Thirteen

Wow - the word "teen" can now be officially used in our home.  Well, almost.  Jarod's birthday isn't until this Saturday but we celebrated a little early this year.  The next few weekends are full of activities like Universal Studios and camp outs so I had to bump it up a bit.

I have had a few emotional roller coaster moments in the last few weeks.  In case you missed the latest emotional uproar, you can read that here.

God is so good. Since that post, I have stepped back and watched Jarod handle his new journey with great maturity.  I think he was ready for the challenge.  He has done so well getting himself up in the morning, keeping himself organized and handling the challenge of a new school, new friends, new teachers, etc.  He is really enjoying school and is excited about going each day.

He has joined FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and has signed up for the leadership track.  He will be trained so he can lead the different Bible Study discussions and be able to answer questions that other students have about Christ. We were thrilled that he volunteered for this and are excited to watch him step out and take a stand at school.  He's already making some great, Christian friends which is a huge answer to my prayers. 

It was time for the change - time for the challenge.  Even though I was nervous about all of it, Jarod has stepped up to the task and is proving that he is capable.   I am so proud of the young man he is becoming.

I am enjoying the change in our family dynamic as well.  Anne is up first in the morning.  We have her alone for about an hour.  Then Jarod gets up after she leaves and we have him alone for about an hour as well.  Then I have Anne alone  again for two hours in the afternoon before Jarod gets home from school.  Having them one on one has made for some great bonding time, good conversations and less competition between the two of them.  Things have calmed down and and settled into a nice routine.

So, this weekend, we celebrated Jarod.  You only turn 13 once and he is quite excited!  13 has a few "rights of passage" around here and our family came over to help us honor him.  Here is our evening in photos -

He asked for a guitar cake this year - he always challenges me.

Jarod had a Birthday helper this year!  He is so patient with Chloe and she adores him.

Nana & Papa looking on 

Brothers!!!!  Uncle Ray and Russ

Uncle Marc & Aunt Sam

They bought him is first bottle of cologne - he was quite excited!  Now to convince him he only needs ONE spray! 

Jarod with Nana & Papa

Uncle Ray

Uncle Marc, Aunt Sam & Chloe

Family shot

Happy Birthday to You!!!

Jarod received his first cell phone for his birthday.  He was thrilled.  He's waited a while as we are the odd parents who wouldn't let him have one until we NEEDED him to have one.  

His other big birthday gift is that he is going to Rock the Universe at Universal Studios in Orlando this weekend with his Youth Group.  He will be there on his actual birthday (Sept. 8) and is so excited!  He invited me to come along and chaperone so I'm excited as well.

He has a few Scout Camp Outs this month also.  One being for the induction into the Order of the Arrow.  He was selected for this back in the spring and it is quite an honor.  He has officially made Star Scout, which means he is only two ranks away from Eagle.  How crazy is that???  

I am so thankful for these glimpses that the Lord gives me.  In many ways, he is still my little boy.  But as I step back, let go and allow God to work in his life, I do see pieces of the man he is becoming.  I know that all those pieces will eventually come together like a puzzle and he will stand before me as a grown man.  It's humbling and overwhelming to know that it won't be long.  Time does go so fast.  I know there will be mistakes - bumps and road blocks along the way.  But the Lord continues to answer my prayers.  So far, on the things that really count - Jarod is moving in the right direction.  And on those days we he doesn't, we will be there to help him up and encourage him on. 

Happy Birthday Jarod!  God has great plans for you and I am truly humbled and honored to be your mom.  I am so proud of the young man you are becoming - of the choices that you are making.  You have adjusted to the challenges well and you are showing great courage and responsibility.  I love who you are becoming - I love that you are a leader and an example to others.  I love that you are sensitive and kind.  Most of all, I am thankful that you are mine.  Continue to trust God - knowing that His plan is best and know that your Dad and I are here for you along the way.  I look forward to the years ahead and all that He will do to make you into His man. 

I love you.

 Until next time.....