Happy 17th Birthday!

 Dear Alex, 

Happy 17th Birthday! Being a mom has been the biggest joy of my life. But the fact that every year seems to go by a little faster than the last, makes me wish for time to slow down. To be completely honest, if I found a genie's lamp, I would trade my three wishes for one, to go back to December 10, 2005 and live every minute all over again! 

You finished 10th grade with amazing grades, and this summer you got your license and off you drove to your first job as a lifeguard. 

I can't believe you are a Junior in high school, driving your brother and sister to school, taking the SAT's, and starting the college search to find the next place you will call home. You are a Peer Educator for 9th graders, a mentor to a student in lower school, and you tutored in the Bridges program. You spend your evenings playing basketball, lifting weights, studying and watching every show on Netflix. On the weekends, you are usually hanging out with your friends at dances, parties, or in our basement. 

Here are some things I want you to remember. They will serve you well now and as an adult, which technically will happen in 364 days. 

1. Look people in the eye when you speak to them. Be a good friend. Say you are sorry when you are wrong. Apologizing is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of self-awareness and strength. 

2. Trust your gut when it comes to decision-making. In the words of Jiminy Cricket, "Always let conscience be your guide." If you you are ever unsure of what to do, think to yourself, "What would my mom want me to do?" You know I would never lead you astray, so always think of me as your moral compass. And know, no matter what, you can call me any time of the day or night. (I think you and your friends already know this one).

3. Family is everything. Take care of your sister. Be a role model for your brother. Talk to your dad. Respect your mama. Spend time with your grandparents. 

4. There are going to be moments that make you feel invincible and it will feel amazing… embrace those moments...but promise me you’ll remember that you are mortal. Testing limits is okay, but some boundaries are there for a reason.

5. Be friends with girls. Make them laugh. Be respectful and genuine. Talk to them and listen to them. I promise when you are in a relationship these things will matter, because being friends with, and truly liking the person you love, is a vital part of being a good partner.

6. Not everyone was raised the way that you were. Your roots were planted to ground you. But you were raised to go out into the world and live a good, meaningful life. Wherever life takes you, remember the four of us will always be your home. 

7. I will be here for you. Things change, but I will always be your constant. That was a promise I made when I first held you on that cold December morning when it was just you and me in that hospital room, and one I will keep for my whole life. 

                                                                                     

I love you so much,

Mom

PS- Thanks for being my best friend on Snapchat. Your snaps during the day always make me so happy (well most of them, anyway😜).

                                                              

(idea for my "7 things" inspired by article "Dear Son at 16, These Are 25 Truths I Want You to Know" by Mehr Lee, Grown and Flown).

Happy 14th Birthday!

 Dear Izzy, 

Happy 14th Birthday.  This year you will take your Seminar class and find your “Voice and Vision.”  All the parents were asked to write a letter to their daughters by today…your birthday. Good timing, since I always write a letter for your birthday! I love you so much!  You are my best girl!!! 

I know that I am your mom, but I look up to you. I strive to be more like you. I have said it since you were a baby, “you are inherently you.” Even as a little girl, you knew who you were, what you wanted, and how to get it. As beautiful as you are on the outside, you are even more beautiful on the inside. I admire your drive, your determination, your ability to love others but also love yourself. The start of the teenage years haven’t been the easiest. You are not one to put up with drama, and I love that about you, but unfortunately drama is a key component of being a teenager. I know sometimes it is hard for you to “put yourself out there” and to trust your amazingness, but I am so proud of you for doing it, even if you get hurt in the process. You are able to stand up for yourself in a way that exudes strength and grace. Keep being true to yourself, because you shine a light into this world that is so very needed. And those that deserve to have your light brighten their days will find their way to you.

You have a strong moral compass of integrity, loyalty and excellence. Follow it all the days of your life, and you will always be headed in the right direction. Zachary would tell you that integrity is “doing the right thing even when no one is watching.”  That isn’t to say you never are going to break a rule or make a mistake, but you know right from wrong and live your life in a way that shows integrity every single day. Your loyalty to your family is commendable. You are the glue that holds this family together. We all have a tremendous amount of respect for you, because you are the one who acts with kindness, reason and sometimes a bit of tough love. You strive for excellence in all that you do.  You always give your best effort in the classroom, on the field, and in our home.

When I think about your “voice and vision,” I think about all of the art you have created over the years. The beautiful paintings, cards, and drawings that you have given as gifts to those you love, are true acts of love. The creativeness and thoughtfulness that has gone into each one is a testament of your love for each person. Your imagination and innovation are also demonstrated in your school work and projects. You put your best effort into everything that you create.

You may not realize it, but you are a leader. In school, you are a quiet leader. On the field, you are an exuberant leader. At home, you are a cheerleader.  You are still learning and discovering who you are, but I already know you. I know what you are capable of achieving.  Once you learn to see yourself through my eyes and the eyes of everyone who truly sees you, you will be unstoppable. 

My dear sweet, wonderful girl.  I can’t wait to sit back and watch and say, “I told you, Izzy. Mom IS always right!”

Love you most, 

Mom

Happy 10th Birthday, Zachary

 Dear Zachary,

Happy 10th Birthday to you.  A whole decade of Zachary!   Maybe it is because you are my youngest, but  I often have to remind myself that you are no longer a toddler. You are growing up but, in my heart you will always be my baby. You are a Momma's Boy, my little protector, my snuggle buddy. I hope it will never change. 

Zachary's Top Ten 

10. You love family trips. This year we went to Turks and Florida.  You swam in Grace Bay, the pools and went on the waterslides. You went fishing in the Keys and caught the most fish and the biggest.  You rode a jetski with dad.

9. You swam on swim team this summer for the first time.  You play basketball, flag football and lacrosse.  You love to workout with dad in the basement.

8. You are doing well in 4th grade.  It is a fun year for me, because it brings back memories of my teaching days. You have great friends in school and an awesome teacher who is a Gilman graduate!  You and Grayson are still best buds!

7. You spent a lot of time at the beach this summer.  You went swimming and to the park. You ate crabs,  açaí bowls and ice cream. You spent tons of money at the arcade and took home even more junk, I mean prizes!  Bonfires and fireworks on the beach were your favorite.

6. You like to read, especially graphic novels and the Diary of the Wimpy Kid series. But you love video games and your Ipad a little more 😉.

5. You love french fries, pumpkin muffins, steamed crabs, popcorn and pizza bagels. And this year for your birthday, you asked for old bay wings and coconut cake!

4. You are a wonderful artist.  You enjoy drawing comics and superheroes. I am always impressed with your artwork. 

3. You are my wild child.  You are the one who bends, and sometimes breaks, the rules. As a rule follower myself, sometimes your "no fear" approach to life drives me crazy, but I also know that it will take you far in life.  There is a quote that reminds me of you, "Strong-willed children grow into strong-willed adults who become world leaders, world shapers, and world changers..." I believe in you, Zachary. 

2. You have a personality that is larger than life.  You love to sing. You want to be an actor when you grow up.  You love attention and aren't afraid to do just about anything to get it. Making people laugh is your main goal in life.  

1. You have a heart of gold.  You love your family.  You are a loyal friend.  You say, "I'm sorry," when you are wrong. You are a conscientious student. You love fiercely and you aren't afraid to say it and show it! You have the absolute best smile.  When you smile, it lights up the whole world.  I love you so very much.  And I never doubt you love me too!

I hope all your birthday wishes come true.

Love, Mom