Dear Jack on Your 13th Birthday

 Dear Jack,

Happy birthday to my teenager!  Even after I made you promise over and over that you wouldn't turn into a teenager, you went and did it anyway.  Thanks a lot.  Just kidding, you are actually a pretty impressive teenager.  You are kind, observant, wickedly funny, so incredibly smart, and just such a cool kid.  

This last year has been a big adjustment for us as your parents.  You want your independence so badly, and I still desperately want to protect you and take care of you.  I want you to know that when we correct you or give you restrictions, we are only doing so with your best interest in mind.  I love you more than you can possibly imagine.  I take my job as your mom very seriously.  I know I mess up a lot, but I am trying every day to be a better mom...because it is my favorite role in life.

This year has been all about friends and gaming for you.  You spend a lot of time in your room "on a call"...meaning talking and gaming with friends.  We have reached the stage where you would rather hang with friends than family. I know that is a normal rite of passage, but it doesn't mean I don't miss you!  However, I am impressed with you as a friend.  You are someone who is accepting of all, and I see how people like you and are drawn to your overall goodness (and your sense of humor, of course).

This year you also reluctantly joined cross country.  I think some of your resistance was because you come from a running family.  Your first cross country meet, you were an alternate.  Some of the kids were teasing you about being an alternate and then you beat those kids in the meet.  Each week, you improved your place and time by leaps and bounds. At the last meet, you were 6th place out of almost 100 kids!  That is amazing!  How fast you are or where you place isn't what is the most important to me, though.  It is that you are improving and putting in the effort.  Your coach told your dad that you work hard at practice even when others are playing around.  That right there matters more than times or places in meets.  

You are still playing guitar and you still love music.  You recently had oral surgery and, as you were coming out of anesthesia, all you wanted to talk about was what music they played in the operating room (Pearl Jam and Nirvana).  I like how music is one of the many things you and your dad bond over.

Oh, my Jack, I could go on and on writing about you at this stage of your life.  I hope you know how very loved and valued you are.  I am so proud of you, kiddo.  Happy birthday.

Love you forever,

Mom

School Pictures 2022-2023

Ellie - Grade 11

Jack - Grade 7

Sam - Grade 4 

Dear Ellie on your 16 birthday

 Dear Ellie,

Happy Sweet 16! This is a big birthday for you.  You are taking your driving test this weekend and getting a driver's license.  You have lined up your first official job as a lifeguard and swim instructor (at the same pools I lifeguarded and taught lessons when I was a teenager).  I feel like you are making a giant leap closer to adulthood and independence...and it is a little scary for me.  However, I have the utmost confidence in you.  I have watched this past year as you have identified areas in your life you wanted to improve and then you did it.  

You are still juggling a very demanding schedule of rigorous classes and athletics.  I have loved watching you play water polo.  You make the game more exciting with your aggressive defensive and scoring point after point for your team.  You definitely don't get your athletic talent from me!

I look at you and I see a gorgeous, determined, sarcastic, funny girl.  I see a tough exterior that shields a sensitive spirit.  Don't be afraid to be vulnerable.  You are beautiful inside and out.

Ellie, I hope you know that I love you no matter what.  You don't have to be the best student or the best athlete or the best daughter (even though you are), what I want most is for you to be happy and to feel proud of your effort.  I will always be here if you need me.  You truly are my favorite daughter!  

Happy birthday to the one who made me a mom.

Love you forever,

Mom

Dear Sam on your 9th birthday

 Dear Sam,

Your letter is a little late this year. You have been 9 for almost 2 weeks now! You are growing into the most awesome kid. You are funny, smart, loving, and inquisitive. I love the way your mind works. You still ask a million questions...I hope you always stay curious and never lose your desire to learn. 

You still love sports. It doesn't matter which sport, you give it your all and you play with such joy. Right now we are in baseball season and I love going to your games. I'm so proud of your attitude and effort. 

For your birthday, I took the day off work so we could have a day of fun together. We started out the day at the donut shop, then went to the movies, had lunch at Five Guys, and got sushi for dinner. I really enjoy your company and our one-on-one time together. 

You have matured so much this past year, but I am so thankful you still let me tuck you in at night. I am not ready to let my baby grow up just yet.

Sam the man, words can't express how very much I love you. I am so thankful for my April Fool's baby.

I love you forever,

Mommy