thirteen

Top 13 Reasons I Love Parenting this 13-year-old Boy

1.  I had no idea what being a mom would be like until you were born thirteen years ago today.
2. You are so different from me and you challenge me to think about things in a different way.
3. You love Jesus and it shows.
4. You are enthusiastic about food which makes it more rewarding to cook.
5. You are a real help around the house and I appreciate your expertise in vacuuming, trash removal, and killing bugs.
6. You are funny.  Not always as funny as you think you are, but you are truly funny.
7. You are great with kids.  Seeing you work with the kids at Thursday morning playschool was a joy.
8. You are a hard worker.  I am really proud of the help you've given others in special projects and for the help you've been with the yard work this year.
9. You are a great conversationalist.  You are so much like your dad in the interest you take in other people.
10. It delights me more than you will ever know to see you read your Bible faithfully.  I was so proud of you on Sunday when you were baptized and thankful for what God is doing in your life.
11. You like ice cream, probably as much as I do.
12. You are eager to try new things like the firearm safety course, fishing, football.
13. You bring a lot of laughter and joy to our home.

People have warned us about having a house full of teenagers.  You are our first and I can honestly say that I look forward to your teen years with delight and excitement.  If they are anything like the past thirteen years, we will continue to be blessed by having you in our family.

Happy Birthday Dear Noah!