Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Baby, you're a firework!











Samuel,
today you turn 12. 
Twelve years ago you turned my world 
upside down.
Nothing has been the same since.
Born on the 4th of July, 
you were my 'firework'...
in every way!

You amaze me.  Really.  
I can't believe someone like you
came from someone like me.
You are the best of your daddy and me,
and then some.

You're mine, but you've always been 
God's first.
That's why you're
'Samuel'.

When we named you, we knew then
what we know now:
you are destined for great things.

So I dedicate one of your favorite songs to you today, 
because Katy said it just as well as I could have:

You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July

Cause baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth

Make 'em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky


Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst

Make 'em go, oh
You're gonna leave 'em falling down

Happy Birthday, Buddy Boy!
I love you much, more and most (so there!) ;>
Mommy


PS.  Here is a special video wish from John McDonald of John's America Bike Tour
(please consider pausing the music at the bottom of the page before watching video :))

19 comments:

  1. Samuel,
    Happy 12th birthday buddy! You're the best!
    I love you!
    Daddy

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  2. I hope you get all you want for your birthday!!! Happy Birthday Samuel ~

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  3. Samuel,
    Happy 12th birthday! I want you to know that I'm the luckiest girl in the world to have you as my brother!

    Love,
    Sarah Grace

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  4. Yo Sam, Have a great B-day. From your pal,
    Vince

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  5. Happy birthday Samuel, I hope you have a great one! Its great knowing you you are awesome!
    from,
    Eric!

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  6. Samuel!

    We were there to hold you on the day you were born. It was love at first sight. Far before that glorious day, though, we had eagerly anticipated your arrival. We patted your Mom's belly and told you in utero that we loved you so much and we couldn't wait to get to know you.

    While living in Florida, we recorded a CD just especially for you, entitled "Born on the Fourth of July," not only to commemorate your birth, but because, outside of your knowing Jesus' love and ours, we thought the very best gift we could give you was the gift of music. We could never have known what a fine, innate musician you would be. That knowledge is extra-credit for us - candy corn on the proverbial pancakes of life. :-)

    It has been our joy to be your Aunt and Uncle - to spend time together, to watch you grow, to talk on the phone for hours on end, to make special memories together whenever we can (like introducing you to the enchanted state of New Mexico, aliens and cowboys and ALL!), to share a love of a favorite number and of Star Wars, to enjoy math and music together, and so much more. Most of all, to know we share the love of Jesus and will spend eternity together praising His glorious name is the best gift of all. We love you so much, Samuel. There is a Samuel-shaped place in both our hearts, and no one can fill it but you.

    With all our crazy love,

    Aunt Kayla and Uncle Jason (and, of course, Bartok, the most wonderful basset hound God ever created)

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  7. Happy Birthday Samuel! Wow! 12 Yrs Old!

    Love Uncle Dale

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  8. Happy Birthday Samuel! We are celebrating God's gift of you! Have fun today.
    We love you,
    Benjamin, Aislyn, Patch, Uncle Jimmy, and Aunt Tobitha

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  9. Samuel, first of all, I never knew the lyrics to this song. Cool! I hope you had an amazing birthday. Enjoy being 12. You are growing up fast. Keep making your Mama proud. I know you will. Happy Birthday Samuel.

    Love Aunt Kay

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  10. Special hello to you Samuel on the day you turned to 12. Pray that you have the Light from the Lord shining on you brightly. Miss your big smile. Hope to see you near future. Michelle Choi

    Hi Samuel. It's Daniel. It's been already 2 years since I left the US. How have you been? Please e-mail me at Danielkim108@gmail.com when you have time. Happy birthday!!

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  11. Happy 12th birthday, Samuel! We hope it was a blast. God has clearly blessed you. Have a great year!
    Larry, Lynne Dee, Dee Anna and Kay Cee

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  12. Hi Samuel! I tried to post HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes yesterday, but apparently it didn't save properly. So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY (again!) one day late. I bet you had a great day yesterday! Did you do something special? What sort of birthday present did you get? I hope you're still enjoying it. :-)

    I was glad I got to see Sarah Grace and you at Chick-Fil-A a couple of weeks ago. You and your family are special to Marilyn and me. And, even though I like to tease your Dad, I think he's a fantastic person. I bet you're proud to have him as your Dad! And, your Mom is special too, isn't she?

    Well, I hope you get THIS blog, Samuel. I'm going to close this blog the same way I tried to finish the one yesterday: May you be like the Samuel I believe you were named after, that is "dedicated to God". I'm sure you have probably already read it before, but if not, check out 1 Samuel 1:28 and what Samuel's mother said when he was first born. As you know, there are many challenges in seeking to follow Jesus and sometimes we fall, not just once, but several times. But, God loves us just as we are, yet too much to leave us as we are. He will be patient and, when those times of falling take place, I am always encouraged by Psalm 37:23-24 - "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholds him with HIS hand." What a neat assurance.

    Love,
    Paul

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  13. Sweet, sweet Samuel,
    You are 12! It's so hard to believe that the little guy I met so many years ago has grown up to be a big 12 year old! It's been so fun watching you grow over the years--seing you change into the young man God is creating you to be. I look forward to many more years observing the adventure of your life! I hope your special day was wonderful and that you know how very much you are loved by so many. I can't wait to see you in 14 days!
    Love,
    Aunt Kirsten

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  14. Happy Birthday Samuel,
    I can see you and Sarah Grace have been secretly growing up. And you are both beautiful kids (don't let it go to your heads). We need to see you soon (hopefully before you get taller than me).
    We love you,
    Uncle Bruce, Aunt Anne, Bruce and Cosette

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  15. Happy Birthday..hope is was explosive!!!!

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  16. Hi Samuel,
    Happy Birthday! You're a great friend!
    Brandon

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    Replies
    1. Happy belated B-day.Meant to call you on the fourth. Time got away. Love you so.Wish I could see you more. Wow 12 years. You are quite a handsome boy you know.

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  17. Dearest Samuel: We're so thankful that the Lord brought you and your awesome family into our lives. I love the way you have been such an amazing friend to Kylene and Brandon. I have loved having you in Sunday school and watching you grow in Him. I pray that you will always desire God's ways above all. You are a special young man. I pray that you will stop by and visit us in Iowa.. we'll have the Chess board out for you and Brandon! Blessings to you Samuel.

    Love, Mrs. Harold

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  18. We hope you have a terrific 12th year, Samuel! We've enjoyed seeing you grow up over the past few years (hard to believe we first met you when you and Adam were about to begin kindergarten!?) and were very happy to have spent at least some of your birthday with you. We hope it's not so long before we can see you and your family again!

    Love, The Christoffersens

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