Happy 7th Birthday, Abel!

Posted on September 15, 2022 by learninggodsway

Dear Abel,

Happy 7th birthday sweet boy! I know I say this every birthday, but I can’t believe another year has came and gone. Time doesn’t ever slow down. That can be difficult on this mama’s heart, but it’s such a blessing to watch you grow and change each year. You recently lost your first two teeth. You were so so excited!

One thing that hasn’t changed is your love for flag football. You are so fun to watch on the field! You also recently stole the show in your first children’s theater performance. You were the cutest little wally bird!

You have the best personality. I haven’t ever met one person who doesn’t fall in love with you the first time you meet. Your beautiful blue eyes and adorable little smile still have a way with people just like they always have. I know you have all your siblings wrapped around your little finger. They all love you so much and want to make sure you are happy at all times. That isn’t a hard task because you are smiling more times than not.

I don’t take one year for granted with you. God knew we needed you in our family. I am so grateful for all He has done. And, more than anything, I love to hear you sing all the songs you learn at church. It brightens my days when I hear you going through the house singing for the Lord!

Keep on being who He created you to be! We all love you more than you could ever imagine. We are going to have a blast celebrating your 7th birthday at Bald Head Island over the next few days! Why only celebrate one day when you can celebrate more?

Love Always,

Mommy 💙

Abel’s Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 7
What is your favorite food? pizza
What do you hope you never have to eat? pickles
What is your favorite thing to do? play outside
What is your favorite animal? my donkey
What makes you happy? Abby
What is the best memory from when you were 6? Going to Bald Head Island for Jacob’s birthday
What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 7? move to a new house
What would you like to be when you grow up? football player
What is your favorite song? He’s Able
Where is your favorite place to eat? Domino’s
What is your favorite book? The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree
Where would you like to go on vacation? the beach
What do you want the world to know? God is good

Psalm 100: 1-5: Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

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Happy 13th Birthday!

Posted on July 6, 2022 by learninggodsway

Dear James,

You are finally a teenager! We now have 3 teenagers in our house. We only have 7 more to go until all of you hit that milestone. I know you have been anxiously awaiting the day to officially be a teen. Well, buddy, that day finally arrived!

A lot has changed the last few months. We bought a 92 acre farm, sold the only house and farm you have ever known: the home that we built and moved into just a few days before you were born. Now, we are living in an 1800s log cabin. It’s a special cabin. It’s the cabin your daddy and grandparents took down, moved, and built back on a quiet little lot at the lake. You have taken all of these recent changes in stride. Evicting a few bats in the cabin was probably one of the most interesting things to recently take place.

Since we moved, you have enjoyed looking for fossils in the creek. You have went swimming and fishing at the lake. You’ve spent the week at teen church camp where you made some big decisions for the Lord. And, on your birthday, we even found a few hours in all of the busyness of working on Heather’s camper van conversion to celebrate you turning 13! I love how you just go with the flow and have the same level headedness in all situations.

I will never forget a few days ago when you walked past me and said, “Mom, watch when you shut the gate because their is a rattle snake in the weeds by it.” You never screamed. You didn’t make a big deal out of it. You just kept on walking. Jacob on the other hand immediately went on the prowl. He snapped a few pictures of what we learned was actually a nonvenomous snake pretending to be something he wasn’t.

Thankfully, you aren’t like that snake. We always know who James is. Unless you are telling jokes or picking at your siblings, you are calm and collective. You study your Bible verses until after midnight most nights, and you always always come and tell me good night. Most nights, you will stop by my room 3 or 4 times before you go on to your bed. You are definitely a night owl like your mama.

I hope you continue studying those verses each night before you fall asleep. They will carry you through any situation that you might face in life. Hide them in your heart, and you will go so far. Keep letting your light shine for the Lord and share those verses with others who cross your path. Let the Lord use you no matter where you are. We love you!

Love Always,

Mom ❤️

Romans 12:1 -2: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

James’s Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 13
What is your favorite food? Japanese food
What do you hope you never have to eat again? Tomatoes
What is your favorite thing to do? Go to church camp
What is your favorite animal? Raccoon Dog
What makes you happy? Mom
What is the best memory from when you were 12? Church Camp in NC
What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 13? Go on a cruise
What would you like to do when you grow up? Youth Pastor
What is your favorite song? I Have Been Blessed
Where is your favorite place to eat? Japanese
What is your favorite book? Bible
Where would you like to go on vacation? Alaska
What would you like the world to know? Love Jesus

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Happy 8th Birthday!!

Posted on June 2, 2022 by learninggodsway

Dear Jayce,

Happy 8th birthday sweet boy!  Can you believe there was a tornado warning on your birthday? We didn’t let that stop us from celebrating you! 

We ate at Cracker Barrel just before the tornado warning came our way. Then we headed to the movies to watch Bad Guys. Jayla was so excited our family had the whole theater to ourselves. We got to ride out the storm while watching the movie! 

When we felt it was safe, you decided you wanted to go shopping. You picked out so many things for your cute puppy, Sarge. You love him very much. He definitely seemed grateful that you spent your birthday money on him! 

We ended the afternoon by stopping at Dairy Queen for some ice cream. Then we rushed to our new farm to see what damage came from the storm! Thankfully, the damage wasn’t too bad. Despite the weather, we had a great day together.

I’m so thankful for God’s protection on your birthday and every day. We all love you very much. Your tender heart finds ways to make sure everyone around you is smiling!

I hope you have a wonderful year. Stay sweet and keep learning about Jesus. I know He’s going to help you each step of the way and take you so far in this life. 

Love Always, 

Mommy 


Jayce’s Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 8
What is your favorite food? cake pops 
What do you hope you never have to eat again? broccoli 
What is your favorite thing to do? swimming and playing on the playground
What is your favorite animal? dogs  
What makes you happy? being with Mommy 
What is the best memory from when you were 7? spending time with Mommy 
What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 8? go to the beach 
What would you like to do when you grow up? help people fix their houses after a tornado 
What is your favorite song? Speak Life by TobyMac 
Where is your favorite place to eat? Texas Roadhouse 
What is your favorite book? I love math books.
Where would you like to go on vacation? Disney World or Bald Head Island 
What would you like the world to know? I love God and everyone. 

Joshua 1:9 – Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

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Happy 18th to my First Born

Posted on April 18, 2022 by learninggodsway

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.

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Happy 5th Birthday!!

Posted on April 2, 2022 by learninggodsway

Dear Little Man,

Another birthday has come and gone! How is that even possible? You are already 5 years old!! I’ll never forget our first night together when you were just a few weeks shy of being 11 months. Honestly, I will never ever forget what all we have endured the last 4 years.

Together, we have both had to learn how to handle some really tough things. We have learned to let go and love no matter what circumstances are around us. You have overcame a lot these last several years. It brings me so much joy to watch you make progress and strides little by little.

Your sweet smile and witty personality are like none other! You keep us on our toes, but you also keep us laughing. You are so smart and funny!

We love you more than you could ever imagine. Even though none of us still know what your future holds, we know God does. He knew what your life would hold the day you were born, He knew the day you were brought to us, and He knows exactly what is going to transpire. We are continuing to trust Him to make the best decisions for your life. We will lean on each other as the days continue to pass.

Stay cute and keep on keeping on sweet boy! I will love you forever and some more.

Love Always!!

💗💗💗💗💗

John 16:33 – These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 5
What is your favorite food? french fries and hamburgers
What do you hope you never have to eat again? green beans
What is your favorite thing to do? playing with dinosaurs
What is your favorite animal? T-Rex
What makes you happy? elephants
What is the best memory from when you were 4? going to the lake
What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 5? eat
What would you like to do when you grow up? work and dig
What is your favorite song? Jesus Loves Me
Where is your favorite place to eat? McDonald’s
What is your favorite book? No David!
Where would you like to go on vacation? the beach
What would you like the world to know? I will take bad guys outside and lock the door.

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Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

Posted on April 1, 2022 by learninggodsway

Dear Jayla,

How are you already double digits? It’s so hard to believe it’s been ten years since I toted you out of the NICU. There are some moments in life that you never forget, and that is one that will stay with me forever.

The moment I brought you home from your hospital stay, I snuggled you up in my bed. And, honestly you have never left my side since. You have been stuck to your mama like glue. And, for that, I’m so thankful. You remind me daily that it’s my fault that you still sleep in my bed. You tell me if I hadn’t put you there when you were two weeks old, you would have learned to love your bed instead of mine.

Well sister, I love that you still snuggle with me almost every single night. You see me for who I am. And, most likely, you understand me more than anyone else. You know how to make me laugh when I feel like crying. You know how to find ways to help me when I feel so sick. Sorry I missed seeing you blow out your birthday candles. This pesky sickness of mine can get in the way sometimes. But, you are so forgiving!

You do so much for me out of the kindness of your heart. When the Lord made you, he copy and pasted you to be just like me. We both have a kind heart mixed with a stash of feistiness. Everyone says that about both of us. As you grow older, I hope you will use your feisty, strong-will to do great things for the Lord. There is no doubt in my mind that you will! A feisty kindhearted girl is what this old world needs more often than not! You always stand firm in your beliefs, but you also love so deeply, and it shows!

Don’t try to grow up too quickly. Stay little for just a little longer. Play with your baby dolls and build forts in the woods for as long as you can. Keep shining and singing for the Lord, but just stay little for a few more years. I love you baby girl: forever and always.

Love Always,

Mommy 💗

How old are you? 10
What is your favorite food? Chick-fil-A nuggets
What do you hope you never have to eat? tacos
What is your favorite thing to do? Be with Mommy
What is your favorite animal? Koala
What makes you happy? Abel
What is the best memory from when you were 9? Seeing the ponies at Grayson Highlands
What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 10? Build a Barndominium
What career to you want to do? nurse practitioner
What is your favorite song? Amazing Grace
Where is your favorite place to eat? Chick-fil-A
What is your favorite book? Magic Treehouse
Where would you like to go on vacation? Legoland
What would you like the world to know? If you get saved, you will live eternally with God in Heaven.

Joshua 1:9 – Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

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Happy 12th Beautiful Girl

Posted on March 30, 2022 by learninggodsway

Dear Abby,

Happy 12th Birthday! You are growing up so quickly. You are almost as tall as me now! I don’t think you have to worry about being short anymore because you still have a few more years to grow! You have asked me so many times if I think you will be short forever. Well, I’m pretty sure you can put that fear aside.

However, I think you are perfect just the way you are. You have the most tender heart and sweetest spirit. I’m so thankful for you.

I enjoyed going shopping with you on your birthday. Your new earrings are so pretty, and the cookies you picked out were delicious.

I know you had a blast going to Just Jump with one of your basketball friends. I’m so glad Neannie and Pawpaw Ken took you to celebrate. It has been such a joy seeing you make new friends this year. Basketball was so much fun to watch, but seeing you come out of your shell and develop friendships was even sweeter!

I hope your 12th year is the best one yet! I love you forever and a day!

Love Always,

Mommy 💗

Abby’s Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 12
What is your favorite food? baked potatoes
What do you hope you never have to eat again? steak
What is your favorite thing to do? play with my bunnies
What is your favorite animal? bunnies
What makes you happy? my bunnies, friends, and family
What is the best memory from when you were 11? when my bunnies had babies
What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 12? See Little Man be adopted
What would you like to do when you grow up? hairdresser
What is your favorite song? Made to Love by TobyMac
Where is your favorite place to eat? Texas Roadhouse
What is your favorite book? I’m not sure
Where would you like to go on vacation? Clearwater Beach
What would you like the world to know? There is a God in Heaven

Romans 15:13 – Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

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Happy 8th Birthday, Ava!

Posted on March 19, 2022 by learninggodsway

Dear Ava,

Sorry I am so behind writing your birthday letter. I’m sure every letter I have written for your birthday has that same apology in it. It’s tough having a birthday on Christmas Day. But, we made sure to celebrate you even if it was during the rush of the holidays.

It’s hard to believe how much you’ve grown both physically and emotionally this last year. I am so proud of you. There are always going to be hiccups and hard spots in life, but you are learning how to handle all of those things a little bit at a time. And, that is all we can ask for!

Thank you for sticking with us and being so patient as we have all learned how to live this life together. You mean so much to us. We love you no matter what situations we have endured together.

I can’t wait to watch how you are going to mature and grow even more over the next few years. There are a lot of times where I will just sit and think about what it’s going to be like when you are a teenager or even a young adult.

What activities will you enjoy? What career path will you take? Will your looks change as you get older? Will you still love to work on the farm and be around the farm animals?

Those are some questions that come into my mind often. Thankfully, Lord willing, we will get to watch you grow and change for many more years to come. Don’t ever lose your focus on the Lord, and He will help you work out anything that crosses your path or has already crossed your path. Sometimes life doesn’t seem fair especially the things you were handed at such a young age, but you are learning how to find healing in the midst of it all. Don’t ever give up!

We love you sweet girl. Happy Birthday!

Love,

Mommy

Ava’s Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 8
What is your favorite food? mac and cheese
What do you hope you never have to eat again? broccoli
What is your favorite thing to do? ride horses
What is your favorite animal? horses
What makes you happy? Mommy
What is the best memory from when you were 7? playing on the farm
What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 8? go to the beach
What would you like to do when you grow up? train horses
What is your favorite song? Jesus Loves Me
Where is your favorite place to eat? Mexican
What is your favorite book? The Bible
Where would you like to go on vacation? Legoland
What would you like the world to know? Jesus died on the cross.

Psalm 86:11: Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

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Happy 10th!!

Posted on March 8, 2022 by learninggodsway

Alayla,

Happy 10th Birthday, girl! I am so behind writing your birthday letter, but December birthday letters always seem to come a few months late. I tend to need a little extra time to recover from all of the excitement and hustle and bustle from the holidays.

I loved how you planned your very own birthday party this year. You got every detail together, made invitations, and handed them all out on your own. You are growing up to be an independent young lady, and that’s not a bad thing! You know what you want in life, and you go for it.

I love that about you, but what I love most is hearing you belt out gospel songs as you wash and fold the laundry each day. You do everything in life with a song in your heart. Whether it’s folding clothes or helping Daddy on the farm, you always have a cheerful attitude.

Your laugh is contagious and has to be reeled in every once in awhile. But, I’m so glad you can laugh and find joy no matter what situation arises. You are such a blessing!

Time is going by so quickly, but each and every minute with you is one well spent. I’m so thankful that the Lord brought you to us almost 4 years ago! We love you way more than you could ever imagine.

Love Always,

Mommy 💗

Nehemiah 8:10 – …for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Alayla’s Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 10
What is your favorite food? Pizza
What do you hope you never have to eat again? Lasagna
What is your favorite thing to do? Play outside
What is your favorite animal? Horses
What makes you happy? Spending time with my family
What is the best memory from when you were 9? Going to NY
What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 10? Go on a cruise
What would you like to do when you grow up? Be a veterinarian
What is your favorite song? Mr. Red, White, and Blue
Where is your favorite place to eat? Texas Roadhouse
What is your favorite book? The Bible
Where would you like to go on vacation? Disney
What would you like the world to know? The world needs the Lord

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Happy 15th!!

Posted on November 22, 2021 by learninggodsway

Dear Jaden,

Happy 15th sweet girl! I never thought 15 years could go by so quickly. It seems like you should still be 2 with me carrying you around on my hip.

Even though I’d love to go back in time and watch you grow up all over again, that’s not possible. It’s impossible to go backwards, so I’ll just hold all of the memories we’ve made so far close to my heart.

You are one amazing, beautiful girl! You have became a hard worker and are compassionate about the things put in front of you. If you set your mind to a task, it always gets completed especially when it comes to farming, horseback riding, or caring for animals. You made me smile the time you snuck two abandoned baby opossums to church in your purse because you wanted to keep an eye on them.

You’ve recently proven that basketball might be a new hobby for you. I’ve enjoyed watching you play on a basketball team for the first time ever this year! You are doing so well!

I’ve also enjoyed watching you break and train your first little Quarter Horse filly. You saved your money, and you patiently waited until you found the perfect match. Your patience paid off because Dakota has definitely bonded with you! You are the best team I’ve ever seen, literally.

I’ve never seen a horse bond with a new owner so quickly. She’s so gentle and willing to learn. I hope Dallas will prove to be the same in a few years! I’m so thankful your daddy went all the way to Missouri and picked her up as a surprise for your birthday! I mentioned that I wanted to get you a little weanling, and he made it happen!

We love seeing you excel in your hobbies, but more than anything, we love your heart for the Lord! Don’t ever change for anyone. If you continue to put the Lord first in your life, you will go far. This old world can be tough, but finding strength in the Lord will always help you find success. There will be difficult times along the way, but God’s mercy and grace will carry you anywhere you need to go.

I love you, JJ. Thanks for always being willing to help out on the farm and with the kids. You are definitely one of a kind.

Love Always,

Mommy 💓

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Jaden’s Birthday Interview

How old are you? 15

What is your favorite food? Cheeseburger from Little’s

What do you hope you never have to eat again? bananas

What is your favorite thing to do? ride horses

What is your favorite animal? horses and dogs

What makes you happy? horses

What is the best memory from when you were 14? getting two new fillies

What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 15? get my learner’s permit

What would you like to be when you grow up? horse trainer

What is your favorite song? Tasha Layton’s songs

Where is your favorite place to eat? Little’s

What is your favorite book? I don’t really have a favorite one.

Where would you like to go on vacation? Hawaii and Texas

What would you like the world to know? Jesus loves everyone!

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