My youngest boy is turning five tomorrow. My baby boy. This is the boy who has carved lightning bolts into my mini-van, poured honey on my carpet, spread Hershey's syrup on my dog--and utterly, completely nestled himself into the deepest part of my heart. His tendency toward mischief is overshadowed entirely by his tender heart for the people around him. He loves his family with complete abandon, and his teacher brags on how kind he is to his fellow students, especially those that need extra encouragement. He cannot walk past his little sister without kissing her on the forehead, and our dog, confident in receiving Joseph's generous affection, follows him around all day long.
Each of my children has brought something unique to this family, filling a spot that no one else could fill. Joseph is the child who has, in five short years, taught me so much about the nature of love--its unselfishness and its simplicity. So happy birthday, sweet boy...we all love a little better all because of you.
On an entirely different note, remember that tomorrow is the second edition of Works-For-Me Wednesday. Be preparing your handy ideas to share with us all! I'll link to anyone who participates, if you'll let me know.
What a sweet ...oh I can't think of the word.... But it's sweet.
Posted by: mary | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 07:30 AM
Happy birthday Joseph. I think your Joseph and my Caedmon would get along spledidly. He sounds like a sweetie.
Posted by: Heth | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 07:56 AM
That is so sweet...I look forward to my son getting older as I continue to learn more about who he is as he does grow. He is sitting up on the desk now while I write because we are going to search the internet for a toy clock. He would like a clock he said this morning at 5.55am....LOL
But, he then saw the pics of your son and said.....tis me mama and mama...tis sissy too mama....LOL
I enjoy your blog inthe morning...thanks and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your son!
Posted by: Shannon in Surprise, Arizona | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 08:05 AM
Happy, Happy Birthday to your sweet, little man! You are truly blessed, Shannon.
Posted by: peach | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 08:25 AM
Happy Birthday Josheph!!
BTW... great job on finding pics that don't show his face : )
Posted by: Stacey | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 09:15 AM
Sorry about the spelling of his name in that last post... oops!!
Posted by: Stacey | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 09:17 AM
Happy Birthday sweet boy! Shannon, that was a beautiful description of your son.
I'm in on Works-for-Me
Posted by: Julie @ Everyday Mommy | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 09:24 AM
Happy Birthday!! I can't remember if he was born on this day due to you eatting blue icing or you running up and down my backyard. It's hard to believe that was five years ago. I am enjoying your blog greatly. Even back in the six girl room we knew you would be a great writer!
Posted by: Michelle | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 09:31 AM
Happy Birthday, Joseph!!
Mary, mom to many
Posted by: Owlhaven | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 09:40 AM
Happy Birthday to your young man! I laughed at the Hershey's syrup on the dog. As he follows your young man, he's probably hoping for a little more chocolate to come his way! Better keep that bottle up high! :D
Posted by: Susanne | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 10:17 AM
What a beautiful way to celebrate your little man's birthday! Love your heart!
Diane
Posted by: Diane | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 12:00 PM
Happy Birthday, little man! My baby boy will be 5 in June. Such a growing time, they are becoming themselves before our eyes. You're right, filling a spot that no one else could fill. Love it. Birthday joy from our house to yours!
Posted by: Rabbit | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 12:04 PM
Oh, and I'm in on WFMWed! :)
Posted by: Rabbit | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 12:04 PM
Oh, what a sweet boy!
And I'm with Michelle ... you ARE a great writter.
Still waiting for your first book to come out!
Posted by: Gibee | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 12:35 PM
Happy Birthday, Joseph!
You're making a whole lot of people smile today!
Smiling,
Kim from Hiraeth
Posted by: Kim from Hiraeth | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 01:08 PM
Happy, happy birthday little Joseph!! He sounds like such a sweetheart. He sounds a bit like my second son and it just gets sweeter and sweeter!!!
Looking forward to playing along tomorrow.
Posted by: Faith | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 01:32 PM
Happy BIRTHDAY!
Hmmm... What works for me? SLEEP! ;)
Posted by: Chaotic Mom | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 02:17 PM
Happy birthday to your boy!
time does fly when you are having fun....LOL
No works for me tomorrow because I will be busy. My little man will be having surgery #9 in the am.
Posted by: Laura | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 02:24 PM
Happy birthday Joseph! A whole hand? Wow, now that is something to celebrate!
(Shannon, I'll send you some kleenex if you'll tell me where they should go... Hey, be nice!)
Enjoy the blessing of that your littlest man.
Posted by: Shalee | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 02:59 PM
They grow way too fast. What a special little fella. Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Karen | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 03:17 PM
Happy Birtday, big guy! Shannon, he is really one of the most precious boys I've had the privelege to know. I've always thought to myself that he was the "heart" in your trio of boys (the eldest being the "head"--so logical and smart!, the middle being the "brawn"--so athletic!). And Corrie, sweet thing, is easily the laughter.
I do love those kiddos. Hope he has a fabulous day! How was the party?
Posted by: chilihead2 | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 04:30 PM
No post about Joseph would be complete without my weighing in. I'm his grand-dad, Pop, and the picture Shannon drew of how he loves people is exactly right. When I visit their home, little Joseph hangs with me as my partner during much of the visit. I love all my grandchildren but Joseph is a special little guy!
Posted by: hogphan | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 05:17 PM
I love that, Shannon... what a sentimental post. I appreciate you sharing that with us!
Posted by: Leilani | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 05:51 PM
He sounds like such a sweet kid...when he's not carving the car, that is.
Cute dog, too!
Posted by: Carol | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 08:24 PM
Happy, Happy birthday to Joseph!! Sounds like a great kid! Boy through and through! :-)
I'm in on Works for me Wed.
Posted by: momrn2 | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 08:46 PM
Happy birthday to him! He sounds like a wonderful child who will become a wonderful adult someday.
Posted by: Caryn | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 10:01 PM
Happy birthday Joseph! God bless you on your special day!
Posted by: Islandsparrow | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 10:36 PM
After going back and reading about the rental car a wholehearted happy birthday goes to joseph, who in another family - might not be celebrating this day!
Posted by: Perri | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 10:39 PM
Aww! Hope he has a very happy birthday!
Posted by: Brandie | Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 11:26 PM
Lovely.
Posted by: Rach | Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at 10:02 AM
Shannon's sweet description of Joseph is right on target. He has the kindest heart of anyone I know, and he's only 5! I often wonder how God will use his tender heart in the future. Joseph loves deeply and it is one of life's best blessings to be his Mimi and be one of the objects of his love! Happy Birthday, sweet boy!!
Posted by: mimi2six | Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at 07:59 PM