Happy 12th Birthday CJ

Dear CJ,

Another year has passed. You are a year older, hopefully a year wiser, and a year taller. I feel like you've really blossomed this year. Starting to open up more with what's on your mind and what your opinion is about things. And I love seeing how your mind works too. What things are important to you and things that are not so much. Other people have been noticing it too and telling me what a cool kid you are.

You have such a big heart. You always watch out for those younger than you. I don't think I've ever had to tell you to do that either. If there are little ones around you step more lightly and take the time to help them and show them the way. That's probably why little kids always enjoy being around you so much.

This year you started middle school and you marched right into it like you've been there all your life. I on the other hand was a nervous wreck for you. But you have owned it. It never seemed to bother you when you found out that your best friend wasn't going to be in any of your classes, you went there and made new friends. Seemed like without hesitation too. If it was hard for you, you certainly never let on to me.

As we go through the next year I hope you continue to tackle things this way with this take charge attitude of yours. But always know Daddy and I will always be here for you whenever you need us if you are unsure or scared about something. It's okay to be scared, and it's okay to ask for help.

I hope you have a great 12th birthday, one that you will always remember and look back on fondly. Keep on being awesome. We love you. Happy 12th birthday, I'm so glad I get to be your mom!

Love always,

Mommy

Happy 20th Birthday Natalie

Dear Natalie,

Well, it's finally here, the day you have been waiting for, to be able to officially say you are not a teenager. Funny how you always hated growing older and now you are trying to rush all this growing up all at once. Don't be in such a big hurry to be an "adult". If you think you are stressing now about how to pay for things, just wait until you do have all of those housing responsibilities and you don't know how you're going to pay for food. There's no need to rush this. It will all happen in time and hopefully when you're more financially ready to take it on, and then you'll be wishing you could go back to when things were simpler and you didn't have all these bills to worry about.

We always want what's best for you and want to keep you from having to struggle as much as we can. It's not that we don't want you to grow up, it's that we don't want you to jump into things you are not ready for yet.

Do not ever settle. You deserve to have the best of everything and the best from everyone. Someone who can accept you for who you are and all of you just as you come.

I will always be with you. I am the whisper in the leaves as you walk down the street, the smell of your favorite foods, the scent of life itself. I was your first love, your first friend, and even your first enemy. Nothing on this earth can separate us though. Not time, not space, and not even death.

I hope 20 is everything you thought it would be and all of your dreams come true. Happy birthday!

Love,
Mommy

Happy 17th Birthday Kaitlyn

Dear Kaitlyn,

Happy birthday! What a crazy rough emotional year it has been for you. In case you didn't know this I am super proud of how you have handled everything. You have been faced with some very difficult situations that many adults in your same circumstance wouldn't have handled with the amount of maturity and strength that you have. And that makes me so proud, and probably a lot relieved as your mom to know as you continue to take these steps towards independence that you are going to be just fine.

I do hope when you look back on 16 though that you can remember the good times more than the bad ones. While each moment (the good and the bad) will shape who you are, I do hope you have some fond memories of things that have happened this year.

Going forward continue showing your strength and maturity. Remember, you can do whatever you put your mind to and no one including some immature insecure little boys can stop you. You are going places kid. Just believe in yourself and the amazing talents and abilities you have. Tackle everything you come across with that wonderful kind, giving personality of yours and your beautiful smile. You will in the end always come out on top so long as you do that.

I hope 17 is a great year for you and you have infinitely more ups this year than you have downs. Reach for the stars Kiddles, I know you can do it!

Love always,

Mommy

Happy 8th birthday to my baby girl

Dear Alyssa,

My little groundhog who's always so full of surprises from the moment you were born. It's hard to believe it has been eight years since you came along to complete our family. The perfect addition to our family. My wish for you this year is that you have so much fun and learn so many new and exciting things in school.

I hope you never lose your creative side. Keep on writing those books and drawing those amazing pictures you draw. I hope one day you will help all those sick dogs like you want to.

Wishing you a super happy 8th birthday. I hope you get everything you wanted today. We all love you so very much and hope this is the best birthday yet.

Happy 8th birthday my sweet little baby girl.

Love always,
Mommy