Wild Ride For The Gang

Well, at least for The Gang's mommy . . .

Today is my Shaggy's 14th birthday. We had a family dinner last night to celebrate, and it was funny to hear different family members remember little things about him over these past years. I can hardly reconcile the adorable, precocious toddler that they were talking about with the handsome teen-ager sprawled out on the floor listening. I still startle when I hear him answer the phone, and I can't believe the hulking giant who sits at my dinner table is my baby boy. It's been quite a roller coaster of emotions for me these last 10 days: turning 40, celebrating my youngest daughter's first birthday and now watching my oldest turn 14.

Shaggy has been an amazing first child to parent. He's respectful, responsible, loving and compassionate. He's captured the hearts of quite a few of the little toddler girls in his life, reducing them to giggles and blushes when he crouches down to talk to them. I'm thrilled that he's not terribly interested "real" girls right now, but I have no doubt that his sweet demeanor and polite manners will have a similar effect on them soon, if it's not already happening. I am in awe of his confidence and his determination - he's so self-disciplined already. He recently got a drum set, and has applied himself diligently to practicing and learning the skills. I feel like we haven't suffered the pounding headaches of a novice drummer at all. He's like that with running, weight training, his Bible time, and his weekly chores, too! He is very mature for his age in most areas, but has a great sense of humor and light-heartedness about him that keeps us laughing also.

Shaggy and I have great times talking about our shared interests; of all our children, he's the one wired most similarly to me. He's been very open when I suggest to him that "this" or "that" could be an area in which he can learn from my experiences. He's no dummy, and understands (usually) the value of learning from other's mistakes! He's certainly not perfect, but most of the things that we correct in him are things that we consider to be "fine-tuning" of his character. He's a wonderful role model for our younger children, but lately I've been blessed to see his influence on some of the other young ones in his life. He's definitely becoming an influenc-er, and a leader in the Kingdom. . .

Happy Birthday Shaggy!
We love you and are proud of the young man you are.
God has great plans in store for your life
and we are privileged to be a part of the journey.