Happy Birthday 21 year old!

Happy Birthday to this now 21 year old!  How can my little brother be 21 already, married and with a kiddo of his own?!  This guy has brought more smiles and laughter over the years than I can even begin to count.  He's always had that way of bringing sunshine into a room, making you smile even when you didn't feel like it and finding a way to make even a serious or sad moment turn into laughter.  He was an amazing brother to grow up with, daddy's right hand and has always had a special place in mama's heart!  All of our younger ones adore their big brother!  He's a hard worker, wide open and never afraid to get dirty and always ready to lend a helping hand.  It's been so neat to get to watch him become a husband and daddy and begin his own home.  He is one of the most special guys I know and we are all so very thankful for him!  Praying that this new year brings you and all of your incredible amount of energy and determination into a quest to know, love and serve the Lord in ways you never imagined!  Love you lots and lots buddy!
~Bree for all of us

Happy Birthday Essie!

Our sweetie pie turned 8 this year.  How can she be that old already?!  So thankful for each and every day that we've had with our precious ray of sunshine these past eight years!  She is a constant burst of life, energy and joy and brings many smiles and laughs into our home.  Esther means "star".  We pray that she will truly be a star that shines brightly with the light of the Lord Jesus in this world!  We love you so much sweet heart!
~Big sis Bree

Happy Birthday Breanna!

This young lady was given to this family 23 years ago.  She has been a ray of sunshine and a HUGE blessing to our family!  How grateful we are such a special gift and blessing!  

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!  

We love you SO much!!

Thoughts at 21 . . .

This was the hymn that Breanna woke up with in her mind on her 21st birthday. 

Click here to hear Brittany and Breanna singing this hymn.

Another Year is Dawning

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

Five years ago . . .

God brought this little blessing into our lives.

This picture just so captures Esther!!!

 Brittany and Breanna made a very special dinner for a very special 5 year old.

Brittany had fun trying out a new recipe for Chick-Fil-A nuggets complete with their special recipe sauce.  They were extremely good!!!  Green beans and homemade sweet potato fries accompanied this fine meal.  :-) 

 Esther sweetly smiling as we all sang Happy Birthday to her.  Grandma was even on the phone singing with us.  She had her cake and ice cream virtually. :-)  We so missed not having her with us today.  How thankful we were that we could still be together via the phone.  :-)

 Another picture from her photo shoot trying to get her year picture.  She just makes me smile.  

 Breanna and Elizabeth made her a special dress.  :-)  A yummy one too!!!

 This was the other shot that I was trying to decide between.  I so love her smile and sparkle in her eyes.  

This one just fully captured her.  I cropped it, which is what the first picture in this post is and that will be her year picture.  

 A very happy birthday indeed!  We love you so much Esther!  

She was so excited for her fifth birthday because she now can finally chew gum.  :-)  We got her a big tub that had 360 pieces in it as one of her gifts.  She loved it and feels like a big girl now.  :-)  

Five is such a turning point in some ways in our home as this is the year that she will learn to read and tell time so will receive her first Bible and watch.  Children seem to grow up so quickly.  Oh that they will all grow and live their lives for the Lord, glorifying Him in all that they do.  This is our earnest prayer for Esther and for all of our children.