A phenomenon has occurred this week with both of my older two boys. It is a sign that parents hope for, but somehow it caught me off guard that it is happening so soon.

Maturation.

First- Caleb and I test drove two cars--one of which had 4 doors, power windows and door locks And an Awesome stereo system that has a connection for the iPhone And a remote! The other car was a 2-door car with manual windows, door locks, and a plain radio and Cassette deck. The first car had 153K miles and the 2nd one had 71K miles. I would have thought that the stereo, power locks and windows would've appealed more to Caleb-- but he said that of the two he would like to get the 2 door because it had less miles and would last longer!!

Second- Jacob called Caleb to come get him and bring him home because he was bored and no longer interested in spending all night playing video games when he knew he had football practice the next day.

!!!!
This is SO awesome that my boys are making these mature decisions!

**I am so proud****

In Print...

"What am I, 3?"

This is the first line of Caleb's Newspaper article in the PHS newspaper this month concerning the school's 'Tardy Tank' in which students are compelled to sit in the cafeteria for the entire class period--missing the important information being taught during that time. In another article, he wrote about his experience attending college citing the differences such as-- the teachers won't track you down if you miss class or don't turn in your work.

I am laughing so hard because Caleb's transition to manhood is in FULL force! He has worked very hard this year to make his straight A's and it is the first time I have really seen him truly achieve by diligently studying. --Just in time for college.

Since he has been attending college 2 nights a week and driving himself everywhere he is now starting to appreciate the difference in how high schoolers are treated versus college students. He has always been 'independent', but his new sense of freedom and responsibility gives him a whole new perspective.

It is amazing to watch this season of his life and how much he has changed over the past 6 months. His aspirations to be taken seriously and to be treated as a mature young adult are slowly coming to fruition and I couldn't be prouder!

Senior

Caleb's Senior Photos--Round 2

Licensure

Caleb got his Driver's License!!!
My Firstborn son is loose on the roads! Well, maybe not loose... His first Solo was to Cristine's House, of course ;) During the same evening he was promptly made the new family chauffer by his 2 brothers. Nate needed picked up from the dance and Jake conned him into dropping him off at his friend's. Grumbling was heard, but we knew he was lovin' the opportunity to drive, anyway!

Of Laptops, iPhones, and Digi-ness

Fry's has got to be CRA-SEE! I Love that I have a 5 YEAR warranty on my laptop that also provides a loaner laptop when mine's in the shop! This is the 3rd time this year I've had my laptop in the shop. It might be the final time. IF that is the case--I get to keep this Brand-spankin-new one! SHINY!

In other news...Caleb is waiting anxiously for his new (refurbished) iPhone to come in. He has already located about 20 'apps' including The Bible! *How Cool is That!*

On to the Digi-ness...I just signed up for Jessica Sprague's Type+Writer class. It's true-I love to make visually impactful scrapbooking layouts--but when it comes to adding the journaling to the page to tell the story I suddenly have a creative block. I am hoping that by taking this course I will unlock the stories to go with my pages.

I am having a hard time getting to Photoshop to install for some reason... BUT I will get there.

Wow! Caleb is a Senior. He is so independent...within a few weeks he will be driving by himself, he goes to college, he is found studying at all hours of the day...It's incredible, my little boy is a man. *Sigh*
I am so proud of you, Caleb. You are so brilliant, talented, sweet, loving, handsome, funny, witty, insightful, creative, spontaneous, mature, affectionate, ...I could go on and on.

Love, Mom

Baptism Pages

Yay! I'm scrapping the baptisms from last year! I wanted to keep the pages simple and put the emphasis on the photos. My Digital Rebel is @ Camp with the guys, so the clarity and color isn't Super, but I wanted to share:

 

 

 

 

Teen Driver

Aaack! Caleb is driving! It's been delayed as long as possible... and now we present THE PERMIT!

It's all part of the journey to manhood I'm telling myself. I'm just glad that we don't own any sporty cars--just two boring minivans with airbags ;) Congratulations Caleb!

As you can see in the picture, Jacob is right behind him waiting for his turn.

Growing Boys

I whipped out my camera and caught Caleb and Jake Saturday evening. Man! They are growing fast!

Hello...

 "Hello, Agent Friday? I think I found Agent Big Foot's ShoePhone" Caleb goofing off with Jake's new shoes. We are all amazed at Jake's Mammoth size. Caleb's femur is about the size of Jakes sneaker!

Cardio Pump

Wow! I AM pumped! Isn't it interesting that now that I have decided to lose weight and get in shape 2 people have stepped up and gone to work out with me! Last week Kim invited me to work out at her gym @ her apt. This is way cool. It is so hard to go to the gym after a 12 hour shift, but somehow having a friend doing it with you it seems easier. Yesterday I went to a Cardio Pump class at Gold's Gym with Lupita. Wow! The Squats and Lunges Kick my Butt!!! I was still feeling sore from last week, but I was thinking it would be good to work that lactic acid out.

My whole body except my abs feel like they had a good workout. I will have to do some ab work after my treadmill time today.

She says she likes to go to those every week and I can go too. I think I will change my membership to Gold's. It is cheaper and I can work out with Lupita.

This morning when I weighed I am at 195!!!!!!! over the weekend my weight had gone back to 197 and then Monday it was 196 again. It is great to see that 195 on there.

Caleb wrote me the sweetest note yesterday morning. It is the best mother's day gift ever! It is so encouraging. I won't share all of it, but here is part:

"I am so proud to call you that: "Mom". I was looking at your goal sheet on the fridge, how you have consistently lost 3 pounds every week! I may not know how hard it is to stay away from the junk food, but just hearing you become so frustrated when you are tempted with it just breaks my heart. When I saw that you would be 165 by vacation I thought 'Wow!'"

God has done an amazing work in him. I am so lucky to have a him for My son!


What motivates you?