"Big Brother" Brandon

Brandon has held the title of big brother for over eleven years and is now putting those experiences and abilities to use in his first steady job. Twice a month, he plays with Gordon, Charlie, and Will – three brothers under the age of six - while their mom works on other projects around the house.

Brandon reads to them, takes them on walks, teaches them new games, and helps bring their imaginative ideas to life, such as the time Gordon suggested they make dirt from dirt or when they camped outside for two hours around their pretend fire.


Brandon has fun with the boys and finds them quite amusing. One of the funniest stories he tells is of the day he spent close to thirty minutes building the boys a top-notch, super-cool fort of blankets and chairs, only to discover Gordon’s plan all along was to be the “big bad wolf” that would blow the fort down! The “stronghold” was demolished in less than thirty seconds.

Brandon’s job has been a blessing in many ways, such as teaching him fiscal responsibility. He is learning to make wise choices with his income that include intentionally saving and giving, rather than simply spending all he earns. Tithing is now a discipline in his life that will hopefully carry over into adulthood.

Furthermore, Brandon now understands the importance of responsibility, dependability, and time-management as he puts into practice these disciplines and more that he has been taught since he was a little boy.

Perhaps the greatest benefit is the relational one. Brandon is not only setting an example for these young boys, but also building a friendship with them. They are his little buddies, and he is just as excited to see them as they are to see him. As he interacts not only with children younger than his own siblings, but also with their mom, he is learning to treat people of all ages with respect, kindness, and courtesy.

Friends come in all ages. While many youth tend to choose peers only in their own age group, adult life is not often this way. I have quite a few friends significantly older or younger than me. In fact, I consider Gordon, Charlie, and Will’s mom, who is about ten years my junior, one of my treasured friends. I’m so glad age doesn’t matter!

Brandon may not recognize all of the benefits and blessings from his first job until later in his life, but for now he certainly appreciates and enjoys being a “big brother” figure to these energetic, enthusiastic, funny, playful, and lovable little boys.


“Bless his substance, Lord, and accept the work of his hands.” Deuteronomy 33:11

Nicholas Turns Eleven!

As most seasoned parents proclaim, these days with children in our home pass all too quickly.

It seems like only yesterday when a second child was merely a desire in our hearts. Discovering that a baby was on the way completely thrilled us. When the doctor announced on January 2 at 12:08pm, “It’s a boy!” we were beyond ecstatic!

Could that have really been eleven years ago?

Almost a week after Nicholas’ birthday, the decorations are down and the celebratory festivities are now blissful memories.

Highlights from this special occasion include Nicholas’ first sleepover, a change from ten years of larger birthday parties. He and two of his best buddies from church enjoyed lots of football, followed by pizza, cookie cake, a movie, and staying up until almost 2am playing games and talking. They had such a fun time that Nicholas is already planning a repeat for next year!


A few days later, after a traditional breakfast of cinnamon rolls on his actual birthday, he opened what he claims is one of the best presents ever: a BB/pellet gun!

After shooting a few rounds, we drove to the student center at the seminary and “tailgated” with sandwiches and birthday cake while watching the South Carolina Gamecocks football team play in the Capital One Bowl. During breaks, we played ping-pong, pool, and foosball. South Carolina’s victory was icing on the cake to our fun afternoon together.



Back at home, Nicholas picked out The Private Eyes to watch together before bed. This 1981 comedy/mystery movie starring Tim Conway and Don Knotts is one of Nicholas’ favorites. He was surprised and thrilled to receive the DVD from his grandparents for his birthday.

Nicholas’ birthday celebrations tell a lot about who he is: a loyal and fun friend, a future SWAT officer (according to him), an avid Gamecocks fan, a boy who loves to laugh, and a kid who appreciates the classics, even (especially?) in the form of slapstick comedy!

I sure do love that kid!

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.” Psalm 127:3