Wednesday, August 10, 2011

There's a Teenager in the House!



Today is Landon's 13th birthday!


We paid a small fortune but had a great birthday breakfast at IHOP.


He was pleased with his birthday sundae.


Our early morning self-portrait in the IHOP parking lot.


He wanted to do a jumping picture.

Sometimes it's fun to pose for a shot through your birthday balloons.


We got him a bouquet of 13 balloons, a new BYU t-shirt (that's practically all he wears), a super soft blanket and some mini donuts. His friend party is on Friday night and his family party is on Saturday evening. He is saving his birthday money to buy a wii game system so we'll be going in on that with the rest of the family.

13 Things I Love About Landon
  1. He is a good boy through and through.
  2. He is always willing to do what is asked of him.
  3. He has a great sense of humor.
  4. He is an excellent older brother.
  5. He takes his school work seriously.
  6. He is spiritual.
  7. He is a good example to us as his parents.
  8. He is better than even the best parts of Randy and I.
  9. He is making the most of his perfect body and metabolism by being super active.
  10. He's got a good heart.
  11. He is very thoughtful.
  12. He is a good friend to everyone.
  13. He wants to do what is right. His motto for the past year (which he repeats to us multiple times a day) is "Always, always tell the truth, be nice and be awesome, follow all the commandments I will forever and I mean it, I love you and I'll let my light shine forever." (I really have to record him saying this because it is such a part of him.)
I know I've said it before, but Randy and I really didn't think much past the "having a baby" part of parenthood. It's surreal to mark time by the changes in a child and if I start thinking about him growing up my eyes fill with tears and my heart starts to hurt. It's best if I take it one day at a time. Oh my heart.

**Do you remember your 13th birthday?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I've slept weird 2 nights in a row and have a kink in my neck, it's not pleasant.

 

18 comments:

Mitzi said...

You two must have done something right. What a nice commentary on Landon's life. Happy Birthday to him.

Unknown said...

I agree. One day at a time! Happy birthday Landini!!!

patsy said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LANDON!
what a GREAt kid!!

one. day. at. a. time.
then they grow up & become such wonderful adults

more blessings to come

Liz said...

Wow! You've got a teenager in the house! He sounds like such a great boy! You are doing a fabulous job as parents! Keep it up!

michelle said...

He's just about the best teenager ever. I'm glad to know him!

I am amused by his jumping photo series.

It's weird: I can remember my 12th birthday well, but not really my 13th.

Ashley said...

I'd like to volunteer to have Landon if you and Randy get hit by buses. He is the world's nicest boy.

Rebekah said...

I can't really remember my 13th birthday either...Perhaps it's because we go into teenage-filled Mutual at 12, so 13 really isn't that big of a step up?

Happy Birthday to Landon! And congratulations to you for raising a 13 year old human person!

brooke said...

I have said it before but he is out of this world...his mantra is so sweet. What a great kid!

Price Cream Parlor said...

Sorry about your kink and sleepless nights! Not good!

I know you have said in the past that teenagers scare you. This boy of yours seems like 'the perfect' middle in so many ways! You are really blessed to call him yours! And, I might add, he is blessed to call YOU his!

I love teens. It's a totally different time in your life - but they grow up too quickly and move on with their own lives. Such a strange feeling!

I don't remember my 13th birthday. I think I better go look at some photo albums later to jog some memories!

Natasha said...

What a great list. I always enjoy your Landon posts.

j said...

you have such a great kid (and another one with whitney). happy birthday landon! i'm always hopeful my boys will end up like him when i read your posts. :)

Trisha said...

My oldest just turned 14 this summer! It makes me sad, too. What a great kid he is, it certainly speaks to what excellent parents you guys are!

Kim Sue said...

I love "he is better than the even the best parts".

becca said...

What!? How did that happen, I feel like he should be 8! He is such a great kid and he is getting so dang handsome!!

Oh, and SO happy for you and your new computer! Woohoo!!

becca said...

And his motto makes me get teary eyed! Does he really say that every day?! He is amazing!

Unknown said...

Jill, I just had to let you know that Scott, my husband, is out of town. I am about to watch A Room With A View. I'm so excited. I've never seen it before, but I figure that if you have seen it as many times as you have that I will love it!

I'll get back to you.

Melinda said...

Seriously, he says that everyday? I love it. That is pretty awesome. I hope Landon had a really great bday. He is such a great young man!!

Kelly said...

He's always impressed me as such a great boy! It seems like he'll ease you into parenting teenagers in a great way! Happy Birthday to him!