Teenager in the House!!!

Happy 13th birthday, my sweet girl! Today marks such an exciting milestone — the beginning of your teenage years! I can hardly believe how quickly time has flown by. It feels like just yesterday I was holding you in my arms, and now you are growing into a strong, smart, and beautiful young woman right before my eyes.

As you step into this new chapter of your life, I want you to know how incredibly proud I am of you. You've already shown so much courage, kindness, and grace in your life so far, and I have no doubt you will continue to shine in everything you do. Life will bring both challenges and triumphs, but always remember that I am here for you, cheering you on every step of the way.

You are unique, special, and capable of achieving whatever you set your heart on. Sometimes you may feel uncertain, or things may not go as planned, but know that it's okay to stumble — what matters is how you pick yourself up and keep going. You have the strength and resilience within you to face anything that comes your way.

As you navigate these next few years of growth and change, I hope you will always stay true to your silly self. Trust your instincts, be kind to others, and never be afraid to speak up for what you believe in. The world needs your voice, your ideas, and your beautiful heart.

Celebrate YOU — for all the wonderful things that make you you. There’s so much ahead, and I can’t wait to see the amazing person you will continue to become.

I love you more than words can say. Always remember that no matter how old you get or where life takes you, I will always be here for you, loving you, and supporting you.

Happy birthday, Raegan!

Happy Happy Happy

 

It’s so crazy to me (as a kid, or even teenager), I always seemed to think time dragged on endlessly. Then at some point in my life, it all changed. The magic turning point was when I became a parent. Hours, days, months and years were all of a sudden, rushing behind each other, barely waiting for one to end for the other to begin. I woke up one day and realized that time was flying by and there was nothing I could do to slow it down…                                          

All “aha” moments are well cherished along our journey, so it’s difficult to select “the one.” But I can safely say that one of the defining moments for me has been motherhood.

My baby boy is turning 20. TWENTY!!!! I don’t know what to do with that number. I don’t know what to do with that reality. I just don’t know… How do I wrap my mind around that? My Ayden turns 20 …... Who allowed him? From whom did he ask permission? He just thought he was grown enough to march out of his teen years and into his twenties, without consulting me. I guess he knew better, he knew I probably would not have given him permission, trying to hold on to him as long as I could…  I am not sad, truly (maybe I am fibbing just a little). But I am not happy either, just in total shock… 

Ayden, Remember we love you always!!

Now that you are entering this new decade in your life, entering another branch of adulthood, know that I will also love you through those years of changes, discovery…

I can’t wait to see what life has ready for you. Can’t wait to see it unfold for you to experience.

I love the way our relationship has developed, evolved and matured, and I love the promise of how it will continue to unfold in the years to come.

But for now, for today I need you to live your present, just remember when you’re feeling sad, lonely, or lost, which you will definitely feel from time to time just know I’ll be there for you.

Happy, happy birthday sweet boy! Never forget we are proud of you and who you are!! Always walk with a purpose and you will find your dreams!

Love you to the moon or as we hear often....to the beach and back!

 

Christmas fun