Celebrating Nicholas

Our weeks have been full of celebrations lately, but the ones these past few days centered on our middle son Nicholas, who celebrated turning twelve years-old on Wednesday.

In honor of his twelfth birthday, I’m sharing (in no particular order) twelve of the many characteristics I love about this sweet boy of mine.

1) Nicholas is my die-hard South Carolina Gamecocks fan.  We cheer loudly together during games, get dreadfully nervous together when they are close, and give huge hugs and shouts after big wins. 

2) Once a cuddly kid always eager to curl up in our laps, Nicholas has become a little more reserved in recent years. However, he still gives incredibly wonderful hugs!

3) Collections of nutcrackers, baseballs, and ships adorn Nicholas’ shelves.  His granddaddy encouraged the love for ships by giving him a model of the USS Constitution several years ago. Nicholas was thrilled beyond words to visit the real “Old Ironsides” this past September.  

4) Nicholas loves comics – reading and drawing them. And he loves to laugh.

5) Forget the latest movie star! Nicholas prefers Don Knotts’ films over any others. He received four for Christmas and had a tough time choosing which to watch on his birthday.  

6) Compassionate and thoughtful, Nicholas remembers when someone is sick or hurt and will faithfully pray for them and ask how they are doing.

7) This past year gave Nicholas his best hitting record in baseball, placing him third in the batting order for his team.  He is super fast on the basketball court and never afraid to go for the ball or the basket. Football has become his most recent fascination.  He loves playing with his friends in the yard and watching games on the weekends.

8) Our young man is a gentleman, especially with his Mama – always opening doors for me, lending a hand when needed, and being sensitive to my feelings and responsibilities. 

9) Nicholas is not a fan of school, but he does possess a love for reading.  Chuck Black, who writes historical Christian fiction, is his favorite author.  He also recently read Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol and Alexander Dumas’ The History of a Nutcracker during Christmas break.

10) Loyal to his friends and brothers, he would quickly stand up for them in any situation.

11) When he grows up, Nicholas wants to be a police officer.  He even chose to attend the police department Christmas party instead of the youth party, which was happening at the same time.  He is fascinated with every aspect of Mike’s job and, without hesitation, considers his dad to be his role model, mentor, and hero.

12) Nicholas has been a Christian close to half of his life and continues to grow in his walk with the Lord.  He often recognizes when he is wrong and will quickly apologize and try to resolve it. He sincerely wants to make good choices and do what is right.

 

Isn’t there so much to love about this kid?  Gratitude fills my heart for the blessing of Nicholas, and I celebrate the son God “fearfully and wonderfully made” and entrusted to us!

“Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” Psalm 139:14