Happy 13th Birthday Nick!

January 19, 2011

Stylin in his new hat BLOG IT
Don't wait to make your son a great man - make him a great boy.
~Author Unknown~

Nick Peeling Garage Door BLOG IT
You don't raise heroes, you raise sons. And if you treat them like sons, they'll turn out to be heroes, even if it's just in your own eyes.
~Walter M. Schirra, Sr~

Fading wall Nick Standing BW1 BRIGHT BLOG IT
When you teach your son, you teach your son's son.
~The Talmud~


Walking towards me BLOG IT
Son, you outgrew my lap, but never my heart.
~Author Unknown~

Nick Brick Wall Fading Behind BW BRIGHT BLOG IT
He who can be a good son will be a good father.
~Author Unknown~

From the back BLOG IT
Sons have always a rebellious wish to be disillusioned by that which charmed their fathers.
~Aldous Huxley~

Attitude BLOG IT
Boys are beyond the range of anyone's sure understanding, at least when they are between the ages of 18 months and 90 years.
~James Thurber~

Nick in the hat agains the brick wall angled BLOG IT
If I have a monument in this world, it is my son.
~Maya Angelou~

I can hardly believe that we are celebrating Nick's 13th Birthday! It seems like yesterday we were registering him for kindergarten and today he is officially a teenager.

Time certainly flies and I guess before we know it he will be driving a car and looking at colleges. OH, I AM NOT READY FOR WHAT LIES AHEAD!

Saturday, Nick and I got to spend a little quality time together. Pat kept the girls here at the house so we could head to the nearest mall to do some shopping.

We have been asking him what he wanted for his bday and he could not come up with anything, so we thought it would be fun just to spend a few hours shopping together so he could pick out some things!

He definitely knows what he likes and doesn't like. I actually think he has a pretty good sense of style and it was certainly fun to watch him navigate through the mall. At times I had to bite the insides of my cheeks to hold back from voicing my opinion, but I really want him to be able to express who he is (within reason of course) and not feel as though I am making choices for him.

The hat and the glasses were both things he picked out during our little excursion, so we made a little pit stop on the way home and he let me take a few pictures in front of this old brick building!

I think these pictures SCREAM TEENAGER.... Don't you?

Even though he has mastered the eyeroll, and on rare occasion gets a little lippy with us (like most teenagers do) he really is a good kid!

Nick is a wonderful big brother who looks out for his two little sisters. He is always willing to play with them and provide entertainment, even if that means getting in the princess tent:)

When we go to school to meet with his teachers, we are told that he is a very polite and well behaved young man who is a good friend to many and that he shows respect to his teachers and elders at all times.

We are so very proud of him!

Happy 13th Birthday Nick.

Keep doing what you are doing and continue to study hard!

We love you~



91 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous photos!

Mom2Isabel said...

Lisa,
The first photo is the incarnation of what most of my ninth grade boys look like. BTW, I just adore 14. They are SOOOOO fun.

Buckeroomama said...

Oh, happy birthday to Nick!! Yes, he definitely looks like a teen in those lovely photos. :)

Is his birthday today? My son turns 6 today. And between making his cake and planning for his party, I haven't been able to do up a proper post. :(

Amandalynn said...

Those sunglasses instantly transform him. Kudos on the big 13!

Wanda said...

Yes Lisa - these images scream teenager all right. Cool and calm and very collected. We always have the sense of his quiet spirit - what a lovely sight.

How can you not just bust with pride and gratitude. Your day cruising the mall with Nick sounds like the perfect way to spend a special birthday.

Happy Birthday Nick!!!

xoxo

Macladie said...

What a handsome son and also a patient one to let you take all those wonderful pictures of him. His sisters must adore him. Happy Birthday and all the good things that come with being 13 and a teenager.

Natalie said...

They definitely scream teenager! And they're very wonderful! What a good sport of him to let you do it. My son is 2 and won't let me take his. Hope it only gets easier ;) You're photos are ALWAYS LOVELY!

Unknown said...

He is going to break many teenage girl hearts:) So handsome fellow.

Dita said...

I loved all these shots but I must admit, I got teary...thinking of your baby and mine just one year behind him....how did this happen?

I am so looking forward to the men our boys will become but I will never get used to letting go of the little boys they were.

Nick is such a wonderful, well adjusted (not to mention heartbreakingly gorgeous) young man...and these shots bear out that no matter how tight we hold on...our boys are growing up.

Happy 13th Birthday, Nick!!

xoxoxo
Dita

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Nick! Wow he's really growing up - love the photos - he's so handsome!

Justine said...

happy birthday and such lovely photographs

Aleasing said...

Lisa, what a beautiful tribute to your handsome son. I was just telling Karli last night how much fun these posts are going to be when the kids bring their girl/boy
(at least a few years away for Sarah & Reagan) friends home one day and share these writings with what could be their potential spouses.

That is a thought I am not ready for either!!!

Happy Birthday, Nick ^_^

Unknown said...

Happy 13th Birthday Nick! yes, every photos says teenager - a young man with eyes that tell the inner story of a heart built by love. Raising boys is a totally different journey than girls in every way...to be strong yet gentle, to be wise yet humble,and the list goes on from there. Oh to teach them the balance of being a man whose heart never turns hard to love - first of God and then for his family. What a responsibility and blessing! Sons are a precious gift for sure!

Lots of love!
xoxoxo
Jill
http://fnaphotography.blogspot.com

Love Letters To China said...

What a wonderful way of spending time with your son. I must say these pictures are amazing. He really looks like he's grown up over night. The shots with the aviators on really make him look like an adult. Must make your stomach flip.

Doesn't surprise me in the least how you describe Nick. He has taken all of his mom's best qualities and made them his own.

Happy Wednesday Lisa!

Hugs...
Grace

DiJo said...

Happy Birthday Nick!!!! I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet you in September! Lisa, these are wonderful pictures.. And, the quotes are so perfect!!!!

As soon as I get back up on the horse, I will get back into B&W Wed! I need some new material! :)

Love,
Diana

Heather{Our Life In a Click} said...

Thanks for hosting! Happy Birthday to your son!!

-heather

Heather{Our Life In a Click} said...

Thanks for hosting! Happy Birthday to your son!!

-heather

Steffie B. said...

Happy Birthday Nick.....great shots of your handsome son! And what a good sport he was for Mom to let her take some pictures of his new stuff too! ;)

Enjoy this time.....it goes by quickly.

Steffie

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

Happy Birthday Nick... you do your parents proud... funny thing is... I have watched you grow up from the little boy to the handsome one you are now (yes, you are handsome but don't let that go to your head)... have a great one...

Denise said...

Love this post...the words and the pics Lisa! Happy Birthday Nick~

Lexi said...

Wow..these pics are awesome of Nick! Happy 13th b-day Nick! Hope you have the best day ever!
btw, love the glasses. ;o)

Lexi

redmaryjanes said...

He is beautiful Lisa. And I can say beautiful about your boy because you know what I mean.
He does look quite grown up in these photos.
I love your quotes, so perfect.

Formerly known as Frau said...

Happy Birthday Nick! Lisa you are raising a wonderful young man....eye rolls and all. He is a gem! Hope he has the most amazing birthday!

These Are The Days said...

What a little stud muffin w/ those shades! :) Happy Birthday Nick.

Come by my blog and enter for the LOVE banner GIVEAWAY!!!

Have a fabulous day.

Anonymous said...

Man oh man he is gorgeous! I really like the hat. I think he looks "cool" in it.

Happy Birthday Nick!!!!

Number 6 and no more counting! said...

"mastered the eye roll" I love it! But, I hate it! LOL!

He is one handsome boy. Enjoy celebrating such a special young man!

Lea
xo

Gail said...

Happy 13th Nick! What a milestone and what an incredible young man.

I can't believe the changes in him Lisa, he looks taller, body language, and he's even more handsome. :)

Personally I found the teen years with my Nick a LOT of fun. I know you'll enjoy it too!

Fabulous pics as always.

xoxo

Gail

And that second quote, I can barely get through it without crying.

Michelle R Photography said...

I can hear all the girls swooning all the way here in Ohio!! What a handsome young man he is, Lisa. Spending some quality one-on-one time with him, followed by some time for a photo shoot - sounds like my idea of a perfect day! Your images are gorgeous!

Happy Birthday, Nick!!

xoxo,
Michelle

Kelly And Allison said...

Happy 13th Birthday Nick. What a handsome young man! Wonderful pictures. Maybe he will let you take more pics of him now. Lovely post!

Tina

Ashley Sisk said...

Happy Birthday Nick! These photos are incredible and definitely scream teenager. I wonder how long he'll allow you to photograph him. He's such a handsome guy - those teenage girls will be lucky to have him!

The Byrd's Nest said...

Happy Birthday Nick!! I think that the teenage years with a son are huge treasures. We have one son and three daughters. My relationship with James is oh so special...we have the best time together and he makes me laugh like no one else can. Oh how I look forward to watching Nick continue to grow up and to see what God will do with his life. God bless you my friend.

Courtney said...

Happy Birthday, Nick! These are wonderful. He's very handsome and though we only know him through your blog he seems like he is a wonderful young man that loves his family.

Melis said...

These are fabulous photos! I was so choked up reading this... my son is about to turn FOUR and I'm already feeling that drowning feeling that accompanies the realization that he's not my precious little baby anymore (nevermind that he hasn't been for years now!) and that all I want to do is scoop him into my arms and rock him and kiss him, but he's getting much too big for that... I can only imagine how profound 13 is! Sigh. Thanks for sharing - I'm going to go give my boy some extra snuggles this morning!

Marla said...

Wow, tell the teenager I said Happy BIrthday! These are definitely some gorgeous "teen" images of your guy. Love the hat and glasses, they're just perfect for him! He should be a model for AE!! :)

Happy Wednesday my friend!

carolinagirl said...

Happy Birthday! Wow...a teenage! Brendan will be 10 in May, and he is just starting the eye roll. Sigh!

Great photos and great quotes! I love them.

Nick makes a perfect model. He is beautiful.

Kathleen said...

What great photos! Nick looks like a great kid...and a fun kid!

The 5 Bickies said...

Happy Birthday to Nick! He is a fine young man. Any tween that shares his morning modeling for a group of Moms gets an A+ in my book. We are sure entering in to interesting times as our boys go from 12 to 13! Love the photo shoot :)

Sherri said...

Happy Birthday Nick....you handsome teenager!!

Liz said...

happy birthday. great shots.

Rochelle@AFamilyofLooneys said...

Happy Birthday Nick!
Loving the shots of him.

Kim said...

As the momma of a 13 year old son, I LOVE everything about this post. Your thoughts, the quotes, and of course the photos!
Happy Birthday Blessings to Nick from Hong Kong,
Kim

Unknown said...

I have been dying to ask what lens you use for your portraits. I use the 1.8 50mm and can never get it as crisp!

likeschocolate said...

As always beautiful photos. Congratulation to your son and to you because he is truely a miracle.

snekcip said...

Happy Birthday Nick! OMG...teenager indeed!! What a HANDSOME young man!!!

Sharon said...

Happy Birthday to Nick!

Pix-Ology said...

Happy Birthday Nick!

I wish someone would have told me that as a parent, with every year that goes by a little part of you does too. It is so bittersweet to see your babies grow up. He is quite the young man!

Hope you are well and can't wait to talk soon!

xoxo

Janet

Anonymous said...

Teens are pretty much awesome! I love having teens in my house.

Great shots and Happy Birthday!

Rosie Grey said...

I love your photos so much - such gorgeous portraits! Happy Birthday, Nick!

Katy said...

Great photos! You really captured the "teenage attitude"!

Gina Kleinworth said...

Love this post as my Niklas will be turning 13 in just a few weeks. How quickly the time goes past. These are some gorgeous shots you captured of your young man- what a great way to document such a huge milestone in his life.

Natalie said...

These are really great photos of your handsome young man.

Marah said...

beautiful photos...

i'm a new follower.

http://diaryofadevildogwife.com

Maddy said...

These are awesome shots and I love that he still poses for his mom :) What a good kid! 13...wow!! This is when the "fun times" begin ;o)

Dharma Shots said...

Sharing some photos here for the first time...I love your photos and they are so marvelous and what a handsome boy you have.

Renegades said...

I adore the texture and teen feel the bricks give your photos.

Very nice job!

The Blonde Duck said...

Popped in to say hi! Happy Birthday to Nick!

Christine said...

Happy Happy Birthday to your son! What a handsome young man!

Courtney said...

What a handsome boy!

Unknown said...

Love pic 2 and 5

Jaymi said...

great pictures of Nick!

Meghan Beierle-O'Brien said...

what a great sport he is! Great shots:)

Nicolasa @ {My}Perspective said...

What great photos! Happy Birthday to your son!

Anonymous said...

Happy 13th Birthday Nick!
Love the pictures, Lisa!!

Dawn

Jodee said...

Happy birthday to your handsome guy who, by the way, looks soooo grown up in these pictures! Where do the years go?!

Kristen said...

beautiful pictures!!! I found you through Ramblings & Photos (Ashley)--- I was happy to participate this week!

Kayce said...

Happy BIrthday Nick!!!!

Lisa these pictures are phenomenal!!! You need to start doing senior photos for the high schools in your area...and beyond!!
Hold on tight for the teen life...there's lots of us moms out here to hold your hand and also to tell you that you're doing a great job!!

Karli @ The Bonnie 5 said...

Oh geez Lisa, you got me all teary with these pictures! *sniff* I'm just imagining Collin at that age. No...I think I'm going to hang on to age nine...tight! :-)

What a handsome guy and yes, the pictures scream teenager. He just looks like an all around great kid. Happy B-day Nick!

Shari said...

Happy Birthday Big Bro...You're setting a great example for your sisters and looking like a stud doing it:)

Sharon said...

Great photo's! Happy Birthday Nick!

Kara said...

happy birthday nick! he definitely doesn't look 13. he has such beautiful skin and a great complexion.

makes me so proud of having a boy of my own.

Stefanie said...

Happy Birthday, Nick!
You sound like one incredible son and big brother :)
Enjoy being a teenager!!
P.S. Great job capturing that teenage 'thang', Lisa! Love the pics!!

Missy said...

Paige just said, "Good thing he doesn't live in H,ville, because ALL the girls would drive him crazy. He's a hottie!" Oh lawd! :)
Happy 13th, Nick!!! You make your mama proud!

Special K said...

That kid's gonna break some hearts. :)

Happy Birthday to your handsome teen.

Margaret said...

What a handsome boy. I love the teen years - such fun.

Everything Beautiful Shay said...

Such beautiful photos of your beautiful son! You are very blessed!!!
XO

Jill G. said...

I agree that those shots look very 'teenage'! I love the quotes you used with your wonderful images!

Virginia said...

Yep, I'd say he's got the "teen look" down pat already. So handsome, and he sounds like an amazing young man.

Gin =)

Krukow Family said...

Love your photos

BarefootedMama said...

I'm linking up for the first time! BTW amazing photos of your son!

Carolyn Haines said...

Such a handsome boy!

Jboo said...

Happy Birthday to your sweet Nick! Yep -- he looks like a teen -- what a great kid! Kudos to you parents! Hope you're having a good week!

Janet

Shell in your Pocket said...

Girl...you are going to be fighting the girls off with a stick-

Hold on!

sandy toe

a Tonggu Momma said...

Happy Birthday, Nic! Although I don't believe you could possibly be 13 already. I mean, where's the acne? It's a CRIME if you go through the teen years with clear skin. Or so says the former acne queen.

Lori said...

Great pics Lisa, Nick seems like such a great kid! Happy 13th to him!

Patricia said...

Awesome photos, Lisa!! And Happy Birthday, Nick!! What a handsome teenager he is! Wow, it goes fast, doesn't it?!? So glad you enjoyed your time together!

Mimi said...

Happy 13th birthday, Nick. You now embark on a new phase of life, more independence, but still at the heart of the family.
Nick is such a fine boy, inside and outside; he seems to be a very kind, loving and protective brother and I think those are lovely qualities.
Eye roll, lip, all par for the course, and worry if you don't have them!
Well done, Lisa and Pat, you're raising him well.

Jan Halvard said...

Bien, bien!

Jan Halvard, Bolivia
¡Buenos dias Bolivia!

Anonymous said...

Great blog, with amazing pictures!
I'm your new follower!
Hugs,
Ewa

JMCS said...

Happy 13th birthday Nick! He is so handsome Lisa.

Hugs,
jonni

Pradhan mantri yojana said...

Thank you.This blog is very nice.
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