Happy Birthday, Jackson

Dear Jackson,

Happy 13th Birthday! I've gone back and forth in mind on what I want to say in your birthday letter this year and what came to mind most often was, "How in the world are you 13?"

How has it been 13 years since you were born? I feel like I've blinked and here we are....looking down the barrel of  high school. You just started 8th grade and are in all honors classes. You are a little nervous about Algebra I, but I know you are going to do great. At the worst, you have to be better at it than I was back in the day! :)

You still want to join the Air Force when you finish school, and currently want to go into Engineering. I have no doubts you will excel in whatever you end up doing. You are smart beyond belief, and I know you can accomplish your wildest dreams.

Jackson, keep on being you...be kind and courageous. Be witty and clever. Look out for those around you that don't have many friends, and make friends with them. Keep making good choices, even when the "good" choice isn't easy or fun. Always trust Jesus and guard your heart. No matter what, you and Anderson have to stick together because God gave you a brother for a reason. That means that you have to be best friends even when you don't get along!

Remember that there is absolutely nothing in the world you could do that would make us stop loving you. We will be here for you always, even when you think you might get in trouble! Always keep your focus on Jesus and let Him guide your path. You are gonna change the world, Jackson, and I'm so thankful I get to cheer you on! Happy Birthday, Jackson. I love you!

Love,
Mom

Happy Birthday, Anderson!

Dear Anderson,

Today is the day you turn 8 years old! Whoo-hooo! You have been counting down for this day for months and today is finally your special day!

Kiddo, I have begged and pleaded with you for you to just stay 7...you just won't agree! It's been such a fun year. You did amazing in first grade and you adored Mrs. Murray. You made all A's for the entire year, and holding you back was the best decision ever. You are so much more confident, and you are ready for 2nd grade. We have no doubts you are gonna rock it! You've really come into your own over the last year. You are funny, witty and just plain silly. I couldn't have asked for a better "baby" for our family. 

You just finished your baseball season and loved having Dad as your coach. You finally got to play catcher and you did a great job - even when you were tired of squatting down! You've been going to the Y and have had such a good time. You really love it when Jackson gets to spend the day with you helping in your group. You equally drive each other bonkers, but at the end of the day it is totally obvious that you love each other.

You currently want to be a fireman or drive a big truck when you grow up. Or both! Either way, I'm so very proud to call you my son! You are such a character, and I treasure watching you grow up. You love Jesus, your family and your friends, and I couldn't ask for you to be anything more than you are growing up to be. You are going to do big things in life, and I'm so excited to be on this journey with you! I'll always be your biggest fan! 

I love you, Anderson! Happy Birthday!

Love,
Mom