Laurel Wreath’s Reflections

This photo is copywrited by Erin McFarland Photography.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY BROTHER. I guess you are not a baby anymore. The big 30, do you know how old you make me feel. I can not look at the picture above without tears coming to my eyes because of how proud I am to be your sister.

I was your older, protective, bossy sister who loves you very much. I think you were my real life “doll” to play with, maybe that is why I did not care for the pretend dolls. I would talk for you, act for you, get the toys for you, you were born being waited on hand and foot (sorry sister in law).

I know I was away at college during most of your high school years, I do feel like I missed a lot. But what I did see, I was proud. I saw you grow in your love for Christ, I saw your desire to go and preach His word, I know being a missionary will always be in the back of your mind. And I love to pick your brain in what you learned in seminary.

I saw you walk down the isle with the most beautiful, awesome woman who has the same desires for missions as you do. J and I were very picky when it came to who we would release you to. But when E entered your life, I knew before I even laid eyes on her she was the one for you. They say a Mother senses that kind of stuff, well I know for a fact a sister does to. J and I could not have picked a better person.

I will never forget the phone call of you telling me you are becoming a police officer. I went straight to my knees. I knew this sister could not protect you out there and the thought of you putting your life in danger was more than I could take. But the Lord opened so many doors for you and made it VERY evident to me this was His will, and I knew if it was His will then who am I to stand in the way. (and yes I am crying right now, don’t roll your eyes at me young man =) I can not begin to tell you how proud I am to see you become a well liked, and successful police officer. Yes, the boys and I pray for you every night. I cringe at any news report involving a police officer, but I know you are wrapped heavily in prayer and you are in Gods will. I could not be prouder.

And this year blew me away to see you become a Father. My baby brother a daddy. I see you with your daughter and you remind me of Dad. And you know that is a high compliment. You are going to be a wonderful Father.

I wish I could be there on your big day, and yes my present is late (sorry). But I want you to know how much this sister loves you, is proud of you, and just down right thinks you are the greatest.

I will end now because I am getting my keyboard wet with my tears. Yes I know I am the emotional sister, but you just wait bucko when your daughter grows you too will be emotional.I love you.

It is your personality that I love most. You are such a blessing in my life, and I look forward to many years ahead.

Eat an extra piece of cake for me, tell Mommy Aunt Laurel said so!

I love you.

I am blessed with the most wonderful sister in the world?

You all can be jealous just this one time, and you may pay homage. I am now part of the official club of owning something that says “Coach” on it.

Yep my sister bought me this darling little coach purse. BUT before you ooooo and Ahhhhhh to much. That is not the best part, OH NO!

But INSIDE my little darling coach purse was a silver bracelet and it was engraved “My Sister & Prayer Warrior” on one side and then James 5:16 on the other side.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

Ok NOW you can be jealous. Why did I waste so many years fighting with my best friend?

See you in about a week (I could have written you a sweet thank you note, but I figured I would brag on you on the world wide web instead =))

One year ago today my sister and brother in law’s life was turned upside down. They were blessed with a blessing that we as a family have been praying for, for years.

Sweetie, it is a big world out there don’t be in to much of a hurry to get out that door. You have parents who love you so much it hurts, and an Auntie here that loves you very much (plus I am the one with all the fun stories of Mommy). We prayed and prayed for you and the day you were brought into our lives we could do nothing but drop to our knees and thank God for bringing such an awesome blessing into our lives.

I look forward to the many years we have together. See you in a couple of weeks, you have a bunch of boy cousins you need to keep in line.

I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!!

I became a Mom for the second time around

(and that is what works great for me).

10 Things I love about my 11 year old “soon to be teenage” son:

1. He is my “Jim Carrey” of the family, and cracks us up.
2. He loves animals.
3. He has a sensitive heart.
4. He is smart.
5. He loves to shop =)) (a boy after my own heart)
6. He loves to make cookies.
7. He loves to make things, or build things with his hands.
8. He can fish better than all of us.
9. He loves to read.

And most importantly…

10. He loves Jesus.

Funny Story of the day:This Saturday just me and son were going shopping for his bithday present (some new, cool, in-style shoes). We get in the car and he asks, “Why doesn’t my brothers come?” and I said “because I am spending money on you, not them; this is your special trip.” Then son asked, “Well who is going to entertain me?”, and I looked at him and said “Well what am I chopped liver?”. Then son said, “No, you are the walking money”.

When oldest son heard this story he said “Yep, Mom the walking wallet”. Well I guess if is is not food that keeps them coming back it is MONEY!! I just have not told them yet at age 18, the money is all gone, ha!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY “SOON TO BE TEENAGER” !!!

don’t grow up too fast…..