Jake turns 15

Jake is 15!!!

I really can't believe it! I look at pictures of him from just a couple of years ago and can't believe the change. He has grown up so fast. He is truly a young man now. We even had someone at Deseret Book ask if he was going on a mission. What? He's only 15 and he's starting to look that old. I know he will be at that age in the blink of an eye.

As you can see, Maddy and I snuck (is that a word?) into his bedroom while he was snowboarding and decorated his room. I thought that would be a fun tradition to start with the kids' birthdays this year and I think they enjoy it. It's always fun to have something that makes you feel a little extra special for that day. I love the smiley face that Maddy thought of putting on his wall.
It doesn't look like he got much for his birthday but with a season snowboarding pass, he was happy! He also got a helmet, PS3 game, shoes, and lots of hugs. :) His birthday was on a Sunday so he went snowboarding with his friends the day before. Other than his favorite dinner and playing PlayStation after church with Josh, it was a pretty quiet day.


Man, I love this kid!!

15 things I love about Jake:

I love his smile!! It's kind of that shy-type that sneaks in and it makes me smile.

I love his eyes - they can make me laugh out loud when he makes funny expressions with them. And they can melt my heart.

I love Jake's sense of humor. Somehow he always knows how to bring a smile to my face. (Even when I dont' want him to. HaHa. He is definitely a tease like his father and brother)

I love, love, LOVE to watch Jake play football. There is simply nothing like it! There is something so satisfying about watching your children do something they absolutely love... even if it scares you to death.

Jake is so much fun to be with. No matter what we are doing, if he's there, it is better. With his sense of humor, he makes everyone laugh.

I love that Jake puts his heart and soul into everything he does. Literally...everything! If he believes in it, he gives 110%.

I love that Jake loves Seminary. It just shows what a great kid he is and how he is spiritually-grounded. That makes a mother proud!

Jake is an awesome big brother! I can hardly think of Maddy without thinking of Jake. He is always so good to spend time with her playing games, making up dances, listening to music, etc. Maddy always loves to be by her big brother. Jake is also a good "little" brother. It has been fun to see Jake's friendship with Josh grow this year. I think they are now more than brothers, they are friends. They have alot of the same interests and it is so fun to watch them share those together.

I love that Jake gets straight A's and the sense of accomplishment that it gives him. I sometimes worry that he thinks he has to get straight A's for me to be proud of him. I always tell him that as long as he tries his hardest, that's all I care about. But once again, Jake goes above and beyond. I'm proud of him no matter what his grades are because he works hard!

Jake is such a caring person. He feels things very deeply and is sensitvie to other's feelings. I love that he tries to make people feel better about themselves and lifts them up. I think that is hard to find in a friend.

I love that Jake finished the Book of Mormon this year - what an accomplishment!! And every bit of it came from his own desire. Jake is so self-driven that way. I never have to push or prod. If he sets out to do something, it's as good as done.

I love that Jake is so sensitive and caring. Like with everything else in his life, he gives his whole heart and soul in his relationships. I think that is one of his most important traits that will always serve him well in his life.

Jake is a loyal. Once you become his friend, he will stick by you through anything and everything.

I love that Jake always wants to be better. No matter how high of grades he gets, he aims higher. Many times he has been close to a hundred percent in a class but he does extra credit to make sure he's over the top. How awesome is that! No matter how well he does in football, he always wants to be better. While I sometimes worry that Jake expects too much of himself, I know that this is a wonderful characteristic that will serve him well as he moves into adulthood. His sense of responsibility and drive to achieve perfection will always serve him well in all endeavors.

I love Jake for the strength he gives me. He has truly been a stabilizing force in my life over the past couple of years. He has been strong on days that I've really needed strength. He has brought me happiness and security in a time in my life that I didn't feel secure. The funny thing is, I dont' think Jake even realizes what he has done for me and meant to me. I am so thankful he is my son and can't imagine having to face life without him!


I love you so much, Jake! Thanks for all the goodness that you bring to my life.