to bj

first of all i apologize that all my pictures are christmas pictures but i haven't loaded any others on my computer.

anyway, to my oldest! you probably don't know this but you almost weren't. your daddy was a youth minister and we had just about decided to not have kids of our own because we had 30 kids at the time but God had other ideas. we are soooo glad he did! (i thought you were the flu : )

there are so many things i love about you it's hard to know where to start. first, i love your humor. you are one of the wittiest and funniest people i know. your mind is so quick! i think you should have a vent all your own with just your comments on it! second, you are so tender hearted. i still remember when we got lady and you wanted to take all the kittens, cats, puppies and dogs home from the shelter! we had to send you out to wait in the car. next would have to be your musical ability. you don't use it much but you do have it. i love that you're a reader. i like sharing books with you and discussing them with you. i like the fact that you take your lumps in life without complaint. if it was your fault then you have always manned up and said so.

i love how much family means to you. you aren't afraid to tell people that you love your family. i am very proud of you. you have always worked hard and i am very proud of the fact that you are going to tackle going back to school. from experience i will tell you that the hardest part is walking into that first class. it will be worth it. the first step is the hardest.

you have always been my child who believes all things are possible. i believe that God gave you that ability. i love the fact that God has His hand on you and you're not shrugging it off. i love that you love Him.

one last thing, i love how you are such a people person! that is such a gift. people just naturally flock around you. you are honest, even when it hurts you. you are trustworthy, caring and a wonderful son.

God bless you, my firstborn.