Happy 15th Birthday CJ

 Dear CJ,

I can't believe I didn't tell you you're halfway to 30. Ha, I'm sure I've told you the story of Grandma telling me that on my 15th birthday. Always a great thing to hear first thing in the morning.

Anyways, what a ride these last 15 years have been. You sure have a knack for keeping us on our toes. And this year the thing that I was dreading finally happened, you decided to have people call you Chris instead of CJ. I knew this day was coming. I'm just so relieved that you don't want me to call you Chris, because honestly, this has been really hard when talking to your teachers. Most of them know we call you CJ, so sorry if you're still getting called that at school.

This has been such a big year for you. I can definitely tell you are very much trying to assert your independence. Do me a favor though, will you? Don't shut me and your father out. We love you very much and we can help guide you through all of this. Believe it or not we have navigated the teen years. And while we can't know exactly what you're going through we do have a fairly good idea, especially when it comes to the big stuff.

I am enjoying watching you navigate the whole exploratory process at your school and picking what you want your trade to be over the next 4 years. Can't wait to see in a month what you finally choose. Will you go a completely different path than you intended when you started this school like your sister did, or will you stick with what you've always thought you wanted? I have my suspicions on what you'll do. And I'm sure you will do it quietly with zero input accepted from anyone on the matter. Because that's just how you roll. If you do ever want to hear my thoughts on the matter though, you know I will happily share them with you.

Keep working hard and keep trying your best. You, my son, are such a bright and caring person. I miss the little boy you once were, but I love watching the man you are turning into. Happy 15th birthday, CJ! I know you are going to make the most out of every opportunity that comes your way. I love you!

Love always,

Mommy

Happy 20th Birthday, Kaitlyn

 Dear Kaitlyn,

Happy 20th birthday! You're getting so old; or so you keep telling us. I know you still are toiling over what to do with your life, but try not to stress too much. You'll figure out what's right for you. But always make sure whatever you do everyone around you truly sees and appreciates your value. 

I am looking forward to what adventures you will be getting yourself into this year. I know you have a lot of big plans, so I hope everything works out the way you want it to. Keep working hard, but finding ways to have a good time.

Thank you for all the help you offer with your siblings and around the house. We all really appreciate you so much, even if we don't always say it.

I hope you have a great 20th birthday. Congratulations on making it through your teen years. Happy birthday Katie Kiddles, I hope you have so much fun today.

Love always,

Mom

Happy 11th Birthday Alyssa

 Alyssa,

 Double ones on 2/2/22, what a fun birthday you have, in so many ways. I hope you had tons of fun today. You sure are loved, that is very obvious. I hope you know that and felt that today and every day. 

So fun one, what do you think of 11? I have some hopes for you as you go through this next year. I hope you keep being adventurous and trying new things. I hope you get to spend time with friends and family more this year after the last two years of mostly being stuck at home. I hope you get to have a fun and memorable end to your time in elementary school this year. I hope you can start middle school in the fall in a more normal way than school has been for you over the last few years. I hope you keep finding ways to make your own fun.

I am so glad I have gotten to be your mother for these last 11 years. I'm looking forward to what the next 11 years and beyond of your life are going to bring for you and us. I see so many bright things for your future. You are going to do great things.

Happy 11th birthday Lissy. We love you.

Love always,

Mommy