Happy Birthday Zachary!

This is a picture of Uncle Chris babysitting Zach when he was little...notice  the fly swatter (and it wasn't for swatting flies) Click on the pic and it will enlarge.

Tomorrow is Zach's 21st birthday, not sure how twenty one years went by but I guess they did.

Zach's buddy took  this pic last year and had a mouse pad made for our computer with this photo on it. He called it "Three Jack asses just hanging around."

Click on this photo...it's my all time favorite of Zach.  You  can just tell by  the look on his face he is going to be a really neat person to know...and is. He's hands down one of the smartest people I've ever met and biggest downfall is not putting it to it's best use sometimes, but he's learning.

 I'm not quite sure how my three kids went from looking like this

to looking like this without me noticing but when you are a working mom you still picture that little boy or girl in your mind when talking to or about them and seem to forget they are growing up and away way too quickly.

It's amazing how you can have three kids and all turn out totally different from each other. It certainly spices things up and makes for never a dull moment. In hindsight, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Zach stepped in some deep dodo a couple of years back and it not only broke my heart but taught me a lesson. Never turn a blind eye when you are the mother of a teen. He stepped up, paid for his bad decisions and has turned his life around. He can still be a little Snot,  but what kid isn't from  time to time?

He's a hard worker and has a sense of humor  that not only matches but goes way beyond mine. (And I think I'm pretty stinking funny)

He knows more about history, politics, the environment and random facts that it boggles my mind. We are also so alike (except for the smart part) that we often butt heads...but he's my kid and couldn't be prouder.  Even with the mistakes he's made, the joy far surpasses all the trials.

I love him and he loves me. What a great feeling for a mother. I had to include a picture of Mama, from Mother's Kitchen. This was taken the first  time we visited her restaurant. Zach eats there now at least twice a week and not only Mama but her entire family adores my skinny white boy. That what's she says every  time Zach leaves. She comes out from her kitchen , hugs his neck and says "I love my  skinny white boy." They give him free pie sometimes, and every once in a while give him another slice to take with him. They always say to me when I'm in line behind him ordering "Zach's mom, what you want to eat today?"

So tomorrow he's twenty one. How did THAT happen? Do kids use a different calendar or have I just not been paying attention?

Zach has been so good to Ham, our blind boxer. He goes with me to all Ham's appointments, be it the local mobile vet or the eye specialist. Charlie loves him too,  sleeps in his room every night and if  Zach goes to bed and shuts his door before Charlie gets in, he sleeps by Zach's door.

That's kind of the way I feel as a mother of a now grown man. I want to be there every step of the way but you simply can't. Sometimes you  just have to sleep outside their door, just in case  they want or need you.

Happy Birthday, Zachary Tyler Cotton!

I'll always be here for you, I'll always love you and I'll always be proud of you. Be careful and safe on your 21st birthday and don't forget the designated driver!

 You know what? Mama from Mother's Kitchen is right...I love my skinny white boy!

Til next  time...COTTON