Happy Birthday To Our Oldest

 To my first born Dakota. AKA: Our Cowboy 🤠 

For 6 long years, I begged, cried, and prayed and just when I thought I was not going to be able to have children, God brought us you. It just had to be in his perfect timing. 

You have truly been a blessing, except during the colic stage, oh ok, even then. 🙄

I loved singing to you, reading to you, rocking you, teaching you, even during our homeschool years when you didn't like me being your teacher. 

You were my buddy until dad took you hunting at age three, then that was it. You have been his buddy every since. I'm not even upset about that because you have the greatest dad ever. Y'all have a special bond.  

You have always been more mature than your age and always had an, "I got this" attitude toward life. You are a cross between John Wayne and Clint Eastwood.  

There have been times you have made me cry, pray more , and made my heart do flip flops, but you have learned. Why do boys do that anyway? We have survived bumps, bruises, concussions from football, and the teenage years. Phew. At least no broken bones. 

You have cowboyed up to every situation. And let's not forget how you love to aggravate me all the time. 😝

You are the greatest big brother anyone can have too. Yes, we were strict on you and you think we were awful and let Dallas get away with more. Thing is, you didn't come with instructions and we didn't want to screw this parenting thing up either. We were so nervous and wanted everything to be prefect. With your first kid, it's learning and trial and error. Mostly error until you figure things out. You're more nervous because you're the first kid to do everything for the first time. When the second comes along, you can relax more because you have some things figured out. You are not at uptight and stressed. You're getting this now because you have two of your own. You have a pride about you that makes you who you are. Not to mention, stubborn, hard headed, but very determined. These are all good qualities. You are also loyal. Anyone would be proud to call you friend. 

 You are a great provider, and father and we could not ask for better. You should be proud that you are just like your dad. 

We are so proud of the man you have become. It's what this ole momma has prayed for, for so long. Well, all your life really, since the minute they laid you in my arms. 

I am so thankful that God gave you to us. 

God has a plan for you better than we can know. Trust him to guide you in the right direction. Pray and follow. True happiness will come. 

We hope you have a very happy birthday today. We love you son. ❤❤❤❤

Same rocking chair, 25 yrs. When you try to recreate a photo but he's too dang big 😒 😫 😑 🙄