, and hatched chicks. Farming isn’t easy, but you are always up for a new task such as building fence or helping many different farmers in the area. You started working for others when you were around thirteen years old. Your work ethic is something to talk about.

One thing you have almost completed is writing your first mystery novel. I can’t wait to see it in print! You becoming an author makes me happier than almost anything else you have wanted to accomplish in your life. You know why? Because writing is one of my passions, too. I hope all of the books we read and the plays we watched at the Barter over the years inspired you to become a writer!

I could go on and on forever because it’s difficult to sum up 18 years in one little blog post. It’s actually quite impossible. I can’t wait to see what all the Lord has planned for you in the future. You have been praying and reading your Bible since you were probably five years old. God has already answered so many of my prayers for you. He will never leave you or forsake you! Don’t ever forget that. He will continue to direct your paths as you grow and mature into an adult. Always put Him first in everything you do, and you will never lack joy in your life.

Some things that have helped me along the way are staying strong no matter the situation, playing hard, and enjoying each moment because time doesn’t slow down. And, no matter what, love others with everything that you have in you. I have witnessed you love your siblings well. You have made every single one of them feel special over the years.

I know you will continue putting others first because you have one of the most serving hearts that I have ever seen. Jayce is your little mini me, and he looks up to you so much. He has every reason to look up to his oldest brother. You have set a great example for him.

You will always be one of my first loves because you are my first born. There is something special about your first born child. You allowed me to feel that once in a lifetime feeling of becoming a mama for the first time! That is not something to be taken lightly, ever! It’s an indescribable feeling. One day, you will understand exactly what I’m talking about. I love you so much sweet boy and always will!!

Love Always,

Mom ❤️

Jacob’s Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 18
What is your favorite food? burgers from Little’s
What do you hope you never have to eat again? All food deserves love.
What is your favorite thing to do? farming and basketball
What is your favorite animal? wolf
What makes you happy? being around people I love
What is the best memory from when you were 17? starting my own sheep herd
What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 18? grow my sheep herd
What would you like to do when you grow up? have a family and own a homestead with sheep
What is your favorite song? Working on a Building by Trace Adkins
Where is your favorite place to eat? Red Lobster
What is your favorite book? Adventures of Arty Anderson
Where would you like to go on vacation? out West
What would you like the world to know? Do what you love, but call it work.

John 13:7 – Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.