This Is All Happening Too Fast . . . . . . .

First oldest turns 21.

Now Monkey Wrench is turning 18- TODAY!!!!!! Soon he will graduate. More of that later.

Today we will celebrate the birth of my little man, who is taller than me, now. stronger than me, now. Better looking than me, always.

He started out in in this world at 9 lbs 6 oz. He was the first child I gave birth to. He taught me to keep him on a schedule. When he got sick or grew some he changed his scheduled and within a week I would know what our new schedule was.

I wish I had baby pics of him scanned. He was adorable.

He was the one I made my mistakes on. He turned out great despite my parenting skills.

When Sassy was born- he was very protective of her. He would stand next to the person holding her - except for me and dad- and watch very closely to make sure she was safe.

He knows when he sets his mind to something he can accomplish it.

He wanted to play football in high school and started training in 8th grade. He was dedicated. He got up early every morning before school to condition in the living room. He was so dedicated that he got mono and had to be out of school for a whole term.

He got to high school and play football he did. He learned to take his hits and he gave his all. He had injuries and sucked it up and played with a cracked rib, a condition called plica syndrome (an extra ligament in the knee that causes the knee to feel like you have a torn meniscus) and he made good friends. Friends that keep him out of trouble.

He is very good to me and treats his girl friends with great respect. He opens doors and helps carry things. He used to meet me at the end of a long day and help me carry all my crap in. It's a great way to be welcomed home.

He likes to be the best at whatever he does. He's a bit shy in front of crowds. He does not care to be the center of attention. He prefers to be the wind beneath wings.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE MAN - that is now a bigger than me young man.