A Teeny Big B-Day

Thirteen years ago I woke up and knew this was the day. The day I was going to be a parent. Every first time parent has some idea of what this parent-hood thing may be like, but you truly don't know until it happens to you. It is nothing but selfless love, the greatest that I have yet to know. A perfect body and soul in an imperfect world handed over to you to shape, shelter and nurture.  It's a big job... the most precious of jobs. Not always the easiest. So you grow it with the greatest love and attention you can. 

Sergeant Stink turned 13 today. It may sound a bit cliche but this time thing really goes by so fast. I found the most suiting card for my dear boy... and it looks like his brother did as well. 

We planned a fun filled day full of activities and friends. Being the quality time hoard I am, I told my Sergeant I really wanted a little something for just him and I in the morning. We decided to go on a Birthday run. On our run we spotted some horses and I pulled him to go look at them. A man came over to us and asked if we would like to feed them and of course we did. This wonderful neighbor came out and let my Birthday boy ride on her sweet horse, Jet. Jet was dark, gentle and quiet with healing eyes. After feeding him his tangelos my boy got to bare back ride on Jet. We brushed his body and rubbed his face as we looked at those healing eyes of his. It was an unforgettable birthday start. 

Then I was reminded at the end of our run that today I have a teenager and I set a new rule after a slug bug. You see, the slug bug game is fun when your children are little. As they get older the punch gets a bit stronger and it hurts. Today's sighting will leave a shoulder bruise so I kindly reminded my Sergeant that this game is no longer played with girls... especially Mom. We instead took our games to the racing track. Stink go-karted with his buddies then we were off to Krampus at the theaters. We took our party back to Seville where neighbors, snow-play, pasta and oreo ice cream cake awaited. 

It was a treat because the Sergeant's dear friend was in town and his mom just happens to be a dear friend of mine as well. Her mother creates a cookie decorating event each year for her kids and grandkids. It was so kind to be included in this special time on this special day. 

It reminds me that family and quality time with important moments who support you in life matter. You live life as though everything is a miracle, because it truly is. I am grateful everyday for my motherhood, my dear children and all of those sweet people who made this important day special for my loving son. Goodbye slug-bugs, hello teenage years! We welcomed you well today.