Brighton Kevin: 11 Years Old

 Dearest Brighton Kevin,

You are 11 whole years old! I cannot believe you are in 5th grade and growing like a weed. You continue to amaze me with your kind and curious personality...never meeting a stranger!

You had an amazing soccer season last year~ finishing top 200 in the country out of 90,000 teams! This year you are leading the U11 team and shining bright! You are playing wing, striker, defense and even goalie. You are such a team player~ always looking to pump your teammates up and lead by example! You all recently won the Buckeye Classic tournament in crazy rain conditions. You loved playing on turf, in the rain and made a mohawk with you hair that had everyone cracking up!

You had an awesome golf season~ winning several tournaments and shooting your best scores to date. You enjoyed having Laine, Leighton and Robbie caddy for you this summer. They are such positive role models and truly enjoy being around you on & of the course. You worked hard each week on your putting, short game, and driving. You loved meeting up at HCC with your buddies and playing the big course as well as the Chapel. Your respect for the game is so remarkable!

You are flourishing in level 5...loving Mrs. Saylor and embracing the responsibilities that come with leading the PYP school. You have been diligent about your schoolwork~ even asking to go to homework hall to be able to concentrate better. You love safety patrol duty, greeting students, and conversing with them about their day. You know every teacher and are always interested in their lives & hobbies.

You were diagnosed with ADHD and underlying Anxiety in the late spring/early summer. I am so proud of how you have handled this...working each week in therapy to better cope with your feelings and using your tools at school to help. Knowing that your brain works in its beautifully perfect Brighton way and seeing the positive has made me so blessed to be your mom!

Your love for sketching as been such a gift. You are so talented and enjoy drawing anything & everything. Most things from memory! The birthday card you made for Mrs. Saylor was stunning~ the witches brew Alani drawn/sketched was so special. I hope you always have a love for art and creativity!

I hope you always know how special you are son. I hope you always know the joy and brightness you bring to all of those around you. The Lord knew how great a gift He gave the day you were born!

I love you!

Love,

Mommy

A Thompson Fall: Visit a Farmer's Market

 Norton Common's Farmer's Market on the last Sunday in August did not disappoint. A sweet walking path complete with upside down pineapple cake, fresh squeezed lemonade, flowers from Mon Ami, scrumptious popsicles, handmade jewelry, spicy bbq, homegrown veggies, and more! The kids loved looking at all of the wonders and window shopping. I loved taking in the labors of love by each vendor and having my mom there to share in the day. We of course all loved our coffee and croissants from Crust & Crumb on the corner. This was a great way to celebrate Adelaide turning 14, to end August, and to continue with our fall bucket traditions!

Adelaide Jane: 14 Years Old

 Dearest Adelaide Jane,

Wow! How are we here and you're 14 years old and in eighth grade?! I look at you and see a beautiful woman… I hardly recognize you as a little girl anymore. But I do cherish those moments when I see the little girl spirit or the innocence in your eyes. Or I hear the little girl giggle laugh when you find something truly joyful.

We spent the day before your birthday making meals and serving them at Franciscan Kitchen. I actually cannot think of a better way to have spent my Saturday morning with you. You were so eager to make the meals, shuck the corn, peel the carrots, dice the carrots and serve desserts. But the beautiful heart of gold you have inside shown so brightly as you greeted every single person in need who came through the door. You said hello. You look them in the eyes and then you gave them the best pastry that they could have. 

I know some days you don’t feel beautiful on the outside, no matter how much I reassure you that you are… But the beauty that you resonate through who you are as a person is truly your greatest gift!

Over the last six months, you have put together an amazing fashion show to culminate summer camp at Gilda’s Club. From start to finish, you were out in the community asking for donated outfits, creating the run of show, styling the girls and boys, and MCing the entire event. Your level eight community project was a huge hit for all!

You wrapped up your first 14 & under short course and long course state....proving once again that you work hard and commit to achieving your goals. You also had the opportunity to represent Team Kentucky at zones for the second year in a row. I’m so proud of how hard you continue to work at swimming! You even received Most Improved Swimmer for Senior 2 at the Lakeside Summer Banquet!!

You have done such an amazing job of handling all that comes your way… and I know it’s not easy. However, you do it in a way that is authentically, beautifully you!

My wish for you is that you never let the world harden your heart you, you always continue to smile, and that you always find joy in the smallest of things!

I love you!

Love,

Mommy