My Boy is 14!

Hard to believe that 14 years ago today I gave birth to this giant 9 pound 11 ounce child.

the sweetest little chubby cheeked child I could have ever wished for.

I got exactly what I wanted,  pure love at first sight.

He was such a sweet little kid,  full of curiosity,  and wonder.  I could take him ANYWHERE he was such a good little boy.

I clearly remember always gritting my teeth because I wanted to squeeze him all the time he was so cute and loveable.

The older he got,  the more handsome he became,  and a little bit more complicated too.....his creative edgy side started to emerge,  as did his independence.  I could totally relate to that.

He became a little bit more brooding, typical of the teenage years.  But we have always been close,  listening to the same kinds of music,  interested in Art,  and photography...

thank goodness for that.

he's fun to be around....even though most days now he's so freaking moody,  or

 wrapped up with some sort of electronic device ;-)

but beyond all of that, I can honestly say he's chosen a nice group of friends to be with. 

friends that seem to share the same passions as him,  skateboarding,  filming,  graffiti....

oh Graffiti.

Actually,  I love this kind of Art.  and Jackson is really becoming pretty good at it.

fully immersing himself into learning everything about it.

making little drawings,  and covering his entire walls in his room.

yes,  I let him do this. 

I'd rather he did it in the house,  than out on the streets being destructive.

because yes,  he's done that too and gotten into trouble,  lessons learned the hard way...

teen age years......god I hope I survive them. 

anyways, 

he's now moved on to giant plywood sheets......I am hoping he will start making big graffiti pieces that I can frame for him.

 

because he's really enjoying this art form,  and it's great to see him back to drawing again.

some might think these alternative art forms are just for thugs.

well,  they're not.  It's a form of creativity,  and expression,  and I am all for that.

 

because I know my boy is sweet, caring and sensitive,  making cupcakes for a girlfriend,  or always complimenting me even on my worst days.  he is the most loyal son.  he's just trying to figure it all out just like the rest of us. 

So when he's not being a typical teenage grouch,  he is actually hilarious and quick witted.

lots of people don't see this side to him because he's so reserved,  but trust me,  it's there :)

So today I wish my sweet, creative, and smart  Boy Jackson a very Happy 14th Birthday....

I can't believe these years have gone by so fast,  from sweet faced toddler boy....

to my size eleven shoe wearing handsome man-child.

you're a beautiful son on the inside and out,  and like I said before,  you're more than this mother could have ever wished for.

truly.

 

love you buddy

XOXOXO

Comments

[Niki]

Oh he sounds exactly like my 15 year old son. I have written to you before but its been awhile, I hope everything is going well in your life. I truly miss your blog posts & I can never get enough of the photos of your homes, shop & Molly's house. I go back to them time & time again.
My nearly 16 year old is just coming out of the "moody" stage. Your post is nearly exactly the same as one I wrote on my son back in June. Check it out in my archives, its quite bizare how alike they are.
All the best to you & your family.

Niki

[Niki]

Oops put my URL in wrong. Love the new post.
Niki

[Lisa]

Wish I could come by your studio and create. Maybe someday if I'm in the neighborhood.
Happy Birthday to your son! Looks like you've raised a good one - quiet but fun and thoughtful too. Sweet.

[Theresa]

Better late than never...you are the best Mom ever!!! I love how open you are with your son and allowing him to be himself and not push him to do more "traditional" art..we all need to take a lesson from you, or I do ;-) My son is going on 13 and is just starting those out of body mood swings...maybe I should look into this form of art for him...he totally fits your sons personality. Thanks for the honest post...you are always inspiring. T

[Catherine]

What a nice note!
Thank you so much.
Hardly the best mom ever,
But I truly believe in sharing and being honest
Thanks for reading and good luck to you
As well, these teen age years are a wild
One thats for sure :)
Xo

Sent from my iPhone

[giggles]

Brilliant! Maybe you have a Banksy on your hands! You are a wonderful mom with a complete liberal understanding of your child!! Well done!! Standing ovation to you! I am old, and don't understand why they white out all the graffiti at the skate parks in our area! It's a lot less boring than a blank wall!! Plus I think that's the most appropriate place to have it!! Sad really!!

Hugs Giggles