The Sweetest 16 year old boy

He'd blush if he heard me call him that.

On Monday, my little groundhog Jake, turned 16. We had cheesecake that night, then on Friday took just him out to dinner at The Outback where we gorged ourselves.

Last night we had family over for a Dairy Queen, Reese's Peanut Butter Blizzard, cake to celebrate.

It's hard for me to believe it's been 16 years since he was born... I used to think people were nuts who would say, "It seems like just the other day he was just a toddler"... but now I understand. It makes me want to cuddle up with my other little ones while I still can fit them on my lap!

Jake has been a huge blessing to our family. He (almost) always has a wonderful disposition. He is the jungle gym for the little kids, always letting them crawl all over him. Even last night at the ward's linger-longer, he was sitting at the table his friends were at, but his little brother and sisters wouldn't leave him alone over there. Often I would look up to see one of the little ones going over his shoulder, or being tickled by him. What a wonderful big brother.

He also helps me out around the house so much, babysitting so I can shop without wild little ones. He regularly helps me with making dinner, making some or all of it.

He has a great personality, I love how he's learned to think for himself and not regurgitate what society and public school would have him think. I love that he looks at issues himself, studies them out and sees what he wants his own opinion to be. He's going to make a great politician some day :)

He also developed his own personal testimony at a very young age, calling upon the powers of his Father in Heaven and receiving direct answers to his prayers. I know he's going to be an awesome missionary.

He's patient, kind, thoughtful, considerate, patient,... oh wait, did I say that twice? Well, that's because it can't be said enough.

I am going to be so sad when he leaves our home for a mission, or college. I'd like to keep this kid around forever.