February 3 THIRTEEN!

Monday: My "Little Fellow" turned THIRTEEN today. I told him this birthday was absolutely forbidden; but he totally ignored me and did it anyway!

Here is the card I made for him:

The top row of pictures are from one of Brendan's track meets. He had to run TWO miles! He did it! I was so proud of him. The bottom row of pictures is from one of his choir concerts over at the Forest Hill Fine Arts Center. Music goes deep in this boy and he sings with all of his heart. I absolutely love to watch him sing. He always blesses my heart with his music.

This is the inside of the card. I added some "stickers" to make the pictures humorous: like the weird hats Brendan is wearing, and the raindrops and umbrella as he reads in the rain, etc. 

I have watched Brendan grow in many ways this year. He is more confident, and a little bit less hyper. He takes being an older brother seriously and watches out for Aidan, Erin and Cal--although Aidan is an almost 8-year-old very intense and serious-minded "adult" already. Brendan has grown in kindness and responsibility AND he enters into his relationship with God seriously too. 

I think what I love most about Brendan (although it's really hard to single one thing out among all the many other reasons) is the gentleness of his heart. I love this so much about him. I love his laughter too, and his keen sense of humor, his ability to grasp deep meanings in words, his readiness to LEARN new things ... all wonderful qualities!

SO ... now that you totally ignored my plea NOT to have another birthday; I just want you to know I will love you just as much at 13 as you were when you were 3! I am blessed to be your grandma. Truly thankful to the God who made you to know Him, love Him, and serve Him all your days.