October 29, 1987 a wee (well actually large) baby boy was born. He became the baby brother to two older sisters and life would never be the same. Today I have the privilege of celebrating the life of my baby (now fully grown but always will be my baby brother) brother. I couldn’t imagine my life without him. I feel like the luckiest girl since I have not only a brother but I have a sister as well. People say the million dollar family is a boy and a girl but I feel like I had the million dollar family because I got a brother and a sister. My brother is only 2 years younger than me thus making him not only my brother but my Friend and growing up we were always hanging out. Since I now have children of my own who happen to be close in age I see how they naturally are friends given the closeness of age. The beautiful thing about my relationship with my brother is that to this day he is one of my best friends. Not because age defines it for us but because we have chosen to invest in a relationship with each other that far exceeds what is natural because of “blood”.

My brother has always been a funny guy. As far as I can remember he has always had the ability to make people laugh and thus people are drawn to him. He is easy to be around, a great story teller and knows how to make others feel included and comfortable. He has a charm about him that has always attracted the girls and now being a daddy of two girls it will be interesting to see how protective he becomes when the boys are using their charm on his daughters. He is a hard worker and that doesn’t mean just at his vocation. When he puts his mind to something he stays focused and is determined to see it through. He has a love for nature and for dogs. He enjoys working out and spending time with family and friends.

I have had the privilege to watch my brother grow up and mature as a husband and more recently as a daddy. He is a great husband and daddy who is attentive to his ladies (his wife and two daughters) needs and takes good care of them. He also is a great dad to his “son” (as he refers to his dog) Gatsby and is very proud owner of him. I have loved watching him become an uncle to my babies and how he loves on them and they love on him back. To many people they see his tattoos and they may be tempted to judge him from his outer appearance but behind the tattoos and Harley clothing is a guy who has a huge heart and is a real softy. (sorry Josh secrets out)

Josh I am so proud to be your big (and I don’t mean in physical size) sister. You have matured into a man who is chasing after God and that to me is your most attractive quality. You have a zeal for life, to be adventurous and are never afraid to try new things. You have a love for class and for finer things in life but that has not made you a proud person or made you forget about others. I see you often times putting others and their needs ahead of your own comforts and luxuries and that is to be commended. As we celebrate you today (we officially celebrated you last night at dinner) and the life you represent, my prayer for you is that you would be blessed in a new and super cool way not only today but this next year. That God will stretch you in ways that will challenge you to grow deeper and to experience His love in a new way. I am excited to see how you will be used this next year and for all the things you will experience. As I think back on the past 27 years of your life I have so many memories that I love. Some make me cry, some make me laugh but all of them make me thankful for YOU. You are a gift from God and you completed our family when you arrived. Our family wouldn’t be the same without you and my life wouldn’t be either. I love you Josh and wish you  the happiest birthday today!