Ack!! There's a Teenager in the House!

Joshua is officially a teenager today. I can hardly stand it, there is no way I am old enough to have a teenage son! I distinctly remember being 13 myself and it doesn't seem all that long ago.
When Josh was born, we were temporarily living with Mom and Dad on Hallock Rd. We were in transition, changing careers and finalizing our plans to move to Ft Lauderdale. There have been many miles and memories since that day! I remember Greg holding him like a football when he was born and now he is about to overtake me in height.
Josh is a wonderful boy, um, young man. We know this all on our own but we are also constantly reminded by others. He leaves an impression on people everywhere he goes. He has a love for children and they respond to him in a special way. We call him a kid magnet! He is kind and thoughtful, looking for ways to help others. He is an encourager, like his dad. He is Greg's right hand man at the Saturday evening church service, running the power point program. He is smart to boot! (that he must get from me, lol) He was recently named a Wilson Winner by his teachers for his good academics and character. We are so very proud of him!
Thirteen is a bit of a milestone and we wanted to mark the day in a special way. Last night for the teens weekly meeting, we had a pool party at the pastor's house and turned it into a bit of a birthday bash. Today, after school we piled everyone into the van and set out for Gander Mountain. Josh has turned into quite the sportsman, he really enjoys fishing and hunting thanks to Uncle Chris. My brother is tickled to have infected our son with the bug! It ties in well with many of the things Josh is learning in Scouts as well. He had outgrown the bow my brother had gotten him a few years back so it was time to upgrade to a more serious one. Chris directed us to a good option but it required a fitting as well. So, we surprised him with a little shopping trip. Chris and our friend Lynn helped out so we could get all the extras. Josh was thrilled to say the least! We took a couple photos when we got home.

Here is one with father and son...

Before you know it he will be driving, graduating and making his own way in the world. We are trying to soak up all the time we can. Greg and I are keenly aware that God has given us our children for a time and we are trying our best to train them up in the way they should go. We are intentional about teaching them skills and things they need to know to be successful in life. On top of it all, we are praying hard that God's grace covers us when we fall short. He does! He has richly blessed us with two wonderful boys and we are thankful!