Birthday Boy

Daniel: Mommy, I'm going to give up my blankie when I'm five years old.

Me: Really? That's great Daniel! How about stopping biting your nails, too?

Daniel: Nah, I'll do that when I'm six or seven.

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Me: Daniel, you're growing too quickly. Pretty soon you'll be an old man like Daddy.

Daniel: Daddy's not old. He's only 42.

Me: Then how old is old?

Daniel: Ninety.

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(Before bed tonight)

Daniel: Mommy, when I'm sleeping can you please hang up the "Happy Birthday" sign?

Me (jokingly): We'll see. What if I can't find it?

Daniel: Huh. I will be very sad.

I don't think so. :-)

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Happy 5th Birthday, Daniel!

We love you soooooo much! We thank God for bringing you into our family five years ago. We cannot imagine our lives without you. You make us laugh with your silly pickle jokes and funny dances. You melt our hearts every time you say "I love you," which is multiple times a day. You bring us joy whenever you give one of us a big hug or pick geraniums for Mama. You charm us every time you beg us to take your picture and then flash your trademark grin. You make huge messes with paper, pens and ribbons but we can't get mad because they are always gifts for one of us. You bless us every time you pray.

May the Lord bless you from the top of your head to the tip of your toes in the year ahead. May you grow in courage, strength and wisdom. Your middle name means "soldier." May He prepare you to be a mighty warrior for His kingdom. May you always hunger for His Word and thirst for His righteousness. Most of all, dear Daniel, may you grow and grow in your love for Jesus!

Love from the bottom of our hearts,
Mommy, Daddy, Jonathan, Elizabeth and Shadow

"The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore." Psalm 121:8