Derek's 13th birthday

What a day!  Derek's 13th birthday.  We had kind of a low key birthday celebration for him this year.  We had a family celebration on his special day.  Derek and I went to order his cake and he was kind to me (as usual) and decided that he loved these cookies as much as he loves the cakes. 

Derek loves his family and is great at putting them as a priority.  He shared his birthday with his Grandpa Smith.  We went for the weekend to share the celebration of their two birthdays.  I am so blessed that Derek loves his family so much.  I love my family and want them to be together for their birthdays and share happy moments together.  Derek really blessed his Grandpa to share their special moments together.

I have so much love for Derek.  He is such a great person.  I love watching him grow up and mature.  Many times he teaches me instead of me teaching him.  He has such a natural kindness to him.  Kindness is so powerful, he is able to help those around him to see the brighter side and not only get through tough times but to know that they are loved and helps us to laugh a lot.  He cares so much about our spirits and wants us to be genuinely happy.

 Derek has a spiritual maturity to him that many adults that I know do not have.  He not only knows what is important in life,  he loves it.  Derek loves goodness and is on his way to being quite an expert in that area.  Every day he has a hug for me and kind words.    He wants to read the scriptures and is so appreciative of having the Priesthood.  He wants to protect us and wants us to know we are loved.

Derek loves to have fun and to help others to have fun.  He is a great student.  I am very lucky in that he is a very easy to direct and teach.  I can remember what I put my mother through and Derek must have seen that (OK, I wasn't that bad, it's just that Derek is that amazing) and worked on himself in the spirit world to be receptive to teaching and kindness and the spirit. 

He is going to be a great Dad some day.  He has so much empathy and compassion and a strong sense of right and wrong and a thirst for the spiritual.  He loves to play but is also a great hard worker even now as a young man.

I love spending time with him and I am very blessed to be his mother and his friend.  I love you Derek!  Happy 13th birthday!