He's 14

Well, my little angel first born is now 14 years old.  Where did the time go, Marky?

Now you are 14.  You are almost 6 '2 now!  For your birthday we got your some new tennis shoes size 12.  You have never slowed down- you have always been so tall for your age.  You are such a sweet boy, and we are so proud of you.

You are the hardest worker- you can do it all!  You clean and change filters and repair everything.  Just today you repaired Julia's bicycle handles.  Last week you decided you wanted to fix the sliding screen on the fireplace- without being asked.  It just bothered you and you got pliers and worked on it until it was perfect.  You can clean the house just as well as I can, which is so amazingly helpful.  

You are an excellent student.  This year you took four classes at a homeschool co-op near our home.  All your teachers have told me how much they enjoy you in their classes, and you have made straight A's in all four high school level classes even though you are only in 8th grade.  You were so worried when I signed you up that you wouldn't be able to handle the load, and I am so proud you rose to the occasion. 

You love attending weekly Fraternus meetings and the camps along with it.  You were voted section leader in the boys choir this year and are a member of the Chamber ensemble.  You are an excellent altar server and help lead the younger boys.  You really enjoy your weekly swim team and piano lessons and have done well with both.  And you are loving crew team- I'm so glad we live nearby so you can participate in that fun sport.  

Daddy and I trust you and are so proud of the honest, honorable boy you are.  You are the perfect leader of our children.  They all adore you.    You are still an amazingly fast reader- see your night stand full of books-

You love babies and children and all your friend's younger siblings love you.  :)  When we are out you always point out babies in restaurants and stores.  You are the one who got Anastasia's crib out of the attic (without being asked) and started putting it together.  You are just as excited as the others for her to get here.  

We love you sweet boy!  For your birthday you mainly received money from your grandparents and aunt and uncle.  We got you new tennis shoes, a basketball and Nerf gun.  You were grateful for it all.  This weekend we were very busy.  On Friday you met several friends at a park and had an epic Nerf war.  You were so sweet and invited Charlie and Tucker even though all the other boys were older teenagers. 

You had your first regatta with crew team in Huntsville.  Daddy drove you up Saturday morning.   When you got there your team warmed up in the boat house-

Your boat won the race!  What a fun day- even being cold and windy you said you loved it.

That night we had a potluck dance at church, which was so much fun!  They had the best band!  A favorite was everyone singing along to "Sweet Caroline."

And event though you are a cool 14-year-old you still danced with your 7-months pregnant Mommy.  :)

Sissy and her friends had fun too!

On Sunday morning you altar served at the convent and then sang in a concert in Tuscaloosa!  Our busy boy!  We love you big brother!  Happy 14th birthday!