thirteen thank you's

happy birthday to this one. 
my oldest.
my first born.
today i celebrate you.
all thirteen years of you.

thank you for being my first baby.

thank you for somehow inspiring me (long before you were born) to read all the parenting books and for motivating me to be the mom/keeper of my home that i am today. 

thank you for all those memories long ago of just us two in the house during the daytime. i remember so many sweet times together with you. 

thank you for being patient with me when i was a new mom and especially now as i make mistakes as a more seasoned mother.

thank you for making me laugh and making me cry.

thank you for achieving so many great things throughout the years and making my heart swell with pride.

thank you for learning to be the oldest brother of my five. it's tough at times, but you're good at it.

thank you for trusting me when you wanted to disagree or when you thought you knew better and your way was right.

thank you for adding such a unique dynamic to our everyday.

thank you for your organization and tidiness. it's a blessing.

thank you for all the passions you've had over the years...acting, music, reading, drawing, running, soccer, and exercising.

thank you for your courage and bravery in tough and hard situations. i look up to you.

thank you for being you. God knew what He wanted when He created you and i wouldn't want you any other way.

i love you and i'm so very grateful
for you. 

happy thirteenth!!!!

love, mom