Tuesday, March 10, 2009

I Can't Believe Nathan Is 12!

Twelve is one of those landmark birthdays that, when you reach it, signals the beginning of growing up, the prelude to teenage-hood, and a lot of other landmarks in the life of a child, particularly an LDS child, who graduates from Primary and starts going to Mutual. Nathan's twelfth was January 30.

Twelve is, apparently, about the age when kids begin to discover they are smarter than their parents, if Nathan's attitude lately is any indicator. Don't get me wrong, Nathan is a GREAT kid. I believe you simply could not ask for a better one. But, it is strangely comforting and disconcerting at the same time to watch him develop "a mind of his own." On the same subject, though, it is fun to watch him develop a more sophisticated, grown-up sense of humor, to have little "inside jokes" with him, and to laugh at a lot of the same movie lines (does that mean my own development is stuck, suspended at around age 12? Please, Jillyn, no comments.)
He is excited, because he is pretty sure he got "straight A's" this term; the trimester just ended and he hasn't got the report card yet. This would be quite an amazing accomplishment for him, he works very hard. I can't believe how much homework he has, particularly in math. I don't remember ever having that much, not even in high school!

Here he is in his new suit, ready to go to church and pass the sacrament. He is very conscientious about his priesthood duties.

He received his Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class rank advancements at a recent court of honor. Here he is attaching the pin on his mom's lapel.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Clay,
Here's a few sites to peruse concerning the wetshaving revival.
badgerandblade.com
classicshaving.com
leesrazors.com

By the way, I am still sold on it. I love my morning "me-time" shaving old-school.

oldcowboy said...

Clay,
Thanks for the nice blog on your boy. It sure seems like times goes fast. It seems like yesterday that you were just a pup and now you are grown and have a twelve year old. I am very proud of you. You always treat others well and look for the good in others. Your positive attitude is a very strong force. I appreciate your friendship and am proud you are my nephew.

Uncle Brent

Claudine said...

I can't believe Nathan is 12 either. Seems like you should only be 12. Your folks just left here. Vernile was helping John with some things on the computer. Keep writting those good blogs.

Vernile said...

Our congratulations to Nathan mostly on receiving the Priesthood, but also on straight A's, and just growing into such a fine young man. We are glad he is our grandson.

Allyson said...

Congratulations to Nathan! He looks so sharp in that suit! Tyler is also working on scouts and just finished his Tenderfoot. Keep up the good work!

Jillyn Whitehead said...

Nathan is a Deacon. That must make you feel old, Clay. I don't think your growth was stunted at 12, more like 9 or 10. (It had to be said.) ;) Now that Nathan is smarter than you, maybe he can teach you the ways of the world. What an awesome young man you have.

Bingham Family said...

Wow, no way you have a 12 year old! We are all getting old.....but events like Nathan's make life sweeter the older we get.

Lori - good job raising such a great boy and Clay! :-)

Heather said...

I can't believe how grown up Nathan looks! I still picture him the way he was in Fort Wayne. Jacob just turned 10, and I keep thinking he's eight. We miss you guys! By the way, every time I get sick, Todd suggests we call you for a script. ha HA HA