To Aaron, on your 15th...

Dear Aaron,

I can't believe that you are 15 years old today. Even though I will always see you as my little boy, you are turning into a man right before my eyes. So far, your teenage years have been so much fun for us all. You are firm in your beliefs and are not afraid to speak up for what is right, and that is a quality that I admire in you because I know how hard that can be during the teenage years. I hope that is something that continues in you as you go into your upper teen years. This time of life can be so difficult for so many kids, but you are doing a beautiful job of it. 

Duck Dynasty this summer

At the beach this summer

Hunting last fall

Spring Sing at Harding last spring

I pray for you SO much more than you know. I pray for your day to be good. I pray for you to be surrounded by friends that will be good influences. I pray that you will be God's hands and feet to those who are in need. I pray that you stay safe so you can go on to live a happy, long life. I pray for your future wife. God already knows who she is and is working in her already. I pray that you continue to make good choices, even under peer pressure.  I pray for you to think about your future and ask God to help you in all of your big decisions. These are not things I worry about, though. I pray and then sit back and watch God work it all out, just as He always has. 

4th of July with Grandma

Camp this summer

Air U last November

So what are you up to at this time in your life? You're about 5'9" and pure muscle. You like to ride four-wheelers more than anything. Everything you have on your birthday/Christmas list has to do with new things for your four-wheeler or your truck. You are playing varsity football as a freshman because you are an awesome kicker. You are very active in the youth group at church and you have an amazing support group and youth minister there. One of your favorite places to eat is Subway and your least favorite is Mexican food. You are a very good, cautious driver and I always feel safe when you are behind the wheel. You are very much into physical fitness and you take good care of yourself. A perfect day to you is pretty much what you are doing today...four-wheeling with friends. 

Track event last spring

Hunting last fall

Halloween last fall

As you enter your 15th year of life, my advice to you is to just keeping doing what you're doing. The peer pressure will grow the older you get, but keep standing strong in your faith and you will come out on top. Be confident in the person you are. When you've got God on your side, you win every time. Keep loving life, playing hard, and working hard. It's a pleasure watching you grow up, and I'm looking forward to all that God has planned for you over the next year. 

Broken Bow last spring

Christmas card pics

Broken Bow last spring

Duck hunting

I love you with all my heart.


Love,
Mom