26 years and two days ago, my life changed forever. After 6 years of thinking we didn’t want to have any kids, Mike & I decided maybe we should have at least one child. Back story – Mike did a lot of drugs during his misspent youth, including LSD. He was a little concerned that if we had a child, he or she might have three eyes, or a nose on his or her chin. And so we thought, meh – we’re happy being just two of us. But then one day, we changed our minds. (Actually, I changed our minds. but that’s another story.) We thought about having tests done to make sure our child wouldn’t have birth defects, but when my doctor called for an appointment, no one answered the call.

Mike & I are both devout Christians, and we know and have faith in the power of God, so we knew if we had a baby, he or she would be perfect. And we were right. Jon is amazing. He’s brilliant and kind and compassionate and everything else that I prayed for when I was pregnant. He entertained us with his acrobatic antics for several months before he was born. He jumped and flipped and did all kinds of gymnastics. And when he was born…90 minutes into labor, the doctor said there was fetal distress. After a quick episiotomy, Jon was out in a minute – and he was as blue as a Smurf. Apparently, all the jumping and flipping had caused the cord to wrap around his neck, and my baby couldn’t breathe. After a minute or two, though, he was perfect. (And he has the Apgar scores to prove it!)

18 months later, we decided Jon needed a sibling, and a little later Wesley was born. Wes is another perfect child – but his story comes later. I couldn’t be prouder of my kids, but since this is about Jon, I’ll gush about him. (You’ll have all about my dear sweet Wesley in May.) Jon is brilliant. We often debate political, social and other issues, and he keeps me on my toes. He’s more into politics and finding truth than Mike (which is saying a lot!), and he’s so much like my mom when it comes to alternative and holistic healing. I’m a very proud mama, let me tell you. Jon has done so much in his short 26 years. He’s an incredible electrician, he’s been in several bands, he was on the Dean’s list in college. He’s helped bring water to a village in Africa, and he helped sponsor an event that contributed hundreds of coats, gloves, and sweats to the needy. He’s rescued dogs and donated blankets, towels, and dog beds to the SPCA. In short – he has spent most of his life helping others. How can I help but be a proud mama?

So here’s the inside of the birthday card I made for him.

I used the Balloon Celebrations and A Dozen Thoughts stamp sets, Balloon Bouquet punch, and the Cherry on Top designer series paper stack and new Sale-a-bration metallics glitter tape (sponged with Tangelo Twist ink) for this card. And, of course, the Party Pop-Up Thinlits Dies. I love these little pop-up dies. They’re so much fun and so easy to use. I colored the letters, candles, and cake stand with Stampin’ Up! Stampin’ Write Markers, then added some punched balloons and stamped strings to the inside of the card. It was quite festive!

So – Happy birthday, my dearest Jonny! I love you with all my heart.

Thanks for stopping by Stamping with Buffy! Have a wonderful day!

Balloon Celebration Photopolymer Bundle – 140810

Price: $37.25

A Dozen Thoughts Clear-Mount Stamp Set – 131059

Price: $19.00

A Dozen Thoughts Wood-Mount Stamp Set – 131056

Price: $27.00

Metallics Glitter Tape – 141020

Price: $0.00

Cherry On Top Designer Series Paper Stack – 138443

Price: $8.00

Party Pop-Up Thinlits Dies – 140620

Price: $30.00

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