Teenager

It's official. He's a teenager. 13 today.

He's been talking about this day for years. We had the tweeny-bop years and then the official tween years. Now it's finally here....teenager. Thank goodness it takes thirteen years to get here. That it is a gradual growing and stretching. Rocky and I have both had our fair share of time with teenagers but nothing is quite like having one in your home. A teenager of your very own.

Like much of our parenting we think we have it all figured out until we have to parent a particular age or behavior. I mean really, we were the smartest parents ever until we actually had kids. So here we are about to embark on this new teenager frontier. And I, for one, am excited. I'm looking forward to navigating this new territory and find comfort that God will provide us with the wisdom and discernment we need to raise Sam up to be a young man after God's heart.

We have been so blessed by Sam and the joy and fun he brings to our family. At thirteen he is still my go-to snuggler and he has the most tender heart. I'm not sure what chokes me up more when watching a sad movie-the content of the movie or seeing my big boy cry without any inhibition. He is impulsive and passionate and at times can drive us mad but I am certain these qualities will be favorable ones as he matures. He is a protective brother to his sisters and to hear him talk about how things will be "when his little brother is home" makes my heart melt.

I have always said there is a special bond between a mama and her son. I think our year of homeschooling only strengthened that bond. We pray that Sam will be a leader and that in those pivotal moments he is looking to the one that loves him most to guide him. We pray his tender heart would reach out to those desperate for a loving hand . And as he begins to inventory the qualities he finds attractive in girls that at the very top of the list is lover of Jesus.

Today we became the parents of a teenager and I am so thankful. We love you Sammy Ryan!