Today I was thinking about some of the newer readers who hear about Chad often but, since he lives in MO and we live in TX, you don’t often see pictures of him.
Chad’s First Picture
Here’s his first picture! Oh, such a sweet baby. For all you moms with grown kids, did you have any idea how quickly those babies grow up? For you young moms with babies, toddlers and elementary school age children, hug them, kiss them, love them . . they grow up too quickly. For you moms with teens . . oh, my gosh! Hang in there. It does get better.
He was a baby and then . . in what now seems like a few weeks . . he turned 21. And now . . he’s 25 and lives 10 hours from me.
Chad Turned 21
I’m proud of him for so many reasons. He really didn’t give me much trouble growing up, he graduated from high school and college on time and made decent grades, he didn’t get any trouble with the law, he has a good job with good potential, he married Nicole . . a girl I love dearly and get along with great. Her parents like Chad so everyone gets along great. Of course, there’s sweet little Addie that I love and miss every day. I’ve told Nicole that I always wanted six grandchildren and since they’re all going to have to come from Nicole and Chad, she’d better get busy. We’ll see how much she really listens to me! 🙂
What I’m really proud of is that Chad can talk to anyone . . he could sell a steamship in the desert and pretty much everyone who meets him likes him right off the bat. I’m always asking him if the store managers like him and every time, he says “Mom! Everyone likes me!”
Last week he discovered that the spare tire and wheel on his pickup had been stolen. I guess not everyone likes him but it was probably a crime of opportunity and someone who didn’t even know Chad who did it. He has no idea when it happened. The spare tire is up under the truck and he never looks under there. He wasn’t looking forward to having to try to find a wheel from a junkyard, ordering a new tire and having to pay for that and get it all installed before his vacation. He isn’t bringing the truck on vacation but he still needed to get it all done and he works such long hours and he’s actually working out of town now and through the next few months.
He told me last night that Nicole’s dad has an old farm truck and the wheel/tire is the same as Chad’s truck so Greg is giving him that. Chad was off today and he told me he has a friend who knows a lot about vehicles and has an old truck like Chad’s that he’s using for parts. Chad was going to see him about helping fix some things. Chad called me this afternoon and said “Mom, I went to see my friend and we fixed the air conditioner, the wipers, and he put on a new strap that holds the spare tire (because the thief had cut it). Guess how much all that cost me!” I knew he was getting a deal so I said $100. He said “No . . $21. All he wanted was for me to buy him lunch!” So, he and Chad went to lunch together and Chad has all the problems with his pickup fixed. He is going to get a new tire but at least he doesn’t have to buy the wheel, and he ordered the lock that will hopefully keep the spare tire from being stolen again.
He’s a great young man and I can’t wait to see him, Nicole and Addie next week!
Debbie says
WHOA!!! I missed the “married Nicole” posts !! Congrats to them!!!
Sharon in Michigan says
Nice looking young man, Judy. It sounds like you have a great family. Isn’t it nice to be able to say the greatest accoplishment of your life….is your child. You will be in seventh heaven when they visit. Enjoy 🙂
Marion Morgan says
I’m SO excited for you, Judy, and you are so great to show pictures and let us all enjoy your family time. Have a great week.
Deb K says
I’m so happy for you, Judy. It is such a privilege to be entrusted to raise a child and now you have the reward of being a grandmother(and I did miss it if you posted what you are choosing to be called….nana, grannie, granny, grandma, grandmother…). I was blessed with two children who have grown wings and flown the next successfully. Like Chad, they are thriving and I could not be happier for them. Thank you for encouraging younger mothers to cherish the formative years they have with children at home. It is fleeting.
Ranch Wife says
Isn’t it nice when we love our children so much and then love the adults they grow up to be too?! You done good Mama!
Rose says
All credit to you Judy and to Vince for hanging in there too! My kids gave me grief from time to time, but it’s all part of the growing up process and I’m happy to say all 3 are now well adjusted, level headed adults and I love them and their partners dearly. AND I make sure I tell them this on a regular basis 🙂 Enjoy your time with little Miss Addie (and Chad and Nicole of course!); take loads of photos, make many memories and above all else just enjoy your whanau (maori for family) x
kim miks says
you are lucky mom. He and Nicole sound like great kids. BTW – HATE the pop-ups on the photos. I have stopped visiting you site as often because of them.
Linda Steller says
Well, Judy, as they say, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. You raised that boy right, and he’s learned a lot of his charm from watching your interactions with others. He’s kind and fair and is a giving person, just like you so he gets the same (most of the time) in return. Ya done good! ;D
Susan says
What a great deal for Chad! He’s living right. =) He learned a lot from his parents. His mom at least. =) How excited you must be about the coming visit!
Terri says
I know the feeling. I’m proud of my three boys, and consider them my life’s work. The last one flew the coop just this past weekend, He moved 4 1/2 hours away to take a job as sports editor for a small town Indiana daily newspaper. So now 2 of my 3 are far away. I know you’re going to have a blast with the baby next week. Before long, she’ll be old enough to talk to you on the phone and on Skype so she’ll know who you are. Seems they decide what they’re going to call you no matter what you decide. Ours calls me Mimi and my husband Papa. I can’t wait to hear about all the fun you’ll be having next week when they visit!!
AngieG9 says
Such a cute baby. And they do grow up too fast. I am so thankful for the 3 of mine who lived, and the knowledge that I have a son and daughter in heaven looking out for me as well. Have fun with them all next week. Chad sounds like my 3, he learned a good work ethic, and doesn’t expect the world to just hand him things he doesn’t work for. You did a great job, as always, Judy.
KatieQ says
I must have missed a post or two. I don’t remember the wedding. Congratulations!
You better rest up before Addie comes. I have a feeling you will be even busier than usual.
Diana says
Isn’t it a good feeling to say: My kids grew up into responsible adults! I know I say how proud I am of both of my daughters and their hubs.
mrsgoodneedle says
I loved reading this; such a proud Mama you are, and you have every good reason to be. I know you simply can’t wait to hug that precious little girl! I miss the Chad stories. 😉