Happy 14th Birthday Dillon
It’s a special day at our house today! Dillon is celebrating his 14th birthday and it is almost impossible to believe. If I was going to describe this year for him with one word it would be change! He grew 6 inches, gained about 25lbs, started wearing glasses regularly and had his braces removed. You can see for yourself!
There were literally some mornings this past year when he would walk into my bathroom before school and I would just stand and stare because he appeared to have grown/matured over night. There is also no more baby left to be found. The last bit of chubby boy cheeks have been replaced with masculine features. He is now taller than me even when I’m wearing heels. While so much has changed, today on his 14th birthday, I would like to celebrate the things that have stayed the same!
He is still my boy! We have had a few “moments” this year due to his desire to be private and my desire to know everything but other than that we are very close. He still gives the best hugs and I love to hear him say momma. While the sound of his voice has changed and is sounding much more like his brother’s, the kindness in his words is still the same. Pretty much every morning since school started he has had early morning practice and I love that short time together when I’m taking him to school. Just a little time for us to catch up or listen to some music or laugh about something we heard on the radio. I love this kid.
This boy lives, sleeps and breathes hunting and fishing. This year he hunted duck, dove and deer and was able to go fishing at the coast multiple times. He will fish anywhere though, even in the creek by our house with a stick. The one thing that did change is Riley decided he loved hunting too. These two were able to spend so much time together over the holidays and it just made my heart so full to see them enjoying a hobby together.
Dillon loves his siblings! Even though he has outgrown Jordan and is very possibly going to be taller than Riley, I know he will always look up to them both. He is so proud of them! And Carly, well, he harasses her constantly like any good brother will and he acts like she is a nuisance but then I see him walk by and stop to kiss her on the head and I know he will always be there to protect her.
He is still a good student making mostly all A’s. He was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society and chosen Most Outstanding Student for his class team last school year. There have been some of those teaching moments where he had to learn hard lessons like you may not get to go duck hunting with your brother because you need volunteer hours but all in all he is so easy going and takes care of business at school.
He loves little kids and they love him! My nephew Myles thinks he’s the best thing ever. I could totally see him doing something in life working with children.
He has a style all his own and definitely doesn’t mind hand me downs from Riley (this walmart eagle shirt that keeps giving) but he did decide he wanted some say in picking his clothes this year. Of course at the rate he was growing we were constantly heading for something new to wear.
It has been a big year!
Dillon, I know you see how much we all love you. You are smart and so funny. I love your big smile! You sometimes get a hot headed streak but I love that I can reason with you. Being a man after God is important to you but I hope you always remember to talk the talk you will have to walk the walk. You are just beginning this journey in life when decisions become a little tougher. There will be many opportunities to do the right thing and so many people waiting for you to chose the wrong one. I hope you will stay strong! School has come fairly easy to you so far and I hope you will continue to challenge yourself. Mostly, I am hopeful you will continue to feel close enough to talk with me about anything on your mind. Happy, happy birthday sweet boy!
What an ahhhmazing and handsome young man!! Ahhh how I know the whole privacy, but mama needs to know all thing!! Your words about and to him made me cry as it is exactly something I would write to my boys!! Such a precious gift, these young men and you're a BIG reason he's so incredible…definitely your special day too!!
Happy birthday Dillon!!!!
Happy Birthday to Dillon! Such a cutie!
Happy, happy birthday, D Dill! Hope you have a day as awesome as you are! Now, let's celebrate! 😉
You've raised another handsome son Shelly! He looks so mature, I can't believe he's 14.
Happy birthday Dillon! Getting closer to driving too. It's amazing to see the change in over a year from how much he changed. I feel like Sophie's so young but changes everyday.
liz @ j for joiner
Happy Birthday to Dillon! Sounds like a great kid you've got there Shelly.
Such a sweet birthday post for your son. It amazes me every day as I watch my children grow up, how fast it actually happens. When you are young you think think that people are silly for telling you to hold on and cherish each moment, but then before you know it, you are saying the same thing. I found your blog today through Farmers Wife Friday link up and I am so glad I did. I have a son playing D1 baseball and reading your posts about your son was very encouraging and came at the perfect time. Have a wonderful weekend.
WOW! He really has grown so much! And such a stunning kid too. Happy Birthday Dillon! My son's birthday was yesterday. January birthdays rock!
Happy Birthday to Dillon! He's so handsome and seems to have a good head on his shoulders. 8th grade is definitely a year with lots of changes!
Thank you Tanya….these years are full of so much change inside and out and I just pray God helps me lead him appropriately.
Thanks so much Erin. I totally agree…January babies are so laid-back.
That's so exciting Tanya! I'm already having withdrawals knowing I will not have any college baseball to watch this season. What team is your son playing with?
Thank you Lauren! I think he's pretty special.
Thank you Liz. He's a sweetie.
Thank you Laura!
Thanks Andrea. So much change this year and you know how this age there is so much change inside and out and I just hope God helps me guide him in the right direction. Hope you have a great week!
8"?!?! Oh my goodness I forget how quickly the boys do grow at that age. What an amazing guy and an amazing year. I hope he had a great birthday!
I do not remember it being so drastic with my older son….but then my memory is not what it was then. haha