Quince - 15!

This grinning little boy is my middle son, who today turns 15 years old. I can't believe how quickly time passes. It seems like just yesterday I was holding this newborn and marveling at God's handiwork.
The 15th birthday is a huge deal in Mexico for girls. They throw a party that is as big as a wedding, complete with "damas" and "chambelanes", or a court of girls and guys dressed in tuxedos and fancy dresses. It's a sort of "coming of age" party where the parents often present the girl with a doll as her very last toy she will ever receive, then they present with her jewelry or something more grown up. In Christian families, the pastor will come and preach a little sermon and pray a blessing over the girl. It's really sweet. Usually the worship band will play some music and there will be a time of worship.
For the boys, the 15th birthday is no big deal. Everyone jokes about buying him a pink dress and being in his court, though. He has asked for a trip to Starbucks for coffee and cake, and that's about it. I'm asking God for creativity today in celebrating him, so he can feel loved and appreciated like he is!