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

 

Happy 16th Birthday!

 Dear Alex,

Happy Sweet 16! I think for a mom a son’s 16th birthday is better described as bittersweet. I miss my baby boy and  kissing those chubby cheeks, playing Superheroes, and taking you to My Gym. But it has been such a joy (mostly) watching  you grow into a loyal, smart, and funny young man. Our relationship has changed over the past few years, but I know you know that I am and always will be your person. The person who will cheer the loudest, have your back, call you out, and always be there when you need to vent or when you don’t want to say a word but just need someone to be present. (Even though you always call me weird) I’m not naive. I know you don’t tell me everything, but I feel so lucky that you feel like you can talk to me. And you can!  I am here for you NO MATTER WHAT!  

I love that you and Izzy have found your friendship again. As little ones, you two had the closet relationship and then for a few years you were too cool for your little sister. Over the past year, you have remembered just how awesome she is and how she will always be your biggest fan. She told me many times how happy she is to have you as her big brother and her friend. As a mom, I couldn’t ask for anything better. And Zach. I never thought with six years between you that you guys would fight, but you do. But it isn’t all arguing and teasing between. I see him laughing at silly (and probably inappropriate) TikTok’s with you and showing you his drawings because he wants your approval. I love how you and your friends make him feel like he is famous when you see him in school. I know he drives you crazy at times, but remember he looks up to you, and as the big brother you have to be a good role model and lead by example. He is watching everything you do. Being the oldest is a tough and important job, believe me, I know. But your loyal, kind heart makes you the perfect guy for the job. 

 

I could go on and on about how proud I am, how much I love you, how lucky I am to be your mom, but I have learned that when your son is a teenager sometimes less is more. 

So I will end with my prayer for you this year. 

I pray that you are always 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 #1.

Mom

P

Happy 13th Izzy

Dear Izzy, 

Happy 13th birthday. I cannot believe that you are thirteen. It feels like only yesterday that I was welcoming my brand new baby girl into this world. And now you’re a teenager. You are all legs - I’m so jealous of those legs. You are several inches taller than me now. And that smile of yours can light up a room and is even more beautiful now that you have your braces off! Over the years your style has changed from tutus and dresses to athletic wear to now tank tops and little skirts with some Lululemon thrown into the mix. I feel like you have grown up this year right before my eyes. 

 

Sixth grade went by in a flash. School was different last year. You were assigned to a pod and the phrase of the year was “social distancing.” You took it in stride and you and the rest of Pod 6-3 made it fun. Your grades were stellar. You were given the opportunity to take a pre-algebra course over the summer in order to get into the honors math track. I left the decision up to you, and you chose to push yourself and it paid off. You were placed in advanced math. I’m so proud that you took on the challenge even though it meant going to school in the summer and doing lots of homework. Your drive and willingness to go the extra mile will take you far in this world. This summer you also played lots of lacrosse and field hockey, spent weeks at the beach, shopped and shopped some more, and completed Junior Life Guard camp.

And in true Izzy fashion we have had so much fun over the last few weeks celebrating this milestone birthday. It started with going to see our favorite singer, Luke Bryan, with Michelle. 

 

Then we went on a girls’ trip with Kaitlyn to the beach. We went to all your favorite stores and restaurants. And of course we spent lots of time at the beach and pool. 

And last night, I made you your favorite Italian dinner and we put thirteen candles in your strawberry shortcake.  

Today you started 7th grade. I’m hoping and praying for a more normal school year for you. No matter what the years brings, I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you do!!  

Be the light. Be the joy. Be the good. This crazy world needs you and is a better place with you in it. 

I love you.  Mom

Happy 9th. Birthday

 Dear Zachary,

Happy 9th birthday to my baby boy!  What a year!  It was 10 months ago today that we canceled our Spring Break trip and were told that we would have to quarantine for two weeks.  It seemed unbelievable at the time, yet here we are almost a year later still in the middle of the Covid-19 Pandemic. In the Spring, you finished second grade virtually. It wasn't easy, but we made it through.  Over the past 10 months there has been too much time spent on Xbox, many miles hiked as a family, a lot of hours playing in the ocean, and countless movie nights, outdoor playdates and s'mores devoured by the fire. This year, you snowboarded for the first time, received your First Holy Communion, learned how to write in cursive.

So many things have been canceled but some things, though a little different, still remain a constant. Sports for one...even though lacrosse was canceled last spring, you were able to join the swim team and you are a natural. I am so impressed with your speed and grace in the water.  This fall and winter, you have been able to pick back up with lacrosse and play on two flag football teams. I love watching you and Dad practice your football plays in the yard. Being a Gilman Greyhound is another constant in your life.  This fall, you returned to school for in-person learning.  I thank God every single day for your wonderful teachers who are making this possible.  Gilman isn't the same as when you left last Spring.  You have to wear masks, and your class size is much smaller because you have to stay "6 feet apart." But you don't mind.  You are so happy to be able to go to school and learn with your friends.  Today, a sled dog team visited Gilman, because you are learning all about the Iditarod.  What a cool way to spend your birthday!  

Zachary, you live life to its fullest.  You are loud.  You love to make other people laugh, you love to sing at the top of your lungs, and stomp and yell when you don't get your way.   You love to push the limits and sometimes you see the line but you cross right over it! You have a kind heart, and when you love someone you would do anything to make them happy. You always show concern and empathy for your friends and family. We are lucky to have you in our lives.  

I love you so much.  You are my baby boy, but I see you growing up and becoming more independent.  But you still love your momma, and I have a feeling you may stay a Momma's Boy just a bit longer, and I am just fine with that.

I love you with all of my heart,

Mom

Happy 15th Birthday!

 Dear Alex, 

Today you turned 15 years old. You are halfway through freshman year in high school, and as always your work ethic makes me so proud. You were a part of the Cross Country team this fall and you are a Mentor to a lower school boy. You are continuing with your faith journey by preparing for your Confirmation. And your art work amazes me! Dad and I are loving watching you grow from our little boy into a wonderful, talented young man. 

When I held you for the first time as a newborn baby,  I never in a million years dreamed we would be living through a pandemic fifteen years later. This year has been anything but normal. I know it is tough for you and life doesn’t always seem fair right now, but I am proud of the way you are handling the disappointments and canceled plans. You are able to keep things in perspective. You acknowledge that things aren’t always the way we wish they were, but you keep a positive and healthy attitude. And although things are not normal right now, I feel blessed for all the good this year has brought us. We got extra beach time this summer with our cousins and friends. You are such an amazing big brother (most of the time) and I love watching you take care of Christopher. He thinks you are the coolest!  I’ll never forget your “Zoom” Tie Ceremony and 8th grade graduation.  And I feel especially lucky that since September you have been able to go to school in person a few days a week.

You are such a loyal and great friend. Your friends are lucky to have you and they are amazing friends in return. You have the nicest friends, and I believe it is because you get what you give. And for once I am thankful for technology, social media and video games. You have all managed to stay close and laugh and have fun even when you can’t be together in person! I know you’re happiest on the days you get to go to school on campus, but a part of me likes the days when you are home with me. It reminds me of when you were little and it was just the two of us all day. Of course, now you are usually in your room doing school work or sleeping instead of making me watch The Wiggles on repeat! 

At fifteen, on one hand you think you know it all!  But on the other hand, you still come to me to talk and vent. I will always be here for you. Dr. Mo, your high school counselor, said something the other day that really stuck with me. He said that as your parents we should be your safety net not your training wheels. You will make mistakes and you will fall down. It is not our job to stop you, but instead we need to catch you and help you get back up.  Never forget that! Even though I will always see you as my baby, I respect your quest for independence as you navigate your teenage years. 

I love you, My Christmas Baby. Fifteen years ago, all I wanted for Christmas was you! You will always and forever be my best Christmas gift ever.  

I love you with all of my heart! 

Mom

Happy 12th Birthday!

Dear Izzy,

Well. This has been a year we will never forget!  It has been a year of "changes!" Your first school year at Bryn Mawr was off to a great start.  You made new friends and excelled in your classes. You were busy taking dance classes, playing field hockey, and baking, painting and drawing in your free time. You were invited to play on a new lacrosse team and won two fall tournaments. 

We celebrated Halloween and you were the perfect Eleven/Bob Ross 😉. We spent an awesome day in New York City with Kaitlyn and Sarah. It was the perfect Girls' Day of shopping and seeing Beetlejuice on Broadway!

We spent the holidays with family. We baked cookies, decorated the Christmas tree and volunteered at Christmas Eve Mass.  We took an amazing trip to Cayman Islands to celebrate New Year's Eve!  Your basketball team won the CMRC Championship.   

Then, one hundred and seventy-two days ago, schools closed and we were told to stay home and social distance from family. Dance classes and sports were canceled, school was moved online, trips were postponed. But somehow you managed to deal with the disappointments with grace and optimism. You performed dances in the basement and you participated fully in your Zoom classes. Your long awaited class camping trip to Echo Hill was virtual, but that didn't stop you from pitching a tent in the backyard and listening to Ms. Sadler read you a story each evening. Your fable was chosen to be a part of the fifth grade play that was narrated and presented as a slideshow, but you were just as proud of your work as if it had been performed on the stage. You celebrated your friends with birthday parades and stood in Grandma’s yard to wish Stella a Happy Birthday! You completed challenges and races for your lacrosse team.  You welcomed our new puppy, Frankie, into our family. You humored me by working on puzzles and watching cheesy TV shows and 80's movies. You incorporated your love of baking into science class when you made a cell model out of a cake! 

.

In June, you graduated from Lower School (virtually, of course) and although things were far from normal, we had an awesome summer. You played lacrosse and swam for the Summer Hill Stingrays. We spent many weeks at the beach.  We enjoyed sunny days breathing in the ocean air and feeling the sand in our toes. We kept our circle of beach chairs six feet apart from others and wore masks when shopping at our favorite surf shops. We had fireworks and a fire pit on the beach. And yesterday, we ended the summer as we always do, with a family brunch on the patio to celebrate YOU!  It may not have been the huge party of years' past, but it was a wonderful day! Today, you were able to go to school for Middle School Orientation. And although, you start Middle School online tomorrow, I know you will make the best of the situation until you can be on campus again. I can always count on you to be the sunshine even on stormy days! 

I love you. You will forever be my best girl.

Mom

.            

Zachary, 

Happy 8th birthday!!

 8 years. 2,920 days. I can’t believe you have been my baby boy for this long. Sometimes I forget and still think of you as my baby or my toddler or my five-year old. I think it is because you are so attached to me. I know the time is coming when I won’t be the center of your universe. I have lived this first hand with your brother. It will break my heart a little, just like it did with Alex. So I will savor this time. I know in a few short years I will be wishing for the time when you always wanted to hold my hand or wanted me to rub your back to help you sleep. These moments are so special to me, because you are my baby. I know I will never have this time with you again.  

You have tried some new things this year. You gave a memorized speech as George W. Bush in school. We went to Disney World, and you rode all the big roller coasters. In Colorado, you loved to rock climb. You hiked and rode a bike for ten miles. You stood on snow in July!  You snorkeled with Daddy in Turks and Caymans. You played flag football this fall and went to two Ravens games. You still play basketball and lacrosse. And you love to swim in school and in the summer at the pool and the beach. 

You continue challenge me everyday. If nothing else, at least you are consistent. You are stubborn and sometimes you have selective hearing. But you have a big heart and show a lot of empathy towards others. You have made a bunch of new friends, and you and Grayson continue to be best buds.

My wish for you this year is for you to realize just how amazing you are! Have confidence. Work hard. Be brave. Be kind. Try to be a little more patient with yourself and others. And as always and forever, I will love you. I am your mom. Your person. And I will continue to be as long as you need me.  And even longer than that. 

I love you, Mommy