Saturday, August 2, 2008

Birthdays and other thoughts


Hard to believe but my oldest son became a teenager today.  Summer birthdays are hard, and I know because I have one, as friends are often out of touch for the summer.  Aaron had a swim party last year, but due to surgeries, we didn't get the pool up this year.  So, the family went to lunch and then after a stop for new shoes, we picked up Aaron's new bike he wanted as well as a bike rack for the back of the car (as we are soon to be a four bicycle family).  After that, we drove to Frederick to order The Brit's bike and then we went for an early dinner at Olive Garden, which was the birthday boy's choice.

Hard to believe this kid is 13 and has been with us for five years now.  He has been doing really well, after a rough start to the summer.  When Aaron first came to us, he wasn't the happiest of kids and who could blame him after living about five different places before us.  Now, however, everyone remarks on how happy he is and how polite.  I know we are going to face challenges in the teenage years as they are such a whirlwind of emotions, but we'll get through them.  After all, God is on our side.  The youth group at church is transitioning with him as he will soon be old enough to be a part of them.  Aaron helped out with VBS this year, along with the other teens, and got his feelings hurt one night.  Our teens tease each other constantly; it is a part of who they are, and Aaron is still a little sensitive.  He got ribbed a little bit about something he said and went away to sulk, but the kids came after him and one of our teen leaders told him, "Aaron, you are one us now and we all tease each other.  Don't get upset about it.  Suck it up."  That was all it took and he was right back in the thick of things again.  I'm letting the kids teach him, because 13 is a hard age.  Too young for high school kids in many venues and too old for younger kids, so he is working on finding his place and learning how to act with the older kids and they are helping with that.  These kids are such positive influences in so many ways and though he doesn't know it now, Aaron is very fortunate to have them as role models.

I'm still feeling a little draggy today, probably from VBS and from not having time to exercise the past week.  I'm hoping to get back on that wagon tomorrow.

So, Happy Birthday, Aaron!  May your 13th year be filled with God's love and new discoveries!



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