Fifteen

  Parker is 15 today! There are a lot of things I could say about this. My heart is so full of love for this kid. I am settling into a new posture with the young man he is becoming. When I go in for a hug my head now fits on his shoulder, resting under his chin. Surreal to have to look up at your child. He is the most reasonable person I know. He has brains and wit that make me so proud. I have some of my best conversations with him. Because I was a teen mama, I feel like we have grown up together. There is so much of a friendship between us. Mostly, I feel an overwhelming sense of unmerited favor when it comes to Parker. Matt and I have tried to be great parents but really it has been grace. Buckets of grace. I am so very glad this was the plan for our family.

  We are long past the days of Power Ranger parties, you know, where the tablecloth matches the plates? It is different now. Parker wanted to play basketball this season and he has a few restaurants that have peaked his foodie curiosity. So that's how we will celebrate, cheering him on at his games and eating out around the Treasure Valley.

  This is Parker at 15:
Fantastic friend, straight A's, sick of braces, ready to drive this summer, funny and loves riddles, taller than Dad, tech support for our household, playing freshman basketball and lacrosse for Centennial High School, reading C.S. Lewis, loves to sleep-in, makes himself breakfast and lunch daily (but is never full), confident, lives to debate.