TJ's growing up! (sniff ~ sniff)

Well, today TJ gave his stuffed animals to Lily.  It was so sweet of him, but at the same time it was so sad.  He has had his Tiger since he was Lily's age.  It was just before Christmas, right after he turned two.  We were Christmas shopping at Toys-R-Us and when we passed that Tiger he wanted it SO bad.  He wouldn't quit until I let him hold it.  Yep, that was a mistake.  There was no way I could PRY that Tiger from his hands.  I think he had found his new best friend.  Through all these past years, any time he was getting rid of old toys, or stuffed animals, he would never let me get rid of his Tiger.  It was so cute.

So, today he came to me and said, "Mom, ya know how much Lily likes kitties and stuffed animals?"  I told him, "yeah."  Then he said, "Well, do you think she'd want mine if I gave them to her?"  Aawwww!  What a sweet and tender moment.  He said, "Well, I don't really play with them anymore or doing anything with them and I know she would love them, so I'd like to give them to her."  I said it would be okay, but I'd have to give them a bath first, because truly they were disgusting. :)  So, when I get them washed I will take a picture of her with them and post it.  TJ really has grown up so much this past year.  Not just in maturity either.  He is now about an inch or more taller than me.  He's also getting a peach fuzz mustache!  He even let me Nair it off once, which was pretty funny.  He still won't really talk to ANY girls, but I'm okay with that for right now.  As long as he EVENTUALLY will. :)  This year in the summer was the first time he ever got to skype with Tina.  He didn't talk much.  I think he was uncomfortable a little.  She was so worried that she would just break down if she ever got to, but she said it actually went really well and she really enjoyed talking to him.  Then on his birthday this year, I caught her on skype again and this time they actually talked for about a half an hour.  It was really fun to listen too.  They really did have to search for things to talk about, but it was so sweet anyway.  Also, this year he refused to ask Santa for anything for Christmas because he told me he just didn't know if he believed in him anymore.  Well, he really wanted a bomber (black leather looking) jacket for Christmas, so we tried to find one for him.  We had to get it shipped overnight to us, just to get it here on time and come Christmas morning, that is what Santa had gotten him for Christmas too.  He couldn't decide which one to keep.  I think he didn't want to make either his parents OR Santa feel bad, so he decided to keep them both.  It was cute.  I know he is 13 and most kids quit believing in Santa at a very young age, but it's going to be so sad to me if and when he actually does.  I remember when I was about his age, that I decided that I didn't care what ANYONE thought.  I was never ever going to quit believing in Santa and really I haven't.  I know that there is a spirit of Christmas all around us at Christmas time and so many miracles happen then.  St. Nickolas was and is a wonderful man.  I am grateful for all that he has brought to so many people.  One of my absolute favorite pictures in the whole world is one of Santa sitting by baby Jesus in his bed.  It is beautiful!  If I can find it I'll post it here later.

Anyway, I just wanted to post to say how sad I am that TJ's growing up.  The time has gone by so fast.  I can't believe that he is already a teenager.  Only 5 more years and he could leave on a mission or move out.  That is so sad for me.  Time just goes WAY too fast.  I should do love the guy though and am so proud of the great young man he is becoming and of course I am SO thankful for Tina for allowing him to be a part of our family.  She's wonderful.