Today’s JP’s birthday. He’s fourteen. How did this happen? I know I say the same thing every year, but I’m having a hard time wrapping my mind around this one.

In ONE year he could potentially drive a car. An actual grown up vehicle. On an actual road with other vehicles. What in the world?

How old am I? (Let’s not go there!)

• One minute you’re on your knees praying for God to give you a baby, and the next he’s growing facial hair.
• One minute you’re watching his little face fill a computer screen, and the next he’s graduating elementary school.
• One minute you’re picking out colors to paint a room that’s been empty for eighteen months, and the next you’re wearing the same size t’shirt.

• One minute you’re buying plane tickets to Guatemala, and the next he’s embarrassed to hug you in public.
• One minute you’re holding him for the first time and the next, he’s too heavy to hold.

Kenny Chesney was right. Don’t blink.

Thanks to Covid, we didn’t have a party. We met his lifelong friend at Grill Marks for lunch and sang Happy Birthday around a big cookie from The Chocolate Shop!

It was perfect.

For the first time in fourteen years, his birthday fell on a weekend he is with his dad. I’ll admit, I was sad for a minute. It doesn’t feel right not being with your child on his actual birthday.

But then I was reminded of a few things:

1. God has allowed me the blessing of being home with him every single day.
2. He is loved so well by his other family.

Here are pictures from yesterday…

Happy Birthday, my love! The best is yet to come… P.S, don’t come home without a haircut!

*Thank you to Grill Marks at Haywood Mall for stellar service + even better food. You made this boy’s day!*