Happy Birthday Jonathan!

Twenty-six years ago today, God blessed our family with a gracious gift!  Today, October 22, we celebrate the birthday of our youngest son Jonathan.  I asked myself "where did the years go?", so I began sorting through family photos and selected a few to celebrate Jonathan's journey!  This momma's heart was sure blessed as I reminisced the memory of each picture. God did graciously bless us with Jonathan, which is of Hebrew origin and means "God's gracious gift." 

Dear Jonathan...

Here we are getting ready to leave the hospital in Athens, Georgia...ready to go HOME!
 I've told you dozens of times before, but it was a "record hot day" that day...88 degrees.

I should have realized we were headed for fun times...the picture below was taken

literally minutes after we brought you home.  Check out the dart gun in Jeremy's hand!

You were a beautiful baby and a good baby!  Although you had your

days and nights "crossed up" for the first 2 weeks, once you got your schedule

straightened out, you were a dream...easygoing and laidback.

You were about 8 weeks old in this picture.

You loved your big brother so much, and I'm thankful you still do!

This picture was made while we were at Jeremy's soccer practice.  I love it because

you are wearing a "G.I. Joe" shirt - and those were your favorite toys for many years. 

This was your 5th birthday picture, and may well be my favorite of all times. 

The Olan Mills folks thought so too, because it was on display for a long while!

Your Dad and I loved all the years of T-ball, baseball, soccer,

basketball, track, and football! 

 You've always loved animals, and Beulah the bassett hound was one of your favorite pets.

 Fun times on a deep-sea fishing trip with your friend, Jackie Bell.

You were always taller than all your friends, and

stood 6 feet tall in the 7th grade. 

This is one of the last pictures made of you and your brother when you

both still lived at home before Jeremy went to college and seminary.

Raising you and your brother have been my life's greatest joy.

You always have been a handsome young man. Knowing that you

are also a man of ingegrity means more than anything to me.

 I loved watching you catch the football and RUN like the wind!

Although you've never LOVED school, thank you for being diligent!

This is from your Senior pictures and I've always loved it so much.

 God led you to a fine young woman to marry. 

I love this picture of you and Erin Lee.

I

 06-07-08 - handsome groom on your wedding day.

 The Morton Four - how blessed I am.
We loved every moment of your wedding day.

I'm so glad you love the family farm and look forward to you and your

brother having fun times here with your children.  

We are so thankful for the heritage we have.

 

I added this baby picture of you here at the end...

because the one below this one is your son Jackson at the same age.

You have cloned yourself.

 Jackson Evan Morton

You are such a good daddy and there is no greater joy than

watching you be a daddy.

Your precious family.

Jonathan, Erin, Jackson...God is so good!

I love you son! Happy birthday and thank you for being a joy to my heart. Your life is a gift straight from God to our family. Your dad and I are so blessed to have been chosen by God to raise you...you have brought us so much JOY!  And Jackson will be the same JOY for you and Erin as you raise him up in the Lord!  I can't wait! 

Love, Mom