Happy Birthday Cooper

My oldest son turns 11 today and I became a mother 11 years ago today.  Once again we have managed to get multiple celebrations out of one birthday.  We celebrated with presents and a cookie cake at my parent's house over Labor Day weekend...

and then we celebrated again with presents and cookie cake with his friends...

oh and some target shooting with airsoft guns too...

It seemed to me this weekend as if these boys were standing on the brink of something, somewhere in between that transition from toys to just hanging out. They're not quite ready to leave the little boy behind but not fully prepared for the older/teenagery stuff either.

Chad took them all out to the woods where they hunted with their airsoft guns for targets he had set up.  Then they competed against each other in some sharp shooter contests.  They were gone for 3 hours out in those woods with just their guns and some BBs...it must be a boy thing 'cause SK and I don't get it and we stayed home.

Guess who didn't stay home...

I wonder how many more birthdays I have with him where he actually wants me there, where it's still cool to have a "party."  I know things will continue to change and transition from year to year it started the day we brought him home from the hospital.  Time sped up and refuses to slow down. 

 

I pray God's protection over his heart and mind as he navigates his way in this world.  I pray he will consider others before himself and that he will be a young man of passion and compassion.  I pray he will be devoted to Christ above all else and that His truth will be his guiding light.  And lastly I pray that if he ever considers movin' away from his mama that he will be eatin' alive with guilt over the pain that he will be causing me...oh goodness did I say that out loud 'cause I would never really pray something like that...out loud anyway, ha ha!!

Happy Birthday son, you make me want to be a better mama.