John Paul is 15 which means the insurance rates just went up, again. That's okay, he's cute so we'll let it pass. It's time for the first birthday letter of the year. Let's get to it, shall we? Dear John Paul (the Great), You're halfway through with your freshman year and already I'm thinking, 'where did the time go?' I wish it was possible for me to adequately convey what a bright spot you are in our home. You are the funniest person in the house. I love how you grab a sparkling water from the fridge, pop the top and wait for me to look up and make sure you aren't drinking one of my Dr Peppers. That never gets old, does it? It's totally awesome how you work ahead on … [Read more...]
Luke is officially NINE (and he has one request!)
Every year, I think this day will be easier. Every year, I think the strides Luke has made won't surprise me. Every year, I think I will fully comprehend how much he has changed us. And every year I am wrong. Luke, nine sure came fast. It was an honor to write this year's birthday letter. There is one small thing you've asked for your birthday and I hope everyone reading this can oblige. Texas A&M football is hosting a "favorite future Aggie" photo contest, you can vote for Luke here. All you need is a Facebook account. If you don't have one, forward it to someone who does! A sidenote here on the current first place photo - what a fighter sweet Colton must be. We've been in the … [Read more...]
Look Who’s 44…Happy Birthday to Me!
I've always written birthday letters to the kids, so when a priest friend of ours suggested I write myself one last year, I did. And I loved it. So here we go again... With every passing year, I'm more grateful for all the little moments. Perhaps it's because the preciousness of life becomes more acute and I become more aware. Either way, through all the good and the bad, I sought gratitude. We have a sign in our office that reads: "A grateful heart silences a complaining voice." I'd like to tell you I always do that, but let's be real. I'm a sassy southerner and sometimes the words come out before I can reel them back in. Let's just say I'm learning how to apologize and curb my … [Read more...]
She’s 13! A Letter to My Teenage Daughter
Boy, the insanity of May really crept up on me. I should know better by now. But, with two first communions, an eighth grade graduation, junior-senior prom, two birthdays and the birth of our niece in the last three weeks, I've *just barely* kept my head above water. Anna-Laura turned 13 on Wednesday, but since we celebrate birthdays your whole month, this letter is still right on time, yes? Here goes. Dear Anna-Laura, You're a teenager. In my mind, you're still the little 18-month-old who is throwing a fit because I'm putting on your tennis shoes and not your sandals. Time for me to fast forward a few years. There was a day, not long ago, that wondered if we would ever reach the … [Read more...]
Sweet G is FOUR!
If I'm being honest, it feels like we've had Gianna a lot longer than four years. She is the sunshine in our house. I remember her birth with the sweetest and tenderest of memories. She healed us, in so, so many ways. Today, I'll share the annual birthday letter. Let's get to it. Oh, and if you're one for birth videos (the sweet kind!) then I hope you'll love this one as much as I do (video at the bottom). h/t to the world's best birth photographer, Leilani. Dear Gianna/Sweet G/Gigi/G-Money, Happy fourth birthday, big girl! Each and every day really does get better with you. I think I'm finally starting to understand why it is that the baby never gets into trouble. But really, you … [Read more...]
