We have a teenager in the house....

Today is Coleman Paul's 13th birthday. How did that happen? We are lucky in that he is still as sweet as ever and has yet to embrace the teenage sassy-ness that will eventually creep into all of our lives. I thought I would go through a few of our pics and pull out some cute ones with 13 reasons why I (we) love Coleman sooooo much. I think I only got to 2005 because we have so many darling pics of our precious CPM. Oh well.... there are many years to go and many more opportunities to post pics of our teenager as a wee one.

1. Coleman is a lot of fun. He is not loud (like his mother), but he is asks everyday, "what are we doing today/tonight?" And by everyday, I mean EVERYDAY. He is always ready to go and have fun. He hardly complains when the place or activity is not his cup of tea (except maybe Milkshake...) Lol!!

2. Coleman is a rule keeper. He would never ride a bike in the house now.... He keeps us all in line. He reminds me to be good and why we should be good. He is our voice of reason.

3. Coleman is a hard worker and very helpful. He often is the only one to help his father outdoors on projects, yard work etc. He is typical in that he needs indoor reminders (and never makes his bed... like his mother), but he doesn't need prodding and poking when the task is serious and really needs completing. I really appreciate that.

4. Coleman is serious. In fact, he still makes this very face (his serious face!) He is serious about all his activities. This makes him very focused and responsible. At times I want him to calm down and chill out, but this quality will make him a successful student, missionary, friend, husband and father.

5. Coleman is also silly. He does a pretty good job of balancing his serious and silly parts of his personality. He likes jokes, riddles, pranks and even a good laugh every now and then. I like it when he laughs really hard. It makes me happy. He makes me happy!!

6. Coleman has a very sweet, kind disposition. He is thoughtful and sensitive. He has a very special presence about him due to his sensitive nature. One day this will make him a very unique, special man (like his Daddy)!

7. Coleman is a loyal friend. I know that he will be blessed with many good, worthy friends as he gets older. He always treats people well even when they don't deserve it. He is a good example to his brothers in this aspect.

8. Coleman is very athletic, but definitely not a jock. He can do most sports well and with confidence, but is not a sporty boy. He got his black belt in karate after many years and is currently working on tennis. He is strong and healthy. He cares about taking care of his body and mind. I am very proud of him!!


9. Coleman loves the beach and is a lot of fun at the beach. The kid is a fish and will play in the water for hours. He make the beach more fun and I think he is the happiest at the beach playing in the water and spending time with friends and family.


10. Coleman is a great student and always has been. He does his homework, studies on his own, keeps an organized binder and cares about his grades. He loves to learn and is an avid reader. He is smart and curious. He makes me think and want to know more about life. He makes middle school look easy and I know it is actually not.

11. Coleman is a good brother. I know he gets frustrated with them at times (happens with a bunch of attention deficit kiddies), but I know he cares about them and wants good relationships with them. He is a protector and a great example to all of our boys. I know that our boys will grow up to be the best of friends because of Coleman and his determination to be a good, fun brother.

12. Coleman has the best smile... with or without teeth. He doesn't like to show it too much, but I love it and cherish the moment when he decides it is safe to show it. His smile warms my heart.

13. Coleman will try new things. He will try new activities, food, books, show, whatever and with a good attitude. He is so mature in this aspect. I really am grateful for this quality. It makes life a lot easier.

AND ONE TO GROW ON.... 14. Coleman and his Dad have a very close, special relationship. I should be jealous, but instead I am so happy. Coleman likes to cuddle (don't tell anyone) and especially with his Dad. They have a deal that they will hold hands until Coleman is 18 and he is still keeping that promise. They share stories, have deep talks, text one another and have a close and unique bond. They really love and adore each other. That makes me very happy. It blesses all of our lives and will be so good for the future with all of its road bumps. This is how our relationships should look like and be.

So, Happy birthday CP (are you with me?!) I love you. We love you. I am looking forward to the teenage years because it is so fun to see you grow into the amazing person I always knew you would be. You are wonderful. Thank you for blessing our lives!!