Bethany's Birthday!

November 1--- the first day of my favorite month! Not only is this day special to me because it's the first of November.. But it's so special because someone I love SO much was born on this day.
Bethany Singleton is one if my most favorite people on the planet. I can't explain to you how much is in my heart for this girl. I'm getting all teared up as I type this. 

Bethany is almost more like family than a friend. Living only 57 seconds away only helps the idea of us being like sisters.. I remember spending hours at her house doing homework or jumping on the trampoline ( not off of the balcony of course, because that would be dangerous) :) Bethany has always just been there. When I needed someone to put a smile on my face I could count on her. When I needed to just sit on the swing and talk, she was there. When I needed advice or a clever trick on how to "get the boys back" she had the greatest ideas. We learned together, we conspired together, we practically lived together some nights. She's for sure more than a friend... She's family!

Bethany is more generous and loving than I am or sure. I try so hard to give back to The Lord, to give to others and to show others christs love through my generosity... This girl outdoes me times a thousand. Last year I quickly ride up to her house to drop off her christs present.. What was this kid doing??? Packing up cookies and goodies to give to the nurses who worked that Christmas Eve. It's. Standing tradition, one that I had forgotten about.. But not Bethany. She spend her Christmas Eve afternoon delivering cookies to nurses on call and visiting the elderly in the nursing home. What better way to spend a Christmas Eve? What better way to show how much you love Jesus... What better gift to give... That's why she's an inspiration. She enjoys doing things like that. She remembers that it's more important to give than to receive.. And she lives that out-- even at Christmas time! 

Bethany is devoted. Not only is this girl at every church event, but she volunteers at other churches.. She helps out with babysitting, awanas, children activities, decouple ship now events, and is even involved in her prayer group at liberty! I couldn't r more proud of her dedication to learn and serve. She enjoys learning more about The Lord and his word and practices this daily. I could learn from her example for sure

Bethany is funny. I am not kidding when I say she can put a smile on my face instantly when I walk into a room. She is so much like me that with a look I can know what she is thinking... And that always makes me smile! She tells the best stories.. And the craziest things seem to happen to her. She simply has the gift of Making people smile... Of any age at any time.

Bethany is simply the greatest. I can't put into words how much I really love her, I can't come up with enough stories to explain just how awesome she truly is, I can't even show a picture that would describe the way I feel about her... So this will just have to do for now.. Happy birthday Bethany! I pray your day is filled with friendship, family, giving, and time with The Lord! I pray you continue to shine bright for hjm leading others to him by simply being yourself. I pray your day is extra special, because you deserve it! Love you more and more and more. ( and now I have a little one that can admire you just as much as I do!) Can't wait to see the influence you have in her life as well. Happy Birthday! 

Happy Birthday Carrington!

I wish my girls would stop growing up, and stop having birthdays… I can’t believe how fast time has gone by.. and I seriously can’t believe how fast this kiddo has grown up. I mean for real. Like right before my eyes. I remember holding her when she was just a little bitty thing, and how she has become a beautiful young lady, and a true friend.You can’t really explain the bond of cousins, unless of course, you have amazing cousins like I do. This girl has been in my life for so long now, that I actually don’t remember life without her. We have had so many good times, and I am so great full that we have had such an awesome relationship all throughout her life. I am so proud of her. Let me just list 16 reasons why I am SO proud to say she is my cousin….

1. She loves Jesus . She shines for him. She tells others about him, she teaches about him, she acts for him, and she does everything she can to bring glory and honor to her Lord. We could all learn a little something from her. She has taught me that even when being silly on stage, you can still shine for Jesus.

2. She adores her friends. She has made lots of friends throughout her life at various places… and she loves them all.

3. Carrington is super close with her family. She is always willing to babysit, or lend a hand to help a family member in need. She loves her brothers and has always been spoiled by them.

4. She will probably be famous one day. Carrington is one of those actors that just draws your eye. I may be saying this because I am related to her, but I do firmly believe that when I am watching one of her plays that my eyes are on her the entire time because I know her… however, I think everyone else is watching her because she is just THAT good!

5. She has such a big heart. She really does love people. She loves to serve, she loves to help, she simply loves.

6. She spends her free time visiting the nursing home, or baking goodies for the elderly, or working with people to do something GREAT for someone else. She is a giver.

7. Carrington is a hard worker. She loves to act, dance, and be silly... but she also does these things with determination that is to be admired. She is great at school, SOOO smart, and so creative. Truly an inspiration.

8. Carrington is super smart. She not only gets good grades, but she also has a good head on her shoulders.

9. She makes wise choices. This is something I try to teach my girls, and my students in my class. Make WISE choices. Choose good friends, choose to do the right thing, choose to stand up for what you believe in, choose to keep your mouth closed, choose to forgive, choose to love. Choices people. Make wise ones.. and she does. So I am proud!

10. She listens. She listens to her elders, which is important, but she also listens to people. She is a great listener if you have a problem or need someone to turn to in a time of need just to listen… this girl is the way to go.

11. She is sweet. It takes a lot to be sweet in this world sometimes… especially when others are not so sweet back to you…and she is, she is just sweet.

12. Carrington is compassionate. She goes on mission trips, she gives to others, and she truly wants to see others come to know the Lord.

13. She knows how to have fun. This is important, and she does it well.

14. She laughs at herself. This is also very important, and she does that well too!

15. She enjoys learning. She likes learning new things, she likes learning in school, and she likes to learn new games.

16. She is striving to be more and more like Jesus daily. That’s what all of us should be doing.. and she does it.

I am proud of her for these reasons and so many more! I hope you have an AWESOME birthday and I hope it is filled with ALL the things you enjoy. I love you Sweet girl.

Happy Birthday Emmy!

Okay... I had all intentions of posting this on your actual birthday sweet Em.. but totally forgot. (Can I still blame things on my Audrey girl?!?) haha. but for real. I love you, and here it is since I wrote it a while ago and forgot to post!

Happy Birthday Emmy! Here are my wishes for you on your special day!

I hope you always remember to keep Jesus first!

This kid inspires me daily to Love Jesus and love my family. She has an amazing relationship with the Lord.. and with her brother that I super admire. I seriously can learn so much from this girl, and I love when we do get to hang out and I can see just how much she loves Jesus, and just how much she loves her family. It really is inspiring.

 I hope you remember to laugh.

I am not kidding when I say that Emmy can make anyone's day better just by her fun loving personality. I love when she sends me a quick text, or when I hear one of her funny explanations for thnigs. I know she has SO many friends because she is so funny and just fun to be around. On your birthday, I hope you have lots of fun, and that it is filled with lots of laughter.

I hope you stay flexible.

This is something I learned so much later in life... and something that Emmy is so good at already. She puts others first and stops at a moments notice to help a friend.. even when she has had other plans. I do think it is important to have plans, but I also think it is important to be flexible. (plus I wanted to use this picture!)

I hope you continue to put others first and support your friends always.

I love how close my girls are. I love that they have been friends since they were itty bitty in sunday school. How awesome is it to have friends like that in life. Its rare, and it shows how tried and true these girls are.... not only to each other, but in life. I am constantly learning this from them, and especially from emmy. She is so supportive of her friends. I seriously hope Audrey learns this from her.

I hope you remember to forgive.

This is a big one, and its hard sometimes, but forgivness is something that is so important... especially since we have been given so much grace.

Last, I hope you remember to love. love others. love deeply. love from the bottom of your heart.

Its so easy to get caught up in loving people so you can get something... but not only does Emmy simply love, she really has one of the biggest hearts.

Happy Birthday Sweet Emmy! I seriously can't thank you enough for the impact you have had on my life, and for the influence I know you will have on my sweet girl. I hope she can learn from you, and that you will have the opportunity to watch her grow and mature like I have had the opportunity to do in your life.

Wow, just  look how far we have come!

LOVE you to the mooon and back. Hope your Birthday is filled with all the things you enjoy my dear!

 

September 6: My sisters BIRTHDAY!

I can not believe my sister is 11. I remember going to the hospital when she was born, holding her and thinking she is so tiny, she will never really know me, and yes.. I always wanted a sister.. but being 13 years apart was so not what I had in mind.

God has a way of taking things and surprisng us to the fullest. He sure did that 11 years ago when my beautiful sister was born, and again 8 months ago when I found out I was going to have my own little girl.. with my sister only being a few years younger than I was when she was born. God is so good. His plans are so perfect, and yet I still doubt and fret over them... so sad. When will I learn??

Anyway.. Birthdays! To say I love birthdays would be an understatment. I mean an entire day that is all about the person you love. SO awesome! Jonnah is one special girl. Let me prove it.

She is a giver. (she must get that from her sister, like all of her good qualaties) haha... but for real. This girl loves people.

Jonnah is a very loyal person. If you have her for a friend, she will be a friend for life. She has been BEST friends with this one cool lady for a long time. And I am more than thankful for that.

 

Jonnah is very talented. She is a soccer star for sure. She love sthe game, and she is the fastest girl I know. hands down.

 

She is also very creative. I love helping her with scrapbooking or card making, but if I am honest... she doesn't need my help at all. She can come up with ideas all on her own and is very very very talented when working on these crafs. I often think if I had her talent when I was her age, I could really be doing something with my life right about now!

She is also a great actress... I mean for real.. she must get this from her cousin carrington, because they could both be stars! She really enjoys it and truly does have a gift.

Jonnah loves Jesus. She really truly does, and it shows in the way she lives her life. I am so proud to call her my sister. I often go back and think about the days when I thought we would have nothing in common and laugh. She really is one of my all time favorite people to spend time with, to laugh with, and to learn from.I can't believe how fast she has grown up... I can't believe how mature she is... and I can't believe that soon she will really be an aunt. Crazy.

Sweet girl... On your birthday...I want to leave you with a letter....

Dear Jonnah,

I pray you remember to keep the Lord first in your life. Just like you do now.. but forever. I hope that he is not only first in your life, but that he is in the center of you life, your decisions, your world. I want you to remember that when you do make a mistake, go to him first. Ask for forgiveness and he will show you what to do. Keep him close, pray often. That helps for sure. Read your bible. Really read it... don't just do it to check it off your to do list like I find myself doing sometimes.. read it because you love it. Read it because you love HIM.

I pray you remember to forgive and forgive quickly. I learned that later in life, and I could have saved myself some real heartache if I just remembered that I too need forgiveness daily.. so I should give it.... I forget sometimes and think that I deserve to be upset, but nothing on this side of heaven is worth the heartache of unforgiveness--which ultimantly leads to bitterness... and life is much to precious to be bitter.  People will hurt you, it will come and it will be so so so very sad. You may not even deserve this hurt... but I promise, I PROMISE that when you hold that against someone you are really making yourself hurt worse. So forgive.

I pray you will remember to laugh at yourself and have fun. Always. People will laugh with you, and at you, and sometimes that might even hurt... but if you remember to laugh at yourself it will make life much more fun... and speaking of fun... remember to have some of that too! Laughing and having fun is good thing. In Job it says "He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." so laugh my dear... do silly things just for fun, don't grow up too fast, there is plenty of time for that later. :)

I pray you put others first.  Be like Jesus. He spent his entire life serving others, even when it was hard, even when people were really mean, even if it meant being alone,  even when he took his dying breath. His life was a life of service. Completely. Sometimes I forget that. Sometimes I want to just spend time with my favorite people.... and not think about the lost people of the world... but that is not really what God calls us to do. It is so important to have close friends, but it is also SO important for us to tell others about Jesus and share what he has done in our lives.. even when its hard, even if they are mean, even if you are doing it alone.

I pray you learn from your mistakes. You will make them, and that is okay. We all know I sure do. That's why its so important to forgive and give grace.  But, when you make those mistakes.. learn from them. Don't make the same one over and over. Talk to Jesus... talk to your mom (she's quite good at helping fix mistakes) I would know.  Just remember that when you do mess up, I still love you. God still loves you, and you are still the beautiful precious little girl that He created for His glory.

I love you, and I am so proud of you. I hope you remember to how much you are loved. How much you are loved by not only your family and your friends, but how much the Lord loves you.  Happy Birthday sweet girl!

Love, your sister

PS: remember to take lots of pictures. I know sometimes you make fun of me for always having my camera, but isn't it worth it. I once read the only pictures you regret are the ones you didn't take... that's not always true.. but really.. if you take one you don't like you can always delete it.. but you can go back and get a picture.. and it is totally worth it to look back on and see the changes, or cherish a special time in your life.. so trust me. Take pictures. take lots of pictures!

And... just for fun, lets add some pictures from last years birthday! We had a blast at the Carrie Underwood concert  for sure!