Happy 8th birthday, Caleb!

Dear Caleb,

I love this picture from our "Mommy / Caleb Camp" time last weekend. I love it because it reminds me of the time we were able to spend together, but also because it reminds me of your determination and persistence.  We worked on solving that Rubik's Cube for probably four hours that afternoon. And you stuck with it the whole way, through endless You Tube videos and way too many references to algorithms. Since then, you've solved it a bunch more times on your own and you're getting faster every time. I love that you stick with something until you finally get it; it's a quality you've always had and it's one of my favorites.

This year has passed with lightning speed,  as each year seems to do.  You finished 2nd grade with flying colors. Your teacher said you are a model student, and you told us that you didn't even get on yellow one time the whole year! :-) Math is your favorite subject and you even got the Mega Mathematician Award at the end of the year. You loved playing baseball again this spring and have asked for catcher's gear for your birthday (we'll see what tomorrow brings)! :)

You are exceptionally smart and brave. You're extremely conscientious and aware of what's going on around you.  You are friendly to others,  even when it makes you nervous.

You have amazing reading comprehension and love reading the Harry Potter books over my shoulder (and always pointing out when I skip a swear!). :)

You learned to ride a 2 - wheeler this spring and have even gone on trail rides with daddy.  You also learned to swim this year!  In so many ways you continue to face and overcome the things that make you feel afraid.

I'm so proud of you,  Caleb. And so thankful that God choose us to be your parents.  It really is such a joy to see you grow.  I'm so thankful another year has passed,  because it means another year of health,  growth and memories with you.

I pray God's best for you this year and always.  That your belief in Christ will develop into a strong relationship with Him. And that you continue to be brave and persistent.

I love you,  Cay Cay! Happy birthday!

Love, 

Mommy

Happy 10th Birthday, Gabie!

Gabie:

Tomorrow we celebrate your TENTH birthday.  Ten years ago, you made me a mama and it hardly seems like a decade has passed.  Instead, it seems like I should still be able to pick you up and throw you on my hip like I did when you were smaller.  While I can't pick you up like I used to (and you barely fit on my lap anymore), I'm so thankful to watch you grow and learn everyday.

You are like no other - God made you unique with your witty sense of humor, outgoing personality and tender heart.  You're becoming more independent and confident; you have a great group of friends and for that I'm so thankful.  You have incredible passion and sensitivity, always wearing your heart on your sleeve.  I can trust you to do the right thing - you are conscientious about your actions and the actions of those around you.  You love sports - right now you love basketball and just finished your first season.  You are just starting baseball again and are doing a great job even though you felt frustrated last season.  And we can't forget the baritone - you started playing this year and have learned so much.  You love to play things by ear on the piano and are great at figuring out melodies without the music.  And we have to talk about that hair.  You LOVE having it long and told me this week that you're "known for your hair" at school and "that's how your friends find you."  :-)  This weekend in the car you confirmed that you'd like to be a prospector when you grow up, but that you'd also like to play for the NBA and NHL.  I love your big dreams and pray you never stop believing that you can do anything.


I'm so proud to be your mom.  I know you're becoming more independent, but I will never stop pulling you close, kissing your cheeks and telling you "I love you."  My grandma has always said to me, "you'll always be my baby."  And I feel that way about you.  No matter how old you are, you'll always be my baby - my firstborn and the one who made me a mother.

I love you, Gabriel.  Happy 10th birthday!

Mommy