Thirteen today.  This step into teen years is always a hard one for me.  Elijah has been my buddy his whole life, but even that is shifting some now.  He doesn’t remember good morning hugs as much (or just waits for me to seek out a hug).  He still loves to talk to me about anything he finds interesting, but has also adopted more of the mumbled “I don’t know” and shrug if I ask too many questions about how he’s doing.  But he also steps in to help when he sees a need, and has improved a lot in his personal responsibility for his schoolwork.

Elijah always has the most unique interests and endeavors, and this year he has tried his hand at making yo-yos.  He has learned how to use various tools, how to inlay wood, and a lot about how to plan out a project and troubleshoot roadblocks.  And the end result has been a couple creative (functioning!) yo-yos.

He also played baseball with the local youth league one last time this year.  He loved it and is sad about aging out of the program, but it was a lot of fun to see him learning and enjoying something so much.  Unlike those of us watching his games in ridiculously hot weather, he never complained about hours standing in the sun  (in pants, ugh) or about being completely soaked in sweat by the end.  He just liked to be in the game.

Really, Elijah just loves being outside.  He complains endlessly about winter, but will still spend more time outside than any of his siblings, building snow forts, practicing the salmon ladder, or even playing basketball if there’s enough space clear.  He just prefers warmer weather because there’s so much MORE he can do outside then.

He continues to grow like a weed.  While I still have a few inches on him, his legs and arms are now longer than mine, and I can ask for his help if I have trouble reaching something.  From the time he was a baby, I have kind of expected that he would end up as our tallest child, and I continue to think that will be the case.  I’m kind of excited to see how fast and how tall he grows…even if it means I’m buying new pants every other month.

I’ve also noticed a deepening in Elijah’s faith this year.  During morning devotionals, when he used to remain mostly silent and let his other siblings be the prime participant in the discussion, he now is quick to answer questions, and offer insight into whatever we’re discussing.  He volunteers to pray, and gives song suggestions and readily recalls his memory verses.  I continue to pray for God to shape his natural bent for encouraging others, and to protect his heart that still tends to be somewhat more sensitive and prone to being hurt by a careless word or action.

I see so much potential in my Bud.  And I really, really like him.  He’s smart, and witty, compassionate and full of energy.  I’m thankful to see him growing more and more into a young man of character and conviction.  I am so blessed by this kid, and grateful for the gift of thirteen years (and hopefully many more) of living life with him.