FAIRBANKS PHOTOGRAPHY

Four wiggly teeth constantly change the landscape of his smile and remind me daily that my youngest is growing up much too quickly for me. I wonder how long he will let me cuddle him on my lap or climb up onto the top bunk with him at night.

Six stitches in his head and greasy hair won't stop this boy. He is the good of each of us wrapped up into a bundle of ten year old boy with neon socks and a heart of gold.

Halfway through his first year as a teen, he is kind, he is strong and he is talented. He teaches me every day how to listen and how to love him for who he is, not who I think he should be.

He has taken on driving, dating, and responsibility like he was born for it as he embarks on another year older and wiser. He is proof that we are not perfect parents but that they will all become amazing people regardless.

Some Sundays we take drives in the canyon and then have spontaneous photo shoots at the lake. As you can imagine, teenagers don't always love this, but eventually everyone always warms up to the camera. Then my teenager turns the camera on us and we are sure glad he did because I want to remember this time in our lives.

I have learned this year to enjoy every day. There is beauty in growth, in change, in trials. My heart is joyful and I thank my Heavenly Father for these blessings that are mine.