Fourteen

For at least 11 years running, candy critic Hunter Glen has held jelly beans as his #1 food choice, and since 1st grade, the Kiwi bird has been his mascot.  It's delightful to this mama that certain things don't change too quickly.  This includes his negotiating for his birthday dessert of choice -- a cookie "cake" with ice cream candy bars and a side of Jelly Bellies  .  .  .  Jameson teases him regularly that he has to be careful not to get diabetes.

Mama was pleased, also, that her teenager still found satisfaction in other things of childhood -- the wooden gun and vintage Star Wars figures in gift shops at Disney World (that surpassed his souvenir allowance last spring break, and thus, were held for birthday gifts).

What's that sitting atop the shelving unit in the boys' toy room, courtesy of Aunt Remy and Uncle Chris?

Oh, yeah!

The first child to enter my life, I challenge you to take the bull by the horns to lead your life, 

to be brave enough to be kind to all others even when it's difficult, 

and yet, in these growing processes, retain a touch of childlike joy.