Happy Birthday To Our Oldest!

Stephen was the one.

The one who first made me a mom!

The first of many children in my life.  He had me to himself for 9 years before we had more!

The one who first filled my heart with a love that only your child can make you feel.

The one who first gave me the somber reality that I was responsible for another life, their well being, care, education and upbringing.

The one who first filled that little niche between your neck and shoulder that only a newborn fills when held.

The one who first gave me a joy, that only a parent feels, when their child does the amazing things they learn to do.

The one who first started filling my mind with special family memories of our own.

The one who first started showing me so much about myself from a child's eyes. (Kids will repeat anything you know!)

The one that first said the sweetest "I love you mom" ever to me.

The one who first made my heart rejoice with their happiness and ache when theirs ached.

The one who first brought out my mamma bear feelings of protection for him.

The one that first broke my heart by saying something in a hurtful way that only our children can do.

The one who I made mistakes on as I learned how to be a good parent!

The first one I home schooled!

The one who was the child of my youth.

The one I grew up with.

The first one to help me navigate the teen years with.

The first one I learned that I had to leave them in Gods hands and trust.

The first one I became friends with.

The first one I saw graduate.

The one I first had to let spread their wings and leave the nest.

The first one to come back to visit and have holidays meals here at the house with.

My life was full of firsts with this son of ours.

He is the one I am so happy and blessed to be mom to.

Happy birthday my oldest son!  I love you fiercely and pray for you fervently!  May the Lord God in heaven have His mighty hand on your heart and life as you live and grow in Him!

Romans 12:2 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.

Love, Dad, mom, Antonio, William, Carolyn, Zeke, Elizabeth, Billy, Timothy, Kinsley and Anna-Kate  

A Year Older! 2018

Happy birthday to one of the nicest people I have ever met in my life!  I have the privileged and am blessed, to call him son.  Happy Birthday William!

It was hot that July.  I was a bit over due.  I was so uncomfortable.  Every day I woke up hoping today would be the day.  I thought William was going to be born on the 4th.  I was hoping William would be born on the 4th.  I was praying William would be born on the 4th. God chose for him to be born later than that.  :) 

When he was born, all the days of discomfort were a distant memory.  All that I had just went through was forgotten.  He was here, healthy and loved. 

Little did I know, as I held him for the first time, all the struggles we would face together and what a sweet, happy and obedient little guy he would always be.  Autism has been a challenge but you have relied on God to help you be successful and thrive.  Praise God!

Such a blessing to us from the moment I found out I was pregnant.

William has never been a moments trouble and has and is always as helpful as he can be.

He is always asking if there is anything I need him for or if there is anything I need him to do. 

William and his first personal dog Will.

If I am struggling or trying to make an important decision, aside from praying about it,  he is one of the first people I ask his opinion about it. 

His dog Will and he were inseperable and such good buddies all through out his childhood.  It is ashame that dogs live so  much shorter than humans.  So good and loyal.  So hard to say goodbye to.

As he is wise and grounded and always has a unique perspective about things.

 William and his second personal companion dog Dixie.  She has been a wonderful and loyal dog for him.

 I am always finding selfies of William on my phone that he takes for me to find later.  :)

 GED graduate!

 EAGLE award winner for our district and public speaker/representative for them!

On a mission trip out west!

As with all our children I have seen God do miracle after miracle for him and in him.  I have had the privilege of seeing God stretch and grow him into a godly young man.  He reminds me so much of his dad.  Tim and he are very much alike in so many ways.  The fruit of the spirit just comes naturally to these two men.  I always feel very cherished by them both.

William wanted a special cake from my sister this year and as always she came through with flying colors!  Thank you Aunt "S"!

William, Your dad and I could not be more pleased with all the hard work and effort you have put into your life and education.  We could not be more happy for you in this very exciting time of your life.  We could not be more grateful that God entrusted us to raise you as unto Him.

May God have his hand on you your whole life.  May you follow His lead and guidance at every turn.  May you seek His face in all decisions you have to make and may you be blessed in your life as you live and grow in Him!

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Love, Dad, mom, Stephen, Antonio, Carolyn, Zeke, Elizabeth, Billy, Timmy, Kinsley and Anna-Kate!