Happy Birthday, Melissa!

My Darling Baby Girl, Happy Birthday!

We miss you so much today! I have you know that Colin Fitzpatrick is the only man on earth I’d love and trust enough to move you off indefinitely without a small fight, especially on your birthday in a family where birthdays are king. Not only do all the Moores and Joneses miss you today, all your coworkers feel like confetti with no place to blow. You are the only one on our staff so far away that we don’t get to observe an official LPM annual celebration lunch. But, we’re all grown-ups here so call us the epitome of flexibility and understanding, as long as you rest assured we’re feeling the absence of your infectious and delightfully fun self.

I’ve already sent your wrap-able gifts and they should arrive right on time today so this is a minuscule ring-box of words to set beside them. Just a few things from the last 24 hours of life as we know it that I think might make you smile on your birthday:

A. Annabeth was dressed so cute at church yesterday that I honestly could not bear it. And when I asked your sister where she’d gotten that plaid skirt with suspenders and a white blouse in such a small size, she said “Her Aunt Melissa sent this to her!” Score, Child. Score. You’ve still got it. And I’m relieved since you are missing your two chief shopping cohorts.

B. Jackson was riding in the car with me from church to lunch yesterday like he usually does, but on this occasion he said something for the very first time: “Bibby, turn that up!” It was a praise CD. A monumental moment in a life, if you ask me. When I turned up the volume, I glanced in the rear view mirror and saw those little wheels rolling in his head and his big blue eyes cut over to the side, brows drawn down, trying to figure out whether or not he knew that Tomlin song. He’s starting to sing along with all sorts of different songs and guess who he requests most of all? David Crowder. Isn’t that a kick? You ought to hear him say his name. So precious you can’t stand it. And, by the way, he’s outgrown his shoes AGAIN. His feet are huge. (Jackson’s, not David Crowder’s. I don’t know if David has big feet or not. I’ll glance at them in January at Passion.)

C. We sang “Before the Throne of God Above” yesterday in the worship service. Knowing how much you love it, I could hardly get the words to come out of my mouth. I kept thinking of the lyrics in reference to the genuine trial by fire you’ve had this year with health issues attacking that little frame. Persevere, my sweet, sweet Child. I pray with all my heart that this is only a season and that God is going to bring you out of it twice the warrior that entered it. Please hasten to the finish, Lord Jesus. Restore Your young servant completely and bear such a harvest that she will one day look back on it as a gift in disguise from Your faithful hand.

Just in case you’ve forgotten any of the words:

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see him there
Who made an end of all my sin.

Because a sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the One,
Risen Son of God!

Behold him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I am,
The King of glory and of grace!

One in himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by his blood
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God

D. Abigail walked the aisle yesterday with her Mommy and Daddy and gave her heart to Jesus. She came up to me just before the service began and said, “Miss Beth, guess what I’m doing today??” And the rest is history. We had the sweetest baptisms yesterday and, all the while, I watched her and her Daddy elbowing each other with anticipation. You would have loved it. I was about to laugh and sob at the same time. I had a feeling she was on the verge of making this decision. You know what a people watcher I am. Last week we took the Lord’s Supper and Abigail was sitting right in front of me. She stared at that tray so hard when it passed her by that she nearly bored a hole in it. I knew something was up. She will stand in that same baptistery where you and your sister were immersed and right at about the same age. Is there anything like growing up in one church? Would we trade those folks in our section for anything on earth??

E. Mr. Parker finally squeaked up the coyote that’s eaten both of their beloved cats and one of their neighbor’s cats in the last few days. The rabbits are so scared of it that they’re nestling right up next to the houses. Geli stares at one out our front windows constantly. Don’t tell me you don’t miss Texas. Where on earth but here would that happen in a suburban neighborhood?

F. Dad and I made homemade buttermilk pancakes and bacon for supper last night. Yep, from a real live recipe with fresh buttermilk and eggs and baking powder and…well, I don’t remember now…just stuff. No mix, is what I’m getting at. It was so good! Dad even told me not to tell him again that I wasn’t a good cook. I’d dang well proved otherwise. How about that? OK, well, I might as well strut my stuff and share the recipe. I got it off the internet and it wasn’t attributed to anybody. I guess there’s no copyright on pancakes.

Beth’s Best Buttermilk Pancakes
(Oh, that made me so happy. It’s a lie though. They’re not mine.)

Makes nine 6-inch pancakes
The key to fluffy pancakes is not to over-mix the batter; it should not be beaten smooth. If serving these pancakes with bacon, reserve half a teaspoon of bacon drippings to grease the griddle instead of butter.

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons sugar

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

3 cups buttermilk

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus 1/2 teaspoon for griddle

1. Heat griddle to 375°. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a medium bowl. Add eggs, buttermilk, and 4 tablespoons butter; whisk to combine. Batter should have small to medium lumps.

2. Heat oven to 175°. Test griddle by sprinkling a few drops of water on it. If water bounces and spatters off griddle, it is hot enough. Using a pastry brush, brush remaining 1/2 teaspoon of butter or reserved bacon fat onto griddle. Wipe off excess.

3. Using a 4-ounce ladle, about 1/2 cup, pour pancake batter, in pools 2 inches away from one other. When pancakes have bubbles on top and are slightly dry around edges, about 2 1/2 minutes, flip over. Cook until golden on bottom, about 1 minute.

4. Repeat with remaining batter, keeping finished pancakes on a heatproof plate in oven. Serve warm.

G. Dad’s getting new glasses. These are not from Walgreen’s. I helped him pick them out, praise You, Lord. These should actually sit straight on his nose and we will no longer have to tilt our heads to look him in the eye. He is too handsome for $11 spectacles.

H. (This is Amanda now. I get one letter.)

For my sister on her 27th birthday…

Today we will eat cupcakes in your honor.

And be sad you’re not here to share.

We hope you’ll spend the day doing everything that’s fun and nothing that isn’t. Maybe some home redecorating? Fort building?

Don’t stay home. Grab your car keys and go somewhere fun!

I’m thankful for the day you made me a big sister. I was just about Jackson’s age.

Hopefully I was better at holding you than this.

We’re all wild about you, Melissa! We love you more than we could ever say! Have the happiest birthday ever.
Love,
Your family

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201 Responses to “Happy Birthday, Melissa!”

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Comments:

  1. 101
    scottnsue7 says:

    Happy Birthday Melissa! Your words and your life are a true blessing.
    Thank you!

  2. 102
    penne says:

    Happy Birthday Melissa! Today is my daughter's 21st Birthday! I did not know that yall shared a B'day. I feel so special sharing this day with you and Beth! Lots of love and best wishes! Love, Penne from MS

  3. 103
    Anonymous says:

    Happy Birthday Melissa!!!

  4. 104
    DJ says:

    Happy Birthday Melissa!
    May the Lord bless you as you bless us!
    Thank you for letting us be part of your special day!!

  5. 105
    Longmeadow Mama says:

    Happy Birthday!
    What a special present this blog post is for you!
    Have fun,
    Kelli

  6. 106
    Ann says:

    These wonderful words from mom and sister have got to put a smile on the birthday girls face! May God bless Melissa on this special day!

  7. 107
    Heather Bug says:

    Happy Birthday, Melissa! I hope you get some amazing perfume for your birthday! 🙂

    The pancakes sound delicious! I'm just a little confused about why you turn the oven to 175. Was an oven used? Also, how do you know when your pan reaches 375? Oh well, I guess it doesn't really matter because I've never been a good pancake maker…they're always burned on the outside and runny on the inside.

    Happy Happy Happy Happy Birthday!!!!

  8. 108
    Elizabeth says:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELISSA!!

  9. 109
    Susan B. says:

    Happy birthday, Melissa! May you have a AWESOME day filled with much love!

  10. 110
    brandiandboys says:

    Have a wonderful birthday, Melissa!!

    I think we'll also have a cupcake in your honor to celebrate!

  11. 111
    habakkuk 319 says:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MELISSA!!!!

    From one passionate Atlanta Siesta to another…..

    If I knew exactly what perfume you wanted to choose from frivolous Friday, I'd run right out THIS SECOND, get you a bottle, and spray you from head to toe! (Being especially sure it wouldn't trigger a migraine, of course…..)

    You have no idea how thankful I am for you, Amanda and your Mom….no words of gratitude suffice…..Just lots of happy tears…..

    So glad our Lord gave you such glorious weather in the ATL (isn't it a great hair day?) to bless your day today…ENJOY!

    Love, Leslie

  12. 112
    Christine Roskamp (Houston Siesta) says:

    Happy Birthday, beautiful lady.
    You know dang well LPM will make up for it when you see them here in Houston again. Who could pass up having a party? Yesiree Bob!

    Have an awesome B-day and just hear our hearts from Siestaville just singing away the birthday song to you! :o)

  13. 113
    Lynn says:

    Happy Birthday Melissa! Blessings to you.

  14. 114
    Anonymous says:

    Happy Birthday Melissa-
    So you're a July birthday too? I knew we had some similarities about us….both cancers (not that I really believe in any of that). Have a great day. You are blessed with a great family.

    Amanda, those pix of your two sweeties made me laugh out loud.

    Chrystal

  15. 115
    Jennifer says:

    Happy Birthday Melissa!!!!
    What an awesome family you have-thanks for allowing us to be a part of it!!!!
    Birthday Blessings,
    Jennifer

  16. 116
    tealovingmom says:

    Happy, Happy Birthday, Melissa! May this birthday be especially blessed!

    Love,
    Kristen

  17. 117
    Aunt Rhody says:

    Happy Birthday, Miss Melissa! May the blessings of the Lord overtake you, body, soul, and spirit.

    (Is there anything creepier than a coyote bold enough to come into town and snatch pets?) Yuk!

  18. 118
    Katie Laitkep says:

    Happy Birthday, Melissa! <3

  19. 119
    gillian says:

    y'all are too cute and so sweet! i have tears in my eyes reading the sweet love you've poured out to Melissa!

    Happy Birthday! hope it's super fantastic!

  20. 120
    Vicki says:

    Happy birthday, Melissa. How special you must feel with the sweet wishes from you family. Hope it is a special day for you.

  21. 121
    jennyhope says:

    Happy Birthday sweet girl!!!
    Also, I remember you saying something about a migraine the other day and I meant to say (which you probably already know)but I never took the pill until I got married…and I never had migraines until I got married. Mine ae totally hormonal. Praying for you and hope you have a wonderful day! I love all of the stories and pics!

  22. 122
    Deanna says:

    Happy Birthday Melissa!

    Deanna

  23. 123
    Anonymous says:

    Melissa, happy birthday. Thank you for all your very rich input on this blog.
    I Love reading everything you write.
    Oh, perfume–Clinique (anything they make).
    And oh, the words of that hymn!
    I am in a new church, two years new, after 25 yrs in a different one.
    We sing this hymn often and I adore it, but I had no idea what in the world it was called or how to get the words for myself.
    Yeah!!!!! I have them now. Thank you Beth!

  24. 124
    SarahfromWyoming says:

    Happy Birthday Melissa….Seistaville loves you! I'm so glad you wont have to tilt your head to look your dad in the eye…that comment cracked me up!

  25. 125
    faithWalker says:

    Happy, happy birthday, Melissa!!

    Sweetest blessings to you on this very special day.

    Deb

  26. 126
    Anonymous says:

    Yea! We share the same birthday month. Mine was the 11th. Oh, I took on the birthday "month" idea a few years ago. So anything goes during the month of July! Still celebrating in TN.

    Have fun!!

  27. 127
    Mary McGuire says:

    Happy Birthday Melissa !!! The world is better with people like you and your family here.

  28. 128
    kathy pink bicycle arkansas says:

    Oh, you're making me teary….b-days were never a big deal in our family. One year I got a $5 bill and three pair of panties from Wal-Mart…..from Wal-Mart!!!

    Love the post and those two little ones are just too cut! Jackson has always had the best smile!!!

    Happy Birthday Melissa

  29. 129
    WendyB says:

    Happiest of birthdays to you. Thank you for your thirst for knowledge which benefits us so much!

  30. 130
    Sharon says:

    Happy Birthday, Melissa! Hope you are having a fabulous day! Thank you for being such a blessing to all of us!

    And, Amanda, my eyes almost popped out when I saw the quilt on the fort (you know, that purple quilt with the ladies and the umbrellas?) My mother-in-law recently made one exactly like it for my daughter(same purple color, identical pattern)! If I didn't know any better I might have thought that was my daughters handmade quilt! That reminds me that I need to post a picture of it soon and post it on my blog since my mother-in-law spent so much precious time working on it. She made actually made two, one for each of my daughters. 🙂

  31. 131
    Kim says:

    Seriously – you are the only people I know who could make me feel like part of the family and I have never met one of you. Totally caught up in the whole entire post!

    Melissa – whatever trial the Lord has allowed in your life, I praise Him that he has given you the strength to endure it. I pray his protection and blessing over you and a peace that passes all understanding.

    Happy Birthday

    Kim . . .who is
    Grafted by Grace

  32. 132
    AmandaNC says:

    Happy Birthday Melissa!!
    Praying for a special blessing for you today!

  33. 133
    Yolanda says:

    HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELISSA!

    I can not wait to meet you in January!!!

    Love,
    Yolanda

  34. 134
    Sheri says:

    Happy Birthday Melissa!

    BTW…LOVE the ASU shirt on Jackson…could spot one of those a mile away. I'm sure it was a gift from "Uncle Travis". : )

  35. 135
    danne says:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Melissa!

    Much LOVE and tons of BLESSINGS!

  36. 136
    Tammy says:

    Happy Birthday Sweet Melissa,
    I hope your day was filled with lots of joy and love. Blessings on your heart.

    love and hugs
    Tammy S.

  37. 137
    creative gal says:

    Happy Birthday!! You and my sister share this special day!

  38. 138
    Maria says:

    Happy Birthday Sweets!!!

    Love you LPM siestas TONS!!!

  39. 139
    Ann says:

    Happy Birthday, Melissa! Wishing you a very special and blessed day! I hope you and Colin have a wonderful evening celebrating! It's hard to be away from family on special occasions, but you and Colin seem to have something so special and maybe God is just strengthening that. I have a feeling all of you will one day be reunited! Happy, happy birthday!! 🙂

  40. 140
    Rhonda says:

    Happy Birthday sweet Melissa! I hope that you are having a fabulous day today!

    Blessings,
    Rhonda in Michigan

  41. 141
    Anonymous says:

    Happy birhtday! Go out and get some special perfume.

  42. 142
    Faran says:

    Many happy birthday wishes being sent your way!

  43. 143
    Enfant de Dieu says:

    Happy birthday, Melissa! Hope all goes well for you today! God bless!

  44. 144
    Bonnie/Momof3 says:

    Happy Birthday Melissa! I'm so glad it's such a gorgeous day here in Atlanta for you … it would be much hotter in Texas 🙂 I'm praising God for you and praying his blessings over your coming year!

  45. 145
    marthahelen says:

    melissa.. hope it is sweet and special today! let us know if you get any new perfumes for your birthday.. 🙂 may God give you a sweet word over what He has in store for this next year. blessings!

  46. 146
    Missy says:

    Happy Birthday, Melissa! Hope it's wonderful!

  47. 147
    leigh says:

    All of that was so sweet and I don't want to downplay the awesomeness BUT Amanda, does little precious have an Appalachian State Tshirt on in that stroller photo?? As a proud Alumni I ask: what is the connection? I must know.

    ps Happy Bday Melissa . . . my friends and I still want you and Colin to come visit Grace Fellowship Church in Snellville . . . please please please. We promise to only slightly make a scene.

    LeighATL

  48. 148
    Walking on High Hills says:

    I pray God's biggest blessing on you today as you spend it with your hubby. I pray you have a wonderful upcoming year in HIM!

    Feliz Cumpleaños, Siesta!

  49. 149
    kelly Jo says:

    Happy Birthday Melissa! I hope you had a great day:) looks likes Jackson is missing his aunt by the way about the perfume… mellow it smells great my favorite. love ya

    kelly jo
    Albany Ky

  50. 150
    Shellie Paparazzo says:

    Happy birthday, Melissa! I'm sure you'll have fun and wear plenty of perfume!

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