Brighton Kevin: 10 1/2 Year Old

 Dearest Brighton Kevin,

Oh son, it has been a long six months! 10 years old has brought quite a bit of attitude and anxiety for you. You have been working hard to find your routines and place in your new school as well as on your new soccer team. While you are the most social butterfly, so many adjustments at once have been a challenge.

Don’t get me wrong, all of these changes are positive and on the outside you made them appear seamless. But on the inside, we have learned that you are struggling with several emotions.

You enjoyed playing basketball for SHMS this winter. You were a great defender… and really enjoyed Being able to hustle back down the court to get back on offense! You love playing with your classmates and cheering them on. It was fun to see you try something new and embrace the game with heart!

You are all about fitness and nutrition right now. You ask a lot of questions about foods and how they can impact your body. You also enjoy heading down to the gym in the basement to get a workout in. Sometimes you can even be caught doing push-ups in your shower. Ha! 

You enjoyed swimming for SHMS at the Catholic grade school swim meet. You practiced several weeks with the team and we’re ready to rock the 50 free! You placed third in that event, losing only to year-round swimmers. Your 3rd/4th grade relay crushed it~ earning gold!

Academically you continue to grow, even if it has come with some resistance. You have enjoyed the monthly book club breakfast meetings you are embracing your monthly book talks. You are starting to shine in math. And you take great pride in your French works and projects.

Just last weekend you kicked off the spring season of soccer. What an honor that you were able to start all three games and Coach was so pleased with your hustle and play. Your hard work and dedication is not going unnoticed~ So keep it up!

Brighton, at your core you are a sweet young man who wants to love everyone and see the good in each individual. Don’t let your anxious feelings or your insecurities or the world change that about you!

I love you!

Love,

Mommy

Adelaide Jane: 13 1/2 Years Old

 Dearest Adelaide Jane,

You are already six months into your teenage years and I feel like they’re flying by. Looking back at pictures of you from only two years ago and you’ve grown into such a beautiful young woman. No longer a baby face. Although sometimes if I catch you in the right moment, I can still see a sweet little girl who loves her mama.

You are officially into your last trimester of seventh grade. SHMS has been such a wonderful fresh start for you. You love science as well as individual societies. Mrs. Farley has awakened a joy of learning and growing in you. However, all of your teachers are adored by you, and that is such a gift.

You aged up to the 13 and 14 swim group. Now at the bottom of your age group by being the 13-year-old, you are still holding your own and many of your races. You were fortunate enough to make the Midstates Team swimming on two relays. You’ve loved cheering on your teammates & hanging out with the girls. You have made 11 State cuts~ Even three in breaststroke! I am so proud of your hard work and dedication to the new sport… Especially in the strokes that we’re not your strongest suit. And I have to point out here that you swam the 200 fly before many of the girls and boys have been swimming their entire lives!

Recently, you had a baby mouse that you discovered in your closet. Most girls would have freaked out, But you simply came downstairs to grab the broom in hopes that you could see the baby mouse outside for it to run free. This of course did not happen, but I was impressed by your calm nature, as well as your love for a little animal.

You continue to grow into your own… Always being an individual and always finding compassion for those who deserve it. As I reflect back on my own use, I am always so mesmerized at how you will stand up for other people when you know they are being wronged. This is something I didn’t know how to navigate until much older. I realize that this often may make people dislike you or disgruntled some parents who think you might be harsh to their children. Don’t ever stop standing up for what’s right and calling people out on their bullshit. You are not perfect nor am I. No one is. And our delivery is not always the best… But I will always be proud of you for never backing down for what’s right!

I love you!

Love,

Mom

Cupid’s Cuties: Valentines Festivities

 February is always a favorite month around here! 

It brings sunshine and celebrations filled with love ❤️

 

Ringing in the New Year: Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026

 Saying goodbye to 2025 was bittersweet~ so many wonderful moments and memories. Nothing life changing to earth shattering; just being in the moments and living life each day. 

As we look forward to 2026, the hope for our family is that we continue to spend time with one another, continue to learn from our mistakes, and continue to grow together.