My dear youngest born is now 15 years old. I have become so aware of the passing of time in recent years. Having our oldest graduate from high school certainly made us aware that times are a changing!
The other day I was following a young family through the grocery store, smiling at the little boy who was pushing the little child sized grocery cart. The sweet Mama had a few moments of frustration with him as he tried to navigate alongside of her, often pushing the cart into her or something else. I suddenly had a vivid memory of this very boy pictured below (and his brother) pushing those same little carts and my very same frustration. And yet, there is just no way to fathom how quickly the time will pass and they will be grown up. At the very real risk of sounding like an overly sentimental Mom, I would love to tell that Mama that everything is okay... her sweet little boy is not bothering anyone in the store. Cherish those moments when he wants to follow in your footsteps... when the biggest thing you think about is how to make sure they have a good lunch in their tummies before they eat a snack. :)
Okay... off track a bit there. THIS young man sure does make me proud! He is growing into such an interesting young man. He has a heart of gold and is deeply thoughtful. He doesn't speak nearly as much as his extroverted brother :) but he notices everything and takes it all in. I call him my deep thinker. (He doesn't like that so much...) :) I cannot wait to see all that is in store for him. First up on that list is a driver's permit. :)
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| Dear Jonathan |
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| Matthew and Anna |
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| Jackson and Brianna |
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| Jonathan and Marvin |
So thankful that Grandma was able to join us for a bit of the party. She has
not been feeling well at all and we honestly didn't know if she would be able to get up here. Her brief presence was a special birthday blessing for all of us...
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| Grandma Sue, Grandpa Jack, and Rojina |
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| Rojina and Julie |
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| Grandma Sue, Jonathan, and Grandpa Jack |
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| reading his cards |
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| :) Jackson got him an alarm clock that will be hard to ignore! :) |
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| Marvin likes this gift. :) |
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| New desk lamp for his room from Jackson and Brianna. |
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| Hastings gift cards are always appreciated. :) |
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| Book on history of our town, including a page on the dental school (and Grandpa!) |
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| everyone checking out his newly remodeled room |
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Making a new mark on his growth chart.
We have been marking on this trim since we built the house in 2001. |
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| Not one, but TWO birthday cakes!! What a lucky guy!! |
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| I love this photo of Jonathan. :) |
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| Happy 15th birthday, Jonathan! |
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Matthew, Anna, Rojina, Jackson, and Jonathan
(Brianna had already left for music practice) |