12 Year Old Teacher - 17 Year Old Student

 

And so it began...

(February 7th, 2000 4:24am in High River, Alberta)

...an introduction to the ongoing lessons of Parenting 101

Today we celebrated the 12th Birthday of my son Colton. 

It started early, 6:30 am to be exact. 

I have created a tradition of placing birthday gifts on the kitchen table the night before. It always seems to create some extra excitement to an already exciting day. It also works as an early alarm clock with no snooze button. Before bed I let the kids know they have to wait until I'm up to open their gifts...I can't miss out on the fun. Plus I'm a little camera happy. 

 

Colton scored some pretty sweet items this year. Cash/gift cards (always a best seller), clothes, basketball shoes, duct tape (for his wallet creations..and now his slipper making talent) and a really cool national geographic telescope that he was excited to try out tonight. He put it together without delay immediately after opening (Thank You Nan & Mog). The bonus, tonight the moon is full.

I spent some time in the later part of my morning going through Colton's baby book and pictures with Madison while Jordyn napped. His pictures are so adorable. His cheeks, his eyes, his chubby yet solid body. Handsome is what I saw...Love is what I felt.

I was a young Mom...17 to be exact. As unprepared as any new parent for the emotional whirlwind I had entered yet I was in love with the new little man we had created. First time parents don't get a manual on how to raise their child so lucky for us we had support coming in at all angles. Advice also came from all angles...mostly from Colton's protective Grandma Karen.
I say that with the utmost love!
We lived with her when he was born so it was easy for her to extend her reach when we needed it.
Thank you for that Grandma.

Over the past 12 years Colton has been through a lot...his dad and I married and divorced. His dad is now remarried and has given Colton 3 brothers to keep up with and love. I also remarried and Colton now has 2 sisters to protect and love. He is such a gentle soul...he loves ALL his siblings dearly. He shows that daily with all the simple things he does with/for them, including but not limited to dressing up and having his hair done.
I know I don't speak just for myself when I say how 

VERY PROUD I AM OF HIM

...how proud I am to be his Mom...to get to share and enjoy life with him. Through laughs and silliness...sports and homework...tears and accomplishments. The list goes on...

Thank you Colton for teaching me

unconditional love

& patience

Thank you for being resilient when I have not shown patience

Thank you for showing me what

pure joy & happiness

really look like

Thank you Colton for letting me

giggle with you through fun times 

& 

hug away your tears in tough times

Thank you Colton, for you I feel

grateful & blessed

Thank you for being

THE BEST BROTHER EVER

Thank you Colton for being my teacher

for without you I would not have the knowledge I do today

nor would I have this opportunity to continue learning

Thank you Colton for being who you are all the time...

...we love you more than you know.

Happy 12th Birthday

COLTON



 

Love today, tomorrow & always,

Mom