Happy 13th Birthday, Tyler...Biscuit....Bose....Mickey....the Youngest!

Tyler, the youngest, our "baby", Biscuit....is a TEENAGER today!!! How exciting for him, even though it makes me feel a little strange.  Strange because his 13 year old life has just zoomed by so fast!

It was great that Tyler's two oldest siblings were able to be home from college for his party the night before.  Some day that may not be possible, but we are thankful that this time they could.

Decorating for Tyler's birthday has always been a challenge because his party decorations compete with the Christmas decorations. He doesn't seem to mind.  I tried to talk him into a mustache party, but he is not a fan of facial hair, so he said no!  :)  After OU won last Saturday, he decided he wanted an OU party.  I decided since he was into bow ties these days that the theme could have some bow ties mixed in.  It was cute and he liked it!

Tyler wanted his Uncle Ken to make the meat for his party, but he was busy with another food event. Zachary volunteered to be the meat cook.  Tyler wanted pulled pork, ham, and ribs plus twice baked potatoes, green beans and rolls.  Since Zachary did so much of the work, we also made baked beans to treat him.

It was great!  Zachary did a super job!!

It's so much fun to have so many family members to share these special times with for our kids.  I should have gotten pictures with grandparents each time like I do with the cousins!

The cake was simple and if you cannot tell, that thing on the bottom left is a bow tie!

Tyler,

You light up our lives.  We are blessed to have you as a son and as a member of this family.  When I think back on this past year, I see maturity.  I know that you are striving to be the very best person on the inside, as well as on the outside, and I admire and thank you for that.

This is the year you began calling me my very first nickname! I have to document that because if you ever try to forget, I won't let you! Ha ha!  Have that special name given by you was very special. I always wanted a nickname! Who knew it would be "awai" or "tender"???!!! Ha ha!

Tyler, we can't wait to see what God has planned for your life. We know that he will use you in His Kingdom to help fulfill his plans.  We pray that you will always rely on Him, that you will allow Him to direct your path and guide your steps.

You have a special bond with each of your siblings.  You always will.  Each one of them is special to you for different reasons.  My prayer is that you all will always be close.

Being the baby of the family has its perks and its negative side.  In some ways we let you off easy, but in other ways we may be harder on you.  We pray that you always know that what we do or don't do is only because of what we think is truly best for you.  We see your potential more than you do and know that you are capable of things than we allow you to be or that you sometimes want to be.  But that's okay.

Keep laughing. Keep having fun.  Keep making others laugh.  Keep your fun imagination.  Keep growing in wisdom.  Continue to grow in the Lord.

We pray that you grow up and continue to be a faithful servant of God.  Thank you for the example you show to others. Never forget the influence that you have wherever you go.

I love you very much,
MOM (Tender) :)