He's 13! (Sure it's 3 weeks late- and I can't blame the pandemic!)

How in the world is he 13? Ryan, you have had the hugest year of growth of your life this year! You continue to grow and mature. The man you are becoming and the young man that you are, is strong, hard working, well mannered, respectful. You have completely outgrown your previous ways of reacting and dealing with frustrating situations. You are calm and have such a sensitivity for the world. You love dogs are little kids. You have shown yourself what a strong student you are (what's up honor roll this whole year?). You continue to be hilarious. I am in true awe of you. Your soul is pure beauty. Happy 13th, my love!! I love you.

She's 16 (Sure it's published a month late- it's a pandemic!)

 You are 16! I love looking through all the photos to pick the ones to post- one from each year of life (2 from your 16th bday). You are a beautiful young woman, funny, smart, light, wise. I know this last year has not been the best with the pandemic and your 16th birthday was celebrated in a way that was not planned (in a shut down).

You are so loved by family and friends. Keep being you. You are the greatest!

A Letter to My Family 2020

 

Dear Family,

Normally this letter is written on the last day of the year. I loaded these pictures in to write the letter over December break. It is March 2nd. This is very telling of how the last year has been during the pandemic.

I never thought I'd be writing those words, "during the pandemic." But here we are. A year into this and I am just now writing my letter to you because this year has been like nothing else.

Each year I usually write a separate part of the letter to each of you. But this year I have so much to say to both of you that I am going to just keep this letter different than the rest.

To put it simply, you have left me even more in awe of you this year. You each were in your groove in life- finally settling into your first years of middle school and high school. Finding more independence. Hanging with friend groups. Then COVID 19 hit and turned it all on its side.

There have been unexpected hardships to overcome- the huge interruption to your school and social lives, a mostly isolated summer, the start of a new school year online, navigating classes and expectations and time management, the loss of seeing friends every day, the shifting of friendships, not being able to see family, and it goes on. 

You have handled it all in stride. You have been hard working and diligent. You have stayed in it and haven't let this all get you down. I KNOW how hard this has been on you.

The VERY best part of this year for me has been all of the time I have spent with you. Seeing you go about your school days, binging shows, movie nights, DoorDash. This is a time in life when you would be out and about more at school events and sleep overs. I have hated so much of this pandemic, but spending time with you and learning more about you than I would have otherwise, has been a shining light.  And Ryan, this year has brought you to new heights (5'6" and growing!)

I love you both so much. I am INCREDIBLY proud of you.