Twelfth Birthday Celebrated

Jaret is now 12 years old! With every year that passes by, I am reminded of how truly blessed I am that I get to be Mom to my two children. And yes, as they get older, I also feel a little older. As Jaret and I were talking about his birthday there were a couple of conversations. One of the conversations was about decorating for this already simplified birthday party. While we were out buying the plates, I started adding balloons and some decorations and then I was told, "No Mom, that is not cool. I am 12 now and I don't want balloons or decorations." What? The shock showed on my face and I was still shocked as I paid for the little merchandise I had and left the store. One thing my son is teaching me is to simplify - he didn't need many friends at this party, he didn't need decorations, he didn't need any plans - he just wanted to hang out and have fun with his friends.

The other conversation was about who he wanted to invite to his party. He smiled and said, "Quinn." Quinn is my friend Pam's son and the difficulty in inviting Quinn is that they live in Chilliwack. However, as I began thinking about it, I thought, why not? So Terry and I discussed the idea of flying Quinn out. This morphed into Pam also flying out as an early birthday present from her husband. I was beyond excited as was Jaret when he found out that Quinn was really going to be flying out for his birthday party and to spend the weekend. Terry and I both got lots of hugs over this special gift and I can't even count the times Jaret thanked us and told us it was the best present ever.

Quinn and Pam arrived on Friday, late afternoon, just in time of the party. Jaret's friends came over for pizza and to hang out. They played with nerf guns. They jumped on the trampoline. They played MarioKart8 and Bean Boozled. They were boys who just hung out and enjoyed each other's company. Jaret was thrilled at the time with friends.

Toby: Do you want a hint of what I bought you? 

It is something you liked at my house. 

It is something you had fun with at my house.

Okay, it rhymes with, "Ogo Stick."

HAHA!

Saturday we did the short hike up Grassi Lakes. It was cold, mainly due to the gusty winds. But it felt great to get out and enjoy a hike and time with friends. After the hike we walked around Canmore. Of course no trip to the mountains is complete if Kirra doesn't get to stop at a candy store. And for the adults - coffee/hot chocolate and shopping in Stonewaters. Our evening was spent celebrating Quinn and Jaret's birthdays with supper at Earl's. And instead of a movie night, we played some cards. I am sad to report that I was scum most of the evening. Sunday morning we went to church, then had brunch back at the house and just like that, our weekend was over. Jaret didn't want the weekend to end and so he and Quinn tried to ignore when we called them off the trampoline to drive to the airport. Jaret is already planning when the next visit will be and Kirra is hoping it will include Riley. And we are all hoping it will include the rest of the family as we have been missing Patrick the last couple of visits with the Goosen Family.

Today was Jaret's actual birthday. As we drove to school this morning, the sky was full of colour and Jaret felt like God blessed him with this beautiful gift of a sunrise for his birthday. I love how his mind things and speaks to his heart and the relationship with Christ that continues to grow. We celebrated Jaret's birthday with supper at home and then cuddles. I am grateful that Jaret still allows me to snuggle with him. Tonight we did just that while looking at his first year photo album.
Stats:
Born at 4:21pm on Sunday, October 16th
20.5 inches long
7 lbs 12.6 oz

In the end, Jaret had two candles remaining. Hmm...I think he knows what that means!

One of the quotes in Jaret's scrapbook:

"The best thing to spend on your children is time." ~Arnold Glasow

I truly believe that to be true.  Time spent with our children is time well spent and I am grateful that my children still love spending time with me, even if one doesn't allow me to decorate for parties. Blessed - beyond blessed!

Happy 12th Birthday, Jaret! I love you more than you can even imagine! I am so blessed to be called your MOM! Praying for a year and years ahead in which you seek wisdom as you grow in your faith and develop a deeper relationship with Him.