I am Mom to a Teenager!

Tonight, I was texting my sister and talking about Colin's birthday and she said "Remember when he would make me draw toes on snowmen??  And now you have a teenager!"

She's right.  When he was very young, he absolutely loved snowmen, even though he didn't see snow until years later.

This morning, I wake up as a mom to a teenager.  This amazing young man who made me a mother turns 13 today.

He's passionate about the things he likes.  He's extremely smart, extremely kind, and extremely thoughtful. He is my most sentimental child, the one who loves tradition. He still loves to read, and still prefers fiction over non-fiction.  When forced to read non-fiction, he has discovered biographies of favorite authors (like Tolkien).  He is excelling in school, and while PE has been a least favorite class, he also discovered this year that he really enjoys playing tennis.

He and Nate are still the best of friends, and while they may not speak a private language anymore, they spend hours together talking, conspiring, and planning who knows what. He's a good big brother to Lydia, always making sure she is safe and taking time to talk with her friends and be a good sport when they coerce him into playing.

He's tall!!  I think he's taller than his aunt, and his feet are as big as mine. His voice is just starting to crack every once in a while, so I'm expecting more cracking as it deepens over this year. His legs are long, as is his hair.  Yes, he has a red mop on his head, but when he was little I always said there were more important things to take a stand on than hair. I'm trying to keep that in mind as I remember what an excellent young man he is, even if his hair is longer and messier than I'd like.

For his 13th birthday, he requested Pei Wei, so we're headed there tomorrow after he competes in a trial game for the National Academic League.  Saturday he begins private tennis lessons, which are one of his birthday presents.  He's also receiving books.  Many books!  As well as a Lord of the Rings Lego set and a few other things.

Today, we will celebrate Colin Jeremiah.  My eldest.  My first-born.  My son.

But, there are plenty of times when I still remember him just like this:

Wordless Wednesday -- NSA Nap

String Project Recital

When we made the switch from homeschooling to public school, I remember the morning that we visited the school and learned about the different opportunities.  In fourth grade, kids were able to join the orchestra and Colin was entering fourth grade.  I encouraged him to talk to the orchestra teacher that morning, and he wanted nothing to do with the idea.  I remember feeling frustrated and annoyed, then surprised a week later when he came home and told us that he wanted to join the orchestra!

He chose the viola that year, and is in the 3rd year of playing. In the second half of that first year, I learned about a program through ASU's School of Music called the String Project.  They offered group lessons once a week at an amazing cost ($35 for 10 weeks!)  Colin joined and had so much fun he has been working with the group ever since. At the end of each semester, the classes put on a recital at the School of Music, which is always enjoyable.  Last year, he joined the Fiddle class as well as the String Project class.

Again, he didn't think he could fiddle (it requires memorizing the music,) and I admit I pushed a bit (again), but if you ask him today he would tell you how much he loves to fiddle.  And, yes, he managed to memorize the music just fine!

The teachers are learning to be music teachers, and have such fun with the kids.  The program has grown quite a bit since we joined, and the recital tonight almost didn't fit in the hall where it's always held. I'm interested to see where it goes, as Lydia informed us tonight that she wants to be in Strings, too!

I am very proud of Colin and his commitment to musical groups.  I confess that I wish he would practice more often -- but his school orchestra teacher says he does wonderfully and he has become a leader of the extra fiddle group at school that meets before school once a week.  He tells me that he loves music, and will even admit that he is glad that I pushed him to consider orchestra 3 years ago.

Nate played string bass with the String Project classes this semester as well, but unfortunately, he wasn't up to playing at the recital tonight.  It's been a long road to recovery, but we see him improving quite a bit finally.  He is still weak, though, and needs plenty of rest.  He loves music, too, and we hope that he'll be back to performing very soon.

Happy Birthday to my Eldest

Colin, still 11, on the shores of Lake Michigan

This boy is turning 12 years old today!  At the moment, he's 2000 miles away, but before the day is over he'll be back home!  He requested rotisserie chicken, jasmine rice, cauliflower and marble cake with vanilla icing for his birthday dinner and that's just what he'll have!  I need to remember to pick up sparkling juice before he gets home as we have gone through our entire stash.

Colin is bright, inquisitive, passionate, thoughtful, kind, musical, artistic, loving, considerate and an all-around great kid. He loves to read, write, draw cartoons, play his viola, create origami and play video games. 

He has a strong bond with his siblings, as evidenced this week when he made the effort to call and speak to them while he was away. When he talked to Lydia, he asked her what she thought he was going to give her when he got home, and when she asked what, he replied with "A Big HUG!"  She squealed in delight and replied, "I just LOVE your big hugs!"  I know he has missed them, even while having a good time seeing family and spending time just with his dad.

He wants to attend ASU, and someday work for NASA.  He will tell you that he has NO interest in going into space! He wants to work in mission control, staying firmly on the ground. He hopes that there will be a space program when he's older. 

He thinks carefully about things, and cares how people feel.  I like to have conversations with him, to hear his thoughts and opinions on many varied topics. He is proud of his large vocabulary, and likes to tell people he knows so many words because his mom home-schooled him.

He's the child I never thought I would have. I cherish the days we have together, and am grateful for the joy he brings to my life.

Happy Birthday, Colin!  You are much loved!

"Love Him Through It"

There's no doubt that I love all my children.  Desperately, passionately, loudly at times. They all have their quirks, and they all have their sweetness and sometimes one struggles more than usual with everyday life.

My smart, empathetic, kind eldest child said recently  --

"We just have to love him through it"

How true is that in so many situations we find ourselves in day to day?  "We just have to love him through it."

I loved that he said it, that he thought it, that he is truly trying to live it.  (Nobody's perfect . . . and that's okay . . . the effort is there and some moments it is a monumental effort.)

We should all remember that simple statement.  "We just have to love him through it."  And remember as well, there are plenty of times when those around you are loving you through it and they deserve the same in return.

He Can't Be 11

Colin turned to me in the car a couple days ago and said "Hey, Mom!  In 5 years I'll be driving!!"  When I told Bo the story later, he furrowed his brow and said "No, he won't."  Then, his face changed as he realized that . . . yes, he will!  (Well, if he's like his father he will.  If he's like me, he won't drive until he's 21.  But that's another story.)

My sweet, intelligent, emotional, intense, considerate boy turns eleven today.  What to say on such a day?  I could tell about my pregnancy (brief though it was -- well, my knowledge of it anyway), or I could tell his birth story (a bit dramatic, but the end result was a red-headed bundle in my arms), or I could tell stories of his first few years (always a tale to remember!)

Instead, this year I think I'll talk about the young man he is just this moment.  I have fond memories of the past 11 years and I look forward to the future.  Right now, though, I want to cherish.  Because he will never be 11 years old again.

At 11, he loves to read.  He prefers fantasy usually, and he especially likes books that come in a series so he can continue reading about the characters book after book after book.  That doesn't stop him from reading other types of books, though.

He loves Pokemon cards, and recently has started with Redakai cards. He enjoys playing games on his Nintendo DSi, and lately he has been building animations with FlipNotes more than actually playing games on it.

He has no care for fashion, or his hair, or anything like that.  It never crosses his mind to brush his hair or plan his outfits.  He'll take care of these things when prompted, but he really has no interest.

He has strong likes and dislikes, and knows his own mind. He is particular about how he likes his food, but mac & cheese remains one of his favorites from when he was tiny.

He is a strong student, but I think he finds himself a bit bored this year.  I need to help him find something to be passionate about (beyond Pokemon).

He loves his family fiercely, and enjoys his friendships.  He likes to be around people and is never shy to share his opinions.

He has a strong sense of right and wrong.  He is extremely sentimental and believes in following family traditions.  In fact, the picture you see is our traditional birthday picture in this family -- when he was 4 he saw this cake at the store and wanted it desperately.  Now, every year, each kid has their picture taken by the inflatable cake.

I'm a bit in shock today that I'm the mother of an 11 year old. I always wanted children, and we went through a time when we weren't sure how our family was going to grow. He was a surprise, a blessing, a miracle -- and he continues to surprise me, bless me, and remind me of miracles each and every day.

Happy Birthday, #1 Son!

Tell Me Thursday - Menu

Having a 10 year old boy at home is extremely helpful when you're too sick to go much farther than from your bed to the bathroom.  He may have needed some prompting, but I'm proud of him for stepping up to the plate and taking responsibility for making sure that lunches were served.

Colin created this menu board after being asked repeatedly what was for lunch one day a couple weeks ago.  He listed out a variety of sandwich choices, sides and drink choices.  Nate & Lydia helped him put together my lunch and they served it like true restauranteurs (must be all that reality TV we watch . . . )  And, then Colin made sure that he and his siblings had a healthy lunch to enjoy themselves.

They're all growing into fine young people, and I'm proud of my eldest for making sure we were all fed!

Wordless Wednesday - Menu

It's Been Colin's Week . . .

Colin has had a pretty full week.  He decided to run for student council late last week, so this week we created his poster and he wrote a speech.  The speech was videotaped and will be shown before the kids vote next week.

Thursday afternoon he performed in his school's orchestra concert where he had a small solo during Old McDonald.  He wasn't able to perform in the evening concert because we attended the school district awards ceremony so he could receive recognition for his short story that won first place.  He also received a copy of the book that includes all the winners' poems and stories so he can say that he is officially a published author.  The books will be placed in all district libraries this week.

Saturday found us having Little League pictures taken, rushing off to the last Spring Strings Project class so we could return again that evening for the Strings Project Concert.  This semester, he has taken group viola classes each Saturday at ASU with some very talented music education students.  The concert was made up of all the Strings Project classes, and they put on a great show of music.

This school year has been pretty amazing, and I'm relieved to be wrapping down for summer.  Somehow, though, I imagine our summer will be pretty busy as well!

Congrats to Colin!

We found out last week that Colin won FIRST PLACE in a district-wide writing contest!  He entered in the Short Story category, and his story was chosen from all the stories submitted by 2nd through 6th graders.  We are so proud of him!!

He wrote a story about Lydia inventing a "writer's block ear bud" for her brother, Nate.  He struggled to find a good topic that would fit the requirements and also appeal to the judging audience.  He wished for a way to get over writer's block, and thus the idea for his story was born! 

His principal brought him up on stage during a recent all-school assembly.  He was the only winner from his school.  His story will be published in a book that will be distributed to all the district libraries.

 

I thought it funny that he chose to wear his "Thing 1" shirt the day of the assembly!  (Nate and Lydia have "Thing 2" and "Thing 3" shirts.)

Colin - My Kid in Bifocals

Colin began wearing glasses when he was 6.  A couple months before he turned 10 (September), his new glasses prescription was for bifocals.  His prescription is as strong, if not stronger, than mine -- and I'm pretty much blind without my glasses.

We were surprised at the news, but apparently recent studies have shown that bifocals in children can slow the progression of myopia (near-sightedness). Hopefully that is true for Colin, as he has needed new prescriptions every 6 months or so.

These glasses are the new ones we picked up Tuesday -- another new prescription and bifocals again.  He had been really struggling to see, and when we got his new prescription last Wednesday, he was SO excited to get new glasses.

We headed over to a place that advertises that they can make glasses the same day, and Colin was looking forward to seeing clearly.  Until the woman helping us told us that it would be 7 - 10 days because of the strength of his prescription.  She explained that they didn't keep that strength in stock and it had to be special-ordered since the majority of glasses made weren't that strong.

He fought back the tears as he absorbed this news, and complained that he couldn't see.  Then he said, "If I had a place like this, I would absolutely keep stronger prescriptions in stock, because we are the people who CAN'T SEE!"

She promised to try and expedite things.  Thankfully, she did and he didn't have to wait a full 2 weeks in order to see clearly again.  He's happy that he can once again see the board, and read the papers at  his desk.  I'm grateful that his eyesight can be corrected!

Happy Birthday Colin

I am flying back to Arizona early this morning and will land about 10AM.  Bo will meet me at the airport with our boys and we will head out to a birthday celebration lunch for Colin before we head back to the airport to drop Bo off for his work trip to Minnesota.

It's hard to believe that 10 years ago, our eldest was born.  Looking at the picture, it's even harder to imagine the young man in my home with long legs was once that tiny.

He was my miracle baby and I am thankful for his place in my life each and every day. We had been told that our chances of having children was so slim that I ignored the various pregnancy symptoms until I landed in a doctor's office complaining that I had to pee ALL THE TIME.  After the examination, he looked at me funny and said "Well, when you're pregnant you do have to pee quite a lot."  Then he looked at me even funnier when I said "Pregnant?  I'm not pregnant.  I can't get pregnant!"  He examined me again and said, "Well, I think there's a 6 month baby inside, but let me run a test anyway."

I sat there, wondering how I was going to tell Bo I had cancer, when the doctor returned to let me know that I was most definitely pregnant.  An ultrasound the next day let us know we were going to have a son.  Twelve weeks to the day that I found out I was pregnant, I delivered a beautiful, red-headed, full-term baby boy.

Our life has been richer ever since.  Colin is a young man that is a conscientious and devoted big brother, a voracious reader of fiction, an imaginative and playful child.  He is kind, caring and loves his friends and family.  Even though they fight at times, his brother is his best friend and they still create elaborate games and worlds that exist only for them.  He loves to learn, and currently is interested in space. When he grows up, he would like to work for NASA.

He made me a mom 10 years ago, and I love him.  Happy Birthday, Colin!!

First Quarter Down!

The first quarter is in the books, as they say, and I had my first experience with parent/teacher conferences this afternoon.

Colin made honor roll, and Nate would have as well if only they had honor roll for 3rd graders. Both boys are doing extremely well academically and are fitting in with their classmates just fine.

We had no behavioral problems to discuss, and while both boys do have weaknesses, they are nothing that can't be worked on and overcome with a bit more effort.  (And, really, how much of a weakness can it be if both boys exceeded expectations and earned mostly A's with only a smatter of B's?)  Colin is still a bit of a class clown. Nate is quiet and studious, but kind and helpful as well.

I have serious concerns about Nate's speech, but that's for another post (did you know Friday is International Stuttering Awareness Day?  It is, and I have a good post planned about stuttering, so please come back!)

For this former homeschool mom, who worried about this school year, I am especially proud of my boys.  They have made the effort and have adjusted wonderfully. They went into the year with a solid grounding, but of course we wouldn't be sure of that until the grades were in. I did just fine as their teacher, and they are exceptional students.

I miss spending my days with them, though!

Tell Me Thursday - My Oldest

My Wordless Wednesday photo was of Colin, my 9yo, sitting at one of our local bookstores.  We were there because our library doesn't have any of the new Pokemon Anime series, and he loves to read them. I don't like to buy them, because he reads them in about 20 minutes and they are $7.99.

On Sunday, my sister, Colin & I went to the bookstore.  We left him in the graphic novel section and wandered around the store for about an hour to give him the chance to read 2 1/2 of his current series obsession.

As we were leaving, I looked over and noticed how tall he has gotten!  He suddenly seems taller and more mature than even a few months ago. He surprised me recently by changing his own sheets successfully, which prompted me to show him how the washing machine and dryer work so he can take care of his own laundry. I've realized lately that he is old enough to take on more complex chores with increased responsibility.

He's always been one to help, but these recent strides in maturity are giving me a glimpse of the young man he's becoming. He tries harder to be cheerful about chores and schoolwork.  He is kind to his siblings. He's intelligent and thoughtful.

And the boy loves to read! He was so excited to receive a student dictionary today at his enrichment program, his teacher was prompted to admonish him not to read the whole thing before he got home! The back was full of interesting reference items and he spent the drive home sharing them. He will read just about anything -- so I don't mind allowing him to devour the occasional graphic novel -- I know his reading list is extremely well balanced!

Football 2009

Here's a video of part of the boys' game from last week. They have had a great time this season, and have worked with awesome coaches. We are fortunate that we have many options for sports leagues (that aren't crazy money) with great volunteer coaches. This is the 2nd year the boys have played flag football, and I know we'll be back next year.

In the video, you'll see Nate take the flag off a member of the opposing team, and do a little hop of excitement when he goes near the coach (after handing back the flag to his opponent.) Then, you'll see the kids line up -- Colin has the long sleeved orange top on under his team shirt.

Happy Birthday, Eldest Son!

Like every other parent, at numerous milestones, I find myself incredulous that my son turned 9 today.  WHERE did the time go? Didn't I just see him on an ultrasound?  Wasn't he just nestled in my arms while I fought the nurses to sleep with him in my hospital bed (instead of the bassinet?) Wasn't he just taking his first steps in our brand new home?

Well, if 9 years ago could be "just" then I guess it was just a moment ago.  Last weekend, we threw him a big party at BounceU, where he had a blast with his friends.   They loaded him up with Legos and other fun things, which he was very grateful for.  For his birthday from us, he asked for books and that's what he received today.  The long awaited latest Secrets Of Droon book.  The first book in another series by Erin Hunter.  Return to the Hundred Acre Wood (yes, my sweet, darling boy still loves Winnie the Pooh and has been eagerly waiting for the chance to read this one since he heard it was being published.) His aunt gave him a book that looks like fun - The Candy Shop War - and the Snuggie he's been wishing for.  And his uncle sent him more books as well as an audio book and a DS game!

We usually give gifts first thing in the morning, but I had the opportunity to teach today so gifts had to wait. After class, we all met up at the Desert Botanical Garden for the Chiles & Chocolate Festival and then we had a late lunch / early dinner at Pei Wei's.  Home for gifts (finally!) and cake.

My son is growing into a wonderful young man. He is kind, considerate, intelligent and loving.  He takes his role as a big brother very seriously and watches out for his younger siblings at all times.   He loves to read and learn new things.  His interests lately are Legos, dinosaurs (again), dragons and drawing.

I'm thrilled to be his momma, and can't wait to watch him continue to grow into an even more amazing person.