Nathan's 16th Birthday!

Sixteen years ago today I became a very happy Mommy for the third time around.  I already had two little girls, and was so elated to give birth to a beautiful baby boy.  With dark brown eyes and dark brown hair, he quickly won our hearts as a special little boy that would bring much joy and happiness into our home.  Nathaniel James, as we named him, has grown up to be a hard-working young man.  From a small boy to his present age, he has continually proven to be ambitious and a willing helper wherever needed.  I will never forget when he would quickly grab the broom and try to assist Mommy in her cleaning duties around the house.  Then just a few years later as a very young child, Nathan begged and begged to mow the lawn.  Finally, Daddy gave in, and he helped mow the lawn as young as six or seven years old.  The mower handle was taller than he was, so with his little arms lifted high above his head, he tried with all his might to mow the lawn, for which he did to some degree.  That duty has never left him, as he continues to mow lawns for different people in our community.

In celebration of his sixteenth birthday, Dad took him down to Pat's Donuts (a favorite donut shop in our small village) and bought donuts for the family.  Later, Dad took him to take the test to get his driving permit; a dream he has been waiting for.  Passing the test with flying colors, he drove for the very first time on the return trip home!  Requesting a 3-way at Skyline Chili for his evening meal, we all piled in the van and headed for Lima.  We ate our meal, headed to a local park for some pictures and play time for Joshua, and then headed home.  To make the day complete, we ate a chocolate raspberry cake Nathan had requested that I make for his birthday.  It turned out to be delicious!!  

These milestones in my children's lives are sad, but yet joyful days to celebrate.  Yes, it seems life is swiftly passing by, and soon James and I will be once again alone here in our little house.  But for now, I intend to make these days as special and enjoyable as God intended them to be.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NATHAN!