I Have A 16 Year Old

I have been referring to Omar as my littlest, Duke as my little, Damien as my big and Ty as my biggest for a few months.  My biggest officially turns 16 tomorrow.  SIXTEEN.  I didn't think I was going to be as emotional as I have been all day but when it hit me, it hit me.  My Tyler will be sixteen years old, only two years from the big eighteen.  Last month alone, he took Driver's Ed, got a car and is ready to get his permit.  He's been counting down the days till his 16th birthday so he can start applying for jobs.  I keep telling him to wait till he graduates from high school, to enjoy his teen years.  I remind him that I started working at 14 and he doesn't need to follow in my footsteps.   But he is exactly like me.  Ready to make money and not have to depend on anyone to give him money.  I can't believe what a responsible kid we've raised.  I can't tell you how proud I am of him - I have seen him tell his friends that drugs are dumb.  I thought standing up to my peers was hard in the 90s but these days, I know its rough.

The day after Christmas my kid wrote something on Facebook about being blessed that he has everything and that gifts are just a bonus and some kid told him he could lose some weight.  I was about to go off on the kid but my kid handled it well.  (I think he knew his Mama would've hurt the kid)

Thank you for being comfortable in your own skin and loving yourself.  Thank you for being strong, funny, smart, respectful, sweet, responsible, proud and kind.  I always wish for health and happiness for you my beautiful son.  I love you so much!  I am so proud that you are my kid!

My sister uploaded a picture of me at the hospital about 12 hours before I delivered on Instagram and then Ty uploaded it on his Instagram with the sweetest words.  No I'm not 16 in the picture, I was 21.  Excuse my ombre' hair - I refused to dye my hair when I was pregnant.   

A couple days old!

Almost 16 - towering over everyone at 6'2" (His height is a big deal to me, yes!)  Besides getting a job and his license, he's going for his Eagle Scout Badge!  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TY!  WE LOVE YOU XOXO

Ballin' on a Budget: Summer Swag

My teens are always shocked at the stuff we find thrifting and the super low prices... especially since we have found popular streetwear brands like Supreme and Obey.  Now there's an all around fascination and love for the sport in our family.

It's especially exciting for me because Ty is around the same age my brother got into thrifting and would drag me out shopping with him.  It was so fun!  I still remember finding a pair of vintage Levi's for a quarter and vintage Candie's heels for .90!   Those were the days!  Before it got so popular.  Before eBay.  Before consignment/boutique shops.

Ty (the 15 year old) wanted to go thrift shopping this weekend and was on the hunt for Hawaiian shirts and Bill Cosby sweaters for "Summer Swag".  He found 5 Hawaiian shirts and 2 Bill Cosby sweaters for a grand total of $17!

1.  Crooks & Castles beanie $9.99 - jackthreads.com
2. "Bill Cosby" sweater (actually vintage Sears) $3.98 - thrift store
3. Suede Vans (New!) $12 - thrift store

Do you have a budget for your kids Back-to-School shopping?  Do you still shop for them or you let them shop on their own?  Do you think your kids would like "used" clothes?

Young Love.

Two of my sons are girl crazy.

The 15 year old has a tall order for his age.


And the 6 year old needs more hands.