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Tag: letter to kids

  • A Birthday Letter to Princess C

    A Birthday Letter to Princess C

    Dear Princess C,

    Today you turn 7 years old. Time flies by when you’re having fun – and you have always had fun! You know how to make fun in whatever situation you’re in. It’s been a long year that included moving, making new friends, and beginning 1st grade – which meant all day school for you! Through it all, you’ve looked on the bright side, and made life fun. Our home wouldn’t be the same without you in it.

    I was worried going to school full days would wear you out too much, but instead you have just thrived. There are some days I can tell you are still tired, but you push through. I love that about you! Always trying your hardest. Just remember, don’t be too hard on yourself. Allow yourself some grace, and learn from mistakes so you can be better the next time.

    You played Gretl in The Sound of Music this last fall, and despite some pretty late nights, and little time for anything else, you did amazing! I was so proud of the not so little girl I saw on that stage. It wasn’t just about the acting, you really shined your personality for everyone to see. You made many friends, because you were you.

    What do I mean by that? Well let me tell you about the little girl I see everyday.

    You love freely. Hugs are a must with you, and it’s how you show so many people your love. Who doesn’t love a hug? I hope you keep giving out those hugs, because I sure love them!

    You compliment others. You may not realize the importance of telling someone you like their hair, or their shoes, or their shirt, but I can see the joy it brings people. Your words act like an extension of your hugs. Never forget that. I hope you always use those words for good and kind purposes.

    You’re not afraid to speak your mind, and share your feelings. When something bothers you, you let those around you know. This is important. It’s also important to learn the best way to express your feelings. From love to frustration and sadness, emotions are healthy when expressed. I never have to question how you are feeling, because you let me know.

    You my dear girl, are growing up so fast. You love learning, reading, and pretending. Though I may not tell you, I love when you sneak a light to bed to read. I secretly hate taking that flashlight away.

    As you begin this new year at 7 years old – I want to tell you 1 thing. Continue to grow. Keep seeking out new ways to learn, and become more You! I want to work with you this year in finding your passion. Something that truly speaks to you and your talent of loving others and exploring the world.

    All My Love,
    Mom

  • Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall {A birthday letter}

    Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall {A birthday letter}

    Today is the last official day of Summer. Tomorrow it will be Fall, or Autumn. Today is also Princess V’s 8th Birthday.

    In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, this is a significant age as they can now choose to be baptized. My baby, my first born, the one who turned me into a mom, has decided to make this choice and Saturday will be baptized. My heart couldn’t be more full this week, and today as I think back over her 8 years of life.

    Dear Princess V, 

    I’m sitting here at home, thinking of your 8 years of life.  As we move from Summer to Fall, I can’t help but compare it to this specific time in your life.  

    When I think of summer, I think vacation! It’s the time of year we do more as a family. The weather is warm, and more time is spent being carefree. Schedules are rare, and we figure it out as we go. It’s also a time when I like to fit in our doctors and dentist appointments. I also sneak in learning lessons to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything from the previous school year. 

    As summer changes to fall, we leave those carefree days behind. School begins again, and life is more structured. We must schedule our time better, and follow more rules. As we spend more time around others we also must learn social cues, how to be kind, and to control our emotions. Although life may seem to get more complicated in the fall, it is also a beautiful season – and my favorite.  

    Summer is like your first 8 years of life. You are on a bit of vacation per se. Life is warm and sunny, and we are carefree. Of course I have done my best to sneak in life lessons with our daily activities. I began reading to you at birth, and we went almost straight from the hospital to church. These were things I wanted you to learn the importance of, but without stress. 

    Now as you turn 8, it is as if fall has come in your life. As you’ve chosen to be baptized, you are choosing to take on more responsibility. You are telling Heavenly Father this week that you are ready to take on more responsibility. No longer carefree, your decisions and actions have consequences. Just as fall is a more complicated season, your life will slowly become more complicated. You are now old enough, as we say, to be “accountable” for your choices. 

    So my dear child, I ask you –

    choose goodness 
    choose kind words
    choose love over anger
    choose to be an example to your little sisters and brother 
    choose God
    choose to find the good

    And finally remember this, life may get tough, and the weather may turn cold, but it’s still beautiful just like the changing of the leaves. Now is a time for you to start fresh and really choose who you want to be. 

    All my love and more,
    Mom 

  • Birthday letter to Prince L

    Birthday letter to Prince L

    Heavy Heavy Hangover
    Thy Poor Head
    What I wish for You
    Is a BUMP on the Head

    Dear Prince L, 

    Two years ago today I was holding you in my arms, a small little bundle of wonder. Our baby and our first boy. Over the past two years you have brought so much joy into our home. Lots of people said you looked like an old man as a baby, but you’ve definitely grown out of that stage. From your cheesy grins every time I grab the camera to your look of wonder and awe everytime we watch the trains pass our apartment – I am reminded that this is a time for joy, laughter, love, and wonder. I hope I can continue to bring those aspects into your life, and that you will hold on to them forever.

    A few tidbits I want to remember from this stage in your life

    • You love sleeping in Mom and Dad’s bed. Sometimes when you wake in the night, and I go in to hold you all you have to say is “Da – ankie”, and I know you want to lay by dad with your blankie. You always go right back to sleep as I lay you down between us. 
    • You love Keys. We had to hang them up high just to keep them out of your reach…but sometimes I give in and let you run around with the mail key..like today. 
    • And tools. You are crazy about Dad’s tools. It doesn’t matter we bought you a kid sized tool bench with toy tools, you just want Dad’s. You’ve even managed to bypass the locking system on some of his plastic bins. Smart boy!
    • And Food. I’m seriously considering a padlock for the fridge, and chairs bolted to the floor (ok maybe not the chairs). I have a hard time keeping up with your growling stomach, despite trying to keep the fridge stocked with easy snacks. 
    • You love your sisters, but sometimes, you just want your space. Usually first thing in the morning, and after naps. You’re happier once you’ve eaten. 
    • You don’t like loud noises – including your sisters. If you think something is going to be loud, you will cover your ears and just repeat “Loud” to anyone who will listen to you. 
    • Our bedtime routine is very important we sing “sky” which is your name for Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, then we sing Jesus Wants me for a Sunbeam so you can get in some last minute giggles before bed, and then you curl your head into my shoulder with your little hands folded as we say a prayer together. I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

    Buddy boy, I love you so much. I wish these days never ended, and we could spend them all at the park going down the “lide” and watching “panes” fly over head. So I’m taking this time to commit to you more days outside, more hugs, and lots and lots of fun!

    With all my Love, 
    Mom 
    Click to play this Smilebox slideshow
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  • Rosie Posie….Bucket of Worms?

    Rosie Posie….Bucket of Worms?

    Today my 3rd Princess…Princess R…turned 3 years old. She acts a whole lot older with her clear vocabulary, and very grown up facial expressions. She can give a stink eye like none other, and she never gives up when she wants something badly.

    Awhile ago, I must have said this to her, but I called out one day “Rosie…Posie”, and she responded in a sly little voice “Bucket of Worms…*giggle giggle*”

    The truth: she is my bucket of worms – my squishy, sometimes gross, fish catching bucket of worms.

    Dear Princess R,

    You have always loved the camera, but don’t always feel like smiling for it. These days you prefer to smile and run away from the camera in hopes I’ll chase you down with it. 

    In your first year and a half of life you were prone to enjoy odd places, and loved getting into the most trouble you could find

    That eye wound gave me a good fright, but all turned out well.

    In your second year, you were determined to become one of the big girls, and refused to let your sisters leave you behind. Although sometimes that was difficult since they are closer in age, for the most part I get to witness beautiful moments of sisterly love. 

     
    Shortly after you turned 2 you were no longer my baby, but became a big sister.  You stepped up to the plate, and showed me that you knew how to be a big sister. But you continued to be my bucket of worms as I recently watched you use brother as your horse but also made sure to share your applesauce when he was hungry.

      Happy Birthday Princess.  I can’t wait to see what the coming years will bring as you continue to shine with your very unique personality.  Come fall it will just be you, Prince L and I at home. I have adventures planned for the 3 of us!

    I love you baby girl!

    Love, Mom.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Princess R’s only request for her birthday was an M&M cake. I was happy to oblige, but learned something in the process.
    Don’t mix the M&M’s into the batter. The will sink to the bottom, and stick to the pan. Of course cupcake liners would have worked just fine, I didn’t use those either. Next time I’ll try topping the batter with M&M’s just before cooking.