Happy Sweet 16!!!

 Dear Izzy,

Happy Sweet 16 to my best girl. Gone are the days of tutus (except on school spirit days), princesses and American Girl dolls (but you will always be daddy's princess and my Bitty Baby), and a room full of stuffed animals (well maybe a Jelly Cat or two). Hello to the days of studying in 10th grade, playing Varsity Field Hockey, volunteering your time at church, driving me around as you practice your skills, collecting of lip gloss and jewelry, painting your nails and creating with watercolors, sitting with friends at the kitchen island talking about the night before, and hanging out with one blue eyed boy.

We have had so many good times this past year... ringing in New Year's in Turks with family, our "party of 5" going to Siesta Key for Spring Break, seeing Zach Bryan on dad's birthday and Morgan Wallen in the pouring rain, celebrating your Confirmation with Alex as your sponsor.  I love all these memories but nothing beats being "BeachWalkers" in Ocean City. Fourth of July with Alex's buddies and your girls, going shopping and our breakfast runs to High Tide, sunset with Gabe, the kids and TJ, and of course the last week hanging out with the family, having a week long sleepover with cousins, and laughing until we cried (mostly because we agree Jake is the funniest person ever). 

I am in awe of the young woman you are, and I love being your mom. You are beautiful inside and out. Your smile lights up a room. People sometimes describe you as quiet, but when you speak, you do so with intention, wisdom and humor. Being able to be still in your thoughts makes you a good listener, and we all turn to you for advice and sometimes a reality check. Keep being exactly you, because you, my daughter, have so much good in your heart and dad and I are so blessed to be your parents. And your brothers are beyond lucky to have you as their sister and friend.

I pray for my kids all the time. As you three grow and change, so do my prayers. I wrote this prayer for Alex when he turned sixteen, and now I will pray these words for you this year.

I pray for you to always be kind and use the gifts God has given you for good and service to others. I pray that God keeps you safe when you are behind the wheel. I pray you make good choices, and when you make mistakes, you learn from them. I pray that you always find joy in life even on the tough days. 

I love you my sweet (sixteen) girl,

Mom

Happy 12th Birthday!!

Dear Zach, 

Happy 12th birthday to my baby boy! One more year until you are a teenager, but in many ways you already act like one. You love to stay up late, play video games, hang out with Alex and his friends, and argue for the sake of arguing. 

The highlight of this past year was when we surprised you with a trip to Universal Studios. We picked you up from school and headed to the airport. We spent three days in the parks from open to close. You guys rode every roller coaster and I even went on some rides too. We had the best weekend. You ask to go back at least once a week. 

You are in middle school this year! Middle school at Gilman is one of the coolest places (says me, a former teacher). You love switching classes and how fast the day seems to go. You may forget a book now and then or get to Language Arts class a few minutes late (traffic!) but you are getting straight A’s and always get your homework done. Your teachers have nothing but good things to say about you. 

You have lots of friends and Izzy’s and Alex’s friends all treat you like a little brother. It makes me smile every time someone sees you and says “Ziggy!” because everyone knows you and loves you.  Your bond with Stella is as strong as ever, and I love that she is one of your best friends! Every boy needs a girl best friend. 

You are so easy to love. You are funny, kind, loyal, and quick witted. And that mischievous smile of yours is contagious. Your inappropriate jokes and use of curse words gets you in trouble, but as a third child, I admit you get away with too much. But I know when push comes to shove, you make the right choices and stand up for others. But you also know when to walk away from a fight, not because you are scared of confrontation, but because I have taught you it is usually the person who reacts that loses. Being the bigger person is always a sure way to win! 

Besides playing video games (too many video games), you play lacrosse and flag football. You also started wrestling. It is not an easy sport and takes a lot of mental grit, not to mention physical stamina. It isn’t easy  to get back up, but you do. And we are proud of you for trying something new and difficult. 

Cheers to you my sweet boy! Have the happiest day and the best year ever. 

I love you more, 

Mom