Kicking off November, we spent a quiet evening writing down things we are all thankful for. Lots of tiny hands decorating colorful leaves to share with family. The tree rests on our kitchen counter~ the center piece of each day. At night, it lights up to shine bright. There is always so much to be grateful for...sometimes seeing it is an impactful reminder!
Dearest Salem Lucille,
My sweet baby girl how are you 6 years old?! You’re a big Kindergartener and it seems as if you’ll be 16 years old soon! You are flourishing in school~ very meticulous about your nightly homework and studying your sight words each day.
You’ve made many new friends this year as well as enjoy hanging out with your friends from JK. You’re loving having Vivie, Jojo & Beckam at school with you this year!
You are a rock star on the soccer field! Playing for Uncle Peter & Uncle Robbie on the K team for SMM with all of your cousins. You’re loving it!
You are doing a solo for dance this year…to Shake It Off! You are too cute and I love watching you dance. You’re also doing jazz and hip hop. In your hip hop dance, you have a lead part!
You continue to learn and grow; love life and all things girly! You are crafty and attentive. You love cuddling up and dressing up. You’re a true ray of sunshine!
I love you!
Love,
Mommy
Dearest Adelaide Jane,
How did we get to 11? On the other side of 10...the side that heads into teenage years sooner rather than later. You are growing up before my eyes and it’s both beautiful & heart breaking all at the same time.
You are very smart. Bright in ways that make being your mom both challenging and rewarding. You flourish in an academic way and you have a yearning for learning. 4th grade wrapped up nicely and you’re already working hard in 5th grade.
You continue to work hard in gymnastics. You had a very busy late spring and summer. Qualifying for Nationals by doing one routine at Regionals then turning around and testing out of Level 4 less than a week later with completely different routines. You competed in Nationals in NOLA and you truly shined.
You are maturing at home~ settling into your new big sister duties. Helping with household chores, assisting your siblings with homework, making meals for our family, and just being a more “active” part of keeping up. You shine most when you’re helping others which is something I hope you always hold in your heart.
You continue to make friends and be inclusive. You are always the peace maker~ wanting friends to talk things out and be a mediator. You often come off as little tough, but deep down you have a very special heart.
I am so proud of the young lady that you’re becoming. I hope you always remember to be uniquely you~ there is no one else like my Adelaide Jane.
I alove you!
Love,
Mommy
Dearest Adelaide Jane,
My big girl, you are turning into a tween right before my eyes. Having a few "real" crushes, asking questions about things I am not ready to answer, and showing signs of womanhood. I blinked and you are a decade & some. How I wish I could turn back time to when you were a baby just eating cake pops in the Target cart.
You are working very hard in 4th grade; switching classes and having 3 teachers for two subjects. Juggling the load of homework, quizzes, projects & tests plus being an athlete. You handle it well most days and have made great grades so far.
You are still navigating the waters of friendship, finding your niche and way. You like to befriend those that are around you; you don't really know a stranger. You are able to roll with the punches, simply going from day to day with what appears to be ease.
You are continuing to work hard this gymnastics season. Competition season is well underway and you continue to push through some trying times. Severs has flared up; but your diligence to do your daily stretches, ice, and listen to your body have been helpful. I know this season has had some personal ups & down, but I am truly proud of you for persevering.
I hope that you always smile, see the good in others, and remember that your value comes from within. I want you to remember that life is a journey, and if you're lucky enough to be on it long enough, every situation can be a life lesson. My hope is that you never allow anger or negativity to bring you down. That you RISE UP every chance you get.
I love you!
Love,
Mommy
Dearest Salem Lucille,
My sweet baby girl you are 5 years old today. It seems like yesterday I was finding out that I was pregnant with you; then your gender reveal of being a baby girl; and then your amazing birth & entry into the world. Time has flown by and you have grown so much since those first precious moments.
You’re a rainbow baby in every sense of the world. For that I’m always grateful. Your smile is contagious and your zest for life in unparalleled.
This year you began Junior Kindergarten at SMM. You are proud of everything about your new school~ the uniform, your teachers, your lunch box, your classmates, etc. You love to learn and see soaking up every bit of this year.
You’re at a new dance studio this year and continuing to love it! Your instructor is my former dance teacher, Ms. Dale Meyer. She is teaching you jazz and you’re also doing hip hop. You’re quite good and a quick learner too! I can’t wait to see you perform at your dance competitions this spring.
You started gymnastics this fall and love being at KGA with Coach Kilah. You beam with pride as you learn a new skill and have been collecting your gym bucks like mad each week.
You’re truly flourishing in so many ways. Your personality continues to grow and evolve daily. You talk like a teenager in some ways and then cuddle up like my baby in others. Your hugs still wrap around my neck and leave my heart full.
I love you!
Love,
Mommy
Dearest Brighton,
My sweet heart boy, you are growing right before my keys...how are you quickly moving closer to age seven?! You still may be small but you are awfully mighty in so many ways.
You are loving kindergarten and excelling at every stage. You love reading and writing. You enjoy math too. From what Mrs. Lowe says, you are an excellent leader in the class and your peers truly look up to you. This is wonderful to hear of course.
You love all of your classmates~ truly you get so excited to tell me about each one. You are so intuitive when someone is having a bad day or when someone is happy. I love this characteristic about you...very empathetic and aware of others.
You are becoming a phenomenal little athlete. You are loving golf and soccer. You spend 3 days a week playing golf (at The Golf Academy & HCC) then you are playing soccer twice a week at Javanon. You also love tennis and have picked up swim lessons to prepare for the HCC Hurricane summer swim team.
Brighton, you are a very special boy. You listen well, laugh often, and love to hug me every chance you get. I love your cuddles and I hope that you always stay as sweet as you are.
I love you!
Love,
Mommy
