Maybe I Shoud just Stare

As you can imagine it is very busy around here. It is difficult to find the time to write a single word. I've tried a few times but twice recently after writing a nice story when I go to publish it disappears into cyber space. I don't have the time to re-do it. So I wait for another day, another event, another post.

Football, Cross Country, Crazy at work, and of course the big birthday celebration for Abate – 15! How exciting. Growing up so quick. Becoming such a nice young man. Then why was I so sad? I fought back tears several times over the weekend. My little boy grew up so quickly. I should've seen it coming. I should've been prepared. This is a real drawback to adopting older kids. Blink and they are big. Blink again and they are driving. Blink again and college? Can I stop blinking? Can time slow down?

We celebrated on Sunday, since his birthday was on Monday. Friends over for the night on Saturday, they were all very quiet and well behaved. A hearty breakfast and off for an hour of Laser Tag, followed by pizza and cake. Presents...A new football, Xbox games and cash, he was a happy camper. The boys played and wore themselves out so it was an early bed for all. As I was putting him to bed he said thanks for the Xbox Mom, now I can stay at home to play. WHAT?? Yeah Mom, the only reason I play at Elmer's and Addy's house so much is they have it. Hmmmm.... so if I'd bought this for you 6 months ago I'd have had you home all summer. Dang it if I'd known that I'd bought one months ago.

So as I turn to leave the room – he asks “Mom don't I get a hug?” I smile – of course. So I plop down on his bed and I gave and received a big hug from my little boy.

A few pictures from the day.