Yes, this birthday letter is two months late! Does that surprise you? I did not think so. It happens this way sometimes because your birthday and Ava’s are so close to Christmas! It is not easy trying to get everything fit in around the holidays.
However, that does not mean I love you any less!! It simply means that I have a lot of blessings that keep me hopping especially during busy seasons.
You loved celebrating your birthday with a few of your closest friends and all of your siblings. Your Highland cow cookie cake was perfect. Your love for cows is super cute. Maybe one day you will have one of your own. For now, we are sticking to ponies though!
Your smile and giggles continue to brighten up any room you walk in. You always see the good in every situation, and you are super helpful around the house and farm. If anyone needs help, they always know to call on Alayla.
Thank you for having a helpful spirit and never complaining! We love you so much and are so thankful we get to share this life with you.
Love Always,
Mommy
Proverbs 17:22 – A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
Alayla’s Birthday Interview:
How old are you? 11 What is your favorite food? spaghetti What do you hope you never have to eat? salad What is your favorite thing to do? ride horses What is your favorite animal? ponies What makes you happy? being with my family What is the best memory from when you were 10? riding horses on trails What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 11? go to a rodeo What would you like to be when you grow up? veterinary assistant What is your favorite song? Good God Almighty by Crowder Where is your favorite place to eat? Chick-Fil -A What is your favorite book? The Bible Where would you like to go on vacation? on a cruise What do you want the world to know? about God
How are you already nine? The years are not slowing down like I have asked them to. You and your siblings keep getting older and older. It is not easy to watch the years pass by, but I’m grateful the Lord allows me to watch you grow up more and more.
You are growing into a true cowgirl and horse trainer. You are so brave as you climb on a different horse each day. Everyone knows to ask Ava to ride their horse or pony if it needs a tune up. They know you are not afraid.
Your one passion in life is horses. You amaze me more each day. Nothing is too big of a task for you. God sent you horses to help you understand that you can do whatever He asks you to do in His strength.
Keep on being strong, and let the Lord guide you a little more each day. I know you are going to go so far in life! We love you so much!
Love Always,
Mommy
Ava’s Birthday Interview
How old are you? 9 What is your favorite food? hamburgers What is your least favorite food? tomatoes What is your favorite thing to do? ride horses What is your favorite animal? horse What makes you happy? mommy What is the best memory from when you were 8? Going to PA to see the Amish What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 9? barrel race What would you like to be when you grow up? a horse trainer What is your favorite song? God is so Good Where is your favorite place to eat? Texas Road House What is your favorite book? books about math Where would you like to go on vacation? PA What do you want the world to know? About God
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.
How are you already old enough to drive a truck and pull a horse trailer? How do these things happen so quickly? I know you have been waiting to be able to haul your own horses for several years now. Well, baby girl, as you know, the wait is over!
I’m so proud of all you have accomplished in life so far. You are quite the athlete and are so competitive. Whether you are on the basketball court, volleyball court, or learning to barrel race horses, you always give it your all.
Your 16th birthday was the best day even if you took a tumble and ended up at the ER. Crazy things happen sometimes, but you have proven you know what to do when life throws punches. You get up and keep going. You don’t let things get you down.
We are alike in so many ways. Horses make you happier than having extra cash laying around. You are strong willed and know how to get the job done. But, we are also different. You have so much more confidence than I do. You never give up. In a respectful way, you don’t let others hold you back. You are kind, sensitive, and helpful, but you get out there and do your best no matter what. I’m so thankful you are growing up to be a confident woman in this world that can be so harsh.
I know you get your strength from the Lord. He will never fail you nor forsake you. I hope you continue to take your strength from Him as you train your new “heart” horse, Reba!! You are perfect for each other. I can’t wait to watch you grow closer together and form that unbreakable bond. I hope this year is your best yet!
Love you forever and always,
Mom 💙
Galatians 6:9 – And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Jaden’s Birthday Interview
How old are you? 16 What is your favorite food? Japanese What do you hope you never have to eat? broccoli What is your favorite thing to do? ride horses or play volleyball What is your favorite animal? dogs and horses What makes you happy? my dogs, horses, and baking What is the best memory from when you were 15? getting to hang out with my friends during sports What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 16? go to Hawaii, the Caribbean, or run my first barrel race on Reba What would you like to be when you grow up? I’m not sure. Most likely something to do with horses. What is your favorite song? I don’t really have one right now. Where is your favorite place to eat? Yummy Yummy or Poe’s BBQ What is your favorite book? Horse Tales from Heaven by Rebecca E. Ondov Where would you like to go on vacation? Hawaii What do you want the world to know? Jesus loves you and everything happens for a reason.
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.
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
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.
I have put off writing this letter for several weeks because I just cannot 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 since you were born. I will never regret being able to homeschool you. I have not missed a minute of your childhood and am so grateful. Many 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 a fence or helping many 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 cannot 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. Do you know why? Because writing is one of my passions, too. I hope all the books we read and the plays we watched at the Barter over the years inspired you to become a writer!
I could continue forever because it is difficult to summarize 18 years in one blog post. It’s actually quite impossible. I cannot wait to see what the Lord has planned for you. You have been praying and reading your Bible since you were five years old. God has already answered so many of my prayers for you. He will never leave you or forsake you! Do not 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 does not slow down. And, no matter what, love others with everything you have. 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 firstborn. There is something special about your firstborn 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 is an indescribable feeling. One day, you will understand exactly what I am 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.
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.
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.
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.
Learning God's Way 