Letters to Brady: 13 years old

Brady,

What's up brother (pointer finger in the air). Check Tuesday, check Tuesday. Special teams, special plays, special players. 

As you look over my shoulder during the writing of this, and your sister dares me to write these words, I thought I'd write something that made sense to you but is nonsense to most of the world.  Teenage talk is its own language, one I don't wish to be fluent in, but would still like to understand.

It's hard to a believe a teenager now lives in our house.  Though our house has smelled like a 7th grader for many months now.  I'm not talking stinky BO smells, I'm talking Axe body spray type smells that seep down the stairs daily. You shower each morning, spray your sprays, and style your hair.  Yes, teenagehood has arrived.

If you ask most adults to pick a time in their lives to travel back to when they were happiest, I expect very few would pick middle school.  Hormones are high, kids can be cruel, and feeling awkward is the norm.  You seem to have thrived in middle school, though, and so far, I haven't seen the sass that can come along with being a teenager (though you do sometimes act like you know more than your parents).  When I ask how school was, I generally get and enthusiastic "good", which feels like quite the win for a middle school boy.  

I know there are many things in middle school that stay in middle school, but I appreciate how you're willing to talk to me and tell me some things. You've had two girlfriends this year and I think your sister was more devastated that you were when you broke up. 

You continue to have a confidence about yourself walking through the world, the same confidence that you displayed when you were a toddler. You walk into a room and believe you belong.  Or you challenge your mom to a tennis game and believe you may win.  The flip side is you're mad when you don't, even though you shouldn't. Thankfully for you, you have a family that will keep you humble and make sure you don't get too big for your britches.

Only 3 more years until you drive and only 5 more years in our house and then you will be going to college!  Time really is flying by.  I hope 13 is good to you and I love you very much.

Love,

Mom

Letters to Jack: 11 years old

 

Jack,

Double ones! You're in your last month as an elementary school kid, and it's hard to believe that junior high is on the horizon. You came home from a "field trip" to the junior high a few weeks ago, and I was expecting you to tell me how boring it was compared to a "real" field trip. Instead, your eyes lit up and you told me just how much fun you had. "Everyone knew me!" Sometimes having an older brother is tough, but I am glad that you can read the benefits in the social capital of a friendly older brother.

You got to spend your birthday doing what you love -- playing baseball with your buddies. I love watching you do what you love and your passion is contagious.  You're an amazing teammate and have emerged as a leader on your team. You're encouraging, positive, and loud in the dugout.

You are an easy kid to please, and an easy kid to be around.  You demand very little, and frequently make sacrifices in order to keep the peace. Of all my children, you have taught me the most about being a mother, and about how being a good mom to one child might look different than being mom to another one. When Brady got yelled at earlier this year for his grades, you took it harder than he did. You are sensitive, and empathetic to the feelings of people around you. That is such a positive trait, but it comes with challenges.

You are so well liked by everyone you meet. "Jack is so sweet" is a common phrase uttered by any mom who encounters you. You're polite, appreciative, and kind to everyone you meet. You see the best in people and people see the best in you. Including the ladies

A few months back, an acquaintance of mine told me a story how her daughter, who is in your grade, came home from school and said, "Mom, I am so tired of hearing about Jack Hoots." Apparently, that's all the 5th grade girls want to talk about. When I asked you about it, you said with a smirk, "Sounds about right."

Hold tight to that quiet confidence, Jack, and continue to be exactly who you are. I feel so lucky to be your mom.

Love,
Mom