Officially a teenager

Today this boy is officially a teenager. It’s not the fact that he’s a teenager that has me want to cry - teenagers are awesome and Colin is so amazing already. It’s the fact that we only have a handful of years left with this guy under our roof that makes me want to stop time. And hold on tight. Yet at the same time it’s so amazing to get a front row seat in seeing Colin grow into adulthood.

There really isn’t a cooler kid than Colin. He’s kind and compassionate. So easy going and goes with the flow all the time. He is a leader among his peers and full of integrity. He loves Jesus and does a great job loving others.

Colin has THE BEST sense of humor. He’s sarcastic in all the best ways. He is also so sweet to Joel. Friday we went to watch Colin play basketball in the sca basketball tournament at his school and at one point Colin runs over - asks Joel this name of a song - runs back to his teacher and soon Joel’s favorite song is playing over the speakers. Because he knew Joel would like it.

It was really fun seeing him at that basketball tournament. He’s really come out of his shell this years al lot of that is due to his English teacher and the head of Young Life. He’s really taken Colin under his wing this year and it shows. We keep trying to talk him into teaching 8th grade next year but at least with Young Life he will be in Colin’s life a few more years.  Colin  was confident not only on the court but with all the kids and he just has this unassuming air about him. He doesn’t need to be the center of attention. He encourages his friends. He’s just such a cool kid. He hasn’t hit that awkard stage - I keep showing him pictures of me in middle school and asking if he would think I was cute and he laughs and says of course but he and I both know that’s not true! Ha! Good thing he looks just like his dad!

We’ve been getting messages like this all day from friends. It’s great when other people see how amazing Colin is too.

No one tells you how bittersweet each year and stage of life is with kids. Or how to balance holding on tight to your kids while giving them the freedom to become who God created them to be. I just keep hugging him and reminding him to call his momma at least once a week and to come home often to visit.

Happy Birthday Colin! Words can not describe how much we love you. As you grow may you hold tight to Jesus and continue to love those around you.