Sutton is 15?! Do we all remember how I started this blog before he was even conceived? This is mind-blowing, but moving on...
At 15...
Sutton is the most kind, inclusive, intelligent, emotionally intelligent, gentle, funniest 15-year-old I know. We have seen a LOT of maturity this year and it feels as if he's bridging the gap from being my helpless child to being my capable buddy. We genuinely enjoy spending time with him and he always has us laughing. This was a beautiful transition that I didn't think much about, that feels like a gift after the trenches of the younger years.
We are in the throes of teenager-ness but the other day, he told us "You know, I'm really making an effort to not become a stereotypical moody teenager," so at least we have that going for us.
Sutton is always hungry. They say teenage boys are bottomless pits and....yeah. Top tier: McDonald's #4b with no pickle but add cheese and extra sauce with a large Powerade. Also top tier: Lipton Green tea with Citrus and Flaming Hot Cheetos. Secondary: Arnold Palmer and blue Powerade, Totino's Party Pizzas, salt and vinegar chips, honeybuns, chips and salsa, red Doritos, microwave popcorn, Tony's chocolate, fruit snacks.
Sutton is very extroverted. He is always at ease in social situations and makes friends easily. We transitioned to a new school this year after Christmas break, and he already has a new bestie there. One of his friends even made the comment to him that he is just confident and assured, totally comfortable with himself even though he was the new kid. I loved hearing that.
Speaking of the new school, that has been quite the life change! We moved them after Christmas, getting them out of a not-so-great school and into a wonderful one. It has been awesome and Sutton will get to play high school soccer there, which would not have been an option at our old school.
Sutton loves to sleep in. I think the latest this summer was in the 11am hour, but more normal is 9-10am during the summer.
We got our braces off this past year (yay!) and got our first girlfriend! That lasted from October 2024-March 2025 before they broke up.
He tried a new sport at his new school this past year - track! He ended up mostly doing the 100, 200, relays, and sometimes long jump. He enjoyed the social aspect of it, but won't do it again. Even though his relay team set a school record!
Sutton spends most of his time downstairs in the basement on his computer. He plays video games, does homework, talks on the phone/FaceTime with friends. But he's so good about coming upstairs to hang out with us if we have been apart for awhile. He's also great about going across the front yard to visit his grandparents often.
He has entered the phase where he cares about his hair and how he looks in photos. He hates all photos of himself but he just has to deal with it since I'm his mom. He's aa pretty good sport.
Sutton has gotten a bit political, and also is into apologetics and theology. He watches videos alll the time about these things and is often telling me things I didn't know. He leans a bit more conservative than his dad and I, but we have great conversations talking about it all and seeing different perspectives RESPECTFULLY, which is a huge thing to learn in our current climate.
Sutton's a very nostalgic kid and he even recognizes it. It's hard for him to get rid of anything if there's a memory attached. And he seems to remember everything. He even haas a piece of paper that he's written the year (on New Year's Day) and his age (on his birthday), and it's VIP and has to be kept for all of time. He also loves to reminisce about things from his childhood...pets, shows and movies, books, vacations.
Sutton his still the best ever big brother. I can't even explain. They still nitpick at each other over dumb things, but they are both considerate of each other and generally get along (now...aafter years of driving me crazy with their arguing). They have such different personalities but I think it helps them each see wider perspectives on things.
Sutton is still a huge animal lover. He has such aa soft spot for all animals, but cats and dogs are at the top. I love this about both of my kids!
There are so many more things I could say about Sutton because he is truly a remarkable, smart, capable, brilliant, clever, analytical, wonderful human being, and I am so incredibly proud to be his mom!
Here's the Birthday video, with extra special guest - Pandora!
