Happy Birthday Baby Brother

21 years ago I received what is still the greatest blessing in my life

21 years ago I learned what love and family are truly all about

21 years ago my world was forever changed

21 years ago a special bond was formed

21 years ago I became a big sister

My baby brother turned 21 this past monday. Anyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE LOVE LOVE being a big sister. Family is my world! For 6 years of my life I was pretty much a spoilt rotten lil princess  the only child. That would all soon change. Although the first words out of my mouth after my brother's arrival were..."it's a boy?!?! and there ain't a thing I can do about it." I literally told my Granny those exact words. I had my heart set on a baby sister and, at 6 years old, the though of a little brother sounded gross. haha. . However, I never imagined the bond a brother and sister could share. I never imagined the impact that he would have and still has on my life today. I never knew how much I would grow to respect, admire, love, trust, and protect my baby brother. Sure, we have had our moments, like any siblings do, but my brother and I to this day have a relationship that is so special to me. It is a connection that I will never share with anyone else. It is a type of love different from the love you have for your mom and dad, it is a type of love I only share with him. If i have done anything right in my life, I feel like it is being a big sister to a remarkable little boy, and now, young man. I said in one of my first blog posts that my brother was my hero and that my life is, and continues to be, better because he is in it. I believe this with every bit of my heart.

Charlie, you know I love you more than anything in this world.

I am so proud of you for everything you have accomplished in your 21 years so far.

You are so blessed and continue to have the ability to impact all those that you can in contact with.

You are a leader.

You are compassionate, strong, and steady.

You have been there for me at my strongest moments and my proudest moments

You are deemed for true greatness

You are a role model for so many around you 

You have an ability to relate to others than is far beyond your years

You are sincere

You are so so so blessed

You are a true friend to those around you

You are an "old soul" and so full of love

You have god given talents

You amaze me at times

You are my world

No matter where life takes you, know that I will be cheering you on and supporting you every step of the way. I hope you always, always know how much I love you. I am so lucky to be your big sister...or as you put it just "Sis."

Enough of the mush, onto the fun part of Charlie's 21st birthday.  I may or may not have taken the day after his birthday off from work so I could celebrate with him. I mean, HELLLO, your baby brother only turns 21 once. I put on my party pants and went back to the college years for one night. Oh how i miss those days at times.

 Let me just set the tone for the night. I arrived at baby bro's apartment waiting for him and the rest of the gang to get off football practice so the celebration could start. Charlie lives with 3 other boys. 3 out of the 4 play football which equals A TON of sweaty, dirttttty, filthy gym clothes everywhere ...plus the odor. It always smells like Saturday night covered up with febreeze when I walk in the door. All i can say is, boys will be boys. This is the decor I am working with at this place people.

Can you say dreamcatchers?? they are everywhere....

and please note that is an afghan on the wall serving as a "curtain"

ohhh those messsy messsy cords

I think Bailey was even a lil scared of what we might find in this apartment

Being the good big sister that I am, i showed up bearing gifts

The Roomies discussing our game plan

And no 21st birthday is complete without a sash...bought by yours truly

I have gotten close to charlie's pals over the past couple of years that he has been in college. They travel often with him home to Eastern Ky. They are like brothers to me and I am so thankful he has such a good group of college buddies. He is truly having the time of his life and I dont think he even realizes it.

What a group :-)

The Whitesburg Kids

oh ya know...just pretending I am back in college with the boys

and then there were shots....lots of shots for the birthday boy

and who could forget arm wrestling.....dont ask lol!

I think it safe to say he was having a good time

and so were they...

Happy 21st birthday Charlie bub! I had a blast with your buddies.....and I hope that you did too. No matter how old you get, you will always be my little one. MWAAAAAAAH!!!

I got these texts from my mama the next day.....she sure is a sweetie.

I love being a sister...so so much.

love,