I've Got a Teenager!

Little C prepping to blow out the candles with his two friends Andres and Jayden.
For some reason I'm holding Moo's head.

Had to have the Curry socks!!!!!! Yes!!!!

That's right - he got a limo folks!

R-L
Moo, Ruckus, Lou, and Little C

Ruckus giving us the duck face.

Ruckus and Lou living it up!

They stopped for a little ice cream.

R-L
Jayden, Little C, and Andres

Little C,

Yes, you were absolutely, positively spoiled for your birthday because you are the best helper alive. Everyday before we moved you would babysit your siblings, work on house projects, or help pack . Your social life was non-existent because you were always responding to our needs and typically it was readily. You're a really good kid.

After we moved and your new sister was born you still had a lot of responsibility on your shoulders because you're the oldest of six kids with a mom who just had a C-section. The Beloved and I wanted to give you exactly what you desired for your birthday and that was a limo ride. You invited two friends to go with you plus were cool with your three younger brothers tagging along for the fun. To say we were impressed is an understatement. Your brothers had so much fun bonding with you, feeling larger than life while driving around town. 

In addition to a limo, you wanted a pair of Curry socks for your birthday. He's your idol and The Beloved and I like to quiz you on him. For example, his real name is Wardell and his favorite movie is Princess Diaries. You love, love, love basketball and believe the real purpose of college is to play sports. You have become quite the athlete and could play ball all day, any day. The Beloved has had to step up his game lately because you are beginning to be real competition and he can't have that. :) You and I take turns beating each other in horse and it's the first time in my life that I actually feel genuinely pleased when someone surpasses me in basketball - because I'm proud of you. 

You're a funny cat. Ridiculously funny and sometimes you can't stop yourself from making jokes. Which can be untimely but your parents smile behind your back. You're obsessed with Bad Lip Readings, especially the ones that involve current politicians. Oh. My. Word. You sound like a loon spouting out your random nonsensical's and people who have no idea what you're quoting probably wonder what exactly is going on with that kid :) - but we are fully on board and reply to you in the same nonsensical fashion. So please, stop eating a sorority's gold fish!  :) And, you froze a baby!

You love your family and think your little sisters are to die for. I think you tell me more than five times a day how cute they are - but for real, they're freaking adorable so I get it. You're pretty adorable too. And tall. You started wearing a size 10 shoe this year and stand 4 inches taller than me. You're pretty thin and haven't beat 100 lbs yet and this kills you! Kills. I'm sorry this makes you sad. You're still the cutest 13 year old I know.

Right now The Beloved is in the other room working on math homework with you and I am pretty sure you think we are the most evil parents alive. You and math are not friends but you are soooo capable of comprehending it, sometimes I just think you're determined not to. Most nights are spent doing math homework for hours. It's the best. Okay, it's not the best but one day all of your hard work will pay off and you'll be happy you had pushy parents in the math department. And if not - lie to me, just lie to me. It'll be better for our relationship. :)

You are a super sweet kid and are very respectful to adults.  You and Papa are pals and like to go to different scouting and sporting events together. You sit and eagerly listen to all of his stories and are thrilled when he busts out the sports memorabilia. He thinks you're pretty special.

Little C - I love you. You have a desire to do good. I know the world is trying to distract you but as I glimpse you kneeling by your bed at night offering up a prayer or listening to different church talks when you go to bed at night I know you're on the right track. Keep on trucking buddy. You can do this. You are a very loved child of God and have an incredible spirit. 

Love,

Mom