The Culpeppers Collected. . . : May 2014

So we decided in lieu of a big birthday bash this year and go to Disney. Madden has been studying the Bippity Boppity Boutique and the magic of all things Disney with the dedication I hope to see when she is in high school and the subject matter isn't quite as well, magical. She knew every ride and every hair style offered at this most prestigious fairy tale salon. Mickey came to Murphys birthday party with a giant present filled with all the Mickey and Minnie garb this momma could get her hands on...and the countdown began.
We left on a Wednesday, arrived in Orlando and went straight to the hotel then the bippity boppity boutique, which I will say was worth every penny. My girl said it was her "dream come true"...bless her. The next day we did the Magic Kingdom Amazing race style...we. didn't. miss. anything! We were beat and off to bed. The next morning I woke up with the plague. I was so sick...but my babies were meeting ALL of the princesses at Epcot for breakfast, who could miss that? I tried to rally, made it through breakfast but that was about it. I went back and for on the shuttle from Epcot to the hotel and back again trying to convince myself that I wasn't sick with the worst stomach bug ever...only to succumb to the wretched virus and our hotel room for the next 24 hours...I woke up the next morning, mom popped her head in and said 'you are better, right?' Ha. No. Dad took me to the Dr. in Orlando, while Clay and mom took off for the park. Mom and Clay were on a mission, worn out but made the best of it...and well Skipper was brave to hang with me and even more brave to sit in the waiting room with all the funk Orlando had to offer.
Gross.
Anyway, by the last afternoon I got to go (by wheel chair) to Animal kingdom...and about 5 days after we got home I was able to eat again, just in time for my girl to come home sick and 2 days later my boy to have it.
Somehow it was still the most fun trip, we are already talking about when to go back. So there must be something magical about it. I am so thankful God let me be the only one to get sick. My parents were excited about taking the littles to Disney since the day they were born...and Clay has never had a chance to go to Disney, and if one of my littles had missed out, well that would have been the absolute worst. So like I say, it was an expensive place to rest...but if it had to happen I would say God's hand was all over our trip.

Happy Happy Birthday Sweet Girl. How on earth are you turning 5? It seems like yesterday you had dark curly hair and fooled me into thinking you couldn't sleep without me in the room. Such a smart little tinky! You make everyday funnier, brighter, and more more special for all of us.
Your smile and laugh are infectious-once you start laughing you can't stop, it's one of the best sounds in the world. You have got some crazy great dance moves and a heart of gold. You love spending time with Murph and you are so quick to help and lead the way whenever you can.
Your sweet sweet spirit makes me so proud...you will never know how much joy you bring into our lives. I wrote your wishes a while back but more than anything I hope you will focus on the 3 things I want for you. I told you a few weeks ago, what I really hope for you is -to love and follow Jesus, to be kind, and to work hard. Go for it Tinky! You can do it and you are already such an example to others....I love you with my WHOLE heart baby girl. Here are your 5 (FIVE?!?) wishes with one to grow on sweet Tink-

#1. Work hard-sometimes you get so excited about what's next you rush through what's right in front of you. Slow down and do your best. It will matter in the long run! It's so easy to forget or get side tracked-just do everything you do for Jesus and believe in yourself. I do.
"Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." Colassians 3:24
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17

#2. Always have a heart for others. Be concerned and compassionate and helpful. You are so quick to jump in line at Madonna and love on all of your fiends there. You give hugs and hold hands and help Ms. Mosteller whenever you can. Always remember there are so many people struggling even if we don't know it. You never know how someone is feeling or what is going on in their life so just keep that sweet gentleness about you. Have eyes to see and ears to hear. Love people through their struggles....sweet girl. I love this so much about you, keep it up. Compassion is so important- so many people in this world just don't have it...I think you already know how much it cab make such a difference.

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." Romans 12:15

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

#3. Appreciate differences ...they are everywhere and in everyone. You seem to not see differences at all right now. If so, you simply say something about "God chose to make it His way"... it sounds simple, but please don't let go of that explanation. It's the truth, plain and simple. We are all made differently and God never makes mistakes. You are so inquisitive but in a positive way...you are interested in others and who they are. I love that about your precious heart. I love that you can engage with anyone, play together and know that God made each of you perfectly according to His plan and in His image.

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:27

Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." Romans 15:7

#4.Laugh! Oh my girl...your laugh! Don't ever stop. You find the craziest things so silly-you always have a huge smile on your face and you're usually about a breath away from a belly laugh. I LOVE this about you and people appreciate your light hearted, fun loving little self. I have had people stop me just to tell me they love your laugh. I hope you always live life like that. I hope you always find joy and share it with everyone around you.

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22

"I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live;" Ecclesiastes 3:12

#5. Be bold and brave. Stand up for what is right and try new things. You can do it. Have confidence! When you are doing things to honor God, your sweet spirit will be fulfilled and you show others how to live a life full of peace and security.

4 "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Phil 4:4-8

And One to grow on...
You have this shy side of you sometimes...I can't wait for the world to see the sparkle in your eye and your dance moves! Don't be embarrassed to have a good time, you can dance like nobody's business. Its so much fun! Share that crazy side of you with others, Tinky, its what makes you YOU.

I really can't believe this is the 5th birthday letter I have written you. You are my favorite girl in the world. You fill up my heart like I never thought possible. God blessed us so much with you as a daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter, and friend. You will make the world a better place with your special little self...I can't wait to see it. Like I told you a few weeks ago all I really want for you, is to love and follow Jesus, work hard, and be kind. You make me so proud...Happy Birthday sweet Tinky Bear Blue Princess Petunia Foot....Rootsy Tootsy I love Youtsy!
Love,
Momma