Happy 15th Birthday Jared!

What a difference a year makes to a teenage boy.

Here's my sweet freshman Jared - shaggy hair (he hated getting haircuts last year), head barely reaching to top of the Bainbridge High School sign.

And here he is one year later - a sophomore, taller, shorter hair (he insists on getting it cut every 6 weeks now. It sure was cheaper last year when he didn't care).

Jared is such an amazing boy. He is polite, considerate, and respectful. We have very open communication and I really appreciate how willing he is to talk and listen. He's incredibly smart (taking pre-calculus as a sophomore - yikes!). He's a loyal friend, a great big brother, and he has a very strong spirit. I am so thankful and humbled to be his mom.

We had a bit of an impromptu birthday party for him this evening. After soccer practice, he stayed to watch the JV girls' soccer game. I had made a big 'ol cake for him, so I texted him (on his new birthday present) to grab a couple friends and bring them home to help us eat it.

I sure do love this boy! Happy birthday, Jared!