Happy Birthday Stud Muffin!

Today is Aubrey's birthday, so I thought I'd write him a little poem to show my appreciation for him. (Also, note how similar this picture looks to Olivia's baby picture.) Ahem...

Ode to the Super-Amazing-Hilarious-Teasing-Red-Headed Boy Named Aubrey

Some 30 years ago on this day, a boy was born in Selma.

His pop took one look, rolled his eyes and all he could say was, "Well, Ma."

The couple had three babes already at home, this one would make number four.

They had no idea as he slept in his crib he'd make it seem they had much more.

They named him James Aubrey Martin the Second, hoping to lend some dignity.

But they soon found out the hard way, you know, they could only get by with Aubrey.

He teased and tricked and ran amok in and out of his family's timber.

His three sisters got mad, his brother just laughed and his poor father sat there and simmered.

"This boy's a hellion, hell-bound and a demon," that's what the grannies all said.

"It's easy to prove," they reasoned at tea, "only devils have hair that is red."

His mother assured them "He's only a boy, in time he'll grow bored with his mischief."

But she only saw him through motherly eyes, leaving everyone else in a big tiff.

As the years went by, the boy grew tall and strong, basketball soon filled his time.

He stopped chasing his sisters (at least for a season) and his daddy soon re-found his mind.

He practiced at school and practiced at home shooting, jumping, rebounding.

His hard work paid off and he was known among friends to have talent truly outstanding.

Soon he moved away from where he would play, in and out of his family's timber.

But he always came home and back to his ways before starting school in September.

He played pick up games, went away for two years and was back to finish his schooling.

But the gleam was still there in his laughing green eyes, there was nobody his success was fooling.

And now, 30 years later to the day, Aubrey's managed to prove his sweet momma right.

He's responsible and kind, big-hearted and true and loves his family with might.

His spunky young wife and beautiful daughter love him more than their words can express.

So they just try to remember to tell him each day, "Daddy, you're simply the best."

And now, 30 years later to the day, Aubrey's managed to prove his old grannies right.

He didn't grow out of his mischievous ways, but he now knows enough not to fight.

He still teases and prods and jokes and laughs, leaving his girls shaking their heads.

"You're grannies are right," his wife says with a smile. "Only devils have hair that is red."

Happy Birthday, Aubrey! We love you very much!