Fourteen

Today we celebrate Douglas turning 14.

This is my favorite picture from the past year. After a year of hard work and dreaming, Douglas watched his team play in the World Series from the dugout with a broken collar bone. It was a life changing experience for him. He is a much stronger person now than he was a year ago and one of the lessons he learned was that Heavenly Father has a plan for us. It may not be what we plan but he knows us and loves us and things happen for a reason.

Here are a few fun facts about the birthday boy!

Y He would have a shake EVERY day if I let him. This boy likes ice cream.

Y Douglas is very likable. When I sit down with his teachers at SEP conferences and tell them his name, they always say, "Oh, yes, Douglas." Most of them appreciate his sense of humor and participation. There is always one that finds him to be most obnoxious.

Y Grandpa Murry is his best friend.

Y His shoe size is 9 1/2, currently the same as his dad's. He is taller than me and I just bought him his first adult sized coat.

Y Douglas is a hard worker. He is great at helping others and taking care of his priesthood duties.

Y Baseball, baseball, baseball. He just loves it!

Y He is adventurous. He loves roller coasters and thrill rides. However, Disney characters and Santa are a bit frightening to him! He has learned to tolerate them but it has taken years of practice!

Y A mission is an important goal for him. He knows this is what Heavenly Father expects him to do and is willing and excited to do that.

Y He has his Eagle Scout project selected and is in the process of filling out his paperwork. He should have that award by February.

Y Douglas has a pretty even temper. He is very obedient, rarely acts out and when he does, I realize it is probably mild for most kids his age.

Y School comes pretty easy for him. Even though he is smart he really hates to read.

Y Girl-crazy!

Y When he answers the phone he is now mistaken for his dad instead of his mom!

Y He is confident. He has had some challenges this past year but hasn't let them get him down.

Follow your dreams, you can be anything you want to be. Don't let ANYONE tell you otherwise. We love you, Douglas. Happy Birthday!