My Sweet Birthday Boy

It has been very interesting having this little boy who's birthday falls right in the peak of hurricane season! Poor baby, I told him he might have to stop having birthdays if these disasters keep happening on them. Three years ago, our house burned down the night before his birthday - presents all burned. This year, we were at the camp because there was no electricity at home (thanks to Gustav) - no presents with us. Let me tell you, this child is so sweet. I never heard one complaint out of his mouth. Of course, we loved on him and told him how proud we are of him, but you know it's not the same. I am so blessed that God decided to drop Braden into our family. He is a snuggle bug from day one, and always a joy to be around (well, most of the time). He is the spitting image of his father, not only in the way he looks, but his personality, what he loves to do, and his determination. He has such a heart for our Chinababy, and all those who are less fortunate. He blesses my life every single day.

Truth is, Braden did get one of his wishes for his birthday. He LOVES to fish. He would fish from sun-up to sun-down if he could. He is the only one of my boys who is self sufficient out there. He baits the hooks and takes the fish off all by himself. He got to fish both at the camp and in Starkville.

Here he is at the camp. It was raining. Do you think he cared?

In Starkville, there is a wonderful lake right across the street from the house. I remember fishing in that lake when I was little (I wasn't baiting my own hooks, though!) I had told him about the lake, so he was ready. He and Richard made me bring fishing poles tied to the top of the truck! (Since Richard wasn't with us, I had a new experience untying and tying fishing poles to the top of my truck.) We hadn't been there maybe 30 minutes and Braden had found a shovel and was digging for worms. They were tiny, and he tried to use them but they were too small. He talked me into going to Wal-m*rt to buy some. He knew right where they were. Here he is helping Cade (who stayed out there a few minutes).

Happy Late Birthday Braden!