The many reasons why I love this boy- ... 

well, the picture speaks for itself, but he’s so handsome - sharp and handsome! ... very intelligent...so, so intelligent! He has struggled a tad this year to keep up with the A’s he’s had since the beginning of time and the grades his Momma and Dad expect and believe so strongly he can get, but he doesn’t give himself nearly enough credit for that intelligent and brilliant mind of his. Sometimes it weighs heavy on my heart when his little soul accepts mediocrity, especially at a time when his grades matter most. I know it’s not easy and I know he hates the pressure, but I want him to spread those wings and strive to be the very best he can be. To my dear son, I know you’ve got it in you, so believe in yourself and you will most certainly achieve! You’ve got such a bright future ahead of yourself!

 .... he has, and has always had, one of the sweetest and tender hearts of anyone I know. He has such a peaceful, compassionate, kind, caring and thoughtful soul and I just love that about him! You will never find him being mean, hateful or malicious to anyone. Just remember to always surround yourself with people who will always lift you higher. 

 ... so very athletic. He has a very nature athleticism about him that not everyone has. He can be play and be competitive in just about anything he plays. However, he’s quite a phenomenal baseball player that I believe will take him to higher levels even after high school. Time will soon tell, but remember, you are never a looser until you quit trying. Shoot for the stars and reach for the moon! 

I love you, Bubbe! Even those days when we spend the day frustrated or disagreeing over every single thing, I hope you know that you, my boy, are the one who first made me a momma...and a very proud one! I love you more than I can say. 

Always and forever, my sweet boy! 

xoxo, Mom

What are we going to do with Daddy?

I almost missed my opportunity to get my usual first game-day football picture of 2013, but I got it…even though it was at the last possible minute. Jacob lost his morning ride to school (Sam changed his schedule and goes in late), so we’ve been driving him the last few days. I should make his little butt get up earlier and ride the bus, but as usual, my tender heart says "oh, it’s only 5 minutes from the house" and I give in.

So, in normal Jacob fashion, he was running late again this morning. At this point, I think (key work = think) I’ve just learned to accept his very mellow, lax and unhurried attitude, but something I don’t think his Daddy is quite willing to accept just yet!

They walk out the door and a few seconds later I realize I forgot to take a picture of Jacob in his jersey. I tried to catch him outside, but by the time I got out there they were already in the truck with the reverse tail-lights on. A few seconds later, I see Jacob jump out of the truck and Todd's yelling out the window, "it’s 7:15" (I thought school started at 7:21, but I later learned it starts at 7:33). Jacob forgot his football girdle, so I’m running inside behind him saying, "Jacob, I forgot to get a picture…let me grab my camera." He grabs his girdle as I grab my camera and we are headed back out the door. This is our conversation:

Jacob: "Mom, Dad is going to be really mad."

Me: "Oh Jacob, it will take 2 seconds to take a picture."

Todd still yelling out the window: "It’s 7:18."

At this point, Jacob and I are now giggling at Todd as he continues to yell out the window (with people walking by) and this is the picture I snapped. Although it’s certainly not that rough-and-tough picture of a varsity football player, that giggle/smile certainly had a story behind it…