This precious son of mine turned twelve today at exactly 2:40 in the afternoon. He volunteered to set an alarm so that we didn’t miss the exact moment he came into our lives.
He’s driven, hard-working, kind, a leader, easy to befriend and a model citizen. That sounds funny, but it is true. He follows the rules and pushes himself to be his best self. I haven’t talked a lot about him lately, but he loves middle school. He had an *almost* perfect report card in the first quarter and earlier this month he tried out for a select lacrosse team of 6th and 7th graders and MADE IT!!!
Photo: Victoria Nielson
I feel like each of my children bring such a special and unique joy to my life. John was the kid that made me a mother. He was the one that showed me the depth and breadth of true love like only a child can do. While we didn’t know it at the time, the fact that he made it into this world was a true miracle – and for that I will always be humbled and monumentally grateful.
Photo: Kimberly Mitchell
We kicked off his birthday with a pancake breakfast, Monopoly Deal, and presents! He received a hoodie sweatshirt that he’d been pining over for weeks AND his forever gift. This year we chose a silk Vineyard Vines Georgia Tech tie. I love nothing more than a man in a bow tie, but he hinted a few times recently that he wanted a tie like dad. And, whether or not he goes on to attend Georgia Tech himself, he’s got Yellow Jacket blood running through his veins. :-)
The boys in this family spent much of the day rotating between playing video games inside and basketball outside. His cousins joined us for a spur of the moment hibachi meal when they popped out to our side of town to drop off his gift! And, he got to see BOTH of his aunts and uncles on his big day!!
I try not to dwell on the numbers but, God willing, he will start high school in 2.5 years, be learning to drive in 3 years, and fly our little nest in 6 short years. The clock is ticking at warp speed.
Godspeed, son.
I seriously did a double-take when I saw your photo on Instagram just now. Whaaaaat?!! Happy Birthday, John!! May this very special year be full of joy, love and fun adventure!
Happy birthday to your smart, handsome and sweet son! He is a blessing and a joy in your lives. Enjoy every minute. And congratulations on the lacrosse team. Hopefully that means another trip to South Carolina! Much love, Judy
Happy 12th Birthday John…hope your day was truly special! Congratulations on your excellent report card and making the lacrosse team. Keep being the sweet, thoughtful and smart young man you are. May the year ahead bring you new challenges and fun adventures.
The picture of the two of you together is positively precious!
Happy Birthday, john! Hope TWELVE is the best year yet! xo
Happy Birthday to John!! I have been reading your blog since he was young!! Now he is old.lol My granddaughter turns 12 in April and it hardly seems possible that she and John are on the verge of the teen years. We went to the Game on Saturday but we were part of the mass exodus in the second half. I am going to be pulling for Auburn on Saturday, which is odd for an Alabama fan but it happens!!
Amanda,
My heart fluttered when I gazed at this BEAUTIFUL photograph of
you and your precious son. Your reflection made me literally cry out loud <3
I feel this same depth of love for each of my five daughters (and my heavenly son) and the love you have for him is PERFECTLY reflected in this portrait.
May God bless your boys all their days with all that is good, pure, and full of life and love; with a loving Mama like you….their blessings are already immeasurable. Congratulations on his birthday! <3
Happy Birthday John!!!!
They grow up quickly…hang on to each memory.