in a flash...

baby boy is 18!!

today is my baby boy's 18th birthday...seems nearly impossible.  18 years in a flash!!

2 hours before jaylen made his "grand entrance"!

hello baby boy!

at disney world

proof jay really loved his momma

aww!

when my boys turned 13, i asked friends and family for their help in creating a book full of wisdom and love - they were asked to think about what they wish someone would have told them when they were 13, life lessons worth sharing, meaningful quotes, songs, poems...the end results were amazing.  what is even more amazing that these words are just as powerful (if not more so) now that jaylen is 18...

• "be honest - good or bad.  your tongue is a powerful muscle.  if one can always trust in what you say, one will always trust you." dad
• "do not listen only with the intent to respond, listen with the intent to understand." mom
• "remember that what seems like incredibly hard work may in reality be an opportunity." grandma trish
• "along with privileges of growing older comes more responsibility - but not the negative...doesn't mean your fun years are finished, they are only beginning." grandpa doug
• "losers make excuses - winners make it happen." mac
• "what's a hinky pinky for my older brother? ...older and bolder!" deztanie
• "life is tough and you are just getting started, but you have to know that for any obstacle you may face, there are multiple possibilities for success.  i think that you have nothing but open roads ahead of you and i hope you realize this." aunt sara
• "as far as advice, i have a little; treat others as you would like to be treated; smile a lot; be kind; enjoy life! if the only prayer you say in your life is thank you, that would suffice." grandma ruth

words of wisdom for us all...love you jaylen!  i know you believe that today the magic happens being 18 now...so i am going to chose to believe it too.  this is it- make the most of it son!

peace & bliss, 

amy (mom)