Growing up...

A few weeks ago, I took Jason out to have his photos made all by himself! He got a new leather jacket for Christmas that his Pop picked out and he looked so cool in it, I thought it called for a photo shoot! I cannot believe how grown up Jason is getting. I am so thankful to have such a great son! He is good in school, loves his family, considerate of others and just an all around good kid. Even while taking these photos and looking through the lens, I didn't see how old he is looking until coming home and seeing the photos on the computer! When did my baby turn into a pre-teen!?

He is looking a lot like dad, but in some facial expressions, I see myself, too. He loves his guitars! (He has 3 of them, which he plays quite often!) He is learning so much. He got to play at church for the children's church kids a few weeks ago and I wanted to cry a little. First of all, when did my "child" become the one entertaining and not the one being entertained? When did he pass the line of not being the kid in class, but trying to show his talents for them to enjoy? I am so thankful that he is not shy or that he doesn't get "stage fright". Maybe because he has a stage in his room and he is constantly on it practicing! haha It was so great to see him use his talents for God! He is learning so many great praise & worship songs and is trying to learn to sing them as well as play them! I have been so impressed with his abilities so far and that it is something HE wants. I never ever ever have to say..."Jason....go practice!" or hear him whine about lessons! He looks forward to his lessons every week! He takes care of his guitars and he is doing it all on his own! He chose this for himself and he is determined to get better and better. He is not into sports and that is okay with me. Some kids just aren't. He does like soccer but really could take it or leave it.

I am a firm believer that you should let your children grow into what THEY want. I am not going to try to mold him into a guitar player or piano player or singer....if he picks that....wonderful! I will support him no matter what. I am so glad that he not only loves his music, but is very book smart as well. Even if I do have to beg him to finish his homework sometimes, for the most part.....he does wonderfully all on his own. I hope that as he grows into a young man and leaves being a "little boy" behind him, that he follows the path that he's laid out for himself. I cannot wait to see what he becomes as he matures. (but then again, I can!) Watch out, American Idol! LOL For right now, though, I just am enjoying every day. Every day, he learns something new for himself and every day, I see a little more maturity. (well, most days! LOL)

He still fights with his little sister and drives me insane with whining sometimes when he doesn't get his way but it's growing into "valid arguments" as I would like to call them. He is starting to try to have conversations about WHY he isn't getting his way and trying to show me WHY he should! (which usually still doesn't work...but sometimes...bite my tongue....he's right and I will go his way!) Thankfully, I don't think he reads my blog! haha

I know that God has so much in store for this young man! I feel so blessed to be his mom and to help him along his way. I hope he always comes to me in his life and yet can stand on his own. God has truly blessed us with a wonderful gift and I am so thankful! He is growing up so fast now. Days are flying by. He reminds me constantly that he's only 3 years from being a teenager and that number is moving to 2 years very quickly....and then one....and then..... well, tears! LOL
"He's only 3 years from being a teenager and only 3 more years from driving and only 3 more years from college....etc. etc. etc." HUSH CHILD! Be my little boy for just a little longer!