Happy 18th Birthday!!

 Isabella,

Today you turn eighteen. And tomorrow you start your senior year. I truly cannot wrap my head around it. I feel like it was yesterday that we were in Two and You making pretzels and painting with Ms. Sally. And then I blinked, and we were at Take a Peek at your Seat in Mrs. Benson’s kindergarten classroom.

And then five minutes later you were starting fifth grade at Bryn Mawr. And then I turned around and you were starting ninth grade. And now Senior Year is on the horizon. I have lived a senior year as a parent, and it is the most  bittersweet year of last firsts. There is no stopping time, so I will try to memorize every second and of course take a million pictures. I will encourage (pester) you to enjoy all the moments both small and monumental and to live in every one. I will cheer for you as you play your last field hockey season, complete your final coursework of high school, and choose your next home (away from home). You may be an adult now, but there will never be a day that you will be too old to be my best girl. 

When I think back on this last year, so many of my favorite moments have been with you. From dancing at our first frat party last fall, to our Spring Break college tour (with a side of beach) trip, to our early mornings workouts and coffees at the beach.. I loved all of these times together. There is no one in this whole world I would rather be stuck in an airport with or sweat next to in a Sculpt class. 

There is a funny TikTok trend that always makes me laugh and think of us. 

In the video one person (me) asks, "Is it me, or are we best friends?” 

Another (you) responds, "Yeah, I mean, I'm definitely your best friend.” 

SO maybe it is me, but how lucky am I? You are my daughter and my best friend. I really don’t want to even think about this time next year. I truly don’t know what I am going to do without you, alone in this house, with dad and Zach 🤪. Your witty one-liners always make me laugh. I am in awe of your intelligence and drive. I am proud of your unwavering integrity. And although sometimes we disagree, you know I am here for you no matter the time of day or night. You have more more year until you fly, but I can already see that you are so ready. Maybe this next year is for me, to give me more time until I have to let you go your own way. But no matter where the next years take you, home is always here.

Always remember "Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire."  -St Catherine 

Happy Birthday, my sweet girl. 

I love you so very much,

Mom

Happy 14th Birthday!

 Dear Zachary,

Today is your 14th birthday. This past weekend, we celebrated your birthday with a family dinner of "steak and potatoes." This is your current favorite meal, and you would eat it every night if you could, followed, of course, by several bowls of cereal and a bowl of popcorn! (Could this be the start of the growth spurt we have been waiting to happen?)

You are halfway through 8th grade, your last year of middle school. You played football in the fall and your team had another undefeated season. You are wrestling this season, and you joined Ski Club again and are really enjoying going snowboarding on Friday nights. And of course, there is lacrosse, which spans all the seasons. 

You continue to do really well in school. You have always been a capable and intelligent student, but this year you have really matured with regards to your schoolwork. And after many years of complaining and fighting with me about homework, this year you do your work with way fewer gripes and moans, which is a win for me! You are taking art this year, as your elective, and I love to see your creative side shine. My Christmas present was a painting of flowers. You even had dad take you to have it framed. It meant so much to me that you gave me such a thoughtful gift that you created. 

For all of your life, you have been strong willed and tenacious. Sometimes I think arguing is your default setting. Yet, beneath the fiery temper there is a heart of purest gold, a heart which shows empathy and fierce loyalty for your family and friends. Your strength of will, while challenging, is also your greatest asset. You are loud and wild and can drive the most patient person to the brink. And while you aren't afraid to protest and debate, you are just as quick to say "I love you" and "I'm sorry." Your sense of humor, though inappropriate at times, is unmatched and your mischievous smile has won the heart of every person you have ever met.

I know you are growing up, but you will always be my baby boy. And I hope you never get too big to give me a hug and say, "I love you" before you leave the house. Those hugs are the best part of my day. 

I love you all the love in this world. Always and forever.

Mom