My Baby's 17?

Today is my baby boy, Elijah's 17th Birthday. I've been so blessed to have such an incredible son. He's always made my life easy. Since the day he was born he was just the perfect little boy. He was just born responsible. It's never been anything I've had to teach him.

At the age of 5...the night before he was going to start kindergarten, I went downstairs to see if he had everything he needed for the next day and found him packing his own lunch! I told him I was going to pack it after he went to bed and he said, "That's okay mommy, I can do it." He wanted to be prepared and ready for his big day.

As he got older his big brothers would often make him their little slave, taking advantage of his responsible, kind, sweet, loving nature and disposition (as most older brothers do.) They made him pack their lunches everyday too. He never seemed to mind and was always willing to do whatever he could to help his brothers.

When it came time for homework...I would tell him, "Okay Lijey, it's homework time." Only to have him say, "I already did it mommy." To this day, he never has to be told to do his homework. He has an incredible inner drive, whether it's school work, sports etc. He always gives 100% in everything he does.

He has such a caring, love for his family and friends. He never wants to see anyone hurting or upset and will do whatever he can to help people. I'm so proud of my son and truly am so blessed. He has brought so much joy and love into my life. So today I want my son to know that he is loved beyond what words can express. He is such an amazing & special boy. I know the Lord has great plans for him!

Nike Football Combine Last Weekend (He ranked in the Top 88th Percentile of all tested Class of 2013)

Football Parent Appreciation Night

Thank you for being such a wonderful son! HAPPY 17th BIRTHDAY! I Love You!!!

Last Years Football Luncheon

"Mommy Clicks"

What is up with the "mommy clicks" at sports...are we still in high school? Don't pretend like you don't know what I'm talking about. You arrive at your soccer, baseball, football and/or basketball games, scanning the field or court for your girls. You immediately rush over, big hugs...it's been a WHOLE two days since you've seen them! You find the perfect spot making sure to keep a safe distance from any eavesdroppers. Now the fun begins..."WHAT is she wearing? Can you believe she actually said that to me? Who does she think she is...shhh shhh...here she comes. "Oh, hi Mary...what a cute outfit!" Quick sarcastic smirk, glancing at your friends.

Then the conversation moves on to the therapy sessions. "I only wanted to go shopping and Bill told me I spend too much money. We got into a HUGE argument...I told him to sleep on the couch...NICE CATCH JIMMY! What was I saying? Oh yeah, do you think he was being unreasonable? I mean, he knows when I was growing up I never got anything from my parents, so every once in a while I should be allowed to go on a shopping spree." Followed by everyone's input telling you how ridiculous your husband is being.

I think you get the picture...and I am not excluding myself from the "mommy clicks," I have done my share. Now that I'm getting older I guess it gets a little tiring. Which leads me to today's events.

My "clicks" children have all quit football. This season I find myself searching for new friends. I make friends pretty easy, but I very rarely let anyone get past the surface friendship (been burned in the past.) I know most of the moms but not much past, Hi, how are you, stage.

I have to say that today I was happily surprised. My son, had a football passing league today...I got there early and was sitting at the top of the stadium...the younger players mom's came into the stadium and headed right up to where I was sitting. We all sat and talked together, a couple of mom's opened up about some difficult things they have going on in their lives. It's funny...one of the ladies who I thought was a little snobby throughout the years was actually VERY sweet and funny. How often do we judge others by how they look without actually knowing them? I guess it's human nature, but I'm glad that I have been put in this situation...once again forcing me out of my comfort zone!

No more "mommy clicks" for me.....


HANGIN WITH THE GIRLS



JULLIEN'S FOOTBALL PASSING LEAGUE