Dear Papaw,
I have been thinking of writing you this letter for months. I really wanted the perfect words to share with you my perspective, but felt overwhelmed by the magnitude of the thanks I am wanting to offer you in this letter. I hope my words do enough to convey this to you.
The realization I had about you, your life, your success, and your learning disability have only come in my adulthood. As the parent of a child with dyslexia and the identification of my own dyslexia in adulthood, I am filled with gratitude for the path you took in your life. I have a feeling, knowing how hard you are on yourself, that you are confused by my proclamation of gratitude. Please give me a moment to explain how I see your choices in life impacting every generation to come after you in our family tree.
The last time I got to sit and listen to you tell the stories that make up your life, I heard some familiar ones and some new ones. I heard about your first experience when you tried to start college, your path home after, and your restart into college the next year. It was after this conversation that I was struck. I was struck that you very easily could have come home after your first start and stayed forever and been pretty happy on the farm. No one would have faulted the guy that struggled so significantly in school, if he had decided to stay on the farm that he loved and had worked hard to carve out a life from himself. You love the farm. You struggled in school. It would have been an easy path to stop there and live a long life right where you started. What is so amazing, and what I am so grateful for is, you didn't do that. You didn't take the easy way. You went to school. You became educated. You overcame many obstacles to not only earn a bachelors degree, but also a master's and doctorate. You have had an extremely successful career as an educator, becoming one of the most respected professionals in your field. You built a life and never took the easy way out.
From my perspective, the decision to stay is school is your legacy. I'm pretty sure, in all these years, it has never occurred to you the impact that your life decisions have had on your children, your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren, and every generation that will come after you in the future. Your legacy is an impressive one. With your decision to stick with school and overcome your learning disability, you have impacted the paths of those of us that have come after you. By not going home and staying home after your first attempt at college, you made it so all of us would do the same with the goals that we set for ourselves. There is never a question, no matter what, in this family we don't give up.
Your life could have been a good life without a college degree. It's not the college degree that makes me proud to be your granddaughter. It's the hard working spirit, the dedication to a goal, the perseverance, the willingness to take the tougher road to overcome difficult obstacles that make me proud. So, yes, you could have lived a good life without the degrees and still given me much to be proud of. I know that I would've still learned many lessons about this very things from you had you not gone to college. However, you chose to be great, not just good enough. You chose to take the hard road when the easy one could have been a rich and full life too. By doing that, by taking that difficult path, you set up every generation after you to become great as well.
This is my way of sharing my heartfelt thank you to you. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for never giving up. Thank you for showing me with your actions that we are all capable. Thank you for showing me that the road less traveled can lead to great things.
I love you.
Much love,
Taylor
P.S. It goes without saying that much of your greatness comes from the influence of a great partner. Your marriage and partnership with Mamaw has had as much of an impact on my life as your decision to prioritize your education. I don't have to tell you how much credit Mams deserves in all of this greatness. I couldn't write this whole letter without mentioning her impact...but I think the amazing things she has done in her own legacy will take an entirely different letter. :)
Showing posts with label letters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label letters. Show all posts
Monday, November 24, 2014
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Julianna's first day of kindergarten letter
My darling Julianna,
You started school a few days ago. I'm not going to lie....it was probably in my top five worst days of my life. You are only reading this letter after you've gotten old enough not to have real guilt about going off to school and leaving your poor, grieving mother. So I feel like I can be an open book about how I was feeling.
To be honest, when Lily started kindergarten, it was a huge step. It felt life altering, and it was. However, it was also a relief when she started going to school all day. I had a three-year-old and a one-year-old and I didn't have time or energy to grieve too much when she left. I know it was a bittersweet transition when she started kindergarten but I had my hands full and I was okay. Two years later, Drew started kindergarten and it hit me a little harder in my gut. I was pretty sad that first day and you and I may or may not have gone and stalked his first lunch recess time together. We both missed him and it was a little bit harder than with my first. However, I still had you, I told myself. I felt like I would soak up every bit of Julianna time I could (and felt a little guilt for my middle child that never had gotten that day after day one-on-one time that you girls got).
This summer I was dreading the start of school. The summer wouldn't go slow enough and when Lily broke her arm it just seemed to make everything go even faster. We were always looking ahead to the next thing for Lily's recovery and trying to stay positive. This had us always counting down the days and weeks toward no cast....but it was also the countdown to the big start to kindergarten. When it finally arrived, I kept my calendar open. I didn't want to do any crying out in public and I thought my introverted personality would relish the quiet of the first day of school. Boy, was I wrong. I came home and was just so sad. I was pathetic, actually. You were my youngest, off to kindergarten, and I was at home feeling sorry for myself. It was like the rug being pulled out from under me. All of my preparations for this day, all my efforts to not lose myself in motherhood, were lost in my grief. I was suddenly the stay-at-home mom with no one to stay home with. It was just a lot harder than I had expected it to be. You were my buddy, my sidekick. You were a joy to have around all day and I just was wishing I could have even more time with you.
Fast forward a few days and I am better. I'm still a little sad because I am under no illusions about how fast you will grow up now. Starting school seems to put kids on the fast track to growing up. It feels like just a few months ago that Lily was in your position and now she's starting fourth grade. However, I also know that it is the next step in your life and you were more than ready to take it. You didn't know about all of my grief as you took your steps into kindergarten and that's they way I will keep it for as long as I can.
You liked your first days of kindergarten. You are way more shy that I had anticipated. All of your life you have been an expert at making friends and getting along with people. However, as kindergarten neared, you did develop a little more shyness than you'd ever had before. I'm sure that you will warm up and make lots of friends and be just fine, but I hope that it's not with too many growing pains. You are one of the most likeable people on the planet, so I am hoping that you will just get out there and show all those potential friends how awesome you are.
During the first day of school I obviously was in no state to being writing you a letter about going off to school. It wasn't until five days later, today, that I could finally have some perspective on the whole experience. Today we went to the lake and got the boat out for only the second time all summer. You requested a tube ride and during that epic tube ride, and I do mean EPIC, I had an epiphany. Around every turn and spin of the boat, for every bounce the tube hit on the water, you were joyous. I have never in my life seen someone enjoy an experience so fully. You were absolutely present and carefree and happy and filled with pure joy. The look on your face was exactly what I needed to see. That face and those giggles and squeals were what told me that you would be okay. I have nothing to worry about. If you face life with the amount of joy and risk-taking as you did behind that boat, I have nothing left to teach you. You will absolutely do just fine. And I will too.
Thank you, Julianna. Thank you for all the amazing lessons you have taught me. Thank you for your generosity of spirit and your love for life. As you grow, you will teach many lessons to many people. You will teach these lessons just by being yourself and that is something we can both be proud of.
I love you more than words can say.
Love,
Mommy
You started school a few days ago. I'm not going to lie....it was probably in my top five worst days of my life. You are only reading this letter after you've gotten old enough not to have real guilt about going off to school and leaving your poor, grieving mother. So I feel like I can be an open book about how I was feeling.
To be honest, when Lily started kindergarten, it was a huge step. It felt life altering, and it was. However, it was also a relief when she started going to school all day. I had a three-year-old and a one-year-old and I didn't have time or energy to grieve too much when she left. I know it was a bittersweet transition when she started kindergarten but I had my hands full and I was okay. Two years later, Drew started kindergarten and it hit me a little harder in my gut. I was pretty sad that first day and you and I may or may not have gone and stalked his first lunch recess time together. We both missed him and it was a little bit harder than with my first. However, I still had you, I told myself. I felt like I would soak up every bit of Julianna time I could (and felt a little guilt for my middle child that never had gotten that day after day one-on-one time that you girls got).
This summer I was dreading the start of school. The summer wouldn't go slow enough and when Lily broke her arm it just seemed to make everything go even faster. We were always looking ahead to the next thing for Lily's recovery and trying to stay positive. This had us always counting down the days and weeks toward no cast....but it was also the countdown to the big start to kindergarten. When it finally arrived, I kept my calendar open. I didn't want to do any crying out in public and I thought my introverted personality would relish the quiet of the first day of school. Boy, was I wrong. I came home and was just so sad. I was pathetic, actually. You were my youngest, off to kindergarten, and I was at home feeling sorry for myself. It was like the rug being pulled out from under me. All of my preparations for this day, all my efforts to not lose myself in motherhood, were lost in my grief. I was suddenly the stay-at-home mom with no one to stay home with. It was just a lot harder than I had expected it to be. You were my buddy, my sidekick. You were a joy to have around all day and I just was wishing I could have even more time with you.
Fast forward a few days and I am better. I'm still a little sad because I am under no illusions about how fast you will grow up now. Starting school seems to put kids on the fast track to growing up. It feels like just a few months ago that Lily was in your position and now she's starting fourth grade. However, I also know that it is the next step in your life and you were more than ready to take it. You didn't know about all of my grief as you took your steps into kindergarten and that's they way I will keep it for as long as I can.
You liked your first days of kindergarten. You are way more shy that I had anticipated. All of your life you have been an expert at making friends and getting along with people. However, as kindergarten neared, you did develop a little more shyness than you'd ever had before. I'm sure that you will warm up and make lots of friends and be just fine, but I hope that it's not with too many growing pains. You are one of the most likeable people on the planet, so I am hoping that you will just get out there and show all those potential friends how awesome you are.
During the first day of school I obviously was in no state to being writing you a letter about going off to school. It wasn't until five days later, today, that I could finally have some perspective on the whole experience. Today we went to the lake and got the boat out for only the second time all summer. You requested a tube ride and during that epic tube ride, and I do mean EPIC, I had an epiphany. Around every turn and spin of the boat, for every bounce the tube hit on the water, you were joyous. I have never in my life seen someone enjoy an experience so fully. You were absolutely present and carefree and happy and filled with pure joy. The look on your face was exactly what I needed to see. That face and those giggles and squeals were what told me that you would be okay. I have nothing to worry about. If you face life with the amount of joy and risk-taking as you did behind that boat, I have nothing left to teach you. You will absolutely do just fine. And I will too.
Thank you, Julianna. Thank you for all the amazing lessons you have taught me. Thank you for your generosity of spirit and your love for life. As you grow, you will teach many lessons to many people. You will teach these lessons just by being yourself and that is something we can both be proud of.
I love you more than words can say.
Love,
Mommy
Thursday, May 22, 2014
The letter I didn't think I'd ever be ready to write
Dear Julianna,
So, your visit to kindergarten passed and I didn't write a letter. Then you preschool recognition happened and I still didn't write a letter. Then your last day of preschool happened and still no letter. I want you to know that it's not because you're the youngest and it's not because I didn't have anything to say or that I forgot about the Kindergarten Visit Letter. I thought about the blog and the letter I wanted to write to you on every day that has passed for the last month. I didn't sit down and write it because I just had too much to say and too many thoughts to try and put it into a letter to my little girl. My littlest girl that isn't so little any more and by the time you read this you will probably be a very grown up girl, indeed. So I'm not making excuses. I just wanted to let you know that this letter is hard to write and terribly difficult to think about.
I know you know this, but on the day that you were born, you didn't cry. Not once. When they put you on my chest when you were very first born you just laid their looking around not making a peep. That moment kind of freaked me out, as the only other babies I had witnessed the births of were your brother and sister. And they certainly let their presence known upon arrival. I was so worried that I asked them to check to see if you were breathing. You were. I can still see the nurse standing there and assuring me that you were fine, perfect even. She was sure that it was just your temperament. You were going to be an easy-going person. She was correct. You arrived sweet and easy-going and you have stayed just that way. I have never met anyone like you and I love that story so much because it perfectly captures your spirit and who you are way down deep.
The whole first day and night after you were born there were no tears. The closest you came to unhappy was when you would get hungry you would meow at me that you were ready to eat. You are still that way on most days. You love to be with people and make friends easily. You are willing to change a plan or adjust what you want if it doesn't work for everyone. I'm not sure where that came from because all that niceness doesn't make you a pushover. You like for people to get along and be happy when they are around you, but you don't let them boss you around. Most of the time you will stand up for yourself and not let anyone push you around. What an amazing combination of traits to have at five years old! I can't believe how lucky Dad and I are to be your parents. You make our job really easy most of the time.
Julianna, as far as kindergarten goes, you are more than ready. You've been ready for awhile. I'm trying to get myself ready too. I'll get there soon enough, but right now I just can't believe we are here with you. We are at the moment where you spread your wings and start to really develop outside of our home. You are leaving my bubble now and it's hard to see you go. I have no doubt you are going to have an amazing time at school and with your friends. I have no doubt that your little mind is going to expand and grow and learn all sorts of wonderful things. You are ready to forge ahead and I will do exactly what I'm supposed to do. I will cheer and celebrate and support and love you. I will do everything I can to be the mom that you so deserve in this next chapter of your life. You are ready.
I love you so much that words and letters and clichés will never be enough to tell you just how much love I have for you. You are your own amazing person who is true to yourself on every level. I hope that your one-of-a-kind spirit continues as you grow. I hope that when you go out there into the world that you know that you are loved and always have a safe place to c
ome home to.
I love you more than a hotel (as you told me today),
Mom
So, your visit to kindergarten passed and I didn't write a letter. Then you preschool recognition happened and I still didn't write a letter. Then your last day of preschool happened and still no letter. I want you to know that it's not because you're the youngest and it's not because I didn't have anything to say or that I forgot about the Kindergarten Visit Letter. I thought about the blog and the letter I wanted to write to you on every day that has passed for the last month. I didn't sit down and write it because I just had too much to say and too many thoughts to try and put it into a letter to my little girl. My littlest girl that isn't so little any more and by the time you read this you will probably be a very grown up girl, indeed. So I'm not making excuses. I just wanted to let you know that this letter is hard to write and terribly difficult to think about.
I know you know this, but on the day that you were born, you didn't cry. Not once. When they put you on my chest when you were very first born you just laid their looking around not making a peep. That moment kind of freaked me out, as the only other babies I had witnessed the births of were your brother and sister. And they certainly let their presence known upon arrival. I was so worried that I asked them to check to see if you were breathing. You were. I can still see the nurse standing there and assuring me that you were fine, perfect even. She was sure that it was just your temperament. You were going to be an easy-going person. She was correct. You arrived sweet and easy-going and you have stayed just that way. I have never met anyone like you and I love that story so much because it perfectly captures your spirit and who you are way down deep.
The whole first day and night after you were born there were no tears. The closest you came to unhappy was when you would get hungry you would meow at me that you were ready to eat. You are still that way on most days. You love to be with people and make friends easily. You are willing to change a plan or adjust what you want if it doesn't work for everyone. I'm not sure where that came from because all that niceness doesn't make you a pushover. You like for people to get along and be happy when they are around you, but you don't let them boss you around. Most of the time you will stand up for yourself and not let anyone push you around. What an amazing combination of traits to have at five years old! I can't believe how lucky Dad and I are to be your parents. You make our job really easy most of the time.
Julianna, as far as kindergarten goes, you are more than ready. You've been ready for awhile. I'm trying to get myself ready too. I'll get there soon enough, but right now I just can't believe we are here with you. We are at the moment where you spread your wings and start to really develop outside of our home. You are leaving my bubble now and it's hard to see you go. I have no doubt you are going to have an amazing time at school and with your friends. I have no doubt that your little mind is going to expand and grow and learn all sorts of wonderful things. You are ready to forge ahead and I will do exactly what I'm supposed to do. I will cheer and celebrate and support and love you. I will do everything I can to be the mom that you so deserve in this next chapter of your life. You are ready. I love you so much that words and letters and clichés will never be enough to tell you just how much love I have for you. You are your own amazing person who is true to yourself on every level. I hope that your one-of-a-kind spirit continues as you grow. I hope that when you go out there into the world that you know that you are loved and always have a safe place to c
I love you more than a hotel (as you told me today),
Mom
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Lily's 9th birthday letter
Dear Lily,
It happens every year of your life. You have a birthday and your mother becomes nostalgic and emotional about it. Your birth was the single most transformative event of my life. Having you changed me to my very core and absolutely centered me for the first time in my life. I tell you all the time that you were the person that made me a mom for the first time. But I hope that you someday understand that it was more than I was becoming responsible for you. It was almost like becoming your mom raised the bar for me. It forced me to raise my expectations for myself and the person I wanted to be. You do not define me, please don't misunderstand. It's not that having you gave me my purpose in life. It's more like your birth made me live my life with more purpose - achieving my goals and living with integrity became more important. Having you made every choice and action I take in life have more weight. I wanted to be more than your mom, I wanted to be your role model.
This year of your life has been a busy one. We have had our ups and downs, as with everything in life. We've learned some hard lessons together, and you've learned some difficult ones on your own. I hope that through all of this, you always feel that your are important and loved in our home. No matter what, Dad and I have your best interest at heart and are doing everything we can to allow for your success. No one can really ever explain the difficulties that come with parenting. And it's hard to imagine that parenting a kid can actually be harder than parenting a baby. It's true, though. I hope that our honesty with you about life and the actions of love we take for you every day help to show you that you are safe and loved and an important member of our family. Every annoying thing that we force you to do, every time we make you angry with our rules, every time we go to battle with you during your morning routine, we are doing it from a place of love - even when it doesn't feel very loving. We are trying every day to be the parents your deserve. We are loving you every moment of every day.
Lily, you are clearly a very special kid with many people cheering you on. You challenge me to be a better person and you very often lead by example in the most beautiful ways. I love your constant love of learning and your curiosity about new things. I love your creativity and your love for teaching others what you know. You are a complex kid with plenty to teach all of your adoring fans. If you do nothing else, please continue to seek knowledge and find ways to use your strengths for kindness. I have no doubt that each challenge you face will be overcome with your sheer determination. That is such a good word to describe you. Determined. You know exactly what you want and you are determined to make your dreams come true. I have confidence that anything you set your mind to will no doubt happen. You are just the kind of person make the loftiest goals a reality by digging into that bottomless well of grit and focus that you have inside. I'm lucky to be a small part of whatever success you achieve.
I love you,
Mom
It happens every year of your life. You have a birthday and your mother becomes nostalgic and emotional about it. Your birth was the single most transformative event of my life. Having you changed me to my very core and absolutely centered me for the first time in my life. I tell you all the time that you were the person that made me a mom for the first time. But I hope that you someday understand that it was more than I was becoming responsible for you. It was almost like becoming your mom raised the bar for me. It forced me to raise my expectations for myself and the person I wanted to be. You do not define me, please don't misunderstand. It's not that having you gave me my purpose in life. It's more like your birth made me live my life with more purpose - achieving my goals and living with integrity became more important. Having you made every choice and action I take in life have more weight. I wanted to be more than your mom, I wanted to be your role model.
This year of your life has been a busy one. We have had our ups and downs, as with everything in life. We've learned some hard lessons together, and you've learned some difficult ones on your own. I hope that through all of this, you always feel that your are important and loved in our home. No matter what, Dad and I have your best interest at heart and are doing everything we can to allow for your success. No one can really ever explain the difficulties that come with parenting. And it's hard to imagine that parenting a kid can actually be harder than parenting a baby. It's true, though. I hope that our honesty with you about life and the actions of love we take for you every day help to show you that you are safe and loved and an important member of our family. Every annoying thing that we force you to do, every time we make you angry with our rules, every time we go to battle with you during your morning routine, we are doing it from a place of love - even when it doesn't feel very loving. We are trying every day to be the parents your deserve. We are loving you every moment of every day.
Lily, you are clearly a very special kid with many people cheering you on. You challenge me to be a better person and you very often lead by example in the most beautiful ways. I love your constant love of learning and your curiosity about new things. I love your creativity and your love for teaching others what you know. You are a complex kid with plenty to teach all of your adoring fans. If you do nothing else, please continue to seek knowledge and find ways to use your strengths for kindness. I have no doubt that each challenge you face will be overcome with your sheer determination. That is such a good word to describe you. Determined. You know exactly what you want and you are determined to make your dreams come true. I have confidence that anything you set your mind to will no doubt happen. You are just the kind of person make the loftiest goals a reality by digging into that bottomless well of grit and focus that you have inside. I'm lucky to be a small part of whatever success you achieve.
I love you,
Mom
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Drew's birthday letter, Age 7
Dear Drew,
My, have you grown up a lot this year! I have to say, turning seven is a big year. You are not a little kid anymore. You've moved into the big kid spot and it shows. In some ways you are really showing your Stivers boy stripes. You are go, go, go all the time. Always trying to one up the gross factor, or the obnoxious noise factor, or the body-slam-your-sisters factor. What do I mean by Stivers stripes? Well, let me be honest, your dad and his brothers were known in childhood for being a bit rowdy when they got together. Well, who am I kidding? They are still known for getting rowdy when they get together. Grandma's lamps and furniture and ceiling fans can attest to this fact. Anyway, you don't have brothers to get wild with, so you try to toughen up your sisters and needle them into firework reactions. It's what you do when you're bored. The thing is Drew, you do not know your own strength and power. I have recently been on a mission to help you stop jumping on people full force or body slamming small people to the ground. You don't realize it, but one of these days, you're going to break someone and that sweet, sensitive heart you have will be broken. Why don't we try having a more gentle touch? It'd be good for you all around.
Speaking of your sensitive heart, I should really not go this whole birthday letter without mentioning it in more detail. Despite your rough and tumble ways, you really do have such a kind heart for others. This weekend you were hand making your valentines for your classmates. First of all, you were given the choice of hand making valentines or store bought and you chose to make each one for your classmates. Anyway, you spent time on each one thinking of each friend and what they like while making them their own personal card. That is such a thoughtful, kind way to be, Drew. I hope that you remain so thoughtful as you grow.
Every night at bedtime I tuck you in and we have a snuggle. I'm not sure how much longer I'm going to have this time with you, but I cherish it. Every night during this time I ask you what your favorite part of the day was. And every night you tell me one good thing about your day and then you tell me, "This. This is my favorite part of the day. What was your favorite?' Not only do you make my eyes misty with your answer about how snuggling with your mom is your favorite, but you are also sweet enough to extend your kindness by asking me about my day. That is a very lovely example of you being such a kind, grown up kid. It's nice of you to ask me about my day. Thank you.
So, mushy with the birthday letter again this year. What can I say? I have great kids that are easy to love. I will continue to enjoy being your mom (on the days that you've gotten enough sleep!). You are growing into a fine young man and I am so proud of you.
Love,
Mom
My, have you grown up a lot this year! I have to say, turning seven is a big year. You are not a little kid anymore. You've moved into the big kid spot and it shows. In some ways you are really showing your Stivers boy stripes. You are go, go, go all the time. Always trying to one up the gross factor, or the obnoxious noise factor, or the body-slam-your-sisters factor. What do I mean by Stivers stripes? Well, let me be honest, your dad and his brothers were known in childhood for being a bit rowdy when they got together. Well, who am I kidding? They are still known for getting rowdy when they get together. Grandma's lamps and furniture and ceiling fans can attest to this fact. Anyway, you don't have brothers to get wild with, so you try to toughen up your sisters and needle them into firework reactions. It's what you do when you're bored. The thing is Drew, you do not know your own strength and power. I have recently been on a mission to help you stop jumping on people full force or body slamming small people to the ground. You don't realize it, but one of these days, you're going to break someone and that sweet, sensitive heart you have will be broken. Why don't we try having a more gentle touch? It'd be good for you all around.
Speaking of your sensitive heart, I should really not go this whole birthday letter without mentioning it in more detail. Despite your rough and tumble ways, you really do have such a kind heart for others. This weekend you were hand making your valentines for your classmates. First of all, you were given the choice of hand making valentines or store bought and you chose to make each one for your classmates. Anyway, you spent time on each one thinking of each friend and what they like while making them their own personal card. That is such a thoughtful, kind way to be, Drew. I hope that you remain so thoughtful as you grow.
Every night at bedtime I tuck you in and we have a snuggle. I'm not sure how much longer I'm going to have this time with you, but I cherish it. Every night during this time I ask you what your favorite part of the day was. And every night you tell me one good thing about your day and then you tell me, "This. This is my favorite part of the day. What was your favorite?' Not only do you make my eyes misty with your answer about how snuggling with your mom is your favorite, but you are also sweet enough to extend your kindness by asking me about my day. That is a very lovely example of you being such a kind, grown up kid. It's nice of you to ask me about my day. Thank you.
So, mushy with the birthday letter again this year. What can I say? I have great kids that are easy to love. I will continue to enjoy being your mom (on the days that you've gotten enough sleep!). You are growing into a fine young man and I am so proud of you.
Love,
Mom
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Julianna's Fifth Birthday Letter
My dear, sweet Julianna,
Happy birthday, darling girl. It's going to be hard to write you a birthday letter without filling it with clichés. You are just such a fun, hilarious, joyous kid that I don't know where to begin.
This year you are still figuring out who you are - apart from your siblings and their opinions. You love to play house and babies but are determined to fit into the mold of tomboy. The more Lily makes a big deal about how you should be wearing tutus and sparkles, the more you wear flannel and cowboy boots. But when you forget that you're trying to stay a tomboy, sparkles you love. My darling daughter, you are going to be awesome whichever way you go.
You and I have had lots of time to spend together, this our last year with you not in regular school. You are so easy to be with everyday. Sometimes we play hide and seek or Chutes and Ladders, and sometimes you like me to leave you to your 'work'. This is when you sit at the kitchen table with tablet and pens and spend hours writing and drawing and talking to yourself. This activity has always been your favorite thing to do. You are so easygoing and happy about what you have your were nearly impossible to Christmas shop for this year. This is a good way to be. I am wondering to myself as I write this, if it is this activity that lead to you teaching yourself to read. Yes, it's true. You've taught yourself to read. It is such fun to listen to you read and figure stuff out.
It is a breeze being your mom and usually the only trouble you give me is when you are stubborn about going to bed or buckling your own seatbelt. Seriously. Those two issues are the most difficult behaviors we see from you. We are keenly aware of how lucky this makes us as your parents. Parenting isn't considered an easy job, but you really do make it seem like a cinch. You are funny and thoughtful and loving and kind. You are friendly and polite and will often concede a near argument with your siblings or parents just to make our day easier. You are a joy and everyone who knows you is lucky to have you around.
So clearly it is impossible to write you a letter about your life without getting sappy and sounding like a cliché. You are everything I say you are and so much more. I have no doubt as you grow and change you will continue to spread joy wherever you go. I love watching your life unfold. I'm thankful for my front row seat. I love you.
Love,
Mama
Happy birthday, darling girl. It's going to be hard to write you a birthday letter without filling it with clichés. You are just such a fun, hilarious, joyous kid that I don't know where to begin.
This year you are still figuring out who you are - apart from your siblings and their opinions. You love to play house and babies but are determined to fit into the mold of tomboy. The more Lily makes a big deal about how you should be wearing tutus and sparkles, the more you wear flannel and cowboy boots. But when you forget that you're trying to stay a tomboy, sparkles you love. My darling daughter, you are going to be awesome whichever way you go.
You and I have had lots of time to spend together, this our last year with you not in regular school. You are so easy to be with everyday. Sometimes we play hide and seek or Chutes and Ladders, and sometimes you like me to leave you to your 'work'. This is when you sit at the kitchen table with tablet and pens and spend hours writing and drawing and talking to yourself. This activity has always been your favorite thing to do. You are so easygoing and happy about what you have your were nearly impossible to Christmas shop for this year. This is a good way to be. I am wondering to myself as I write this, if it is this activity that lead to you teaching yourself to read. Yes, it's true. You've taught yourself to read. It is such fun to listen to you read and figure stuff out.
It is a breeze being your mom and usually the only trouble you give me is when you are stubborn about going to bed or buckling your own seatbelt. Seriously. Those two issues are the most difficult behaviors we see from you. We are keenly aware of how lucky this makes us as your parents. Parenting isn't considered an easy job, but you really do make it seem like a cinch. You are funny and thoughtful and loving and kind. You are friendly and polite and will often concede a near argument with your siblings or parents just to make our day easier. You are a joy and everyone who knows you is lucky to have you around.
So clearly it is impossible to write you a letter about your life without getting sappy and sounding like a cliché. You are everything I say you are and so much more. I have no doubt as you grow and change you will continue to spread joy wherever you go. I love watching your life unfold. I'm thankful for my front row seat. I love you.
Love,
Mama
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Drew's first day of first grade letter
First grade! What are you thinking getting so old that you have to go to first grade!? I'm not ready! You are ready, though. Well..... all summer you said you didn't want to go to school anymore - to please not sign you up to go again this year. But then you met your teacher. All bets were off after that and you were dying to get to the first day. And you loved every minute of it. I'm so glad!
These are a few of the things you shared after school today:
1. We made this special juice that is supposed to help you not be nervous. The only time I was nervous all day was when I thought I might not like that juice. But I did! And I have the ingredients, Dad! So we can make some.
2. I am keeping my folder in my bag and my teacher said that every time we bring our folder back in our bag to school we will get a sticker on it. There was one boy last year that go so many stickers that it covered the whole outside and they had to start putting them on the inside. I think I'm going to get that many stickers too. I remember last year that I took my folder every day so I think I can probably do that again this year.
3. I played with Jaron and recess. And a little bit with Carter and Mitch. (Was it good to see them? Did they have a good summer?) Yes. They all looked so different! Everyone looked so different. And Jaron has gotten way taller this year. Last year he could walk under the slide like this (you hunched over), but this year he can't even do that! He's gotten so tall! (Oh, is he taller than you now?) Well, no.
4. To Lily: You like learning at school?! Like reading and science and all that stuff? Like LEARNING?! I just like recess and when we watch movies or something. Mostly just recess.
5. I missed you, Mommy. Can we do the kissing hand tomorrow? We read about the kissing hand at school and did you know that it doesn't even wash off with soap? We didn't do it today so I just kissed my own hand and then put it on my cheek.
Drew, you should know that Julianna missed you desperately. She talked a lot about you and how much she missed you. You are a great brother and it shows because your sister loves you very much.
Like I told Lily in her letter, I'm not going to get mushy on you. I just want you to know that you are awesome. You are going to have a great year and I am so looking forward to your confidence growing this year as you see all that you can learn. I hope this year you notice that learning can be fun and you don't have to be perfect. I hope that you know that it's okay to be yourself because you are awesome just the way your are. It requires no showing off to make people like you. Promise. You are totally cool, dude.
I love you.
Love,
Mommy
Lily's first day of third grade letter
First of all, I have to tell you, it was impossible to narrow down my favorite first day or school picture of you so I had to post them all. You are adorable. And old. And grown up. And occasionally funny. Your morning started rough, but ended on a high note. You were ready to get started on your new adventure.
When you came home from school I asked about your day. Here are some things that you told me:
1. Recess was not fun. No one wanted to play. They mostly just stood around and tried to act like third graders.
2. What is a state that has mountains? And a volcano? And grows apples? And has three syllables. I'm supposed to find out the answer for school tomorrow. (I gave you the correct answer but either you wanted an excuse to get on the internet or you just didn't believe me because you confirmed it with Dad when he got home. It's Washington. I promise.)
3. My teacher has been teaching for 21 years and she used to teach at another school before she taught at mine and this one time a man called and said there was a bomb in the school and so there was a lockdown. But that's the only lockdown that's ever happened to her and it was a false alarm and the guy went to jail and the kids just hid in a closet for a couple hours. (You talked just like that....run-on sentences and all.)
4. We're supposed to bring show and tell. It's supposed to fit into this bag (you hold up a very small paper sack). I think my microscope will fit in this, don't you? (No.) Well, I think I'm going to fill it with like 14 little things and then have a guessing game and then people can guess what I have in my bag. I can just cover it in tissue paper so no one can see inside. I'll ask if I can make it a little game. What do I have that is small enough to put in the bag? (Maybe one of your fossils?) No, I've done that already. (Maybe one of your bones?) Oh, yeah! Good idea! Wait....how will I get them out? (I'm still unsure if you were joking when you said that.)
5. I do not like recess.
Usually my back to school letters are mushy, gushy things. But tonight I just want to remember how awesome you were on this day. It was nice to have a place to send you today so that I could truly enjoy the things that you told me today. I really, really enjoyed being with you this afternoon. I have to say, the last week of summer my patience was thin and I wasn't so nice that last couple of days. It was good that you went to school, had a great day, and I love that you shared so much about your day with me. I'm going to bed tonight feeling grateful to have you around. Grateful that you are growing up to be so awesome. And confident that you're going to have an excellent year.
I love you.
Love,
Mom
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Snow Day 2013
Dear children,
Today is your first snow day in recent memory. The last snow day we had was in April of 2009. So far we have about 12-14 inches of snow on the ground and there is more to come. I thought you guys might get a kick out of reading about this day later. A snow day is one of the ultimate nostalgic days of you childhood.
This morning Drew woke me up and six o'clock a.m. He was quiet for awhile, but started talking at about 6:30 and didn't stop until seven. He spent that thirty minutes filling me in on the Civil War, George Washington, Abe Lincoln, the Revolutionary War, Mount Vernon, and the Statue of Liberty. He kept confusing Lincoln for Washington...but otherwise, he was right on. He told me why Abe had a beard and that it is said that Washington is the "Dad of the United States". No one can say that Drew isn't learning plenty in kindergarten, huh?
I forced you guys to wait until later in the morning before you could go outside in the snow. I said it was because I wanted it to warm up a bit, but really I was stalling so that you wouldn't be done with snow by 8:30 in the morning. Drew and Julianna went out to play in the white stuff a little before 10 and had a great time with the toy dump truck and bulldozer pushing the snow around. You guys stayed out there for almost an hour, I think.
Lily. Oh, Lily; Miss Sensory Sensitive, proclaimed she wasn't going in the snow. But eventually she couldn't resist it and went out in all of her snow gear. She was already annoyed enough with all the snow gear before she stepped outside....so it's not surprising that she only lasted 15 minutes out in the snow. It's okay, Lily. I wouldn't have lasted that long. I hate to be cold and wet. Yuck.
Once everyone was inside, you guys enjoyed a bit of hot cocoa with a squirt of whip cream on top. It was a huge hit, let me tell you. Lily was also late to join that party, so I didn't get her picture.
I am shocked to report that the TV was not used as a device for distraction until I suggested a movie after lunch. You guys have kept yourselves busy with other things, and actually have been getting along quite well.
Yesterday I was maybe dreading this day just a bit...it was only because you guys came home from school and bounced from ceiling to floor for 3 straight hours. And because I caught Drew drinking honey from the honey bear. And everyone was screaming and fighting with each other. However, you guys have pleasantly surprised me. We've had a good day so far. I think the next thing on the agenda is for us to bake a cake.
Much love on this snow day,
Mom
Today is your first snow day in recent memory. The last snow day we had was in April of 2009. So far we have about 12-14 inches of snow on the ground and there is more to come. I thought you guys might get a kick out of reading about this day later. A snow day is one of the ultimate nostalgic days of you childhood.
This morning Drew woke me up and six o'clock a.m. He was quiet for awhile, but started talking at about 6:30 and didn't stop until seven. He spent that thirty minutes filling me in on the Civil War, George Washington, Abe Lincoln, the Revolutionary War, Mount Vernon, and the Statue of Liberty. He kept confusing Lincoln for Washington...but otherwise, he was right on. He told me why Abe had a beard and that it is said that Washington is the "Dad of the United States". No one can say that Drew isn't learning plenty in kindergarten, huh?
I forced you guys to wait until later in the morning before you could go outside in the snow. I said it was because I wanted it to warm up a bit, but really I was stalling so that you wouldn't be done with snow by 8:30 in the morning. Drew and Julianna went out to play in the white stuff a little before 10 and had a great time with the toy dump truck and bulldozer pushing the snow around. You guys stayed out there for almost an hour, I think. Lily. Oh, Lily; Miss Sensory Sensitive, proclaimed she wasn't going in the snow. But eventually she couldn't resist it and went out in all of her snow gear. She was already annoyed enough with all the snow gear before she stepped outside....so it's not surprising that she only lasted 15 minutes out in the snow. It's okay, Lily. I wouldn't have lasted that long. I hate to be cold and wet. Yuck.
Once everyone was inside, you guys enjoyed a bit of hot cocoa with a squirt of whip cream on top. It was a huge hit, let me tell you. Lily was also late to join that party, so I didn't get her picture.
I am shocked to report that the TV was not used as a device for distraction until I suggested a movie after lunch. You guys have kept yourselves busy with other things, and actually have been getting along quite well.
Yesterday I was maybe dreading this day just a bit...it was only because you guys came home from school and bounced from ceiling to floor for 3 straight hours. And because I caught Drew drinking honey from the honey bear. And everyone was screaming and fighting with each other. However, you guys have pleasantly surprised me. We've had a good day so far. I think the next thing on the agenda is for us to bake a cake.
Much love on this snow day,
Mom
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