Happy 18th Birthday Chris

 Dear Chris,

 

Over the last few weeks as we have approached your milestone 18th birthday step into adulthood I have really been reflecting over the years.  This is a very exciting year for you and a very bittersweet one for us as your parents. While I look back and sometimes miss the days of you saying everyone was 40, calling yourself Mr. Awesome or Chris Danger or your cute toddler voice questioning very innocently "Who said shit?" I am also looking ahead at your future.

 

You have such a bright future ahead of you, but I have to admit something to you, Chris. Right now I am terrified of you going into adulthood. Because the thing is I know I have so much more to teach you and prepare you for, but I also know how ready you are to spread your wings and fly from the nest. And trust me, we want you to do that more than anything because we know you are going to do amazing things, but we also want you to not make some of the mistakes we have made along the way.

 

And look, we know it's all a part of growing up. You have to make the mistakes to learn, but I do hope you'll hang in there with us a little bit longer and understand every single nag about your grades or argument about getting up and getting on the bus is because I love you and I do know the world is a cruel place. In order for you to achieve your dreams, whatever they may be, there are certain things that if you do them the right way now it is just going to make it easier for you in the future.

 

So I'm asking you, my dear son, please bear with us as we navigate these waters. Yes, we've done the step into adulthood twice before, but this is our first time with YOU. And as you loved to declare as a very little guy, perhaps not so modestly, you are awesome. But with that awesomeness comes great responsibility. So please try to heed our advice. 

 

Senior year of high school is such a fun time. So do take time to enjoy it, but work hard. Graduation is so close, you can reach out and grab it and it's another bittersweet milestone that this year is going to bring for us. 

 

Please understand, we love you so much and really do only want the best for you. So please try and have a little patience with us and we'll try and do the same with you. 

 

Happy 18th birthday, Chris. Welcome to being an adult. Be prepared to spend the rest of your life missing the good ol' days of being a kid, lol.  Remember, no matter what we will always love you and have your back!

 

Love, 

Mom

 

 

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 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 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 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 13th Birthday CJ

 CJ,

It's finally here, you are now a teenager. As I do every year on your birthday, I have been reflecting on all the years that came before with you. Starting of course with our first moments together just staring in awe at your perfectly round little baseball head thinking how you were the greatest early birthday present I ever got. And you are just the gift that keeps on giving every year too. 

You told me this year that you wanted to bake me a birthday cake, all by yourself simply because I always bake you a cake for your birthday every year. Just knowing that you want to do that for me is the best birthday present you could give me. Because you know that I bake you a cake because I care, and you want to do the same for me to show me that you care. 

With each passing year I am more and more proud that I get to be your mom. Watching you come into your own has been great to see. Hearing from others that you have such a good head on your shoulders and don't just follow the group and start doing whatever the other kids do. It's a great quality to not be a follower.

The last year has most definitely been trying in so many ways with having to figure out a different way to do school and not being able to see your friends. You haven't complained though. And I know there have been times you have wanted to give up, but you have continued on. Please keep working hard, even with all of this adversity. You have so much potential to reach your dreams, and I'm not just saying that because I'm your mom. 

I hope today is everything you hoped it would be, and I hope your 13th year ends up being everything you thought it would be. Keep growing, keep learning, and keep having that big giant heart of yours. I love you so much and wish you the happiest 13th birthday a boy could ever have.

Love always,

Mommy

 

 

 

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 10th Birthday CJ

Dear CJ,

A whole decade has passed since you first came into our lives. You are everything I ever imagined and then some.  This has been a wild 10 years with you, but all very memorable. I'm looking forward to what the next 10 years will bring. Will you continue playing baseball? Go on to pursue being a monster truck driver? Or perhaps you'll fall back in love with fire fighting.

Whatever you do, I just hope you'll be happy doing it. That's all I ever want.  I hope you will always have that big heart that you have and that great sense of humor.  And even though most of time your stubbornness drives me crazy I want you to keep that too, just maybe not as much with me.

I hope 10 is all you imagined it would be.  Happy birthday CJ! I love you.

Love,
Mommy.

Happy 9th Birthday CJ

Dear CJ,

Wow! Nine years! You my boy are everything I ever could have dreamed for in a son. You are kind, loving, handsome, and funny. I love getting to share Met's baseball with you. Seeing the excitement in your eyes when we go to a game. I love watching you play baseball even more. I hope you enjoy playing it as much as I'm enjoying watching you play baseball.

As much as I hate to admit it you're a preteen now. This is going to begin to open up a whole new world for you. I want you to know you will always be my baby boy no matter how big you get. Even if you are taller than me, which yes, you probably will be, both of your sisters are.

I hope nine is an amazing year for you. Filled with lots of fun and excitement. I know there are big changes for us on our horizon with Natalie graduating and going to college and our plan of moving to Florida in the summer. I know it's going to be hard for you to say goodbye to your friends, but I know you'll make new ones. You are such a smart and friendly little boy and anyone who wouldn't want to be your friend is a fool.

Whatever you do stay awesome kiddo. I love you and hope this birthday is the best one yet.

Love,
Mommy

Happy 7th Birthday CJ

Dear CJ,

All my life I dreamed of the day I would have children. I always wanted a son, but you turned out to be way more than I could have ever dreamed for. You are always making me laugh with the things you say and do.

This year you have begun to love the sport of baseball with me. Well, more importantly the Mets. I love that we can share that together.

This has been such a big year for you. Going to school all day long, but you have handled it with stride. I on the other hand still miss you like crazy everyday and find myself anxiously awaiting your arrival home. We don't get special lunch dates together very often anymore, but when we do it's time that I truly cherish with you.

As you grow older my wish for you is that you remain courteous and funny. Keep making people laugh, but choose that time wisely. Don't you ever give up on things that are tough for you. The reward I promise you will be great.

Keep asking questions and sharing that beautiful mind of yours with others. Give of yourself freely and always know that I am here for you if you ever need me for anything. I will love you no matter what you do, even if you spend the rest of your days in 1st grade on orange. Still, continue to work hard to make the right choices which make me smile. But don't do it for me, do it for you to make yourself smile.

Have a great 7th birthday and whatever you do, don't eat too much pizza!

I love you with all of my heart CJ.

Love always,
Mommy

CJ's Birthday Letter

Note: It seems the only time now I am updating this blog is for birthday letters.  Sorry about that, things have been crazy.  But this is the best place for me to keep these letters to the kids.  Guess what!  CJ's 6 today!

Dear CJ,
I cannot believe you are six years old!  You have been looking forward to this day for a while though.  So here we are.  Six whole years old.  What can I say?  You make me laugh and smile every single day.  Don't ever lose that sense of humor or imagination.

I have watched you overcome so much in your short life.  You have always done it with a great deal of determination.  It really should never come as a surprise to me what you can accomplish when you put your mind to it.  But it does every time.  So Kindergarten wasn't your thing last year, but this year you are killing it.  You have made up your mind to do certain things and have just done it.  I love that so much about you.

I worried that this was going to be a difficult year for you socially having to watch your friends all go forward without you.  But you have embraced it and made new friends while still managing to hold onto the old ones.  You really are an inspiration.

I couldn't imagine my life without you in it brightening it up.  Every day I wonder what is he going to say to make me laugh today?  What a wonderful gift you have been.  I love and cherish you always and wish you the best 6th birthday any little boy has ever had.  I hope all your dreams and wishes come true now and forever.

I love you CJ guy more than you'll ever know.  Happy 6th Birthday!

Love,
Mommy

Christmas 2012

Okay see I told you I would do this.  Here was our Christmas.  It was a great time.  Christmas Eve was our Christmas with family which was lots of fun.  Christmas day we opened our gifts, had our breakfast, hung around until we went to see Parental Guidance with the kids.  Very funny movie.  It was a wonderful low key day just the way we like it.

Christmas Eve

Alyssa ready to open gifts

CJ's car carrier

Tools!

Alyssa still getting used to this whole gift thing.

Yes, a truck!

Back to the tools

All 4 kids

They are so goofy

Natalie had no idea that Kevin did this.

All those toys and these two like a box

The biggest kid of all

Me and mom

Margaret

Ride over

And here's Christmas day...

Santa came

Lots of great treasures

The stockings

Santa loved his cookies

Opening gifts

Hunger Games

A remote control car that goes in the water

Alyssa wants to open it now.

Earrings and a Webkinz

A puppy

Her very own legos

What do we have here?

Each piece she ripped off had to go in the garbage

It's a Handy Manny lunchbox

Kaitlyn what do you have there? An art set?

A CHAINSAW!

She got a new phone!

CJ insisted I take his picture with his gift from Kaitlyn

So that was Christmas.  All in all a great time.  Glad to have it over though.

Final Picture Catchup Of 2012

I still can't seem to keep this blog updated regularly.  Sorry about that.  But surely you love getting a blast of our events all at once.  So here's the final picture catch up of 2012.  Maybe my new years resolution for 2013 should be to keep up with this blog better.  But well I hate resolutions because I begin them all gung ho and then get disappointed when after a month I stop.  So I won't do that to you or myself. 

Here is what we have been up to since I last updated...

Creating masterpieces.

CJ's turkey

Natalie's spaghetti bridge

 Celebration of Families luncheon

CJ eating his lunch

So deep in thought

 Thanksgiving

Meeting Santa

CJ telling Santa he wants a chainsaw

Kaitlyn wants art stuff

Natalie wants a phone

Alyssa just wants to get away from Santa

All 4 with Santa

 Decorating our tree

Kaitlyn putting on the ornaments

Alyssa helping

Daddy helping Alyssa

Reach up high Kaitlyn

CJ decorating the tree

Natalie the goof ball

Why is she doing the low ones?

Joe decorating the tree

Alyssa decorating the tree

Hi Natalie

Hard at work

Our new ornament this year from NH

The best view of the Christmas tree

All done

He's so handsome

 December also brought a trip into NYC

Kaitlyn on the train

Alyssa on the train

CJ on the train

The ticket taker gave him a smiley face, he had to have his picture taken with it.

Who's smile is better?

Time Square

The ferris wheel in Toys R Us

Meeting Mario and Mickey

Don't they look thrilled?

The sights of the city

The tree at Rockefeller Center

We made it!

 And finally we have PJ day at the kids school

Kaitlyn and CJ on PJ day!

CJ went to school like this

Kaitlyn went to school like this

 I was going to put Christmas on here too, but this was getting rather long.  So look out for a 2nd post of Christmas Eve and Christmas day from us.  I promise I won't forget, I'm doing it right now.