We had a great weekend celebrating our new teenager! He had a little party on Friday night…a few friends came over to watch football, eat wings, and play on the new ping pong table! GJ and I had been working hard the past few weeks to get her backhouse all set up and now it’s a really cool hang out area for the kids!

Spencer had quite a crew…

and they ate plenty of Waldo’s wings…

and Spencer made a wish on some brownies!

It was a really fun night…and we only had one minor run-in with the police. Wish I was kidding but, nope!

The boys were playing hide and seek in front of the school. The cop saw them all running around with flashlights and thought maybe someone was up to no good so he stopped them. Once I went outside and the cop saw they were not doing anything wrong and had adult supervision all was fine. But, it sure made for some excitement and a good story!!

Happy birthday Spencey!

Tomorrow we will have another teenager in the house! Spencer is THIRTEEN!! Where have the years gone? My sweet, easy going, blue eyed baby is a teenager!

Newborn…

One year old…

Two years old…

Three years old…

Four years old…

Five years old…

Six years old…

Seven…

Eight…

nine years old…

ten…

eleven…

twelve (and the same shirt! ha!)…

and now THIRTEEN!

Oh how I love this kid. I said this last year and it still holds true, he’s a happy kid who plays hard, tries hard, and loves hard. He’s so easy going and keeps the peace. His laid back nature is a good balance to his siblings and is just what our family needs. He’s not a pushover though – he definitely knows what he wants – and what he doesn’t want. He’s opinionated but agreeable. Strong and lovable. Determined and doesn’t care too much what other people think. I love it and I love him.

Spencer has the best perspective and I could learn a thing or two from him. He was dealt a tough card with basketball this summer but he handled the disappointment so well and I was incredibly proud of him. In sports he can battle harder than every kid out there but can somehow maintain his composure when things get tough and shake it all off after the game. That doesn’t mean the losses don’t sting, he just knows how to take them in stride. He has had an incredible football season. He fought for his corner spot, earned it and showed out all season! His hard work paid off in strides. He just has great sportsmanship all around.

Spencer and Maxwell are best friends and worst enemies. They can fight to injury but you better believe Maxwell is going to be asking Spencer his fantasy football recommendations in the next breath! He and Samantha can pick and pick on each other but then be the ultimate buddies ganging up on their brother. He’s such a good brother to them both and I cannot imagine where any of us would all be without our happy glue in the middle! He is the calm in the storm and can bring peace when the other two just can’t compromise.

Spencer is still my biggest homebody. Home is where he wants to be most – surrounded by his Xbox! ha! He’s a snuggler and is constantly loving on me and rubbing my back and walking with his hand over my shoulder. He has always been my best sleeper – he gets all snuggled into the very middle of his bed as warm and cozy as possible.

Spencer is doing great at the junior high. He’s managed the increased workload and balanced it all with football and scouts and everything else. He’s stayed on top of all of his homework and assignments. I never have to worry about him getting his work done. I think he has enjoyed getting to be with a wider variety of friends every day. He is still loyal to his core group but has added in a few new boys that he really enjoys hanging out with. I do think he is a very likable guy and is friends with just about everyone. He’s quiet and stays out of the drama which is good!

A little interview with Spencer:

Favorite book? The One and Only Ivan
Favorite TV show? Any Given Sunday
Favorite movie? Swamp Kings
Favorite color? Green
Favorite song? Don’t know
Favorite number? 7
Favorite restaurant? Tecate
Favorite thing to eat? Cheese dip
Favorite friend? Henry
Favorite toy? Xbox
Favorite dessert? Brownies
Favorite sport? Football
What do you want to be when you grow up? Sports analyst

I’m so proud of Spencer. He’s a good, good kid with the biggest heart and I’m so thankful he’s mine.

Happy 13th birthday, Spencey!! We love you!!