15 years, I Refuse to Believe it.

I refuse to believe that I am the parent of a 15 year old boy.

It can't be true.

I was just 15 yesterday, wasn't I?

Aww...look at that permed hair.  So cute.

Sadly, it wasn't just yesterday when I was 15 and thought I knew it all.
Now I am 36 and I realize I know nothing.

And now, I have my own 15 year old who thinks he knows it all.
Sometimes he does, 'cause he is super smart, but sometimes he doesn't and he learns the hard lesson that all teenagers have to learn when they realize that they don't know everything.
I wonder if my parents enjoyed seeing me go through those moments as much as I enjoy it as a parent?
Not that I love to watch my kids make mistakes.  In fact, I hate it.  I hate when natural consequences step in and they are truly hurting.
But what I do love is that "Aha moment".
The moment where they get it.
That's what I love.

But, I digress.
Back to my handsome 15 year old man child.

I mean look at this kid!
Is he the poster child for handsome or what?

He is a good kid too.
Now, I don't want you to get the impression that he is perfect, because he is not.
He is a teenage boy and a human and he makes his fair share of mistakes- as do we all.
But as far as teenagers go, I think I hit the jackpot.
I would dare say there are not many 15 year old boys who still give their mother a good night kiss on the cheek and an awkward hug (only awkward because he is so tall) or that tell their mother that they love them almost every single day.
Yep....I hit the jackpot.

Josh's birthday celebrations were a little low key on his actual birthday.
He happened to be at Youth Conference that day.
(Youth Conference happens every summer for the youth in our area who are 14-18 years old.  The activities vary from year to year, but always provides opportunities for them to strengthen their testimonies.)
We still managed to squeeze in some birthday celebrations though.

His choice for dinner was Pei Wei and then a little dessert at Rita's Italian Ice.
Man, I love that place.
It's super yummy.

All he wanted for his birthday was a new air soft gun.

Which he did get, along with two new air soft pistols from his friends.

Why does one need 3 air soft guns?

Well, that is the question that this mother does not understand, but Josh and his friends think it's a must for having their air soft gun wars. 

Boys....

A few things about this 15 year old man child....

*He is very excited to get his learner's permit.  I, however, am not.  I have seen how he drives a four wheeler.  I am not excited for him to be driving me around in the car.  But, maybe he will surprise me.

Let's hope so. :)

*He recently completed all the requirements to be an Eagle Scout.

He has always loved Scouts and I have never really had to bug him about getting scout stuff done.

Only the occasional reminder of, "Have you finished filling out your Eagle application yet?" or something like that.  He had a goal to get his eagle project done by the time he was 14, which he did.  It just took us a little longer than expected to finish up the paperwork and remaining merit badges.  Like a year longer, but who's counting?

*He recently had a recital where he performed the entire Bach Cello Suite #1 from memory.  Which probably means nothing to you if you don't know anything about the cello, but in the cello world, that is a major accomplishment.  Especially for someone who is 15 years old.  He also performed two movements from the Haydn Concerto in C Major, which I was privileged to accompany him on.

He is preparing for a solo recital this fall.  I will keep you posted on that for anyone who would like to attend.

I really love this kid and I am so blessed to be his mother.

Happy Birthday my little Joshua Squashua.

Love-

Mom