Happy 17th Birthday, Maddie!

Dear Maddie,

Today you are 17 years old.  It's fun to look back over your 17 years and see how God has shaped and molded you into the amazing young woman you are today.  His fingerprints are all over you and that gives me a lot of joy and peace.

As a preschooler you loved lip gloss and outfit changes.  That’s mostly still the same.  You are incredibly good at putting together a good look.  When someone in the house needs outfit advice, we go to you.  I love shopping with you because you give encouraging, truthful compliments and recommendations. 

You continue to be one of the most balanced people I have ever known.  Somehow, you juggle super high academic performance, spending time with friends, being in Chamber Choir, playing multiple sports throughout the year, attending church and volunteering in various ways, being a Dollars For Scholars liaison, working a parttime job, going to YP, and more.  Your schedule makes my head spin.  I don’t manage any of that for you.  You take care of getting yourself to all the places you need to be on your own.  And you seem to have a really good grasp on how to keep yourself on track and not burn out in any one area.  I honestly don’t know how you do it at all – much less do it as well as you do.  I love that you care so deeply about whatever your focus is at that moment.  Wherever you are and whoever you are with – you are all there and all in. 

I love watching you play sports.  This past year it was volleyball and soccer.  The best thing about the way you play is how you are intense but not in a scary way.  You exude this calm seriousness in the way you play.  After last year’s shoulder dislocation, you have had to manage a recovery and rehab.  I will say this – you are one STRONG girl.  You go to the weight room to lift when you don’t have to.  You make health and fitness a part of your routine.  When sports season comes around, you are ready to go.  Watching you play soccer both terrifies and thrills me.  You are unafraid of seemingly everything.  You never give up.  You are a positive presence on the team.  You play smart.

At school, you set very very high standards for yourself and you meet them.  You do whatever it takes to achieve the goals you have set.  You know you don’t have to be perfect, and yet you always strive to do your best.  You have a tendency to underestimate what you are capable of as well.  I hope as you continue to learn and study that you will gain more and more confidence. 

You have several different groups of friends.  You have been through a lot of different things with those different groups.  I see you managing all of that well.  It isn’t always easy.  There are times when apologies need to be made and you are willing to admit when you have been wrong.  There are times when you need to maintain a healthy boundary and you try to do that with gentleness.  It can be so challenging, and we’ve navigated a few trials here and there.  And yet I see you continue to love and reach out and laugh and learn how to be peacemaker.  You have learned and grown so much in the past year.  I’m proud of the effort you have made to maintain these friendships and keep them healthy and strong. 

One of my favorite things about you is the way you are with your siblings.  It’s been a different year with Reagan off at college.  You and Hunter have found your way.  The two of you have learned how to get along and spend time together and depend on each other.  I appreciate the way you help him and care for him.  Your relationship with your big sister is something really special.  The two of you understand each other in a way that few people in the world understand another person.  The love and care between you is beyond anything I could have ever expected.  When Reagan hurts, you hurt.  When Reagan has success, you are joyful.  Now that she is home for the summer it is not uncommon for me to go to bed and hear the two of you laughing downstairs.  Even though you are similar in many ways, you are also very different in other ways.  And yet that works so beautifully.  I’m so glad that Reagan and Hunter have you in their lives.  You are an essential part of this family.

You got to see real, live pandas this year.  What a joy!  You love your pandas, coloring, reading books, listening to music, thrifting, making reels for Instagram, bedazzling almost everything and eating parfaits.  You are a vibrant spark at times and a calming presence at others.  You make us laugh and often make us shake our heads.  You are endlessly creative and incredibly hardworking. 

You are a caring girl.  You have a gentle and tender heart for others.  You long to help people.  You crave deep connection.  You are kind and compassionate.  I see so much of Jesus in you in the way you interact with others.  And that’s the very very best thing about you, Maddie: you LOVE Jesus.  You love Him first and above everything else.  You pursue a relationship with Him.  You walk with Him each day.  When you are hurting, He is the first place you go.  You look to Him for guidance and identity and purpose.  You are His and He is yours. 

I see so much good in you at the age of 17 that it makes me excited to watch you make your way through the rest of God’s good plans for you.  There’s a lot of hope in your future because there is a lot of faith in your today. 

Our celebration of your 17 years is full of so much gratitude.  We love you so much more than we could say.

Happy Birthday, Mads. 

I love you so.

~Mom

Happy 13th Birthday, Hunter!

Dear Hunter,

Today you are officially a teenager.  Welcome to year 13.  Let’s take a look back at this past year to see how far you’ve come.

You finished out 6^th grade and are now a 7^th grader.  School is not something you enjoy, but you get good grades.  You care about your schoolwork but you are not a perfectionist.  The only time I have ever seen you really pour your heart and soul into anything academic is when you have had to do a project.  You’ve built an incredible castle, a fantastic baseball stadium replica, and written some pretty amazing stories.  You like to do well.  But I’m also glad to see that you are not consumed by getting perfect grades. 

You have spent a lot of time farming (both in gaming form and with toy tractors and with actual life-size equipment).  You are a farm toy expert.  You know stats and information about all kinds of equipment.  I like to consider myself someone who knows a thing or two about farming because I grew up on a farm.  You know far more than I do now.  The fascination with tractors and equipment runs deep, but your heart is fully in the red tractor category.  I love to listen to you talk and talk and talk about tractors and combines and all the many implements.  I look forward to the day when you can sit down and have these talks with the one who would have LOVED to talk to you about all of that.  I sometimes imagine you and your Grandpa sitting down and having long talks about farming.  I love that you remind me of him in so many ways. 

Gaming takes up a fair amount of your time too.  Like any middle school boy, you play games that make absolutely no sense and are full of gibberish words that you then go around saying on endless repeat.  The slang in this house is a real thing.  I’ve earned my fair share of eye rolls when I’ve tried to use that slang in our conversations.  You are not impressed.  And that’s okay.  You and I have this fun relationship where we can tease each other and laugh about it.  You seem to understand my sarcastic dry sense of humor better than most.  I seem to understand what makes a 13-year-old boy laugh.  It’s fun to banter with you.

Your relationship with your sisters is strong and deep.  Reagan moved away to college a few months ago.  To say that goodbye was brutally hard would be an understatement.  It was a huge adjustment for all of us.  For you it was tough because so often she was the one who would play those nonsense online games with you.  You have a special bond with her.  It’s fun to watch the two of you interact because it’s almost like you have your own language.  Maddie is still here though that time is dwindling too.  You like to tease her.  She likes to tease you.  There’s this foundational trust between the two of you.  You take care of each other in ways that I like to see. 

Growing up with two sisters and no brothers has made you into this certain kind of boy.  You aren’t phased when they drop a kiss on your head.  You aren’t thrown off by big emotions.  You understand how to be kind to a girl.  Various girl-related topics are not at all disturbing to you in any way, shape or form.  I think in the long run this is making you into a kid who has a compassion and gentleness that not everyone carries with them in the world. 

We went through the Holocaust Museum this summer in Washington, D.C.  I knew it would be a journey for each of us, but I watched you closely as you went through.  I watched your face.  Your eyes were often wide in disbelief.  There were times when you asked me if certain things had really happened.  And then you would just shake your head when I would quietly explain the atrocities that had occurred.  I could see that it didn’t sit well with you (as well it shouldn’t).  But I knew you well enough to know that it bothered you a little more because you truly are a kind kid.  You don’t treat others badly.  In fact, when there are situations where there is a tough kid you have chosen to be kind and inclusive rather than mean and spiteful.  I really like this about you.  I hope its something you always carry with you in the world.

Basketball is something you enjoy.  You are a long-range shooter and a good defender.  You spend a lot of time on the basketball court near our house.  It annoys you greatly when none of the shots are falling.  But when the shots are falling, you can’t miss.  Dad likes to tell a story about how he took you to shoot one evening.  There were some kids playing on half the court.  You walked onto the court and launched three huge long-range three pointers that you absolutely drained.  Those kids just stood and stared at you.  Basketball is a tough sport the older you get.  The competition for playing time becomes this whole thing.  I don’t know what the future holds for you on the court.  But I know that I enjoy watching you play right now.  I like your toughness and determination.  I like your team-player mindset.  I like your drive to compete. 

We can’t talk about sports without talking about your biggest love: baseball.  I won’t forget what happened this past summer for a very very long time – maybe never.  Countless hours of practice with the team.  Throwing with your Dad every single day.  So so so much time in the cage or on a diamond with a bat in your hands.  You are far from the biggest player on the team, but your hard work and personal practice time made an enormous impact.  Your team is Pella Sting.  There were tournaments all spring and summer.  Some went well.  Some didn’t.  It was a solid season.  But when the State Tournament brackets came out – we all groaned.  They had placed Sting in the Elite bracket – which meant you would have to play the best teams in the whole state.  Yikes.  No one thought that would go well.

So we showed up that first hot day, layered on the sunscreen, slapped on the eyeblack, tied the cleats, set out our lawnchairs and umbrellas and watched Sting win the first game.  And then you won the second game.  And then the third.  For three days we sat there, your families, watching you and your teammates play the best baseball you have ever played.  It was hard to fathom. 

I try occasionally to explain to someone what watching Sting play ball is like.  I’ve seen many first-time watchers show up expecting to see an almost Little League-like team.  I like watching their eyes pop open in wide amazement as they see you boys warm up.  You throw so so so hard.  As the game goes on those first-time watchers will say, “This is incredible.  I can’t believe they are this good.”  You play center field.  You catch anything catchable and even some that aren’t.  When the other team hits a pop fly into center field, my heart rate actually calms down.  I know you’ll get it.  And you do. 

Through those three outrageously hot days we sat and sweated (not just heat-related).  And you guys did it.  You won.  I will soak in that smile on your face for the rest of my life.  There were battles on those fields – keeping the emotions in check while still playing your heart out.  You did that masterfully.  Even when something didn’t go your way, you never gave up.  You guys fought together for each other. 

Life is that way too.  Things don’t always go your way.  Sometimes a friend hurts you.  Sometimes you bomb a test.  Sometimes you miss an opportunity.  Sometimes you lose.  But you keep going.  That’s one of the things I love the most about you, Hunter.  You don’t quit.  There will be major disappointments along the way – huge frustrations in your future – painful moments from which I want to protect you.  But don’t stop.  Keep your faith in focus.  Try.  Then try again.  Then try again. 

God has these great plans for you.  You are growing into the guy He created you to be.  All those big wins are a part of that.  All the big losses are too.  So stay the course.  Follow His game plan.  It takes practice.  You are no stranger to practice.  But the practice makes those faith muscles stronger. 

I have loved watching you grow over these 13 years.  I look forward to watching you for the next 13…and many more. 

Happy Birthday Hunter!

I love you!

~Mom

Happy 16th Birthday, Maddie!

 Dear Maddie,

Today you are sixteen years old.  When I think about you as my daughter, I admit that my mind first pictures you at about the age of 3 or 4 – your hair all fluffy and floating in the breeze.  Your big gap-toothed smile and the sparkle in your eye.  Your tiny self, full of big enthusiasm for everything.  And your constant need to be hugged.  You are not this tiny girl anymore.  But when I remember who you once were I still see her in you. 

You are still one smart kid.  You don’t just get good (very very good) grades in school, but you also make wise choices.  When there are situations in life that require hard decisions, you really think it all through carefully.  Whether it be how to manage your time or a friendship issue, you take your time to fully process and look at all the options.  I love this about you.  I can see that God has given you a great gift of wisdom and discernment and it’s wonderful to celebrate that about you.

You are diligent and hardworking.  You made the switch this year to a new place of employment.  You got your dream job of working in a clothing retail store.  I can honestly say that you were made for this role.  So many times when shopping you give such good advice.  You are honest but also flattering when appropriate.  You have a wonderful eye for fashion and always dress nicely.  You take your work seriously and I think customers appreciate your attentiveness and gentle guidance.

That same diligence comes into play when we talk about you as an athlete.  You work hard at your sports.  You played volleyball again this year.  You’re very good at that because you fall down a lot (sorry, its true).  But you pop right back up with a smile and a laser focus.  You are also in soccer this year.  That was a bit of a surprise, but you wanted to be in a sport with some of your friends and you are giving in a whirl.  I’m not surprised to say you are doing a great job.  I knew you would put your heart and soul into working at it and learning it.  You have played goalie some and though it terrifies me you are absolutely fearless and aggressive and brave.  It’s fun to watch you play any sport, honestly.  You have a gentle easy joy when you play.  While you take it seriously, you don’t take it TOO seriously and you still have fun with it.  I love watching you play.

You are the middle child.  With a big sister you have watched her do all the things first.  Sometimes you have followed in her footsteps because she made wise choices that you could respect and imitate.  Sometimes you have gone your own way because you wanted to express your personality and gifting.  You are truly you – not a copy of Reagan – but a uniquely wonderful young lady who has her own likes and dislikes.  Of course you are also a big sister to Hunter.  The two of you are a party.  There’s just no other way to describe it.  You love him and dote on him and absolutely pester him to death.  I think he gives it right back to you.  There’s a lot of laughter on your part and a lot of yelling on his.  The two of you take ridiculous pictures together which he has forbidden me from sharing.  If we need a good laugh all we have to do is pull out your phone and look through your pictures and videos.  And yet, there is a deep love between all three of you.  I love the friendship that I see there.  You have dear dear friends for life in your siblings.  I hope you know how fiercely loved you are by them.

You take your faith seriously.  You seem to thoroughly enjoy reading, learning, growing in your faith.  I love the way you make your sermon notes a work of visual art.  I love that I can find you sitting at your desk or in your chair in your room doing your devotions.  I love the way you seek out those same deep-faith qualities in your friendships.  You are governed by a set of rules far above the ones that we have in our home.  And that is by your choice.  You live as a reflection of your Savior and it’s a beautiful thing to see.

You love to spend time with children.  You teach VBS and our preschool Sunday school class each year.  You genuinely enjoy putting together the lessons and leading the kids through the activities and stories.  You are so patient and gracious with them.  I don’t know what your future will hold, but any children in your life will be blessed by you.

There’s something about you that just lights up the room.  Is it your smile or your eyes or your personality?  Maybe all of those?  Maybe it’s just the way you are attentive and kind to others.  You draw people in.  You have so many friends.  You get along with people in all different circles.  And you are welcoming to others in such a wise way.  I love how you love others but also are mindful of guarding your heart.  It’s so difficult to balance vulnerability with carefulness.  But you seem to do it so well.  That is something I have always admired about you.

You still love pandas and squishmallows and jellycat stuffed animals.  You love chocolate and peach rings.  You love big acai bowls and bananas and fancy coffee drinks.  You love cute outfits, makeup and long hair.  You love being healthy and going for walks with friends.  You love the Great British Baking Show (kids edition) and movies.  You love your stuffed animals like they are real creatures and your siblings like they are best friends.  Overall – you just do that – you love. 

On your sixteenth birthday I hope you know just how loved you are in return.  You see, sixteen-year-old you is still that little girl full of sparkle and fun and humor and determination and tenderness.  You have this beautiful way of seeing people and what they are feeling.  And you don’t turn away from it.  You so gently come alongside those who are hurting or struggling and offer a peaceful presence and a quiet word of encouragement.  You’ve done that for me many times.  It isn’t something a parent really expects from their child.  But so many times you have seen when I am having a bad day (or a bad string of days) and you’ve offered your love and encouragement with a simple text or email or hug. 

I’m so proud of the woman you are becoming.  You are a gift to all of us.

I love you, Maddie Grace.

Always,

 

~Mom