People also say raising teenagers is terrible. Well, they're wrong. I love having a teenager in the house. He's so much fun to hang out with and talk to. He is a deep thinker and we have great conversations. This summer I hired him to help me do some interior painting. My Mom took my two youngest children during the day for two days so Zach and I could really knock it out. We worked together and just talked; I took him to Freebirds for lunch, and we talked some more. I genuinely had a great time. I enjoy his company. I feel I'm on the verge of becoming more of an advisor in his life.
What are some things I love about Zach?
Well, he is super responsible. If I explain, in a reasonable fashion, the logic behind washing his face every day and why it's good for him, he does it without fail. Seriously. He sets his own alarm and gets up everyday and takes a shower, reads his bible, and writes out scriptures that stand out to him. That just makes my heart melt. He is so like his dad in that way. They each have a stack of books they're reading, and a cup full of pens and highlighters. Staples is one of their favorite stores. I love them!
He is also a very gentle young man. He's quite tall already, 6'1'', and we've often called him the gentle giant. He thought it sounded weak, but I had to explain to him that one day that characteristic would be much admired by someone special. He is especially gentle with his sister, Kate. Their bond started immediately. When my parents brought him and Jonathan to the hospital to see Kate for the first time, they let him pick out a special stuffed animal for Kate. He chose a pink bunny. He was smitten. He instantly became her protector. There were many times over the next few years I would hear, "Mom, are you sure Kate should be doing that?" or "Mom, that doesn't look safe." Our third parent, that's what we called him sometimes. He just has a soft spot for her, but it's not just her, it's other little kids too. He will include his little cousin, Owen, even when the other boys don't want him playing with them. Now, don't get me wrong, there are times he has to set Kate straight on something or gets irritated, but it doesn't last long.
We call Zach, Mr. Christmas, because it's his favorite time of year.
I see him becoming more comfortable in his own skin. He is accepting his own gifts and talents and is aware of the futility of comparing himself with others; although that is very tempting at times. He is very intuitive and perceptive of people and situations.
Zach was such a cute baby. I literally had strangers pick him up out of my shopping cart to hold him!
Me and my boy!
He always loved dressing up to play cowboy.
He went through a phase when he liked to dress up like his dad. He hasn't worn a tie since, but he sure was cute!
Zach's always enjoyed fishing.
Already a little swagger going on...
Happy Birthday Zach! We love you!!
