Birthday Interviews 2016- The Oldest Son.

His birthday is today.  He's 21.

T-W-E-N-T-Y-O-N-E!

My firstborn son is legal.  It seems weird because I often forget how young he is - he's getting ready to celebrate his second wedding anniversary. He is a great Daddy and husband and he continues to learn and look for ways to grow himself.

Easter Sunday
photo credit: Emily Allen 

He is proof that God gives us good gifts-more than we can ask for. I still get excited every time he walks in the room, and watching him with his daughter(s) brings more joy than I could ever have anticipated.

Just chilling
photo credit:  Emily Allen 

Here's what he had to say....

What is your name?  seriously?  It's Shayne
How old are you? 21
What is your favorite thing to do? Hunt
What do you want to be when you grow up? Hunting Guide
What is your favorite food? Chicken Wings
Who do you like to spend time with? Emily
What do you do really well? carpentry, build things
What makes you laugh? everything
What is the best time of the day? 8:30 p.m. when the kids go to bed 
What are you afraid of? losing Emily
Who is your best friend? my Dad
What do you like to do with your family? go get milkshakes
What do you love to learn about? theology
Where do you like to go? Kings Dominion 
What is your favorite book? The Smuggler
If you had one wish what would it be? To have my dream home already paid for.  I don't mind working and don't care about being rich, but to have a home for my family without stress of paying the mortgage.   

So, just like I missed his "first ever" touchdown because I was out of town, I'm missing his 21st Birthday for the same reason-  I'm still in Texas so we'll be celebrating when I get home.  Shayne, please don't hold it against me.

I love you so much and your Dad and I continue to be proud of the man you have become. I pray that you always seek God and love your wife and girls as well as you do today.  

When I sing/tell you that you're my sunshine, know that it isn't just a silly song to annoy you- but truth. 

Thank you- because of our morning chats and coffee while I get ready for work, I no longer dread stressful morning routines but actually look forward to starting my day.  

Happy 21st Birthday, Shayne! 

You are so loved. 

Happy Tuesday from Texas y'all! 

Birthday Interviews 2016- The Youngest Son.

Today's his birthday.  He's 10.

T-E-N!

Double digits.

He's the baby of the family- my creative and busy Isaiah.  He's my pickiest eater and best cuddler. If he's in, he's all in, and if he's not- we have a struggle on our hands.

Here's what he had to say when we did our birthday interview.
What is your name?  Isaiah
How old are you? 10
What is your favorite thing to do? draw
What do you want to be when you grow up? graphic designer
What is your favorite food? hot dogs
Who do you like to spend time with? my Mom
What do you do really well?  draw
What makes you laugh? when Mommy says something silly
What is the best time of the day? night time - cause I get to go to sleep 
What are you afraid of? nothing
Who is your best friend? my mom
What do you like to do with your family? go on a walk on the green way
What do you love to learn about? science
Where do you like to go? Disneyland
What is your favorite book? I don't have one 
If you had one wish what would it be? to get a trillion dollars- to spend on drawing stuff and college 

We celebrated Friday night, because I'm in Texas today for a work conference.

I think he was happy about the action figures he requested.  His expressions crack me up- and his smile melts me.  He is so tough, yet tender-hearted.

Happy 10th Birthday Isaiah!

You are so loved!

Happy Tuesday from Texas y'all!

Birthday Interviews 2016- The Middle Son.

Today is his birthday.  He is 11.

E-L-E-V-E-N!

A few of his favorite things. 

This year, I interviewed each of my son's for their birthday- all this week. It happens that way every year.
So this year, to shake things up I'm doing an interview series.

The first -for my sweet Elijah.

What is your name?  Elijah
How old are you? 11 
What is your favorite thing to do? Playing with lightsabers
What do you want to be when you grow up? Gemologist 
What is your favorite food? White Chicken Chili 
Who do you like to spend time with? my Mom
What do you do really well?  Give information.
What makes you laugh? Silliness, like funny faces
What is the best time of the day? late afternoon 
What are you afraid of? losing my family
Who is your best friend? my brother 
What do you like to do with your family? make homemade pizza and play card games 
What do you love to learn about? sea creatures
Where do you like to go? New Jersey, where Benjamin was- or the beach in Florida
What is your favorite book? "In My Heart" 
If you had one wish what would it be? Trillionare- so I can take care of my family forever- get them what they need- I'd be the richest kid in the world.

OH YEAH! 

The smile says it all. 

These faces.  

I made him his favorite food for dinner and he got the lightsaber he's been drooling obsessing over for a really long time.

And when I tucked him in bed tonight, I might have teared up.  I told him how proud I am of him.  I asked him to look me in the eye while I told him that he is awesome, and special, and is going to do great things.  And he did.  As best he could he caught my eyes- he listened and accepted that God made him uniquely special.  And I assured him that he need not worry about losing his family.

I told him that I wouldn't trade him for nothing.  Not one thing.

And with that big beautiful smile, he told me he loved me.  I think I got the best present tonight.

Happy Birthday, Elijah!

Your Momma and Daddy sure do love you- and when asked if we'd do it again- the answer is YES!

Happy Tuesday y'all!