Happy 17th Birthday

 Dear Chris (AKA CJ),

Happy 17th birthday. You're growing up so fast. When I look back on our time together I began thinking about when I was pregnant with you and was dreaming about what having a son would be like. You are so much better than what I ever could have imagined you would be. You are smart and funny and even at 17 you still want to be around your old mom and help her out with things.  You even look forward to my birthday letters to you every year. I can't imagine what life would be like without you in it, that is for sure.

I hope this year brings so many more new and great things for you. And I'm sure it will if you can continue to work hard and make good choices. This will show us how you've grown and that you're responsible.

Always remember, your dad and I believe in you and know you can do whatever you put your mind to. And part of life is always going to be doing things you don't always want to do or don't enjoy doing. But the rewards you get for doing things you don't like or enjoy will always make it worth it.

I'm looking forward to the next year and then some for you. I hope all of your wishes come true this year and that you have the happiest birthday yet.

Happy birthday, CJ! I love you.

Love always,

Mom

 

 

Happy 13th Birthday Alyssa

 Dear Alyssa,

I don't know how it happened, but somehow you are a teenager. It feels like just yesterday we were frantically driving to the hospital because you surprised us during an ice storm to come a day before you were supposed to. But you did it, you're a teenager.

You amaze me every single day with how smart you are. I don't know how you do it, maintaining those straight As in school. And you're so humble about your grades too. Keep up the hard work. You will do great things in this life.

I love how you want to get involved in everything. Even if it makes me a little crazy trying to juggle it all. You have so many talents. I hope you always keep trying new things.

My wishes for you this year are really the same as always. I wish for you to be happy and continue to pursue all of your dreams. I hope 13 is everything you dreamed it would be, but do me a favor and stop growing so fast. Enjoy these times and don't be in such a hurry to be all grown up. You'll have plenty of time for that.

Happy 13th birthday, Lissy. I hope you had a fun day and got everything you wanted. I love you always!

Love,

Mommy

Happy Sweet 16, Chris

 Dear Chris,

Okay, I'm not gonna lie, that's still hard to type, even harder to actually say. Sorry, but 15 years of calling you CJ, it's just hard. So please continue cutting us some slack, won't you?

Looking back over these last 16 years I can't help but think where did the time go? When we made your time capsule 15 years ago I thought it's going to take forever before we get to see what's in here. Boy, was I wrong. I blinked and you were towering over me. It probably doesn't feel that way to you, probably feels like it took forever to get here. You made it though, we made it even.

Kiddo, I want so many wonderful things for you and your life. And trust me when I say this, all the things you want to do with your life are absolutely 100 percent possible. I know you might think I have to say that because I'm your mom, but all that means is I know you better than anyone else does. And that's exactly why I know you got this. You are so unbelievably smart. And it's okay that math and writing aren't really your thing, you don't have to be the best at those things. You do have to always try your best though, even in the areas that are difficult for you. And I think you are beginning to see that.

We had a rough year this past year, but I see that fire back in your eye, that urge to stay on track. And hey, I don't expect perfection, no one is perfect. I'm sure there are going to be mess ups along the way, but as long as you keep on correcting yourself you'll be just fine. 

Your future is so bright. Whether you join the Army or the Navy or just go right into working in an automotive shop after high school or maybe something else entirely, who knows. I know you'll do great things. Keep working hard, and keep being kind and polite to others. Those doors are going to keep on opening for you.

Keep up the good work you're doing this year, Chris. I am so very proud of you. And the more responsible you are, the more responsibility you'll continue to earn. An after school job, your license, and your own car might not be too far off, so long as you do your best to always think before you do. Happy 16th birthday CJ, AKA Chris. I love you. Best early birthday present I ever got!

Love always, 

Mom

Happy 21st Birthday Kaitlyn

 Dear Kaitlyn,

Twenty-one wonderful years of watching you grow and learn. I don't think I could admire anyone more than I have admired you. With your great will and tenacity to do whatever you set your mind to with all of the roadblocks that get thrown in your way. The things you have experienced in your short life I truly believe would have made me crumble. But they have just made you stronger and more determined. I have always loved that so much about you.

This is a big birthday. And as usual you have lots of big plans for the year ahead. I am so looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds. Daddy and I will always be here for you. And just know, just because I might not be jumping up and down with excitement when you tell me one of your plans, or I tell you I don't think something is a good idea, that 100% does not mean I think you're stupid. I could never ever think that about you. Not after everything you have overcome in your life. I'm just a mom who worries and wants to protect you from ever getting hurt. Doesn't mean I am right though. You have to make your own choices in life and I know that, but it doesn't mean I'm going to stop playing devil's advocate for you if I think you should look at something from a different point of view.

I want you to go out there and live your life however you see fit. And Daddy and I will be proud of you no matter what. Because you are a good, kind, considerate and helpful person. We know only good things are meant to happen for you.

I miss the little girl you used to be, but absolutely love the beautiful, strong, confident young woman you have become. Happy birthday Katie Kiddles! I hope all of your dreams come true.

Love always,

Mom

P.S. Sorry there's no picture, but you know how you are with having your picture taken ;).

Happy 12th Birthday Alyssa

 Dear Alyssa,

The day has finally arrived. You are now officially 12. A much anticipated birthday for you as the last year as a preteen. You have been talking non stop for weeks now about today, well perhaps months. I do hope it ends up being everything you hoped for.

And speaking of hopes, looking ahead I also hope the last year in the preteen phase are everything you imagined and then some. I know things have been tough for you this last year with so many changes. Starting middle school, me going to work out of the house leaving you to come home a lot to no one home. I hope you can embrace this chance of freedom for you. But not too much. We have a lot of trust in you that you'll make good choices. I'm sure you won't disappoint.

Keep on smiling and don't be in such a hurry to grow up. Enjoy every minute of being 12. Because you'll only be 12 once. I love how social you are, always wanting to do things with your friends. I'm so glad you have found yourself such a nice friend group and that you all will have each others backs. Keep having fun and don't ever lose that spunk.

I love you so much and love that I get to call you my daughter. Happy 12th birthday, Lissy. 

Love always,

Mommy

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