Happy Birthday Buddy!

I have had four children.

As each of them have grown, God has blessed them by allowing them to share their young lives with some very special friends.

Meet Cullen, otherwise known as Cullie, to some of us.

Today, he turns the BIG "10".

He and Blake have grown up together.

At around age 4, I started to see their friendship develop.

In 2004, they were the best of buddies.

Back then, when they were a lot younger,

it was ok for buddies to show outwardly how much they cared for each other.

Today, they looked as if they weren't sure if it was totally cool or not!

I recall a short but sweet conversation between the two of them a few months before these photos were taken.

"Hey, Blake, I love you buddy." Cullen said,

"I love you too, Cullie." replied Blake.

That's the way it's always been between them.

They have had their moments of mischieviousness, they are boys after all!!

And, even though, a road seperates them for most of the year now, from time to time, they meet again, and it is just like they've never been apart.

Here they are in 2006.

Still being "boys"

Still enjoying the times they have together.

Last summer's trip showed me just how much they are both growing up. Though their faces have changed a little, the way they care about each other has not.

I pray that regardless of the challenges life puts in their way or whatever miles seperate them, that they always remember how their friendship is today and I pray it will be one of those specail friendships, the kind that lasts a lifetime.

Cullen, I feel as if you are one of my own. I am so thankful that Blake has had and will have you to walk through this life with. You are a special young man who means the world to Blake and to all of us.

Happy 10th Birthday, Buddy!