Jared Turns 14

Yesterday, Sunday, my little guy turned a big 14. There were no fireworks, just a quiet family celebration--welcome to being grown up. I think he was a little disappointed because there was no party w/friends. Maybe next year I can send him off with a friend or two to play?? Anyway, the night before we went to his choice of Cafe Rio (I felt like it was my celebration with getting out of the kitchen). It was a lovely night and we sat ourside to eat. I always fix the boys their breakfast choice. Fortunately, Jared chose something very doable--sweet rolls and Orange Julius. I got up at 5:30 and pulled out the bag of thawed rolls, put them on the pan to warm and rise a bit and got a cake in the oven, set the table for a celebration, did a little RS stuff, quietly dressed and managed to be out of the house before 7:30 (everyone still asleep) w/hot rolls out of the oven, oh and cut-up cantaloupe and Orange Julius in the fridge ready to be blender pulsed. Was rather proud of my efficient early morn and Jared was grateful when we finally met up later in church.

Jared was advanced in the Priesthood (that was cool to have happen on his birthday) and I was touched as the Bishop had Victor stand in the circle. Jared bore a lovely testimony. He's a great kid (oops youth). He wants to be valiant and that warms my soul.

We all ate leftover Cafe Rio after church and then I had some visits, but returned and played some boardgames w/Jared. We ate a light dinner and then R, V and I went to the trek fireside, didn't get home until 9 p.m. (Jared was bummed that it took so long). However, we gathered together and sang him the birthday song and ate his favorite cake. I felt like a dunce, as I could only find half his present (had stashed too well, or I'm losing my mind??), so he only got some teenage snacks, but today I found the DVDs, which he is now watching. Yes, it's true that we're behind and don't have the latest and greatest Harry Potter Order of the Phoenix, but now it's in J's collection and he's happy.

Today we got some rain (yes, after many weeks of very dry weather). In fact, it's cool enough that I turned on the oven--went and got some Papa Murphy Pizza after I dropped off V and his friend at the golf course. I love the smell of rain. It's only Monday, but pizza tonight--don't want to cook. I'm a bit run down. I had to get up 4:30 this morning to finish up Friday's dictation and then drove a sister to a doctor's appointment.

Look at that grin. Oh, I just paid off the braces this past week. That right there is reason to smile.