Better late than never, I need to write about my baby Ainge turning 14 last Sunday. Unbelievable, especially because of all my kids, I remember his baby years the most. Obviously we went through a lot together at the time, but I just cannot believe it has been that long. Corben's birthday present request wasn't quite as quirky this year as in years past; he wanted a guitar. Luckily I have Jeremy to rely on for things like this and he is the one who researched & ultimately ordered it. I wouldn't have had the first clue where to get a guitar or even what to look for. Corben can't be completely unquirky, of course, as I also got him the Mario (yep, of Nintendo) t-shirt he has been begging for for weeks.

I'm so proud & impressed with Corben's talents. He's never had any lessons to speak of but he is constantly working at teaching himself how to play different musical instruments, and he has an AMAZING singing voice. He is in the advanced choir at school this year, which his school counselor told me is a big compliment for an 8th grader. He has even written several songs. One of them Jeremy and I were so impressed with that we played it for anyone who showed up at our house. When Gifford & Shirelle came over & heard it, Gifford was so sure that Corben had plagiarized the song that we had to get on the internet for several minutes googling the lyrics to make sure they didn't show up anywhere. It was pretty funny.

Corben remains, by far, my most obedient child. I NEVER have to ask him twice to do anything. He is very sweet & loving, in his own special way (i.e. doesn't like to show ANY emotion). He is very smart and makes mediocre grades at school, but this is after NO effort is made on his part (now that's talent!). And I know it's only a matter of time before this current phase ends and he lets me cut his hair!

I'm so thankful for Corben & for the young man he is turning into, and for fighting against all the challenges that were thrown his way as a child to come out a better person for it. Love you Bud!