We've got a teenager!

Thirteen!  

I can't believe it was 13 years ago today that I looked into the sweetest round face I was certain had ever existed.  It was at that time that I fell head over heals in love, understanding for the first time the unconditional love of a mother.  My life has never been the same since this sweet boy entered it.  

Jk you are the kindest, sweetest, quirkiest boy I know. 

You are handsome and you know it.  Which I'm not gonna lie, scares me a little.

You are smart, talented and an amazing athlete.

You love your little sisters, even though they drive you a little crazy at times.

You are a mamma's boy who loves to cuddle regardless of how big you get.

You have the most sensitive, caring heart I've ever been around.

You are no longer a kid, but not yet a man.  You are a teenager now.  

While I believe that for the most part your teen years are going to be a blast, I'd be fooling myself if I said life was always going to be easy.  It wont.  We're going to butt heads, You're going to think you are older then you are.  You will get moody, sassy and maybe even think that you hate me at times.  You will push all the right buttons.  And during it all, I'm sure I will get frustrated, my feelings will probably be hurt, and I may even over react from time to time.  I'm sure there will be countless hours that I will find myself lying awake waiting to hear a car pull in the driveway, while I plead with God that He keeps you safe.  (I'm dreading 16!)  

Through it all though, there will be lots and lots of love, prayers and learning.  I know that regardless of what the next 6 years hold we will come out of it stronger and closer.  Because regardless of the unknowns that raising a teenager holds I know that God will see us through it all.  

I love you sweet boy and am so proud of the young man you are becoming!

JK was a little stumped after digging through a gift bag and finding random odds and ends.  Just when he got to the bottom of it, a noise was heard from his bedroom.  After digging through a few drawers and his messy dresser top he found his brand new cell phone.  He'd been begging for one for a while and after putting it off for a few years Clint and I agreed that 13 was a good age for this new little bit of independence.