Here’s the card that Dino made me:

I just love the birthday cake next to the tree. And please note it’s placed carefully far enough away from the tree so as not to start the Christmas tree on fire.

And the explanation for the black ink scribble? Priceless.

So I’m 37 now. Hrmph.

I’m not quite where I want to be, but thank God I’m not where I was!

My baby is THIRTEEN, mah peepull. *shakes head in disbelief*

I AM THE PARENT OF A TEENAGER.

Let the groaning and gnashing of teeth commence.

That’s not The Rockstar I’m holding; that’s his cousin. But this is a great pic of me big and pregnant with R. I was about 34-36 weeks along here.

About a half hour old

Our new family, about 6 hours old

About 6 months old

One year old

Two years old

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Hey, take it easy on your old mom, ok? I’m not sure I’m ready for this. But ready or not, here you come.

This feels like a big one. I feel like I’m about to take a midterm exam. You’re going to be making some important choices, and I can’t always be there to beat you into submission coach you to make the right ones. I’ve just got to pray that your dad and I managed to cram some good stuff into that head of yours. Oh, we’ve got a ways to go before we see the finish line, and I’m not putting away my cue cards yet. You know, those ones with “Yes, please”, “Thank you”, “I’m sorry” printed on them, among various other important phrases including “It’s not my favorite, but I’ll take a small spoonful, thank you.” and “No, I think I’ll save it instead of spend it.” In fact, I have some new ones for you, such as “No way, haven’t you seen that one ‘this is your brain’ clip on youtube?!” and “I’m saving myself for my wife” and the most important of which, “Yes, dear. You’re right.” I’m not getting that one out quite yet, but I feel it”ll be soon. Sooner than I want it to be.

Happy Birfday, you little yahoo.

I love you, boog.

“The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”’ Numbers 6:24-26 (New King James Version)

He’s TEN now. I have no more babies with single digit ages. *sobs*

If you have a minute, wish Jess a Happy Birthday at her blog casa today!

Happy Birthday, honey! I’m so glad we met… *mumbles incoherantly* years ago! Have I known you half your life yet?!