Happy 14th Birthday CJ

 Dear CJ,

Happy Birthday Mr. Awesome. For the last 14 years you have been bringing so much joy and happiness to our lives. Watching you grow has been truly bittersweet because while I want to spend as much time as possible with you I also love seeing you overcome every obstacle.

People tell me all the time what a great kid you are. And it's so true. You are polite, you are funny, and you are a hard worker. Such great qualities which will take you so far in life.

I am so proud of what you are accomplishing this year. I know I drive you crazy always reminding you how important it is to do well in school so you can make your dreams come true, and you have truly stepped up to that challenge this year. I don't know why I was worried you wouldn't do it. Keep up the hard work kiddo, I promise you it will take you far in life. 

The world needs more people like you in it. I'm just so happy I get to be along for the ride. I hope 14 is a great year for you. The best is yet to come in life, kiddo. Remember, don't have a good day, have a GREAT day! I love you always and forever. Happy birthday, CJ.

Love always,

Mommy

Happy 19th Birthday Kaitlyn

 Dear Kaitlyn,

What a year it's been. Not exactly how any of us thought it would go, and everything you worked so hard for all seemed to end in a fizzle. But in true Kaitlyn fashion you plugged on probably a lot less phased by all you missed out on than I was.

I know you think 19 is no big deal. Nothing big happens this year, it's just another day, but I know you will make this a great year. Whether it's going back to school in the fall, or finding yourself the job you see yourself doing, you will figure it all out. Maybe not this year, but everything you challenge yourself into doing always leads you to a new adventure and something new you find out about yourself. Don't think you have to figure it all out at once though. Now is the time to try new things and explore all of your interests.

I am truly looking forward to you finding your path. And always know your father and I will always be here with you every step of the way cheering you on and offering advice whether you want that advice or not. 

Happy 19th birthday Katie Kiddles. I hope you have a lot of fun today and a great year ahead. I love you!

Love always,

Mommy

Happy 10th Birthday Lissy

 Dear Alyssa,

Finally, the much anticipated day has arrived. I hope it hasn't been too disappointing what with COVID raging on and a near blizzard putting a monkey wrench in everything for you. I cannot believe that you are 10 years old. It truly feels like just yesterday I was sitting on the couch after eating dinner when you said nope, I'm going to change all of your plans and make you scramble. You have been full of surprises literally since the day you were born.

You know, you round out our family in the most perfect of ways. I know you wish you could be a big sister, but you're just going to have to settle for someday, hopefully far down the road, being someone's awesome aunt. You complete this family, no one could ever follow your act. So sorry kiddo, you're stuck being the youngest, but rest assured, you are awesome at it.

The past year has been anything but typical. There has been a whole lot of shifting of plans and even some losses along the way, but you sure have shown how very strong and resilient you are. Switching to distance learning, you did so without complaint and even have done pretty good with it. I hope life can start to get back to normal and you can start getting to hang out with your friends in person and not just on Zoom or on the phone. I know you miss your friends.

You are growing up so fast. Sometimes I wish I could make it stop, but at the same time I can't wait to see where life is going to take you. You have so many great and wonderful thoughts for how your future will play out. No matter what you do, I am sure you will be great at it and you certainly are not going to let anyone push you around. You are a girl to be reckoned with and it's because of that, that I have no doubt your greatness is going to shine in whatever you do.

Have a great birthday baby girl, and I hope your 10th year with us is absolutely the best one yet. Happy 10th birthday Alyssa. You complete us!

Love always,

Mommy