Double Digits

Today was the day Ethan hit double digits.  What is it about double digits that kids always get so excited about?  I suppose it's the growing up part, they always seem so anxious to grow up and we always wish they would slow down.  Regardless, my favorite, and only son turned 10 today.  Yesterday when I was thinking about it, I might have bawled my eyes out, though I can neither confirm or deny this. 

Here he is with his excited birthday glow.

He really wanted an airsoft gun for his birthday.  We found a set that had a pistol and a rifle.  Seeing as how his father was going to "need" to play with him, that's what we chose.  There was all kinds of screaming and cheering this morning when he opened it.  Jared told him he couldn't play with it until he read the owner's manual cover to cover.  He sat right down and got to work.  After school, he decided to take Sadie out and "show her how it works".  A few minutes later I look outside and see this.

They were busy fighting some invisible foe and saving the world.  I kept hearing him call her "Soldier!" all afternoon.  It was seriously hysterical.  I loved how they played so happily all afternoon.  Once Jared was home and dinner and cake were done he and Ethan went outside to try out the guns.  It wasn't long before they were shooting each other with them.  I don't remember when I've laughed so hard, those two were so funny.  The fact that they were both laughing their heads off didn't hurt either.  Don't worry parents, we have discussed safety and he won't be shooting any other people. 

Ethan is a sweet little boy that makes my heart melt.  He is always the first to ask if he can help me with anything and he's always so kind to me.  I love his laughter and his ability to bring humor into almost any situation.  His teasing and laughter put a smile on my face on a daily basis.  He loves his family and his Heavenly Father.  I honestly couldn't ask for a better son that him.  As he went to bed tonight he said, "Thanks mom.  I think this has been the best day of my life."  See, best son EVER!

So This Is What Fifteen Looks Like...

Fifteen years ago I became a mother for the first time.  Looking back I still can't believe those crazies at the hospital let us bring her home without any supervision.  I mean, she had Jared and I, but let's be honest, that really wasn't much considering we had NO idea what we were doing.  They told us to wake her up every two hours and feed her.  We set an alarm and got up faithfully that first night.  By the second night, she wouldn't wake up and neither could I.  By the third morning of her sleeping all night long, I took her to the pediatrician.  I was pretty sure she was broken, after all, what newborn sleeps ALL NIGHT LONG???  I remember the moment when I realized I had no idea what I was doing.  The doctor was looking at her and in a most casual voice said, "So, is this your first child?"  That's when it hit me that I really was a lunatic.  It turns out she wasn't broken, she was just a sleepyhead.  I learned that day that newborns can sleep all night long if they want.  Who knew???  And that's what she did.  She slept all night long from the first night, she was by far our best sleeper.  Now, she stays up all hours of the night, who knows, maybe she got her fill when she was a baby.

Anyway, this beautiful girl turned 15 today.  Yep folks, this is what fifteen looks like.

 

 

I can't tell you how much we love this girl.  She is so amazing.  She loves with her whole heart.  She is fiercely loyal to her friends and family.  She loves the gospel, her Heavenly Father and her older brother, Jesus Christ.  She knows what is right and she chooses the right, quietly without any fanfare.  She loves everyone she meets.  She never criticizes anyone, she defends all of Heavenly Father's children.  And, as her mom, I'm not ashamed to say that I think she is beautiful, inside and out.  She has her head on straight and knows what she wants out of life.  I don't doubt for a minute that she'll achieve all her goals because she does whatever she sets her mind to.  We love you Jenna and we couldn't be more proud of the incredible young woman you are becoming.