Caleb's 1st Birthday Party

Back in May...May 12th to be exact, Caleb turned one. Here is a glimpse of his special day...

Caleb Suell,

The past year has been a whirl wind of excitement. For your 1st birthday party we had a jungle safari complete with giraffe, tiger, lion and monkey cupcakes; it seemed fitting for you. You are a joy to our whole family - even though you cause lots of grief to Anna Grace and Dean when you get into their stuff. You are a bright spot in the day of everyone you meet. The constant smile upon your face is infectious as is your laughter. People always ask me, "Does he ever cry?" You are a little man full of personality to say the least. You have found your voice and to no one's surprise you fit right in around here being loud all the time. You can sit and "talk" about things just as long as someone is listening and if you think no one is listening you get louder to make sure you have our attention. (As I type you are screaming at the Baby Einstein video in the background.)

I have prayed as long as I have known about you that you would always find your joy in the Lord. I am always amazed at how God continually uses this family to teach and challenge me. For the past year I have watched you joyfully learn new things daily. It seems that no task is too daunting for you. Sometimes you get frustrated trying but most often you persistently try until you figure it out. Sure for me this often tries my patience because your persistent equals getting into stuff and being a handle. Anna Grace and Dean were content with a simple "no"...you have bigger plans than that however. I will continue to pray that your joy will be found in the God of your salvation (Habakkuk 3:18-19) until the day of your salvation. I am confident that like Caleb in the Bible God has great things in store for you. I cannot wait to see them unfold throughout your life. My favorite "Caleb" verse is not the one that most people quote instead it is Numbers 13:30 (the report of the spies regarding the promise land), "But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, 'Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.'" That sums up your attitude about life, Caleb. You conquered the stairs with ease; you over-took the bathroom drawers (some would consider it unorganized) as if it were your job.

My son, I will always pray for you and always love you. I pray that your joy and zest for life will always inspire and encourage me. And I look forward to the other things that God will teach me through you along the way. May you be a like a tree planted by streams of water (Psalm 1:1-3) all the days of your life. And may you be strong in the Lord and the strength of His might (Ephesians 6:10-13) that no matter what comes your way it might be said of you that you stood firm. Finally, the hymn I chose for you as an infant is Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing; I pray that it will ring true of your life as you grow and mature into a godly man.

I love you, Buddy!
your mama