tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88979879870721758492024-03-18T22:51:50.149-05:00Kelly's Hot MessA blog about a woman in her forties with three children searching for the beauty in the chaos.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.comBlogger671125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-67563708795705617572024-02-07T20:16:00.000-06:002024-02-07T20:16:48.193-06:00Ode to Sam on Your 19th Birthday<p>February 8, 2024</p><p>My Dearest Sam,</p><p>Happy, Happy 19th Birthday!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQTLQaqoJIsWhpHHwxB5AduyRkzJ3n3_tEmcDRlWxEQfoKoK7K4D_TJBe2WI7a9lIZqE2uSTLBGuBertZEOHhHzsbCkfumoyzgsgNAwHlxfoIJbGeH16wzfYga1YEU4Fl32E8HlEITyF1RJTqnEl3cU8klN4McT8-9FgM7Jr8MDi_vRimiuHLiyRJhGLg/s640/Sam%20Birthday%20Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQTLQaqoJIsWhpHHwxB5AduyRkzJ3n3_tEmcDRlWxEQfoKoK7K4D_TJBe2WI7a9lIZqE2uSTLBGuBertZEOHhHzsbCkfumoyzgsgNAwHlxfoIJbGeH16wzfYga1YEU4Fl32E8HlEITyF1RJTqnEl3cU8klN4McT8-9FgM7Jr8MDi_vRimiuHLiyRJhGLg/s320/Sam%20Birthday%20Cake.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>Congratulations--you've officially reached the age of majority in the state of Nebraska! <br /></p><p>How did it happen? How did you become an adult--complete with a beard, a credit card, a job, college classes, the ability to vote and to engage in the way you wish to in the world?! It's so remarkable to me.</p><p>Every time you come home from college and we talk about philosophers, the economy, relationships, career paths, extracurricular choices, money in the bank and what fosters a good life--I am blown away that I get to be your mom.</p><p>You are one of my favorite people in the world. And while I didn't think I could bear being away from you when we dropped you off at school, now, five months later, I realize how beautiful the journey of growing up truly is.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxA6kVVNZM2peGD97sruZM0aH8qxUkdCCvUy6RKR_-QeBJPaqr40fHedNYMOauZTKx4E4OO1C_ik-FIg1X51vOYTvEsfNp3fRSY5MROXvvsMD8pqhomJEZOKe-d6Y7nUXmEvqQUw_CoBfbCOzI3udhWWfIBxqxsCNMvbBYpVzkL1t7InzaAgKpYzOArU7/s640/St.%20Olaf%20Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxA6kVVNZM2peGD97sruZM0aH8qxUkdCCvUy6RKR_-QeBJPaqr40fHedNYMOauZTKx4E4OO1C_ik-FIg1X51vOYTvEsfNp3fRSY5MROXvvsMD8pqhomJEZOKe-d6Y7nUXmEvqQUw_CoBfbCOzI3udhWWfIBxqxsCNMvbBYpVzkL1t7InzaAgKpYzOArU7/s320/St.%20Olaf%20Pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>There are so many things that I love about who you are in the world. I love that the only criteria you were firm about regarding college was leaving the state of Nebraska and having an adventure somewhere else. I love that you dove head first into meeting new people, trying new courses, washing your duvet cover with regularity, and communicating with me--while simultaneously helping me to honor the boundary of that frequency.</p><p>I love that you are still so kind. Independence, freedom and a life away from home has not made you a jerk. If anything, you seem to really appreciate Omaha and the goodness that emanates from your home town.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9SYJbRW4TlJIu7cb_alO2oJoobIxc5NSQfRzVmOEUr998-4smcFvsZFzhWlElVAmHRHbZXvqK7cBmjntCL2vO6iWHL5Hu1YoLTooVpYOA9t1IWtteu8wArnfcuj7LwFOrOna3CEqNDccJEsZOPOdFysRSS3CvY10VzQS99xuFVLieNxawB4AiW_weLj2/s640/Ray%20+%20Sam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9SYJbRW4TlJIu7cb_alO2oJoobIxc5NSQfRzVmOEUr998-4smcFvsZFzhWlElVAmHRHbZXvqK7cBmjntCL2vO6iWHL5Hu1YoLTooVpYOA9t1IWtteu8wArnfcuj7LwFOrOna3CEqNDccJEsZOPOdFysRSS3CvY10VzQS99xuFVLieNxawB4AiW_weLj2/s320/Ray%20+%20Sam.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>I love that you still have such a hunger for learning and creating. Watching you dive into religious and philosophical texts that I read in undergrad coupled with taking a stab at collegiate studio art has been so amazing. </p><p>I love that you ask your sisters about student council, theater, costume design, speech club, and crocheting. I love that you engage our extended family and share stories about your experiences away, and thank them regularly for their support and encouragement.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxk_E4qj22VdrjSup3-L_fheRlllVILWGxYqVy5mHb9DbUiOCKBscbrVVX7UCszS2N_a7m3UFBWJ-n2JorhBUSTbueTSJnTBu7iDLMaBKE46mNllwfk6QF6UDtvjx2Ktou6E-Hoa9_zBhSChuPmm6LK6EIsIm8NQ3OAHI95aoxHoZA2rf3yc5j6CD40Lb/s640/Grad%20Pic%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxk_E4qj22VdrjSup3-L_fheRlllVILWGxYqVy5mHb9DbUiOCKBscbrVVX7UCszS2N_a7m3UFBWJ-n2JorhBUSTbueTSJnTBu7iDLMaBKE46mNllwfk6QF6UDtvjx2Ktou6E-Hoa9_zBhSChuPmm6LK6EIsIm8NQ3OAHI95aoxHoZA2rf3yc5j6CD40Lb/s320/Grad%20Pic%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPWTk83Ix4uHVYrwlK9g8ljtOs61_nEUeblGE3TzjovtazIJpdcyTDMcb7KddFdCAWUrfxukbm3dbovgiMAkQ43kFiMff2QFON65rt9nWA3oxSqHSwnfhyNvHrpPAyD9wLKqJov0Qfphjre3aoWY5kUE3nUNLa_zMNpEH56j8GFdbE22VXHDH8yihwOr4/s640/Volleyball%20Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPWTk83Ix4uHVYrwlK9g8ljtOs61_nEUeblGE3TzjovtazIJpdcyTDMcb7KddFdCAWUrfxukbm3dbovgiMAkQ43kFiMff2QFON65rt9nWA3oxSqHSwnfhyNvHrpPAyD9wLKqJov0Qfphjre3aoWY5kUE3nUNLa_zMNpEH56j8GFdbE22VXHDH8yihwOr4/s320/Volleyball%20Pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWBIJ25jKuFxh-qs_giT95ipWYAuGms38LaHbU7nNndW1qNOBaOVmXZIzljBYxze-Gy-fYdxn8KDusJWGrgYVFNI8g7e9APnpaE9vZETTB7nm47izN5_3-9wXq86G8MxlnfbSlCtpK-JbJliNduITbfK1eMPR-G0szD-kRCYqLd8mJjb8WluX7FDndWS8/s640/Cousins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWBIJ25jKuFxh-qs_giT95ipWYAuGms38LaHbU7nNndW1qNOBaOVmXZIzljBYxze-Gy-fYdxn8KDusJWGrgYVFNI8g7e9APnpaE9vZETTB7nm47izN5_3-9wXq86G8MxlnfbSlCtpK-JbJliNduITbfK1eMPR-G0szD-kRCYqLd8mJjb8WluX7FDndWS8/s320/Cousins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_twzmoLhARCvpEemDlIbryF8yfEZVs07-o1nSxDFXcZ1qylIhdWdiRx9lHcrbCtIBDLbpmsYoe2qPguZh2_nX6nueP-lwumaFHgrJlxph_Uca3q3NQ7InYeOZJy58nDe36vb2lbwyOVgBCvxRg35pE_sjmI_5K8FABvinblPlUaTSZmAk8xnOqVwIhzN/s640/Grandma%20Kathy%20Fam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_twzmoLhARCvpEemDlIbryF8yfEZVs07-o1nSxDFXcZ1qylIhdWdiRx9lHcrbCtIBDLbpmsYoe2qPguZh2_nX6nueP-lwumaFHgrJlxph_Uca3q3NQ7InYeOZJy58nDe36vb2lbwyOVgBCvxRg35pE_sjmI_5K8FABvinblPlUaTSZmAk8xnOqVwIhzN/s320/Grandma%20Kathy%20Fam.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDX6-XvaHkxa1Sdicp8gu3ADd8-ouhjMZblosuOLd_7wQc5FTUx2Nb64OwDCxEohHZdsWsU8EFVAX_Iqqyq6OItWenEGzJ6fEAbkv4HS-05kotUIUhpl-ZDyrZrRPkK5WWqGrijCpRxfGg0bpXjbkZxuDObus4Q6B3Dl_Vj1EG9C5JYyoWSojWQNSB5Zd/s640/Sister%20Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDX6-XvaHkxa1Sdicp8gu3ADd8-ouhjMZblosuOLd_7wQc5FTUx2Nb64OwDCxEohHZdsWsU8EFVAX_Iqqyq6OItWenEGzJ6fEAbkv4HS-05kotUIUhpl-ZDyrZrRPkK5WWqGrijCpRxfGg0bpXjbkZxuDObus4Q6B3Dl_Vj1EG9C5JYyoWSojWQNSB5Zd/s320/Sister%20Pic.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>I love that you are so gosh darn frugal. I try to give you new things and you always say, save your money, I'm just fine. You'd rather thrift, repurpose, and wait until a film comes to a streaming service before spending unnecessarily. I think you got that from your dad and not from me.</p><p>I love that you're choosing really good, interesting people to share your time with, and that you ask good questions about their families, interests, and what makes them tick.</p><p>I love that you're humble and simple and loving.</p><p>And as you keep making your way in this world, trying to figure out what job you think you'll have, or who you're gonna love, or where you should live, or what you should major in, or who to invest time in--remember that every answer you need lives inside of you. Continue to trust your gut. Believe that who you are is enough.</p><p>If there's anything I've learned in almost 50 years it is that happiness has very little to do with your street address or paycheck. It has everything to do with how comfortable you feel in your own skin when nobody's looking, who you love, and who helps to support you, and the ways you serve and lift others up in the world. And with that, there are a million possibilities for how it can all unfold.</p><p>Man, how lucky I am to be on this journey watching you from afar. Thank you for the gift of being your mom. May you know everyday, always, how much you are deeply loved.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgL2CDdAdRzf2172j7C-bLVs1i1rYOKQ3N04ih-lPKZTrXCvJbPH8BfUXL9e5QkItkjdJ-HM4XpsO27Pu031ryquCzZXmUwLsMBF6rXnz3hbflDVoDQIA0i5k33fvULmtbMVR4MGeEbrnU0PVMun-xW0sO9g5-Gm819tmlGRwFP0qmlmhwwloHbA_ftrsD/s640/Sam%20and%20Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgL2CDdAdRzf2172j7C-bLVs1i1rYOKQ3N04ih-lPKZTrXCvJbPH8BfUXL9e5QkItkjdJ-HM4XpsO27Pu031ryquCzZXmUwLsMBF6rXnz3hbflDVoDQIA0i5k33fvULmtbMVR4MGeEbrnU0PVMun-xW0sO9g5-Gm819tmlGRwFP0qmlmhwwloHbA_ftrsD/s320/Sam%20and%20Me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I love you, Mom<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqV23-0b1aMV5B8EEcsB_ArOS23w88B7wHxZXfwcubgBB3kI_9Z3R-FL3dpeBR4aMLCFtAk4ldX-ZEbcR-6J65KCCy5AfyoBcMVsUsq7Ap7zfSitCsq6qjwHm07EFxGLUHnajIUJykWXPpOPun3Cpa1e_T0dsZR3J8NPQY5kWQXHBrMosCBrIAVewajzCX/s640/Grad%20Pic%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqV23-0b1aMV5B8EEcsB_ArOS23w88B7wHxZXfwcubgBB3kI_9Z3R-FL3dpeBR4aMLCFtAk4ldX-ZEbcR-6J65KCCy5AfyoBcMVsUsq7Ap7zfSitCsq6qjwHm07EFxGLUHnajIUJykWXPpOPun3Cpa1e_T0dsZR3J8NPQY5kWQXHBrMosCBrIAVewajzCX/s320/Grad%20Pic%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /> <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-45463316644079633312023-12-14T10:36:00.002-06:002023-12-14T10:36:53.708-06:00Ode to Claire on your 13th Birthday<p>December 14, 2023</p><p>My Dearest Claire,</p><p>You woke up and are officially a teenager! 13-years old!!!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nzhfXPNWtWtOWkq5G2ya23z_DUPDJm_IjGfeU9DIi0Vn78txGE4QVVZesfh5UtYmN3GVGIGrB7LdhzZlztGB86c30eI0-aav02Tizd6BqaWKH-292-rhsW3TB9miDZ9JlEldDKF2tWvrXYbo-l8yEpep_FUSoU6A9_WhSh0cXENhjzXEkM67HUVltKIB/s1024/Claire%20in%20Purple%20Hat.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nzhfXPNWtWtOWkq5G2ya23z_DUPDJm_IjGfeU9DIi0Vn78txGE4QVVZesfh5UtYmN3GVGIGrB7LdhzZlztGB86c30eI0-aav02Tizd6BqaWKH-292-rhsW3TB9miDZ9JlEldDKF2tWvrXYbo-l8yEpep_FUSoU6A9_WhSh0cXENhjzXEkM67HUVltKIB/s320/Claire%20in%20Purple%20Hat.heic" width="320" /></a></div><p>As I look back, I stand in awe of what an incredible year you've had...</p><p>Crocheting everything in sight including a temperature blanket, all kinds of creatures-cows, sloths, whales, squids, hats, bags, starting your own Etsy store, and joining the sweet older ladies at church, sitting around knitting at the prayer shawl ministry.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcQWJcvDK9f3p6zrhomolJHZ6M8UE0i09dQ1E7TQwrqOt8BcoGgfAre804STTdIowBhdeSsxuS2x0hiF-h_zPw8Mx1iYjbxhDJSwKQ-m5aMapphDi3yr6REVkVwWB2AKJdTSirGPmkz-Aog_qWMUKnwC0Qr3oXOrEqu865QgCmQDUAMMX0bppf_xLxk9E/s4032/Claire%20Blue%20Cow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcQWJcvDK9f3p6zrhomolJHZ6M8UE0i09dQ1E7TQwrqOt8BcoGgfAre804STTdIowBhdeSsxuS2x0hiF-h_zPw8Mx1iYjbxhDJSwKQ-m5aMapphDi3yr6REVkVwWB2AKJdTSirGPmkz-Aog_qWMUKnwC0Qr3oXOrEqu865QgCmQDUAMMX0bppf_xLxk9E/s320/Claire%20Blue%20Cow.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFlKz9Ni3BVim2LH2liY3OetCwFS-9V1X1P6_MYR7o1BU7QjLITIi7bqQmEFbNKIN7H-8ovj8cfcSioj8BUxGoRnnea4r2C0b5HznlX1gsougTDdZ83QDdd2rKU6XCdDNB8Sto4oJVPNl6HpUxz8xWV9LMlCI4ImEcRX3LNviM29P55-VxY7T9CGAMhGv/s4032/Claire%20Crocheting%20at%20the%20Bean.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFlKz9Ni3BVim2LH2liY3OetCwFS-9V1X1P6_MYR7o1BU7QjLITIi7bqQmEFbNKIN7H-8ovj8cfcSioj8BUxGoRnnea4r2C0b5HznlX1gsougTDdZ83QDdd2rKU6XCdDNB8Sto4oJVPNl6HpUxz8xWV9LMlCI4ImEcRX3LNviM29P55-VxY7T9CGAMhGv/s320/Claire%20Crocheting%20at%20the%20Bean.heic" width="240" /></a></div><p>Enjoying all things Kitaki. Deciding that independence is a good thing and also, that it's really important to hang with the kids that don't always get the invite.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhbvi2n7_mF4XBSzg2qjteS2fNaI_HhdZQiWt4LbJ5fB4x8QrrhY3MNvM5kBLgozbB9K_dxM_wUFObpGrsj0y8V_f4l_0c2Xe_coltn0howgtcbhozY-s0iL7WtWdMrDoTOH4RxRdPrTZTBRCFyFMlFT4b8CiAvGpOOd2VJ5Zlp1m8e_04mV5_BJAUWcj/s1875/Kitaki%20Red%20Chair.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="1661" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhbvi2n7_mF4XBSzg2qjteS2fNaI_HhdZQiWt4LbJ5fB4x8QrrhY3MNvM5kBLgozbB9K_dxM_wUFObpGrsj0y8V_f4l_0c2Xe_coltn0howgtcbhozY-s0iL7WtWdMrDoTOH4RxRdPrTZTBRCFyFMlFT4b8CiAvGpOOd2VJ5Zlp1m8e_04mV5_BJAUWcj/s320/Kitaki%20Red%20Chair.heic" width="283" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuqs5ZgDDUfypjs25SNEMhJDzZp05Rg0oNzQOBEMYPrYvV3_oUEwtcvQCB2Xmgz05kY9LMfXl_toOdhg4AQmkJ3tLjQB-NTMM_Pj_zxug7dIhKBm08hylR8tepH07RLOE2o4wQPtBlmrooWFee0N-6j0K4_Got4-KOrhxMZT31Bv54IKu_hdHmerveIWI/s4032/Kitaki%20Cabin.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuqs5ZgDDUfypjs25SNEMhJDzZp05Rg0oNzQOBEMYPrYvV3_oUEwtcvQCB2Xmgz05kY9LMfXl_toOdhg4AQmkJ3tLjQB-NTMM_Pj_zxug7dIhKBm08hylR8tepH07RLOE2o4wQPtBlmrooWFee0N-6j0K4_Got4-KOrhxMZT31Bv54IKu_hdHmerveIWI/s320/Kitaki%20Cabin.heic" width="240" /></a></div><p>Seeing Hamilton and singing all of the words with your sister. Along with singing to musicals every night in the shower--hoping one day, you'll get to see Hadestown.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8V2rH7kYN3sbRFgdXjeyh97wlSpcwmZq_xsblwdabpnlsvIyCRb1qfYKol2oNiYPzWyoJJSBzKv4IHqrsYD5ATz3m60u00qIEkWTqP46kPRZlKILcdqG-Qmluu07xFt2KhQaoT8Q6cJTQUSDtkHTTDls1bxhCYSnkepjnsfadIZANKRJuEQ_6qyCsLnd-/s4032/Hamiilton.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8V2rH7kYN3sbRFgdXjeyh97wlSpcwmZq_xsblwdabpnlsvIyCRb1qfYKol2oNiYPzWyoJJSBzKv4IHqrsYD5ATz3m60u00qIEkWTqP46kPRZlKILcdqG-Qmluu07xFt2KhQaoT8Q6cJTQUSDtkHTTDls1bxhCYSnkepjnsfadIZANKRJuEQ_6qyCsLnd-/s320/Hamiilton.heic" width="240" /></a></div><p>Going to hockey games with dad, cheering on the Mavs, giving the opposing team an earful.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJJNxyE_9-57ttRT2ToFQVL0VHaNQV7_8GRl_egVJ7i4styQtvGG7P_KI45Xxq1ji2T1yL7HVuhHCld_rRDWK8lUqy3ReJFncJoDRj3mxALtAQV6WBqFiQsgnIdOSdDjekBSH3k6vvB7fa5lfIAg8sg3NTBotUzWFxtwih2BUv4J8hBwX2joOvf6uEmog/s4032/Hockey%20with%20Dad.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJJNxyE_9-57ttRT2ToFQVL0VHaNQV7_8GRl_egVJ7i4styQtvGG7P_KI45Xxq1ji2T1yL7HVuhHCld_rRDWK8lUqy3ReJFncJoDRj3mxALtAQV6WBqFiQsgnIdOSdDjekBSH3k6vvB7fa5lfIAg8sg3NTBotUzWFxtwih2BUv4J8hBwX2joOvf6uEmog/s320/Hockey%20with%20Dad.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p>Giving your all to 7th grade Student Council, believing in the power of change, working to make the most of middle school.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgty7c337ZdnM8cVYhCCvEKsP-vaDoq_MsPNTNLjcxhEB9oQ2zmTFmcv9IKIqhSkMmHam6aTsgYlpZ8uI163olVC7qdenvFK8FHg9gYJuBYlzJ-gNXfA1XhycBULrWMxc39y3shq5q6a_oAHLUJVtkJf0mmcr3zr6opUDzNHWPTI7K8sOf8CZxjXBSg2Uka/s4032/Claire%20in%20front%20of%20Mary.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgty7c337ZdnM8cVYhCCvEKsP-vaDoq_MsPNTNLjcxhEB9oQ2zmTFmcv9IKIqhSkMmHam6aTsgYlpZ8uI163olVC7qdenvFK8FHg9gYJuBYlzJ-gNXfA1XhycBULrWMxc39y3shq5q6a_oAHLUJVtkJf0mmcr3zr6opUDzNHWPTI7K8sOf8CZxjXBSg2Uka/s320/Claire%20in%20front%20of%20Mary.heic" width="240" /></a></div><p>Giving us your crazy smolder faces any chance you get--because, let's be honest, you can do them better than any of us.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrL-pbPnddFbvqjnm-N1lMAitwCVDLd4bxxakeM25aZk0cG0mN0exV3JOOm61KgGsxO4Yrp0U2YicXwreD6UJKp7I8N6uqfE0BNcJdVfAqW_b0Fylix331S9g571agxFAEEjwHMegDzuc2ZSF4ydw3PTlR3JeqkWqLi4t-PBXOfWiLhUQQi9z3bJgTIzA/s4032/Baby%20Girl%20Face.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrL-pbPnddFbvqjnm-N1lMAitwCVDLd4bxxakeM25aZk0cG0mN0exV3JOOm61KgGsxO4Yrp0U2YicXwreD6UJKp7I8N6uqfE0BNcJdVfAqW_b0Fylix331S9g571agxFAEEjwHMegDzuc2ZSF4ydw3PTlR3JeqkWqLi4t-PBXOfWiLhUQQi9z3bJgTIzA/s320/Baby%20Girl%20Face.heic" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbOTpLvatM7F0XWthmrFqR5ichh-QgNVh8dYDhdVqHzYt3bJTb_kk6HRiOWIsmN4CNVjiC4oNB0YiCt1jRcd5RKRyQR1rkD-NgcnPGes2srXb8uTiZ1VdgNP6kO73WbH9AIioG0AFuAwvlLdsrmC5BnmJVzY-XgpxnLOQHL8Anhkg_WU8PA_tv_ysXRIM/s3088/Claire%20Smolder%20on%20Orbit.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbOTpLvatM7F0XWthmrFqR5ichh-QgNVh8dYDhdVqHzYt3bJTb_kk6HRiOWIsmN4CNVjiC4oNB0YiCt1jRcd5RKRyQR1rkD-NgcnPGes2srXb8uTiZ1VdgNP6kO73WbH9AIioG0AFuAwvlLdsrmC5BnmJVzY-XgpxnLOQHL8Anhkg_WU8PA_tv_ysXRIM/s320/Claire%20Smolder%20on%20Orbit.heic" width="240" /></a></div><p>To your amazing art work and love for anything creative.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpY6z73rRp6xyQx-Q9_irVR_ZhWunQgg5yROkrpoXLd7E_fUqQeWGdxQhvxGvLOXawEMFtMU-c7bEi_NOuNfBuw5k-zrdk6_9CYZbSTz1WBUa8DS9HIuPr5CKvTBVbXmd0GDwKvd5AZvLHqMVNxNhsVqGDOHN3PoIBiFs2tHKkrsnylGvF6RuoeS5xgz_0/s4032/Claire%20Art%20Piece.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpY6z73rRp6xyQx-Q9_irVR_ZhWunQgg5yROkrpoXLd7E_fUqQeWGdxQhvxGvLOXawEMFtMU-c7bEi_NOuNfBuw5k-zrdk6_9CYZbSTz1WBUa8DS9HIuPr5CKvTBVbXmd0GDwKvd5AZvLHqMVNxNhsVqGDOHN3PoIBiFs2tHKkrsnylGvF6RuoeS5xgz_0/s320/Claire%20Art%20Piece.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>To your incredible piano playing-filling our home and the talent show with the love of music. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AyzsVx29IVC5OO3JYOS706FjaNuWZsGrQAcuCPYy-b9l6KNd9WhRiHlGKLBN2A1-I-D_VQpXQNOct-Eq6THIhpyhaase1pZgENIeXHQ8BOl2HxTBp6208oxdV1Lp5RFDZnYZIiRCcwyFdtVZSUL2PlEpkzjc-RssbgX8zFSTljCV0rrzzpNmUdBv0py5/s4032/Claire%20Piano.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AyzsVx29IVC5OO3JYOS706FjaNuWZsGrQAcuCPYy-b9l6KNd9WhRiHlGKLBN2A1-I-D_VQpXQNOct-Eq6THIhpyhaase1pZgENIeXHQ8BOl2HxTBp6208oxdV1Lp5RFDZnYZIiRCcwyFdtVZSUL2PlEpkzjc-RssbgX8zFSTljCV0rrzzpNmUdBv0py5/s320/Claire%20Piano.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p>To touring college spaces with your brother, enjoying Chicago and Minnesota, cheering him on, wearing your St. Olaf gear every chance you get.<br /></p><p style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqz6GZ4RwXClZMGAzNC_kdN6UoXKKzBznz3lGhFt-viXBu7ceTHVgzrU8ivdOfkO4QVaK7r68HD020Y8vmsFcgnZP-dfuoiZhj8ToxG4yjOTsdNre449QMmtYIyUvvEpPzMS3f20JvkH24lClHeZWVGtfzejOBKHL4FHDbJ_97cEbdlLQmifG4-XgOuqqy/s4032/Chicago%20Pic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqz6GZ4RwXClZMGAzNC_kdN6UoXKKzBznz3lGhFt-viXBu7ceTHVgzrU8ivdOfkO4QVaK7r68HD020Y8vmsFcgnZP-dfuoiZhj8ToxG4yjOTsdNre449QMmtYIyUvvEpPzMS3f20JvkH24lClHeZWVGtfzejOBKHL4FHDbJ_97cEbdlLQmifG4-XgOuqqy/s320/Chicago%20Pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg5074MCPGB7Zs-qA2nrkXucQrm3YBX1UOg2ImArg7Nhi7pWsaEbECPORPaW1j3scXXHfrDDlmtFN-dPrC12DvCHRNb3iNEdZaPQXOa6W7NL23XSyXYwcyrgqxe7HFWj-n7jvBfUT87TdNNB6slTT_Npkho1LmS1_dKLSIumqlzWr-8pPpEvsAWXiHxAl/s4032/St.%20Olaf%20Art%20Family.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg5074MCPGB7Zs-qA2nrkXucQrm3YBX1UOg2ImArg7Nhi7pWsaEbECPORPaW1j3scXXHfrDDlmtFN-dPrC12DvCHRNb3iNEdZaPQXOa6W7NL23XSyXYwcyrgqxe7HFWj-n7jvBfUT87TdNNB6slTT_Npkho1LmS1_dKLSIumqlzWr-8pPpEvsAWXiHxAl/s320/St.%20Olaf%20Art%20Family.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHKxDFaKQXJvIg7DpzD6CWzEKMLChwWPmNzXhTMVqs29nSZtrkx979g0ZQIDMQr3rejr6-pp6xP2rsztJQbR51FBqqB3VdQTvK7zlDq8NtBlwUxmv_zp3iLQJesguEAs_bydpVuBZrpzhBm1SV2_YQxsoANnSGAfDWOcCGz39ra1sfFdVA3PgYynB6cuX/s4032/St.%20Olaf%20Sweatshirts.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHKxDFaKQXJvIg7DpzD6CWzEKMLChwWPmNzXhTMVqs29nSZtrkx979g0ZQIDMQr3rejr6-pp6xP2rsztJQbR51FBqqB3VdQTvK7zlDq8NtBlwUxmv_zp3iLQJesguEAs_bydpVuBZrpzhBm1SV2_YQxsoANnSGAfDWOcCGz39ra1sfFdVA3PgYynB6cuX/s320/St.%20Olaf%20Sweatshirts.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>To your silly, crazy story telling, incredible game playing, dancing girl self. </p><p>The truth is that you've been a teenager longer than your age has counted. Growing up as the third and youngest child, you've always been wise beyond your years. You've watched your siblings do incredible things-and decided that you would quickly dive in and make life your own. <br /></p><p>You're so wise, talented, and full of life. You always have a million questions and you're never afraid to ask. In general, you're also just not afraid of much (other than flies and bugs). A couple of times a week, you ride the city bus to the library after school, plop down, and study or read--talking to people and asking them how their day is going. You're not afraid to engage with older adults as you connect with grandmas who crochet and knit, and look forward to the opportunity to babysit people's kiddos.</p><p>You are the definition of pure joy and pure crazy. Even when you're not feeling well, you can always find energy for a good joke, a funny dance move, a dumb You Tube video, or a silly story--and the best part is that you full-on do all of the voices, act out the motions, and often pee your pants because you can't help but make your own self laugh.</p><p>As you embark upon the remainder of middle school and start to consider what is next in high school--let me encourage you to not give in to the temptation to diverge from you. It will be seductive to think you have to look a certain way, sit at a given table, or only raise your hand if you think you're right. Don't give in to that noise. </p><p>Cling to what you love, who you are, and how you show up in the world. Be willing to take risks, to go out on a limb, to fail, and then to get back up again--but all on your timeline, not on the demands or expectations of the other. Your choice to be the most authentic you will serve you well and also make you happy.</p><p>As you watch your older sister drive, engage in college exploration, and you miss your brother away at college--know that they are so proud of you. You are smart, kind, hilarious, edgy, confident, and considerate--and they will always be rooting for you no matter where they are.</p><p>Know that dad and I could not love you more. You are the brightest spot in the day, the purest of love and joy. You are our Claire Bear. And we are SO grateful to celebrate you.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2BjRZXe9iZTwhSFggp-SJb-Pu-yY6YmD38qeschXsGQzKkgBhUmJmqjjdWwjCqfl7XZeWg0Uqm3s44yTzfiLdJllFSRffnJ_K101ENaP_lBSQBH0YEtRxDpopJ5FBb7m00p9Gm0W3Mw1f-Sza7PRWyHxQ0-sOVhtMdbS3KNHBBYFJdGVX9NQ1uUbE7Se/s4032/Family%20Graduation.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2BjRZXe9iZTwhSFggp-SJb-Pu-yY6YmD38qeschXsGQzKkgBhUmJmqjjdWwjCqfl7XZeWg0Uqm3s44yTzfiLdJllFSRffnJ_K101ENaP_lBSQBH0YEtRxDpopJ5FBb7m00p9Gm0W3Mw1f-Sza7PRWyHxQ0-sOVhtMdbS3KNHBBYFJdGVX9NQ1uUbE7Se/s320/Family%20Graduation.heic" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>All my love always, Mom</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6IKPrMXD3gqHwG4X-iUy3-JoeUDyWmyxlzMeZxnbORZzv3e_cEMLFeTAn502s7Ok50rJv3UkLg5_drgVwtesWlkafYSfMVstG8Xvp4hGJIG7z6BYImC2MlBFxxOXEc_xpQ1jX_Cac_2tCov-NkovSTZkvkxwdOzngEfu2t-dnWH2M9uGnXBHbcixYik3/s4032/Claire%20and%20Mom%20on%20Train.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6IKPrMXD3gqHwG4X-iUy3-JoeUDyWmyxlzMeZxnbORZzv3e_cEMLFeTAn502s7Ok50rJv3UkLg5_drgVwtesWlkafYSfMVstG8Xvp4hGJIG7z6BYImC2MlBFxxOXEc_xpQ1jX_Cac_2tCov-NkovSTZkvkxwdOzngEfu2t-dnWH2M9uGnXBHbcixYik3/s320/Claire%20and%20Mom%20on%20Train.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><br /><br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-588007575816537922023-07-08T20:50:00.001-05:002023-07-08T20:51:05.717-05:00Ode to Kate on Your Sweet 16th Birthday<p>July 8, 2023</p><p>My Dearest Kate,</p><p>Happy, Happy Sweet 16th Birthday!</p><p>Oh my goodness! You woke up today, headed to driver's ed and all of the sudden, the world changed, and you are officially so grown up!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SqaEdj92qL_hkuBx5qtxadTk4b9v-mea4JOgYtWIRVPzHW5oK9Z6wASwT5OxLZo4ryBpq9H2oBE6k0VWn_kAjxvsSGpZ9gqFmx7yrsxHLDIVvydBgj8ycWulHtU8wDn_Ng0z3vKHWCUlOfPtqpZU0zoktdJRJo9Un6fqJGqny2e3szH36aE1ZuTZfjPW/s1024/Kate%20Birthday%20Cake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SqaEdj92qL_hkuBx5qtxadTk4b9v-mea4JOgYtWIRVPzHW5oK9Z6wASwT5OxLZo4ryBpq9H2oBE6k0VWn_kAjxvsSGpZ9gqFmx7yrsxHLDIVvydBgj8ycWulHtU8wDn_Ng0z3vKHWCUlOfPtqpZU0zoktdJRJo9Un6fqJGqny2e3szH36aE1ZuTZfjPW/s320/Kate%20Birthday%20Cake.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Tomorrow, you'll take your driver's test and then, freedom awaits you.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Q0CJZ5WGom_u7_7EjMAuZei3VT6t6iUH1ux5mdWPRjmBJSjhKQbuMSTzxSfmfj9jb5e1gYikaLITgXEGSVoAHwSXjw-IflZbMR0a80Pas_EyKjSuTjyCBZks3Q0HskAMyIaMqTkQTqK8DUmyGEV1yRNzTM_41mITnoNGCwX82JYLiLEFukr8L5suv_IF/s1024/Kate%20driving.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Q0CJZ5WGom_u7_7EjMAuZei3VT6t6iUH1ux5mdWPRjmBJSjhKQbuMSTzxSfmfj9jb5e1gYikaLITgXEGSVoAHwSXjw-IflZbMR0a80Pas_EyKjSuTjyCBZks3Q0HskAMyIaMqTkQTqK8DUmyGEV1yRNzTM_41mITnoNGCwX82JYLiLEFukr8L5suv_IF/s320/Kate%20driving.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p>My goodness, Kate. You are such an amazing person. It's hard to find the words to share all of the things I love about who you and what you stand for.</p><p>You recently completed your sophomore year at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart--and during that time, managed rigorous classes while dancing multiple nights a week at the Omaha Academy of Ballet, solidifed your love of fashion through costume design in the production of Macbeth and Omaha Fashion Week, and shot as many bulls eye's as possible in archery.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgip1ILH68iedb64fqvKhPrsyYMh5kJ4QxdRKowq7uuoNP43weBv-JRiJ_3BKc3sdSvfGTyn-7EqLX76eymjJQ1UqkPircDA9IAGCeWdsz-8eOtZgLHTKyMXVSmg9mqRJ4r53_AfHsakVSduSNAImDghaoghdoK1AWaXQwoiIH4hcOX0RyyPrl-qMRLE1Ji/s4032/Kate%20En%20Pointe.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2264" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgip1ILH68iedb64fqvKhPrsyYMh5kJ4QxdRKowq7uuoNP43weBv-JRiJ_3BKc3sdSvfGTyn-7EqLX76eymjJQ1UqkPircDA9IAGCeWdsz-8eOtZgLHTKyMXVSmg9mqRJ4r53_AfHsakVSduSNAImDghaoghdoK1AWaXQwoiIH4hcOX0RyyPrl-qMRLE1Ji/s320/Kate%20En%20Pointe.HEIC" width="180" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkTN09R4QQsHZfGKoEMZxB_bYveA-Iajqhi_ARdigjD2qN_CK0RL6nKRYnq-iYimjX2yBrhoP8VgD4bJAQVoaOxpof0IuzmpcITbHuXU33GAc6MTrlKCO17YcDkIiUoTqnyXITayZ6JYWyAjqUmepdRGQYc1_CH_brGA4L2eLjcO0i0GDBid1tN673uRt/s1295/Kate's%20Costume.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="907" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkTN09R4QQsHZfGKoEMZxB_bYveA-Iajqhi_ARdigjD2qN_CK0RL6nKRYnq-iYimjX2yBrhoP8VgD4bJAQVoaOxpof0IuzmpcITbHuXU33GAc6MTrlKCO17YcDkIiUoTqnyXITayZ6JYWyAjqUmepdRGQYc1_CH_brGA4L2eLjcO0i0GDBid1tN673uRt/s320/Kate's%20Costume.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5yxSnwk1Q1iUt_AlI2tihAJ9tVi2osnpXOtNTYMv8oPYdvX5aIEvp5BJKL8ufOHW9L0A17lqLwRaEtWUzqxGZcMcHjkfGFjVy1fkEDENwr1hBUAdBRnnqIxENN-4b6vh-AZbKsltNsb_70G7iAz9dM38lCU2m2S9Ynsp78IbsrJH35BapHBZiVwIONXr/s4032/Kate%20Archery.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5yxSnwk1Q1iUt_AlI2tihAJ9tVi2osnpXOtNTYMv8oPYdvX5aIEvp5BJKL8ufOHW9L0A17lqLwRaEtWUzqxGZcMcHjkfGFjVy1fkEDENwr1hBUAdBRnnqIxENN-4b6vh-AZbKsltNsb_70G7iAz9dM38lCU2m2S9Ynsp78IbsrJH35BapHBZiVwIONXr/s320/Kate%20Archery.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>You are such a creative, thoughtful, intentional, interesting, wise beyond your years person--that you're continually inspiring me. </p><p>You recently applied to be a participant in Duchesne's trip to Madrid next summer, and when accepted, understood that in order to go, you'd need to pay for half of the trip. And so, by the grace of God, you nannied for a wonderful family teaching their little guy to sew and earning your ability to explore another country.<br /></p><p>You're love for creating also secured you a spot in the Kent Bellow's mentoring program where you learn from a fashion design mentor and are designing and sewing pieces for upcoming shows.</p><p>All the while, you're still managing Enchanted Toucan, your Etsy store, making several pink plushy bats every week for customers, funding your ability to buy oodles of fabric and to thrift on a dime.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Qe-G0Un4CI3XgFayBRBETC1I0Nm8GmPH_cOa55BhQPjcjBb6ip9ho-SmUR298MNOqgt86xXSOUZYcjXJqqKWSVopri47oKaNnJyRRmcY_aqTdIOzoqDDoFakC5jRofaKaPFmstKfsPGrBMQLnLb0i_rWXYtv9YpZCHB2gJy7LvEpfHf9FTeRPU5ixFFI/s1436/Plushy%20bats.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="1179" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Qe-G0Un4CI3XgFayBRBETC1I0Nm8GmPH_cOa55BhQPjcjBb6ip9ho-SmUR298MNOqgt86xXSOUZYcjXJqqKWSVopri47oKaNnJyRRmcY_aqTdIOzoqDDoFakC5jRofaKaPFmstKfsPGrBMQLnLb0i_rWXYtv9YpZCHB2gJy7LvEpfHf9FTeRPU5ixFFI/s320/Plushy%20bats.jpeg" width="263" /></a></div> <p></p><p>What I think I love about you the most is your kindness. You're a really good person who always wants to give the next person the benefit of the doubt, who seems to have infinite amounts of patience, and who trusts that all is well and that with enough elbow grease and magic, it will all work out. I hope you never lose this beautiful way of being in the world.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7fpCqRdGlmS0E28sJSYsp1Xp1NRY_dBWFJdbCdoAbvEnyiPHvP8SOVnr4rdF0Kftzxw8P70ME3qHp_L8PFKWanf3_YvolT8x3zYH6ic9tCTqd7PGMAns0Bz-xnMtBh0ABwYAjDkGHBrn9ObjFn6LhruUSaGvx_K_i_DCJ2ipZ0PqTFQdSj0Z7sqOsscH/s4032/Orpheum%20Mom%20and%20Kate.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7fpCqRdGlmS0E28sJSYsp1Xp1NRY_dBWFJdbCdoAbvEnyiPHvP8SOVnr4rdF0Kftzxw8P70ME3qHp_L8PFKWanf3_YvolT8x3zYH6ic9tCTqd7PGMAns0Bz-xnMtBh0ABwYAjDkGHBrn9ObjFn6LhruUSaGvx_K_i_DCJ2ipZ0PqTFQdSj0Z7sqOsscH/s320/Orpheum%20Mom%20and%20Kate.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>So, as you embark upon the back half of high school, and we begin the college visiting process in your junior year, a few thoughts...</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The sky is the limit. Venture to find the right place for you. It will inevitably be different than your big brother's and it will be exactly where you're meant to be. <br /></li><li>Keep stretching yourself. Soak up everything you can from the mentors, teachers, instructors, peers, and influencers that you can---but at the end of the day, follow your own north star. Be Kate. She's the best. And there's only one of her ever. Dive deeply into her and trust in all that she brings.</li><li>Spain will be the beginning of recognizing that the world is a really big place and that there's so much to see and to explore--let it brew a hunger inside of you that makes you crave more experiences of the unknown knowing that your family is always here rooting for you, wanting to hear about the world through your eyes.</li><li>When in doubt, turn to God. Take your fear, your hurt, your "I don't know how it's going to all work out," and give it over. You don't have to walk alone. You are loved. And in time, it will be revealed.</li><li>Your family loves you more than you can imagine. Let this foundation be the roots that you need to fly. Your father, brother, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins have a giant "Go Kate" sign at all times and we are always here to remind you how loved and valuable you are.</li></ul><p>So, now's your time, girl! Here's to freedom, adventure, exploration, opportunity and deep love. So much excitement in the new year. Go take it by storm!! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUolK33qAfeUpBdVScIoI1OexZXSQO6j0oKLvRj7srURjqDjo4bCT9O7jX-35L6xKvmUDY2S8XwjgzdXmwK08kxCeBn_7RMwfRHi1VDmFHI8LnUZz7hefKE3Pcs6I0y86WM1dKP3xzyL01g9RoQgynCT1oal7J9G8xXTdqcV7LgjIK0mDvNU_6dlyALdo4/s4032/Chicago%20Family.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUolK33qAfeUpBdVScIoI1OexZXSQO6j0oKLvRj7srURjqDjo4bCT9O7jX-35L6xKvmUDY2S8XwjgzdXmwK08kxCeBn_7RMwfRHi1VDmFHI8LnUZz7hefKE3Pcs6I0y86WM1dKP3xzyL01g9RoQgynCT1oal7J9G8xXTdqcV7LgjIK0mDvNU_6dlyALdo4/s320/Chicago%20Family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-FthYqRQmdtqZkBMD1Q0DiLWmt0yz0TmQIKLv2iQLhwf_GTBwdPBCwqPGCae780Y7oH5J0sweIHkh5ApSf7VDYN6QfP66fzKCq8e8s7ouylCcJnNiYkunULl1d-21RoPTbwDTVy4DHQdYzbVL9UstHUA4QvkPYB4-jgEF5g6cFXerTaN4fxJQ_VzYyNh/s4032/Sam%20Graduation.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-FthYqRQmdtqZkBMD1Q0DiLWmt0yz0TmQIKLv2iQLhwf_GTBwdPBCwqPGCae780Y7oH5J0sweIHkh5ApSf7VDYN6QfP66fzKCq8e8s7ouylCcJnNiYkunULl1d-21RoPTbwDTVy4DHQdYzbVL9UstHUA4QvkPYB4-jgEF5g6cFXerTaN4fxJQ_VzYyNh/s320/Sam%20Graduation.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj--zvZH29fmChP5VxVzeYQ2MhOMNOzl1XNoJg9nQmICYp9k_QTmHHZtfmC_db67lQHz0UTDSPoSYf6klNfv_5cS7KVPwNh0CC5aWCg6qnhQXR7q1aeYmj-rZHpjB6jFSbtFLOY_da-ao8elbk11tRqu1QbEpGNU7LRUpiLDzfsX10uAXUMrbi_xBo7Az/s4032/Family%20Ice%20Cream.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj--zvZH29fmChP5VxVzeYQ2MhOMNOzl1XNoJg9nQmICYp9k_QTmHHZtfmC_db67lQHz0UTDSPoSYf6klNfv_5cS7KVPwNh0CC5aWCg6qnhQXR7q1aeYmj-rZHpjB6jFSbtFLOY_da-ao8elbk11tRqu1QbEpGNU7LRUpiLDzfsX10uAXUMrbi_xBo7Az/s320/Family%20Ice%20Cream.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydfSMP_Tr4B1zDBBxDO8ZJW7fvzghy-alTO-yMngx3GDi_gumMLLNx8meljJFDjujajKTCm2tWLRyRXnInqFDIOBkd5bYNee5mxKPYAZnKS-yMouop_5OijrfK1wDm99-CzjidjIKPMdwtC4wgC29C1doQkbJgaXoTA19A2Z8u2M8qyU1hTlNVOAYIEKG/s1024/Kate%20Birthday%20Sign.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydfSMP_Tr4B1zDBBxDO8ZJW7fvzghy-alTO-yMngx3GDi_gumMLLNx8meljJFDjujajKTCm2tWLRyRXnInqFDIOBkd5bYNee5mxKPYAZnKS-yMouop_5OijrfK1wDm99-CzjidjIKPMdwtC4wgC29C1doQkbJgaXoTA19A2Z8u2M8qyU1hTlNVOAYIEKG/s320/Kate%20Birthday%20Sign.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> All My Love, Mom<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjp8zp0ob69XNo6p4GDOjzJ-vqt_aXi_82S15v9NrDP_nZtRXu_voI9MxEGhJc6D6uB8BWIr42DdiqG2v6VYjZyH5t7VqIlxdB016ZoQjA1_gm7u56-g9Flq7V6kwCjHsTBAx1ELNdFpkC0d8uOUxWJZG6tW_CHiodCi3zajPJS5QWzGttNzKEzNah5JYL/s2985/Kate%20and%20Kelly%20Duchesne.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2985" data-original-width="2849" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjp8zp0ob69XNo6p4GDOjzJ-vqt_aXi_82S15v9NrDP_nZtRXu_voI9MxEGhJc6D6uB8BWIr42DdiqG2v6VYjZyH5t7VqIlxdB016ZoQjA1_gm7u56-g9Flq7V6kwCjHsTBAx1ELNdFpkC0d8uOUxWJZG6tW_CHiodCi3zajPJS5QWzGttNzKEzNah5JYL/s320/Kate%20and%20Kelly%20Duchesne.HEIC" width="305" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-73627122468657339232023-05-06T15:23:00.005-05:002023-05-06T15:26:15.661-05:0048 Birthday Candles<p>May 6, 2023</p><p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAD8AW6Xg8VCUsmlpVaRwrwqFtLxTJFvoAOcMbVH55lce-d-n_NENi7hObR5Ajmf29QoUpLKN_aMSn_hPy8RN3W-8B1pb-ns2K74IWr_Dc0uqq63NbwOZYeUkJhbiQbbV283w9FqZLgJ5nf1qAJ0_28btzZ2m0R4zxHKFgetX0xDO8uDUTzoQB_4d0FA/s3308/Sam%20and%20Kelly.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3308" data-original-width="2363" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAD8AW6Xg8VCUsmlpVaRwrwqFtLxTJFvoAOcMbVH55lce-d-n_NENi7hObR5Ajmf29QoUpLKN_aMSn_hPy8RN3W-8B1pb-ns2K74IWr_Dc0uqq63NbwOZYeUkJhbiQbbV283w9FqZLgJ5nf1qAJ0_28btzZ2m0R4zxHKFgetX0xDO8uDUTzoQB_4d0FA/s320/Sam%20and%20Kelly.heic" width="229" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p></p>Hello, 48!<p></p><p>48 birthday candles...48 spins around the sun...48 gifts of time...48 opportunities to keep getting to know me and the surprising beauty of aging.</p><p>********<br /></p><p>I'm not going to lie, last year felt hard. </p><p>It seemed like every time I turned around, I was losing hair, gaining weight, searching for a supplement that would minimize belly fat, getting lab work done to see if my hormones were out of whack, waking up at 3:00 a.m. full of fear, living in a land of perimenopausal uncertainty working to support my oldest as he engaged the college application/selection process and I randomly cried thinking about all of the lasts with him and our family dynamic as I know it.</p><p>Visualize a middle-aged woman in hot yoga, drenched in sweat, trying to balance her lady parts in the air, while tears flowed during the much needed shivasana. This was me on the regular.<br /></p><p>Just like no one could convince me that my whole world would change when I became a mother, no one can seemingly prepare me for how hard it will be to say goodbye to this amazing kid-- which is the exact place we're supposed to be--he heading to have a new adventure away from home, me free to be more present in my marriage, raising our remaining two, exploring opportunities in my career, and feeling what it feels like as my body changes and heart softens toward the wisdom of aging.</p><p>And as my tummy gets soft, my arms look like lunch ladies, my hair feels thinner and thinner, I feel deeply grateful.</p><p>**** <br /></p><p>There's something that happens at this sweet spot in life. You start to decide what you really give a fuck about it, and for me, it's not much. I have a singular focus on my husband, my children, my health and doing a good job for the clients I serve. Otherwise, my house is a disaster and the truth is when the kids all leave, I doubt it will look much different. I don't want to spend my time on that shit. I like reading the New York Times and drinking coffee. I like going on walks with my friends, and binge watching smart shows that keep me glued to the tube. I get lost in podcasts and sometimes that means I don't go places that I RSVP'd to because I just want to stay home, and I really don't feel badly about it.</p><p>I don't care as much if or when people don't approve of something I do. In fact, I rarely know, because I don't ask. I just don't care.</p><p>I spend any free time I have talking with my husband about how our kids are doing and what we can do to support their dreams. And, then, I start remembering that I have dreams, and we talk about what it will take to manifest them...like writing in Italy, growing my mediation practice, traveling the world to visit our kids when they study abroad, running a half marathon together, and trading fear for love.</p><p>So, as I embark upon this new year, I say hello to me--the me who was there before the husband and the kids and the perimenopause and the artificial expectations. The me who feels free to explore, to try on, to fail, to get lost in wonderments, to say yes to the things that feel good, and no to the preconceived notions of others. </p><p>May 48 be a wild ride of presence, joy, connection, sorrow for one chapter closing, hope for another beginning, and deep gratitude for all of the people who have surrounded me with unconditional love as I fall down, get back up, and keep remembering that aging is a privilege, a gift, a chance to keep growing, trusting that this life, my life is a good one.</p><br /><br /><br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-278772257405309122023-04-17T11:24:00.000-05:002023-04-17T11:24:29.236-05:00Ode to 19-Years of Marriage<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30-dtQm8JDiO3JldefVMaKDqeG0sTha3ahgLvLAoi7U0pe9UiZq5aXJWAvVEVr1diRrOm-Q8VWfEweprtHr1iHBh_SpMGwKoAmAwl4jDs6CMixKkkkOpXXo6X1oxWRaa5_Kicasgrb-T_aXOtFsVr2tC_685895dMeWHyDbANWl-x6WVmDjKLCr_rcw/s642/Anniversary%20Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="642" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30-dtQm8JDiO3JldefVMaKDqeG0sTha3ahgLvLAoi7U0pe9UiZq5aXJWAvVEVr1diRrOm-Q8VWfEweprtHr1iHBh_SpMGwKoAmAwl4jDs6CMixKkkkOpXXo6X1oxWRaa5_Kicasgrb-T_aXOtFsVr2tC_685895dMeWHyDbANWl-x6WVmDjKLCr_rcw/s320/Anniversary%20Pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>April 17, 2023</p><p> </p><p>My Dearest Ray,</p><p>Happy, Happy 19th Anniversary!</p><p>I love that I'll be reading this ode to you at Costco, as we get tires installed on the cars while the kids are at school--a beautiful symbolic window into our jam-packed, crazy busy life.<br /></p><p>What a wild ride we've had for almost two decades--but this particular ode stands out as a representation of a really special, emotional season in our marriage.</p><p>In a month, Sam will walk across the stage to receive his high school diploma, and then shortly after board a plane for Europe to experience his first time abroad. Wasn't he just getting his first pair of glasses and talking about being old enough to get braces?<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOATcS__7TG8a5Q8vHYKlPRU8BK3jipBiHbUzbO6I_gmEgfi6_OucxerQb5hdS8McPrFG7FSKVpcrXF43Pe54NFAZ_wUSjyoEEPCKFG0KveOgg2nOVm-cvumNMGOzL0muIh4TLDRr1nACAq-4y4E1n3SBnZ-JYT3RIZD2jPJ9JviI077p-Qh5Ho-ZYg/s1258/sam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1258" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOATcS__7TG8a5Q8vHYKlPRU8BK3jipBiHbUzbO6I_gmEgfi6_OucxerQb5hdS8McPrFG7FSKVpcrXF43Pe54NFAZ_wUSjyoEEPCKFG0KveOgg2nOVm-cvumNMGOzL0muIh4TLDRr1nACAq-4y4E1n3SBnZ-JYT3RIZD2jPJ9JviI077p-Qh5Ho-ZYg/s320/sam.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p><p>And now, Kate is learning to drive while interviewing for a fashion design mentorship program. Wasn't she just twirling around in her first ballet class, and now she's learning how to merge into traffic?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWHVfNbNeY4yQrvDtLtPeuV50GWyEJwIdcG4ngCU7tOFRXKfjzL3c6aVwyN6mH9W5oYxGhBUny02WKPyIXkNRqnthuIZZRL8kMuWm6YgNL-xZuFxp3vb_swe_Kg_cMIimbhpojNRax9ckj2C1gDlv9F2AhDBpRLY1ut4PuDeuri9d63UBjzwpV_LvAg/s640/KateBallet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="338" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWHVfNbNeY4yQrvDtLtPeuV50GWyEJwIdcG4ngCU7tOFRXKfjzL3c6aVwyN6mH9W5oYxGhBUny02WKPyIXkNRqnthuIZZRL8kMuWm6YgNL-xZuFxp3vb_swe_Kg_cMIimbhpojNRax9ckj2C1gDlv9F2AhDBpRLY1ut4PuDeuri9d63UBjzwpV_LvAg/s320/KateBallet1.jpg" width="169" /></a></div>And Claire is making a strong case for having her own room when Sam heads off to college at the end of the summer. Wasn't she just at the Children's Museum face painting?<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1LTnkiNMF0bdFhcDrFCZqJVxWyeS33eC_wHEsr1W4kIGHqwnYLGoUrxUPrSVYs3ysKp7r0HWcdkuL_iMCi6Cd75jc5vVU5Cqj2EvBO0QPslNkei1suYaHGBGlPg7cRKSII-qNLzy5pcbgY1-Yw4M5ysUgib2fdoTjUm_Jos7E50ySWnqQ_9qgI01Vw/s640/Claire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1LTnkiNMF0bdFhcDrFCZqJVxWyeS33eC_wHEsr1W4kIGHqwnYLGoUrxUPrSVYs3ysKp7r0HWcdkuL_iMCi6Cd75jc5vVU5Cqj2EvBO0QPslNkei1suYaHGBGlPg7cRKSII-qNLzy5pcbgY1-Yw4M5ysUgib2fdoTjUm_Jos7E50ySWnqQ_9qgI01Vw/s320/Claire.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Weren't they all small enough that we could hold them on our hips, walk them home from school, play board games, and have everyone in bed by 9pm?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UaXJ3BBlup_vxfqEQ5UDx1ds7TuKZ1Fw3JAyzMXowr8R4g9QZ__8FztElcYVDln5KhX2d6pD3_mVj2Y3dypMxXZbGSJcRxlln-zTQ8qHX0Z9Jlcbs0l987hXfcO_ZxgpcbAVPacrF0gRQCvMENTZmP_ozzgvDS4vk9mZAwxpbEn6PKTgarKuSmv-kg/s640/Castle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UaXJ3BBlup_vxfqEQ5UDx1ds7TuKZ1Fw3JAyzMXowr8R4g9QZ__8FztElcYVDln5KhX2d6pD3_mVj2Y3dypMxXZbGSJcRxlln-zTQ8qHX0Z9Jlcbs0l987hXfcO_ZxgpcbAVPacrF0gRQCvMENTZmP_ozzgvDS4vk9mZAwxpbEn6PKTgarKuSmv-kg/s320/Castle.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p>**** <br /></p><p>How did we get here, sweetheart? They're kind of grown up. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0kMoOgnZC2D8qPokYBkoH3hMdjGcv_db2PgFpsMxrOr7QjQE6Oa0QMUVdk8YU9yhPJnLMtIOqbgS4WqVygad1qJ57iPI7IPtF3JovGtzx_h4CxVLtrEx4oP74jwVmbr2anOSPSjbkOTnB1wDoTLoMSPJBBt6hsJrqF26-6vJ7cnL2w7n7vn99tnDQQ/s640/Easter%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="461" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0kMoOgnZC2D8qPokYBkoH3hMdjGcv_db2PgFpsMxrOr7QjQE6Oa0QMUVdk8YU9yhPJnLMtIOqbgS4WqVygad1qJ57iPI7IPtF3JovGtzx_h4CxVLtrEx4oP74jwVmbr2anOSPSjbkOTnB1wDoTLoMSPJBBt6hsJrqF26-6vJ7cnL2w7n7vn99tnDQQ/s320/Easter%202023.jpg" width="231" /></a></div> And while we see this independence and self-sufficiency shine through and keep checking things off the graduation party to-do list, I can't help but think--thank God it's been you by my side through it all.<br /><p></p><p>Thank God it's you who regulates my nervous system by taking me on a walk, making me a cup of coffee/tea, texting me an encouragement, helping Claire with her homework, preparing nightly dinner, and reminding me that it's not just going to be okay--that it <i>is</i> okay.</p><p>Thank God it's you who says fear doesn't get to have the last word, let's try love instead.</p><p>Thank God it's you who knows how to trouble shoot crazy ass household shit, change light bulbs, deal with appliances, analyze weird car sounds, and change out infinite printer cartridges.</p><p>Thank God for second and third and fourth and infinite chances and do-overs. You hand them out plentily and give me a hug when I realize my own absurdity.</p><p>Thank God for the desire to try harder and to do better; and then, the humanity that says, I can't do this anymore and the ways you rise up to meet me where I am. </p><p>Thank God that we're inches away from a college decision for Sam. As you know, I only have three hairs left on my head and feel so, so tired from all of the uncertainty; and simultaneously, so, so excited for what is to come in his new chapter of life.</p><p>Thank God that you prioritize God and your faith; and start your mornings on your knees in gratitude for all that God continues to give, and regularly recite the serenity prayer for when we don't understand, but choose to trust anyway.</p><p>Thank God that you take good care of yourself physically and model to our children the importance of movement, healthy eating habits, and your intentional choice to not distract yourself with destructive habits that I see time and again in mediation.</p><p>Thank God that you love me--all of me--and that you take me on my terms and remind me of my strengths, my passions, my dreams, my hopes, and the countless ways that things have worked out in the past-even when I was certain that the rug would finally be pulled out, and the jig would be up.</p><p>**** <br /></p><p>Nineteen years feels like an eternity and a blip. As we embark upon this new year of marriage, may you know that I could not love you more; and yet, I know that this time next year, I will. </p><p>I don't know what God has in store for us and for our family; but I do know that come what may, I will be holding your hand, choosing you, every step of the way, today, tomorrow, and always.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13Zx45P9Kl_paL-762uScuDkhUfTL3xE2F7zhLYL21sdwa-shHNkymtez_1ccPkPlQYrRqncyWp76oLd1CRtquWNidOMcob0IL1sqOrEhcl96SW3Et_Y0FbOleszoELIPOA1g0QlkaDS3EFeMcTUXjiStXeTGxLZzj0D-bXmG-roV2OOJkmLNi8-_JA/s640/KellyRayBeach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13Zx45P9Kl_paL-762uScuDkhUfTL3xE2F7zhLYL21sdwa-shHNkymtez_1ccPkPlQYrRqncyWp76oLd1CRtquWNidOMcob0IL1sqOrEhcl96SW3Et_Y0FbOleszoELIPOA1g0QlkaDS3EFeMcTUXjiStXeTGxLZzj0D-bXmG-roV2OOJkmLNi8-_JA/s320/KellyRayBeach.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAX6mV9Bv58MAE6WIqS5JnZp7BhG8ZMRb1upSZXxetxgBnWV_obc-3XQ1iR_RBTuQ_qUT4Hv1eRkRiiatMP9vAlAas1S4QZDR9j_beJa1MaVptCHntUxma4mpVSWCza159Zj6DMZeNfgBI-NfjTQ8x9FT8iqyujgI7k6CR-KpStwr_0sf7jyC134Www/s960/RayandI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAX6mV9Bv58MAE6WIqS5JnZp7BhG8ZMRb1upSZXxetxgBnWV_obc-3XQ1iR_RBTuQ_qUT4Hv1eRkRiiatMP9vAlAas1S4QZDR9j_beJa1MaVptCHntUxma4mpVSWCza159Zj6DMZeNfgBI-NfjTQ8x9FT8iqyujgI7k6CR-KpStwr_0sf7jyC134Www/s320/RayandI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgwmgHyyNqkfotV7KCuvOOapz6NrmNag9gbftcrSoA_TYGx3if7mgJTpxYeeDrsyCISurj_IZ-vmB4pyS7Dwk1L7-CfBgYGs0F4scMGtzmKxg6mDsjTDX6PSdPC_CPv2j6Ra9HTFGOuyOuJHZLe4ULCV_jTbCkvoEne6ns0-6QRm6ifbxW_Lfp-UolQ/s2592/Claire%20Mom%20and%20Dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgwmgHyyNqkfotV7KCuvOOapz6NrmNag9gbftcrSoA_TYGx3if7mgJTpxYeeDrsyCISurj_IZ-vmB4pyS7Dwk1L7-CfBgYGs0F4scMGtzmKxg6mDsjTDX6PSdPC_CPv2j6Ra9HTFGOuyOuJHZLe4ULCV_jTbCkvoEne6ns0-6QRm6ifbxW_Lfp-UolQ/s320/Claire%20Mom%20and%20Dad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4idwDjoA_wObW7DzuNUoSxfIglyEpmPlu7V3LGMtQ8lHhj-VinEVaS8luB0TSn6nVheg9bokY_KchaWSjZ7p1PNxrofA1_pQODBBrR8zyIyHH11P9n45J1Y-WdPFusN4I_tEJeh9ETvY3NU-qe6Vqh_12wEz3qGQHHOuMnCUVsHpCvaMT4UpNrASL4g/s600/Gering%20Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4idwDjoA_wObW7DzuNUoSxfIglyEpmPlu7V3LGMtQ8lHhj-VinEVaS8luB0TSn6nVheg9bokY_KchaWSjZ7p1PNxrofA1_pQODBBrR8zyIyHH11P9n45J1Y-WdPFusN4I_tEJeh9ETvY3NU-qe6Vqh_12wEz3qGQHHOuMnCUVsHpCvaMT4UpNrASL4g/s320/Gering%20Family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>You make everything better. Happy Anniversary, Sweetheart. </p>All my love, KellyKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-31795081499703442602023-02-08T14:09:00.001-06:002023-02-08T14:09:39.584-06:00Ode to Sam on Your 18th Birthday<p> My Dearest Sam,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDaDtyAzHVWjAhHYQ0nxsdlhgnsLf9DFqDxd_Lifi0YlD909NENWyi1LbM1nTj8RLeZhahPmpngHd0Y5f_DtCLRZNv3qwTAfPA7eMZFT5WLxFA947oMEgu1Kh2wPMBB3JhafduMqwG2Aqkx7X7vEwWU5ZHlswvtdEW3kxaABduwKm7koAxjLery-IFw/s1732/GeringS%20(57%20of%2072)_Original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1732" data-original-width="1155" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDaDtyAzHVWjAhHYQ0nxsdlhgnsLf9DFqDxd_Lifi0YlD909NENWyi1LbM1nTj8RLeZhahPmpngHd0Y5f_DtCLRZNv3qwTAfPA7eMZFT5WLxFA947oMEgu1Kh2wPMBB3JhafduMqwG2Aqkx7X7vEwWU5ZHlswvtdEW3kxaABduwKm7koAxjLery-IFw/s320/GeringS%20(57%20of%2072)_Original.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><p>Happy, Happy 18th Birthday! </p><p>How is it possible that you're soaking in the final few months of senior year, waiting to hear from colleges, preparing for your first trip abroad, spending every free moment with friends, and enjoying the last Prep traditions of leading Freshman Retreat, enjoying Mother/Father/Son masses, competing at Quiz Bowl tournaments, finalizing art portfolios, and sinking into your new favorite Philosophy and AP Government classes?!</p><p>Sometimes, when I think of you, I remember this little guy...</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqclT85Apy9VdpOtv-eaPrtRakucJ-uZ4AxQ2fkQWlXwOp_MRFue1XxEvbqYwOhWyS1AqaJNEWx8WdpPzld__8-aKDIx1_HuEyt99sZPTqzqG2QvR5zJ8ImxWY4UlnXvcRsHDuYV7qDh5Xi-kwJWTjfheoVByIj3fcWC6CvV7FtGmp5GVJLc_dLyshw/s604/Little%20Sam%20Elmwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="453" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqclT85Apy9VdpOtv-eaPrtRakucJ-uZ4AxQ2fkQWlXwOp_MRFue1XxEvbqYwOhWyS1AqaJNEWx8WdpPzld__8-aKDIx1_HuEyt99sZPTqzqG2QvR5zJ8ImxWY4UlnXvcRsHDuYV7qDh5Xi-kwJWTjfheoVByIj3fcWC6CvV7FtGmp5GVJLc_dLyshw/s320/Little%20Sam%20Elmwood.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Only to reflect, in this picture on who I know you to be now...<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0MkNbHzWE_PzNCAMD5Vod8t-pFamIGI373A1NbV8hwqJPMLSGywq6r-43SxSeIJrr1ZstLGcJsLNXTZm1T3czU67mzKSxULJ-rpheFusTZGxtYSsBItuyC6suTcBPtwKjH2Jbk9e-VPd8QfJrPVofPQ1geqQ53BUHXk70ZbxzHkD-Tg9IVvmnLpIiw/s1732/Big%20Sam%20at%20Elmwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1732" data-original-width="1155" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0MkNbHzWE_PzNCAMD5Vod8t-pFamIGI373A1NbV8hwqJPMLSGywq6r-43SxSeIJrr1ZstLGcJsLNXTZm1T3czU67mzKSxULJ-rpheFusTZGxtYSsBItuyC6suTcBPtwKjH2Jbk9e-VPd8QfJrPVofPQ1geqQ53BUHXk70ZbxzHkD-Tg9IVvmnLpIiw/s320/Big%20Sam%20at%20Elmwood.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> both photos taken at Elmwood Park across from our home, but seemingly, a lifetime apart.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So much growth happens in 18-years. It really is remarkable. And while everyone says to enjoy it because it's fleeting, I haven't fully realized, maybe gratefully, that you've been becoming an incredible young man along the journey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This past year alone has been filled with so much change. You were home far less working to save money to go on a WWII history trip which dad and I are so incredibly excited for. When your passport arrived, we all looked at each other and knew that the little blue book symbolized freedom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The year has also been consumed with a crazy amount of college application writing, creation of fine arts portfolios, scholarship essays, busy AP courses...and back and forth, and back and forth...weighing of the pro's and con's of differing school options. When I think back to my senior year, I really don't remember it being this hard. I don't recall college costing five million dollars or feeling like I had as many viable options as you do. And while we sit and wait for God's plan to unfold, I'm trusting that whether your next adventure takes you to the Chicago land area, the coast of Maine, the beauty of Minnesota, or maybe even close by in Nebraska, that you'll grow right where you're planted. And this is where you and I are stepping out on a leap of faith praying that all the stars will align, benevolent influences will emerge, money trees will flourish, and guardian angels will watch over as you step into adulthood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And as you do, I want to say thank you. Thank you for letting us cheer you on like crazy people at four years of Cross Country meets. It was a thrill to see your mind and heart push you all the way to the finish line.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CK4qI7g8-tGVyQH31C2i7KMIFn4VtVqlVXrTpq8SkeblkOjf-DTKhJubLQe7ykjer7WLzXv-VnnL7yUV7leEMdeRAEQwUaLf2aVk3eTmAkCsxoeBMaNLJCmRqtUPfenE0Wjv1fnEcSCwv98lCRIhC_27mhg8ZOBngdpclkUKy1lLVNx559Nz8vzHbw/s1024/Sam%20Family%20Cross%20Country.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="686" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CK4qI7g8-tGVyQH31C2i7KMIFn4VtVqlVXrTpq8SkeblkOjf-DTKhJubLQe7ykjer7WLzXv-VnnL7yUV7leEMdeRAEQwUaLf2aVk3eTmAkCsxoeBMaNLJCmRqtUPfenE0Wjv1fnEcSCwv98lCRIhC_27mhg8ZOBngdpclkUKy1lLVNx559Nz8vzHbw/s320/Sam%20Family%20Cross%20Country.jpg" width="214" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeLw7BQK9wzET37eTRZOHmNBqCu0gNPnh-PwM8FATY-5-CtWTF3K10HSPtD2kjdlIFpH37Liulbsq2tmGlJ29p7qH-_F20F_89hPXHxwJZ22XTrF0wH7v7e_DFwlOqJ6NEj-4jS-UQrbPP_0BexR9E_n3ngx0TwBX_bYtKyxwTOx6ypXm8lpfp9NVWw/s1000/4F137422-BDFA-4C99-9FB8-01E2D2345982.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeLw7BQK9wzET37eTRZOHmNBqCu0gNPnh-PwM8FATY-5-CtWTF3K10HSPtD2kjdlIFpH37Liulbsq2tmGlJ29p7qH-_F20F_89hPXHxwJZ22XTrF0wH7v7e_DFwlOqJ6NEj-4jS-UQrbPP_0BexR9E_n3ngx0TwBX_bYtKyxwTOx6ypXm8lpfp9NVWw/s320/4F137422-BDFA-4C99-9FB8-01E2D2345982.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div>Thank you for surrounding yourself with an incredible group of rock solid friends that have enriched your life and our families. It has been a gift to watch your friendship unfold.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnpFzU6AcWUHQEXld4pVidDaC1BbtVIliU5aiLiuFxN227LIoKPJiTay12vtz9KSbU693iWL59rV2f3CMC4x0fj_4_R7uGbnW7XT13tiVYwNkjpff3DHH9cQigeGQo7hm5ZY9vNC8mmSdwwAmLMR-6xI6Qyu8vat21N_GDVaJfV6vXzglSHSOs0kOhw/s4032/IMG_7077.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnpFzU6AcWUHQEXld4pVidDaC1BbtVIliU5aiLiuFxN227LIoKPJiTay12vtz9KSbU693iWL59rV2f3CMC4x0fj_4_R7uGbnW7XT13tiVYwNkjpff3DHH9cQigeGQo7hm5ZY9vNC8mmSdwwAmLMR-6xI6Qyu8vat21N_GDVaJfV6vXzglSHSOs0kOhw/s320/IMG_7077.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmFOGp1VzLNjY4jabF0tAL64Xt-qr0P0vVKGr74CyYTKJHeFWCBGfZKbbX6XNb2s_TRMOs5PJO_Oq_mWeT0RtpJ-a3M3D-WtMcXFTmUwqcSv-u_EUofuZrrDUAdX4hM-SpmF2-OxbfUsDJ8rzQzsX99E4OuURJHnRgfcJoCdUim_C9vuJuxLzHNt1ew/s640/Mother%20Son%20Mass%20Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="640" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmFOGp1VzLNjY4jabF0tAL64Xt-qr0P0vVKGr74CyYTKJHeFWCBGfZKbbX6XNb2s_TRMOs5PJO_Oq_mWeT0RtpJ-a3M3D-WtMcXFTmUwqcSv-u_EUofuZrrDUAdX4hM-SpmF2-OxbfUsDJ8rzQzsX99E4OuURJHnRgfcJoCdUim_C9vuJuxLzHNt1ew/s320/Mother%20Son%20Mass%20Photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5UuK6tEomxSNBN0MeuVESzSkT7YMe0iBmyDm2Bri727vj45dqsAUM_6Ukz9FZxF8ks4EER0KWsWDYpToerdxI3_CSF7Db6TgBrrL1TeCgxF85OURUqHuGPhlEQOiK_WUCNbNDQAjG7-J7NltxyZk7UEgf8gduBR-FVEx7yTg3DdIAR_-ghwkm1i2dA/s4032/IMG_7623.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5UuK6tEomxSNBN0MeuVESzSkT7YMe0iBmyDm2Bri727vj45dqsAUM_6Ukz9FZxF8ks4EER0KWsWDYpToerdxI3_CSF7Db6TgBrrL1TeCgxF85OURUqHuGPhlEQOiK_WUCNbNDQAjG7-J7NltxyZk7UEgf8gduBR-FVEx7yTg3DdIAR_-ghwkm1i2dA/s320/IMG_7623.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Thank you for pushing your creativity and serving in a leadership role for Prep's Film/Photography Club trying with each project to learn, stretch, grow and practice honing your skills. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaSLWnYrfXkyF7rgNE2Es9vz6ycOqAFFrBAk6P4EPsyemWwB5PoS8A6ah6K8MFIY6sYy9QiQ0559R76yflNVfQiQ-l3HTagaVc8YZvOi1QwKYhQC7PNqVrl9kaNfZyc3PuP9-pG8ur38gPDifMHaiGfSzln-Mg5hninrw_RDvzZjtgirP0a3bsjDs6w/s4032/FullSizeRender.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaSLWnYrfXkyF7rgNE2Es9vz6ycOqAFFrBAk6P4EPsyemWwB5PoS8A6ah6K8MFIY6sYy9QiQ0559R76yflNVfQiQ-l3HTagaVc8YZvOi1QwKYhQC7PNqVrl9kaNfZyc3PuP9-pG8ur38gPDifMHaiGfSzln-Mg5hninrw_RDvzZjtgirP0a3bsjDs6w/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJIih5Pb57Xc436JDSlc-Ah_mSieS6ehU0NJpgv0H65xDQySF9Ly4nMnAKfWFwdNfrPmWD6YHceWbzHYIpbaVkuCWOAPcHitao7_bTksoaIyV-LVJ5gd3mdvyZDUaiOKJZmS1HLdDjMpmv6IyEKl5d0cVzsaerAOoJoJAy_sAENft4ehZrS_iCHaKQA/s4032/FullSizeRender.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJIih5Pb57Xc436JDSlc-Ah_mSieS6ehU0NJpgv0H65xDQySF9Ly4nMnAKfWFwdNfrPmWD6YHceWbzHYIpbaVkuCWOAPcHitao7_bTksoaIyV-LVJ5gd3mdvyZDUaiOKJZmS1HLdDjMpmv6IyEKl5d0cVzsaerAOoJoJAy_sAENft4ehZrS_iCHaKQA/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> Thank you for continuing to cultivate your faith--serving at the Rosebud Reservation, volunteering to lead retreats, sharing your rose at the dinner table, considering God's plan for your future, and for attending mass and sharing what it means to live a life of service.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmoiVKkJl7mFddB27FEMnMcHvMku_7_67F2BhLR7ZDM9yaaxLHpAD6rfEst17qs5lE6uoRUdQZtEgaflVxo2aoIuAAb6htszCjhM8Qj492O-nhl0eFBRu0Lf-pv_oYY2s7nmXGoQzs697ub6Req3xnaW4navQwEbBdrwnFCLmH4gJi_VUu4DD1-Yxjw/s1717/503AE780-5806-422F-8A6C-44B22A8BFDDC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1717" data-original-width="1374" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmoiVKkJl7mFddB27FEMnMcHvMku_7_67F2BhLR7ZDM9yaaxLHpAD6rfEst17qs5lE6uoRUdQZtEgaflVxo2aoIuAAb6htszCjhM8Qj492O-nhl0eFBRu0Lf-pv_oYY2s7nmXGoQzs697ub6Req3xnaW4navQwEbBdrwnFCLmH4gJi_VUu4DD1-Yxjw/s320/503AE780-5806-422F-8A6C-44B22A8BFDDC.jpeg" width="256" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you for putting your family first and helping to look out for your sisters through rides to and from everything and giving good advice along the way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyo9ockH5w-jM_V79-ZQp50TKbBtaaxfLjpRuEGfdwRTWV28lxvd_RmT8N7N8utTV1bQigx1GOKPhjWeEEJjnBbRTeUPoKocmCyBY0jCqm4PO_XrE7tngDc_HuKPH1kDM9avdrsNKhXhHLBBtmFPFxXSL-CjO-lsLuvhEbHBLR7vAFHtu6zqCTZfS1PA/s3780/55E7E11A-1672-407E-9ED2-AB58D2E1ECBB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyo9ockH5w-jM_V79-ZQp50TKbBtaaxfLjpRuEGfdwRTWV28lxvd_RmT8N7N8utTV1bQigx1GOKPhjWeEEJjnBbRTeUPoKocmCyBY0jCqm4PO_XrE7tngDc_HuKPH1kDM9avdrsNKhXhHLBBtmFPFxXSL-CjO-lsLuvhEbHBLR7vAFHtu6zqCTZfS1PA/s320/55E7E11A-1672-407E-9ED2-AB58D2E1ECBB.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_fsIepLPLKWNT9AQDeyNogkGgRdaGcq2bHea9-KTHQUzg6DRPjCrFDj0M6LK0lv0at2KArDD3napFx08P-ssIUAkCLGez5btjntt2cYuhpO4Sbkp2rPAJGYfKeB29U_CNU9Kg7QHnxdn0c0447NtFJXdOMTfNYCqbGFbtmiH0TcYT2w2K30-L23__g/s4032/IMG_7589.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_fsIepLPLKWNT9AQDeyNogkGgRdaGcq2bHea9-KTHQUzg6DRPjCrFDj0M6LK0lv0at2KArDD3napFx08P-ssIUAkCLGez5btjntt2cYuhpO4Sbkp2rPAJGYfKeB29U_CNU9Kg7QHnxdn0c0447NtFJXdOMTfNYCqbGFbtmiH0TcYT2w2K30-L23__g/s320/IMG_7589.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4GQZZyUm7UbsSVMiy8fdByiuqBWJ4z5o6z2HDOt-EjOYu0K03EPq4JSQyTrlyiW-hNhOSaQGwzI2rdOXC6cy-B9-cCqUk28OCH7wwmsB2HEnkZ_eqrRAO9SbzPFpzF5btFR2LKbq1S211zrzNQePuZpnBivO-53l3PX9S1o_5Hx2I3RoAHVyoRHoAQ/s4032/FullSizeRender.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4GQZZyUm7UbsSVMiy8fdByiuqBWJ4z5o6z2HDOt-EjOYu0K03EPq4JSQyTrlyiW-hNhOSaQGwzI2rdOXC6cy-B9-cCqUk28OCH7wwmsB2HEnkZ_eqrRAO9SbzPFpzF5btFR2LKbq1S211zrzNQePuZpnBivO-53l3PX9S1o_5Hx2I3RoAHVyoRHoAQ/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZh1jYIjBQXF-H0H0Sa6LsG4Goav337Tz01EMSbSK3xY3Bs-qqGCGYnsnz9c9nD4MAP3iVwh7UGcig7OGIyUloeKH5Iff-fS84lyYlaDT7T9lfW06Dz3BHjE-gmdt1PtX7N8PKfHnWgNEKiUOjJcg6mtqtafCmd61JDd4D_NSgDxx3aig0L0E0lxMNUg/s3586/FullSizeRender.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2953" data-original-width="3586" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZh1jYIjBQXF-H0H0Sa6LsG4Goav337Tz01EMSbSK3xY3Bs-qqGCGYnsnz9c9nD4MAP3iVwh7UGcig7OGIyUloeKH5Iff-fS84lyYlaDT7T9lfW06Dz3BHjE-gmdt1PtX7N8PKfHnWgNEKiUOjJcg6mtqtafCmd61JDd4D_NSgDxx3aig0L0E0lxMNUg/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There's a million spaces of gratitude that I feel for all that you've brought to my life, to our family, and to the world during your 18-years on the planet, but you know me, I have to leave you with a few words as you register to vote, get ready to walk across the commencement stage, sign your acceptance letter to your future college, maybe meet the one just for you, and carve a life of your choosing...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Wherever you go and whomever you meet, remember who you are. You have an incredible compass--trust it--you will know when to capitalize on a situation or to run like Hell, and when you don't, call home--we'll talk it through.</li><li>Say yes more than you say no. It's easy to think that something won't work and that you're not the kind of person who does this or works there or says that---but the truth is, you don't know until you try. The great illusion is permanence. Nothing remains the same. You can always course correct. And if you take the risk, you will learn something about yourself. Nothing is wasted. </li><li>You are worthy. Period. If anyone tries to convince you otherwise, politely excuse yourself. You have one precious life. Live it, fully. No one gets to make you small or diminish your possibilities in this big world that has room for everyone.</li><li>Nothing that is worth it is easy. Put the time in. Commit. Stretch yourself. You won't be disappointed. <br /></li><li>Live life with a servant heart. Everyone in this world is valuable. Give much more than you take.</li><li>Remember to say please and thank you, always. No excuses.</li><li>Trust that God is with you in every encounter and that when it feels hard, all you have to do is reach out and ask for guidance, and sooner, rather than later, you realize that no matter where you go and or what has happened, you're never really alone.</li><li>It's okay to miss home. It's always okay to come home. But before you do, have an adventure first. Good things happen to those who get out of the house and off their phones.</li><li>If I text you too much, it's because I love you and I'm practicing boundaries. Thanks in advance for the grace and love.</li></ul><p>I think this is the beginning of the list. I'm sure I'll have many more before we pack the van and drop you off at school, but until then, wow, just wow, 18-years! I can hardly believe it. Happy Birthday to my first born, one and only son---I could not love you more.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY79qvLzh2AcEcjd5g15uFL_gB_xcBohVKCG1ruSMNaW1v5s2A6hh0bP1JwI1xjL9A030D9LyH3F9LmjWhjFc5SQBeYItmYkAztJEME2tJkDUq7qOjU8cGI-svMUPatV1Z9DjCACuVfbA7wOPp_lJ4o569Jjap_4XRd-3xCT0em4jT8rfbjUQCiPmEEw/s604/IMG_7238.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="453" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY79qvLzh2AcEcjd5g15uFL_gB_xcBohVKCG1ruSMNaW1v5s2A6hh0bP1JwI1xjL9A030D9LyH3F9LmjWhjFc5SQBeYItmYkAztJEME2tJkDUq7qOjU8cGI-svMUPatV1Z9DjCACuVfbA7wOPp_lJ4o569Jjap_4XRd-3xCT0em4jT8rfbjUQCiPmEEw/s320/IMG_7238.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PwsMeYxdF9r18ASclHE8jA8DtJzHpqBM9ztxfkrdsL5wVFiivK8xyLOiL8-rgIzXi9nOaDYzEjGOA8HudvlNK6JZoKbxm6wNg-k_xALaVp9x9Rl-obC8hAMlxAPamB6xeF-EL-sEegcazwfLV-stIlWYmb_TyiCq0M5zru6SmPhbz_ACLbCcSd7Zpg/s1732/GeringS%20(70%20of%2072)_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1732" data-original-width="1155" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PwsMeYxdF9r18ASclHE8jA8DtJzHpqBM9ztxfkrdsL5wVFiivK8xyLOiL8-rgIzXi9nOaDYzEjGOA8HudvlNK6JZoKbxm6wNg-k_xALaVp9x9Rl-obC8hAMlxAPamB6xeF-EL-sEegcazwfLV-stIlWYmb_TyiCq0M5zru6SmPhbz_ACLbCcSd7Zpg/s320/GeringS%20(70%20of%2072)_Original.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><p>Love, Mama</p><p> <br /></p><p> </p></div><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p> <br /></p><br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-85446443621525103542022-12-13T22:09:00.001-06:002022-12-14T06:14:39.181-06:00Ode to Claire on Your 12th Birthday<p>My Dearest Claire Bear,</p><p> Happy, Happy 12th Birthday!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLZbk-o29kTM_c94Iw_SgTfi5zlfNzT7ZdcUBpTYhmu5Tk_EIus4XpMCjpc0H1lK31VRbeZEMyQxRMuShR88AUyL11FZR0Q25i7m0zI7a5eMUuUfsq6JYLyk2PCLniX_O1r87gct8Cqls07egeMyp1TBUJqC_EabsZCq8EkomfUHQgaIN_vkHSOIhVw/s960/Claire%20on%20Stairs.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLZbk-o29kTM_c94Iw_SgTfi5zlfNzT7ZdcUBpTYhmu5Tk_EIus4XpMCjpc0H1lK31VRbeZEMyQxRMuShR88AUyL11FZR0Q25i7m0zI7a5eMUuUfsq6JYLyk2PCLniX_O1r87gct8Cqls07egeMyp1TBUJqC_EabsZCq8EkomfUHQgaIN_vkHSOIhVw/s320/Claire%20on%20Stairs.JPG" width="256" /></a></div> As I reflect over this past year, it is amazing to consider how extraordinary that it's been for you.<p></p><p>You embarked upon your 6th grade year at Saint Margaret Mary with a bang by recently becoming a first-degree black belt decided in taekwondo. It has been a long-term goal that you've pushed for since third grade, and now that you're there, you're working to become an instructor. The fun part is that your dad now also takes lessons, and he has to call you, Ms. Gering in class. Ah, the joy.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-rRT1dXqjepm4Zw-1Rk5FZCQ63LV_TduDEygLP1A96huRaxzFBTvy6mc97b_QlL6l06Rhw8h8_g31I2zt0xLF1WQRXMCp5lG2qn_vZ5fVxdZtzm5B7INaybGpis2sbkXo0mMmIgGdHPvjvnEIWdc-vVj7qt1JmgJcg4Y5wj3Ga8JB93fne-M125-kg/s1024/Claire%20Belts.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-rRT1dXqjepm4Zw-1Rk5FZCQ63LV_TduDEygLP1A96huRaxzFBTvy6mc97b_QlL6l06Rhw8h8_g31I2zt0xLF1WQRXMCp5lG2qn_vZ5fVxdZtzm5B7INaybGpis2sbkXo0mMmIgGdHPvjvnEIWdc-vVj7qt1JmgJcg4Y5wj3Ga8JB93fne-M125-kg/s320/Claire%20Belts.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncL1w8WBZXxq6C9lCGgwvJYg8o5CDlbEbYQHpTh0PBY_YUo5irrDW7KTfhzHu72AgG3hOcRi_0JQati1AJSaeDJRCHCujGTqcgkkOtmtOgMFE0yPQcF1Q7IxNdQGvToy_zuCk69VSBLlnFzBCZAMxyLueFW8tHRdThM1aSGqGE1L57LEImshQJDrxNw/s566/Claire%20Kicks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="514" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncL1w8WBZXxq6C9lCGgwvJYg8o5CDlbEbYQHpTh0PBY_YUo5irrDW7KTfhzHu72AgG3hOcRi_0JQati1AJSaeDJRCHCujGTqcgkkOtmtOgMFE0yPQcF1Q7IxNdQGvToy_zuCk69VSBLlnFzBCZAMxyLueFW8tHRdThM1aSGqGE1L57LEImshQJDrxNw/s320/Claire%20Kicks.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnW7KGJWRZMOZ2VFVAGsXsxiyxdck_3y74GEqbarLVWJaGMhAOeihGF-6WXpiB2p0jvHt2S3oPh0Wzs_mBo4KkDx6XqInvyIElFUFI2m9TeiPm3knZtZjKi-8nAGodzibspcnPose42gT2TInfN3gIXXG3fIyZdODQvZS2hW7Mk8l7yISXVknwvZSRiQ/s365/Claire%20Sparring.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="274" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnW7KGJWRZMOZ2VFVAGsXsxiyxdck_3y74GEqbarLVWJaGMhAOeihGF-6WXpiB2p0jvHt2S3oPh0Wzs_mBo4KkDx6XqInvyIElFUFI2m9TeiPm3knZtZjKi-8nAGodzibspcnPose42gT2TInfN3gIXXG3fIyZdODQvZS2hW7Mk8l7yISXVknwvZSRiQ/s320/Claire%20Sparring.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqj-m2QLkaAd0qvcW8wSPyRFL27bwfQED851gqw70-TwvCCe7q5Pg9rZ3qiAzFEIv7qMtZkOXNY3JQJyYpPRi9V8MFqgtnai_hMWEau-Ef7doOrXT7jw_sFgljuR0lvjuGaVu5UiVbkailwu6JseM6Wt0hLMBadiLYlIHGOC1_RMPA5CPo91SgXnp45g/s348/Board%20Breaking.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqj-m2QLkaAd0qvcW8wSPyRFL27bwfQED851gqw70-TwvCCe7q5Pg9rZ3qiAzFEIv7qMtZkOXNY3JQJyYpPRi9V8MFqgtnai_hMWEau-Ef7doOrXT7jw_sFgljuR0lvjuGaVu5UiVbkailwu6JseM6Wt0hLMBadiLYlIHGOC1_RMPA5CPo91SgXnp45g/s320/Board%20Breaking.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><br />This year also saw you try your hand at volleyball, and my goodness, what a run! Your team was undefeated and won their division! You had so much fun improving your skills and embracing what it means to be a part of a team. Go Spartans!<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKtSkk9SmCXZk6CA56j8keuLHheytCsSvRdBNHqNnjMav7RrRrHzlfZNch0ubSZCTr6D4NU-b4CfCrGEjzAnZZLaaukewv07DJM8qCuxgo_BUs7ErUfIO5_BGv-seGahqz9hvdhy8by5nO3V6l_tBbjDnDjs2F_5wKtuBaUxCCjmqHaAKc75dbto6hQ/s1024/Claire%20Volleyball.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKtSkk9SmCXZk6CA56j8keuLHheytCsSvRdBNHqNnjMav7RrRrHzlfZNch0ubSZCTr6D4NU-b4CfCrGEjzAnZZLaaukewv07DJM8qCuxgo_BUs7ErUfIO5_BGv-seGahqz9hvdhy8by5nO3V6l_tBbjDnDjs2F_5wKtuBaUxCCjmqHaAKc75dbto6hQ/s320/Claire%20Volleyball.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigb9YZJ7OLbtEDWicTBTw9wzXP3iWiQ__0aEvl5TxYTCLiLgPeYMSJCKUyfouWkgzN5pbLBpn_glC8wV8T26cVvHgPkX-3BJ9jSRrbNoeoQIW2uBoVsHFttS0UuBTMCbhSAcUvIxGHXINFb4BuXSEKLls8XNhK0Br2GnhFd8qtA_2Y-mZ1aKSMuvuuCQ/s1024/Claire%20Volley%20Ball%20Team.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigb9YZJ7OLbtEDWicTBTw9wzXP3iWiQ__0aEvl5TxYTCLiLgPeYMSJCKUyfouWkgzN5pbLBpn_glC8wV8T26cVvHgPkX-3BJ9jSRrbNoeoQIW2uBoVsHFttS0UuBTMCbhSAcUvIxGHXINFb4BuXSEKLls8XNhK0Br2GnhFd8qtA_2Y-mZ1aKSMuvuuCQ/s320/Claire%20Volley%20Ball%20Team.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p><p>You also decided to run for Student Council, and became one of two representatives from your 6th grade class. You and another member created a power point presentation of the areas for improvement within the school, and shared opportunities for change with the principal. Listening to you practice your speech, and speak passionately about what you believe in was inspiring.</p><p>And when you're not doing homework, you're enjoying the SMM chess and quiz bowl teams, taking piano lessons, and filling orders for friends with the animals you crochet on the side. They're so cute!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ap6VPc3lFz2AmCj8j1B2gSm24GnZynr1ujoKutZG9WFrYmvQbrzY-BTdC4z-D6ivCFsBvJdJzl_ZWoFxqpxJcZCqS4f_vlxBdp4WpeAFQOcSi2gEO71vzaLAF5dMf5FEdMgKdA0xJIHLuF1w7HfDGkuyYqJcjEMApGmkXBocaUBQKJbtYTsHIhimkA/s4032/Bumble%20Bee.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ap6VPc3lFz2AmCj8j1B2gSm24GnZynr1ujoKutZG9WFrYmvQbrzY-BTdC4z-D6ivCFsBvJdJzl_ZWoFxqpxJcZCqS4f_vlxBdp4WpeAFQOcSi2gEO71vzaLAF5dMf5FEdMgKdA0xJIHLuF1w7HfDGkuyYqJcjEMApGmkXBocaUBQKJbtYTsHIhimkA/s320/Bumble%20Bee.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9xicYYeruScRPs34x4cYeDAEK53wJC74XatlI7F8y77I4L5Ye9nCy8su4WSFNnHgSkdCgzRkXj_7C_diGRaUpBNDOM7pVOH0XmcVTslGm2GG0UvAQr-6YQXatm-QgxPK5bqgMbUkS5o4ZTmsEdd4mXeYlKvCypiF06S63NsvuIoFd6GIJ3Z-RLGzRQ/s4032/Whale.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9xicYYeruScRPs34x4cYeDAEK53wJC74XatlI7F8y77I4L5Ye9nCy8su4WSFNnHgSkdCgzRkXj_7C_diGRaUpBNDOM7pVOH0XmcVTslGm2GG0UvAQr-6YQXatm-QgxPK5bqgMbUkS5o4ZTmsEdd4mXeYlKvCypiF06S63NsvuIoFd6GIJ3Z-RLGzRQ/s320/Whale.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>It's also been fun to see your love of reading soar as you, dad and Sam read the Percy Jackson series, share thoughts on the Narnia books, and exchange notes on the characters you love and why the story took an unexpected turn.</p><p>More than anything, what I see in you is an unmatched tenacity and love for living life. You live on purpose almost always laughing, singing, dancing, listening to musicals, writing stories with friends, telling new jokes at dinner, or cracking us up with some crazy thing you've heard.</p><p>And through it all, we are infinitely blessed by your feisty, spicy, strong, fearless, unapologetic choice to live life on your terms.</p><p>In your last year before the official teens begin, I say, keep being you. Stay firmly planted in your own agency. Keep trusting in what you know is best for you. Remain grounded in the things that you love without looking to the left or right of you, comparing yourself to what the others are doing. Believe that your heart and gut will continue to guide you home.</p><p>And as you watch your older brother in his senior year and your sister in her sophomore, and you hear conversations about driving, curfews, and college selections, know that you're right where you're supposed to be--likely learning the good lessons from the places we struggle with the older ones--and that Sam and Kate love you to pieces, and are grateful to have you as their little sister to share time and giggles with.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QCNPuKL3ycwFJzdWOxREgXj_8cWYSFigSq5zV9OkktL-4ANOzeKflvzY3zSuoti92PfOqhTzQlYYt258wA_C-AvTfJZ-EFjXIvwQX1_isAXSAoTBrR0vmJuX4NjPi_gsdPvmV8mpRw0cKCWtj3ttqCl5Q_pZL5NN4tZzZriSXvANUd_fDkcnuPrC5A/s1024/Kids%20Alamo.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QCNPuKL3ycwFJzdWOxREgXj_8cWYSFigSq5zV9OkktL-4ANOzeKflvzY3zSuoti92PfOqhTzQlYYt258wA_C-AvTfJZ-EFjXIvwQX1_isAXSAoTBrR0vmJuX4NjPi_gsdPvmV8mpRw0cKCWtj3ttqCl5Q_pZL5NN4tZzZriSXvANUd_fDkcnuPrC5A/s320/Kids%20Alamo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMPv7mbRhlM8i3aQ66xiO2kNnpinmKpuklFLDZGoDLEAbcYZj4s7QLW9_xhohg8Yzu_NcHgwII58Eof07Ce7QcV8rcUFCarvZ_9szs0CRPH3h0tFw8V-br6kLTUhPnrrzVDHgDuGn5CT7XeCIQN3xgs_k5_VxOQRshVBxSVnq4BnNN8BzYk4rGqhWpQ/s4032/Kitaki.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMPv7mbRhlM8i3aQ66xiO2kNnpinmKpuklFLDZGoDLEAbcYZj4s7QLW9_xhohg8Yzu_NcHgwII58Eof07Ce7QcV8rcUFCarvZ_9szs0CRPH3h0tFw8V-br6kLTUhPnrrzVDHgDuGn5CT7XeCIQN3xgs_k5_VxOQRshVBxSVnq4BnNN8BzYk4rGqhWpQ/s320/Kitaki.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBAyvXYTncy13CVR4oRPO-SJzQHeTPaXjj23tilTvkPY0WQj4EDUMrdebdNNpoE3HMDJu11Z99CQumPsow6bM5uX_Aig6xftXbKQrxsmeHDiAK0TZAcDYKsX7sI9U8byyvemiqRjHqoSeIYsE6wyMAeRpGMRgoF1u-MiieNVeGC1j50okpWfgQ-83mw/s4032/The%20Rock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBAyvXYTncy13CVR4oRPO-SJzQHeTPaXjj23tilTvkPY0WQj4EDUMrdebdNNpoE3HMDJu11Z99CQumPsow6bM5uX_Aig6xftXbKQrxsmeHDiAK0TZAcDYKsX7sI9U8byyvemiqRjHqoSeIYsE6wyMAeRpGMRgoF1u-MiieNVeGC1j50okpWfgQ-83mw/s320/The%20Rock.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>In this new year, continue to cultivate your strength and your hopefulness. And keep growing and stretching yourself. And when you do, goodness will continue to emerge.<p></p><p>We could not be more proud of you or love you more. You're simply the best.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-hVSWukMyYIG36kDgWQuHYyYdGCLJzRAlKGGDha-js_fnJL34ZDi0V7y1kk2Drry5uAiSNKMtzMzpPcGDb-K8UplOiGjR1iEuHVuI2cqsx1oJp-W3UBIMut_DKyhm2wOmHQMk3W6PHpQTD3EyEVSrBmLQ5SA0vdty3G0YQ4YVGqZbTAcwYsjf6L7Bw/s4032/Family%20Pic.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-hVSWukMyYIG36kDgWQuHYyYdGCLJzRAlKGGDha-js_fnJL34ZDi0V7y1kk2Drry5uAiSNKMtzMzpPcGDb-K8UplOiGjR1iEuHVuI2cqsx1oJp-W3UBIMut_DKyhm2wOmHQMk3W6PHpQTD3EyEVSrBmLQ5SA0vdty3G0YQ4YVGqZbTAcwYsjf6L7Bw/s320/Family%20Pic.HEIC" width="240" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All my love from here to forever, </div><p></p><p>xoxo, mom<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIiRngPSJ8lLD2puO9eHRLF0HvlQZn2De-FCc1I2w0Z3y2WmLHsJ0b5sma4wqShIJ9S7GZxErsBmG6jbBesxhS2u17tHPreHqkYRc_eZfikns9bJTQfGmpvhoPnzATXcMu1LZPHIn-ZLXM6R2k1QQUn5yaZ2pgAXBBXs_Bsfh5Ch3QR8QXG9aGMfPzQ/s3088/Claire%20and%20Mom.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIiRngPSJ8lLD2puO9eHRLF0HvlQZn2De-FCc1I2w0Z3y2WmLHsJ0b5sma4wqShIJ9S7GZxErsBmG6jbBesxhS2u17tHPreHqkYRc_eZfikns9bJTQfGmpvhoPnzATXcMu1LZPHIn-ZLXM6R2k1QQUn5yaZ2pgAXBBXs_Bsfh5Ch3QR8QXG9aGMfPzQ/s320/Claire%20and%20Mom.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><br /><br /><br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-22102997675338446462022-08-16T08:51:00.001-05:002022-08-16T08:53:06.246-05:00Happy Last First Day, Sam<p> August 16, 2022<br /> </p><p>My Dearest Sam,</p><p>Today, we're having lots of feelings.</p><p>I think mine look a little different than yours.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrM-crOQBqnBAlPGXYZeT2lTxCQSGtfZfd6-sffZExoZtotdM6RB4ICFC8LEvx-02YKhgMT1qjgHLn_9TkLuupjRTDGSfNxmlU02U-FgB8IPuUPFq_GGj_4_OQCvoHps0QqxuGWyhriIw3Mlu1pgpn0I_bkXwf0F5jyIp191eEMa-8h6FU0hjjnA5JPg/s936/Sam%20Last%20Day%20Pic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="936" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrM-crOQBqnBAlPGXYZeT2lTxCQSGtfZfd6-sffZExoZtotdM6RB4ICFC8LEvx-02YKhgMT1qjgHLn_9TkLuupjRTDGSfNxmlU02U-FgB8IPuUPFq_GGj_4_OQCvoHps0QqxuGWyhriIw3Mlu1pgpn0I_bkXwf0F5jyIp191eEMa-8h6FU0hjjnA5JPg/s320/Sam%20Last%20Day%20Pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p><p>You are really excited about senior year--all that is to come--challenging AP classes, football games, final dances, cool retreats, time with friends, building your art portfolio, running cross country, applying to colleges, figuring out where you'll be next, and in general, enjoying what it means to be in your last year of high school.</p><p>And as such, you reluctantly let me take this picture. You knew, that on today, it was more for me than for you, and you put down your backpack and water bottle, so, we could snap a quick photo...I even tried to give you a Cliff bar on the way in...because, I can't help it.</p><p>In some ways, I'm sorry that you're the first of your siblings. The first one for everything. The first last day of school. The first to look at colleges. The first to drive. The first to figure out the curfew thing. The first to know how involved we get with all the pieces.</p><p>For the most part, you roll with it. You let me be emotional, and you reassure me that you've got it covered.</p><p>So, today, while I wonder how 12 years of first day pictures could have flown by--I'm working to trust that you and I are right where we're meant to be.</p><p>You with your wings. Me with my reluctant Cliff bars.</p><p>Thanks for letting us do this journey together. Know that I'm here on the sidelines rooting like crazy for you. Here's to the rising, the falling, the laughing, the knowing, the uncertainty and everything in between. </p><p>And most importantly, know that you are so very loved,</p><p> Mom <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-34453871974629163592022-07-08T08:21:00.003-05:002022-07-08T08:50:50.540-05:00Ode to Kate on Your 15th Birthday<p><br />July 8, 2022</p><p></p><p>My Dearest Kate,</p><p>Happy, Happy 15th Birthday!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_Ox7Jz9jOnqHrmPDVW75gbUGuDRPLxZFI1BhECWREngGFWtJExAZ4HVntgNmT6Kqyl2zHe1RlN079vZ3nL1YAEybpzAQjFWcxu_Fl_G4LCw8nTiLRcwIOJ7thdJOocH20qef9-8-qeXnY465Sr49VNdlXxfSwMuWKxvUdV0ESj3dVU5-aPhb8zQoNA/s4032/Kate%20RollerSkates.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_Ox7Jz9jOnqHrmPDVW75gbUGuDRPLxZFI1BhECWREngGFWtJExAZ4HVntgNmT6Kqyl2zHe1RlN079vZ3nL1YAEybpzAQjFWcxu_Fl_G4LCw8nTiLRcwIOJ7thdJOocH20qef9-8-qeXnY465Sr49VNdlXxfSwMuWKxvUdV0ESj3dVU5-aPhb8zQoNA/s320/Kate%20RollerSkates.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p>It is so incredible to think that 15-years ago, God gave you to us to be a part of our family. And what a gift you are!</p><p>There are so many things that are remarkable about who you are, but in particular this past year has been amazing to be a part of your journey.</p><p>You completed your first year of high school at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart and crushed it! Between theater, archery, speech, crazy hard classes, work study and so much more--you made new friends, explored creative parts of yourself and excelled along the way.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7sdVGjbwOfghhkxPycJD9L05iB_R-PavenHXK6XohCT-dyCuOh_Mbdc1zlPGYiSGiFY3rGVukfA90_QVbtpjL8SLMzWSJZbuFAsrfrr8AnwYTFNNHp_K0cfGBD4FNd2clkkrdVix3Dw0-FnW5zFNSD9y8Q8movzWuSbLu8wElgbZhMZ-luJeQ64mlg/s1920/Kate%20Duchesne%20Double.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7sdVGjbwOfghhkxPycJD9L05iB_R-PavenHXK6XohCT-dyCuOh_Mbdc1zlPGYiSGiFY3rGVukfA90_QVbtpjL8SLMzWSJZbuFAsrfrr8AnwYTFNNHp_K0cfGBD4FNd2clkkrdVix3Dw0-FnW5zFNSD9y8Q8movzWuSbLu8wElgbZhMZ-luJeQ64mlg/s320/Kate%20Duchesne%20Double.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>From the first to the last day of Freshman year, it was an honor to watch you grow, challenge yourself and strive to be the best version of you.</p><p>Speaking of which, this year, saw you soar in your commitment to dance--between ballet, en pointe, lyrical and modern...you found your way into the Omaha Dance Project and back on stage for your first in-person recital in 3-years. All so magnificent to witness as I'm reminded of when you were a little ballerina and wanted to be like the big girls.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjWpNh5uoVGNA6ouAcfbbJvOuATX9hPBEab3YPy7KSazmVuCWz55FcCIMfV6MH4SRJylSdMUiJhiu36rMtZIMQn6sBZ_EyXWVb1M3MN9IKLAUcqIeEVkut5q4XW6qnxqosX0wEakLekjQ0vSLw8ALENetk-QYJ5LMTtIFU9PPjP3ntrqJm2CNww5CQg/s2048/Kate%20Little%20Ballerina.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1081" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjWpNh5uoVGNA6ouAcfbbJvOuATX9hPBEab3YPy7KSazmVuCWz55FcCIMfV6MH4SRJylSdMUiJhiu36rMtZIMQn6sBZ_EyXWVb1M3MN9IKLAUcqIeEVkut5q4XW6qnxqosX0wEakLekjQ0vSLw8ALENetk-QYJ5LMTtIFU9PPjP3ntrqJm2CNww5CQg/s320/Kate%20Little%20Ballerina.JPG" width="169" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDErtoU_BIr3FhQiXvDenkJjKHd-XpfcdohhFlK2KbFAbTj0NB0s0idgtwwDGgFoNguF5L-xJD8Lnee2BKfbC6o6vsENyaOiQfxdtDqkegY2ova8eBWoqWrnSdU-PDHy_KH69AdaTZY6JdscC3BXNKjQTEnb2R_Keyw3SXeVmEVWdhenV3aNIQgdVjA/s810/Kate%20Red%20Dress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="580" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDErtoU_BIr3FhQiXvDenkJjKHd-XpfcdohhFlK2KbFAbTj0NB0s0idgtwwDGgFoNguF5L-xJD8Lnee2BKfbC6o6vsENyaOiQfxdtDqkegY2ova8eBWoqWrnSdU-PDHy_KH69AdaTZY6JdscC3BXNKjQTEnb2R_Keyw3SXeVmEVWdhenV3aNIQgdVjA/s320/Kate%20Red%20Dress.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7shW5x5SUpikQ3Rhkt4B_rV2kKYJXeUiQVQgNy9KJo2TdKVcUgbdsS4MkcHNjK0bqFdGNn1EDxhyt4mvxkgNRdj0KUNH7nNZn3X9MCxU_6chLM-65O-B8DyVoT4_vXjv72M1BeMYdpeABqlk7j_72w0epVhyRV-CG_y_3JQm_AB7CSyygMbNqWwuoA/s1800/Kate%20ODP%20In%20Air.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7shW5x5SUpikQ3Rhkt4B_rV2kKYJXeUiQVQgNy9KJo2TdKVcUgbdsS4MkcHNjK0bqFdGNn1EDxhyt4mvxkgNRdj0KUNH7nNZn3X9MCxU_6chLM-65O-B8DyVoT4_vXjv72M1BeMYdpeABqlk7j_72w0epVhyRV-CG_y_3JQm_AB7CSyygMbNqWwuoA/s320/Kate%20ODP%20In%20Air.JPG" width="256" /></a></div><p>One of the highlights of this past year, was the journey we all took to begin the college selection process with Sam. We explored Evanston, Chicago, Lake Forest, Norfield, St. Paul, MN and while we were there, I watched you light up. Seeing you explore buildings, program offerings, campus spaces--it was extraordinary. On the heels of your brother's choice, you will soon be doing the same, and it is clear that you are more than ready for the new adventure.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8ussH1RAIjEQwnFs3IlkAiuFh3od6PqSTRWrvMyP2WjAgk-RX3R21jw8miDUtBIvMIwDFtlAK3D6Yibxdne5RM0ZYdYIYoeq3WP9GcKZ7xU2Sez6b_pdJjzQptyDI5fbCUUGHkKg4QibdvWkLDeTPREhFVPgJKaffaUqN6BqiuX7KMIJAFW_9zfyLw/s4032/Gering%20Kids%20College%20Wall.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8ussH1RAIjEQwnFs3IlkAiuFh3od6PqSTRWrvMyP2WjAgk-RX3R21jw8miDUtBIvMIwDFtlAK3D6Yibxdne5RM0ZYdYIYoeq3WP9GcKZ7xU2Sez6b_pdJjzQptyDI5fbCUUGHkKg4QibdvWkLDeTPREhFVPgJKaffaUqN6BqiuX7KMIJAFW_9zfyLw/s320/Gering%20Kids%20College%20Wall.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_77Nfq_O4DVfXnCAgnFVAWD_pwI7_haNjVX-sFBYGQdUehXLp1WtNpAgROSlyQlxNkmIwhNtiFda3RFsch1APOdnPu4gycu_GheBwRRUm43AMSSue4fhfbfHm-qI0FI7rMU4mxSVNFFrWBf3juyrZHpBI5CJd6n-1CPKIJ2ugqsqu7qvTQXweRhN06w/s4032/Carleton%20College%20Kate.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_77Nfq_O4DVfXnCAgnFVAWD_pwI7_haNjVX-sFBYGQdUehXLp1WtNpAgROSlyQlxNkmIwhNtiFda3RFsch1APOdnPu4gycu_GheBwRRUm43AMSSue4fhfbfHm-qI0FI7rMU4mxSVNFFrWBf3juyrZHpBI5CJd6n-1CPKIJ2ugqsqu7qvTQXweRhN06w/s320/Carleton%20College%20Kate.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQA4POTzNEAWW4c5iddl3gwky6l4p_fIvqlMnUoQNQS3BvfxkWsR1jdlCHScUKkzS8835BR3cZWD0ELt-W1KSiJOe6vXT9zEZZYr8oK6g6g6xx_H1Q-uD4M3LVM7tHscwMLxM87kp5jXImJ70SL9NFX_49Uk4Hp3hxngsKe82OCOl1iHYFfim0twYnw/s4032/Kate%20Northwestern.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQA4POTzNEAWW4c5iddl3gwky6l4p_fIvqlMnUoQNQS3BvfxkWsR1jdlCHScUKkzS8835BR3cZWD0ELt-W1KSiJOe6vXT9zEZZYr8oK6g6g6xx_H1Q-uD4M3LVM7tHscwMLxM87kp5jXImJ70SL9NFX_49Uk4Hp3hxngsKe82OCOl1iHYFfim0twYnw/s320/Kate%20Northwestern.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGk2-tSxxwoF6f_DoXQaD8cu_fPd05u7ffn0Y2alDg8Uadg6dSm2uY34Qju5_m30Q5pwCPmrMxciOjE6SVsWPV5md63Smxb0kncS8qwzZLxQnb64KEBcyGoFDTlg4fwB5v2c7KZEtmwJvboA3eYyakpZMboz5aB0ibbXbAMtvY1E0s4Od3lv4-k1Peqw/s4032/Lake%20Forest%20Gering%20Kids.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGk2-tSxxwoF6f_DoXQaD8cu_fPd05u7ffn0Y2alDg8Uadg6dSm2uY34Qju5_m30Q5pwCPmrMxciOjE6SVsWPV5md63Smxb0kncS8qwzZLxQnb64KEBcyGoFDTlg4fwB5v2c7KZEtmwJvboA3eYyakpZMboz5aB0ibbXbAMtvY1E0s4Od3lv4-k1Peqw/s320/Lake%20Forest%20Gering%20Kids.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Tmf8CRpCQHcbt7M05Vjsb6HY5EULCRbrjqBKkfhe2wR3Pga_-UHZGaAsnnFz-7fHPKPl2BmvZposIPQHkVXFNe0QskrHIGeJLLl0cqEkv0GscUlGkfoR8tc2lZY2gWIAu3UyMljkKVP-3m9ljyPUJ3coMD0zLB5LGV-fWMLEEAEZg89Bu6hcWUekkA/s1525/Lake%20Forest%20Beach.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1374" data-original-width="1525" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Tmf8CRpCQHcbt7M05Vjsb6HY5EULCRbrjqBKkfhe2wR3Pga_-UHZGaAsnnFz-7fHPKPl2BmvZposIPQHkVXFNe0QskrHIGeJLLl0cqEkv0GscUlGkfoR8tc2lZY2gWIAu3UyMljkKVP-3m9ljyPUJ3coMD0zLB5LGV-fWMLEEAEZg89Bu6hcWUekkA/s320/Lake%20Forest%20Beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>One of the pieces of you that has always amazed dad and I is your incredible gift of creativity--your ability to sew, paint, draw, design, repurpose, and bring an idea to life. Whether behind the scenes in crew for Duchesne's production of "Little Women," designing and sewing from scratch a character for Comicon, making a homemade mushroom Halloween costume or drawing and painting your self portrait. You are talented.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg285cfnMfbDMMdfewa2PdSnOP_iR17lL5BMgRHph21Z3U18GdE4Vx_UI36VT8NECCvPVinXbhRoERA5NN5-d0a5TlXJg8VsPtVOFOV0MjBI_luJHC8P8IIO24IuMe8jBtOd57C2rmbTLxZrJJ1iDrRGxIXw8tn_b_lwpzpWN6Nz49uwz74yaKoihj0nA/s4032/Kate%20Mushroom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg285cfnMfbDMMdfewa2PdSnOP_iR17lL5BMgRHph21Z3U18GdE4Vx_UI36VT8NECCvPVinXbhRoERA5NN5-d0a5TlXJg8VsPtVOFOV0MjBI_luJHC8P8IIO24IuMe8jBtOd57C2rmbTLxZrJJ1iDrRGxIXw8tn_b_lwpzpWN6Nz49uwz74yaKoihj0nA/s320/Kate%20Mushroom.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0q3zT9dHlPJZr6e3Ivh9stejGlryhngC-0frYEgEJCjyb55zgDcMc9VuIjrxitpkGaBry3LxB4K5TRriObAj-tFgTOzPazsydmfjWlGlO9JOJnd8h9Rr5GUYjae54MOmEi9kn67Ao2Zpp8EHopoClAqE7ZVQ0JvjnZXROiq2TYzhSqmKGUyvDlPdWA/s4032/Kate%20Art.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0q3zT9dHlPJZr6e3Ivh9stejGlryhngC-0frYEgEJCjyb55zgDcMc9VuIjrxitpkGaBry3LxB4K5TRriObAj-tFgTOzPazsydmfjWlGlO9JOJnd8h9Rr5GUYjae54MOmEi9kn67Ao2Zpp8EHopoClAqE7ZVQ0JvjnZXROiq2TYzhSqmKGUyvDlPdWA/s320/Kate%20Art.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCJcp-ajjlrE4vsIugjzB5t9nxkr3EoWZzT17OgWvWqOLE2RDuggggn0Otiy4wtdRuU9Lbhbnka0r4YzmzX150kyY6bgG1So8O9yunczejyxgn-LFRzCyz9cqjamaGNPXSF2FIagaXLmLAozpRQfQMHXmubpMBzJCMjjp21f-zd-b3o74QlrbfkV2PA/s2592/Comicon%20Kate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCJcp-ajjlrE4vsIugjzB5t9nxkr3EoWZzT17OgWvWqOLE2RDuggggn0Otiy4wtdRuU9Lbhbnka0r4YzmzX150kyY6bgG1So8O9yunczejyxgn-LFRzCyz9cqjamaGNPXSF2FIagaXLmLAozpRQfQMHXmubpMBzJCMjjp21f-zd-b3o74QlrbfkV2PA/s320/Comicon%20Kate.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>And then, this year, unleashed the power of making your own money via babysitting and holy cow, between your own checking account and the ease of Venmo, you have found a way to sustain your purchases from craft stores by playing games, making mac and cheese, and facilitating endless bouts of hide and seek with other people's kiddos...and they love you! You've gone from babysitting your little sister--to helping lots of other families.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesq3fIjqrBOQba3XaBiS8PSwk2RWuUSSrU9KMZacUm1jiTiOG_uaIKrzk13GszT8KQE8B7yrHGa-FVvsImtJCOde9oNsD4Jb06qKXVsV9eStSK8vtNq32NQ6X4INDfR1RBMCF9cpTSvA-1XynG79vX5rTTjjSks5ESomNLCNHVauEyaWYjZyFujWZFw/s2048/Kate%20and%20Red%20Claire.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesq3fIjqrBOQba3XaBiS8PSwk2RWuUSSrU9KMZacUm1jiTiOG_uaIKrzk13GszT8KQE8B7yrHGa-FVvsImtJCOde9oNsD4Jb06qKXVsV9eStSK8vtNq32NQ6X4INDfR1RBMCF9cpTSvA-1XynG79vX5rTTjjSks5ESomNLCNHVauEyaWYjZyFujWZFw/s320/Kate%20and%20Red%20Claire.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p>So, here's the thing, Kate...I know from watching your big brother that these last few years in high school are going to fly. Soon, you'll get your learner's permit and then, once you start driving, you'll be just as independent as he is. And the thing is, I'll miss you, just as much as I miss him--but I won't be able to help witnessing you soar.</p><p>As you embark upon the goodness of your 15th year, continue to do what brings you joy. Garner inspiration, design, journal, draw, spend time with friends, go to Kitaki, keep shooting arrows in archery and aiming for the bulls eye, curse when you want to, read science fiction, joke with your dad, play Magic with your brother, listen to podcasts, soak up all that this beautiful life has to offer.</p><p>And if you start to worry or wonder or feel wobbly--you've always got a safe space to land--right here, right now, forever. I'm always rooting for you, hoping for you, believing in you--trusting that God has big plans for your one magical life that we are so lucky to be a part of.</p><p>Here's to all that this new year has to offer. We could not be more proud of you...</p><p>All my love,</p><p>Mom</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYhHfcGs_Jfl5i82gzEG2XcrtvJmxHYjsGf8JJ0OwXMt9StzIZcsjDwIjN3vvipT-MOBZNyotyyTY2o7niRv_y47KuJ-sRsQkFXUjGN9W-z-VhK305EcpAgN9NMCCPAe3ZoiNq13XJqO9fPWLQL5Cqqfy41QLx40wSBixCQ8Cmg5XBlZN8_BaylY27w/s1832/Kate%20Homecoming.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1832" data-original-width="1374" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYhHfcGs_Jfl5i82gzEG2XcrtvJmxHYjsGf8JJ0OwXMt9StzIZcsjDwIjN3vvipT-MOBZNyotyyTY2o7niRv_y47KuJ-sRsQkFXUjGN9W-z-VhK305EcpAgN9NMCCPAe3ZoiNq13XJqO9fPWLQL5Cqqfy41QLx40wSBixCQ8Cmg5XBlZN8_BaylY27w/s320/Kate%20Homecoming.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz52BKo9LMAz6bt6o0EownJfJCCjZPbZG-DCfHV4MVRlZxFzk1gpT4BiiGoH7R8f3CQYfIjKb5icCEeDt9aql-Cggr6UbNvJa2ZxFksFWzKTX9isUY6DkybQuWagVSLzIhU9gpqEj9mDcCve33JayMbpNpBvGhTg49iC1BLngkxdN2foPY0eyPkWrhIg/s2592/Our%20Family%20Easter.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz52BKo9LMAz6bt6o0EownJfJCCjZPbZG-DCfHV4MVRlZxFzk1gpT4BiiGoH7R8f3CQYfIjKb5icCEeDt9aql-Cggr6UbNvJa2ZxFksFWzKTX9isUY6DkybQuWagVSLzIhU9gpqEj9mDcCve33JayMbpNpBvGhTg49iC1BLngkxdN2foPY0eyPkWrhIg/s320/Our%20Family%20Easter.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoRFlbefKzUaFdhWnsr4ufmnrdYXlBT59olF5ua-6ffzJ2AxB901qn4wtTPjoWEx2DmlyjooRS0gvoPwlkIyMYC7CwO7wgWlKpuZ37lbxmjQoN6RqJC0_xMCBlkdg4U3_tTu5T6ljoOjfPgDeFIJHRpQ8Hlw0ZyQR6tdAce1p8In-j6N6KCm-BSybbw/s4032/Kate%20Claire%20Kitaki.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoRFlbefKzUaFdhWnsr4ufmnrdYXlBT59olF5ua-6ffzJ2AxB901qn4wtTPjoWEx2DmlyjooRS0gvoPwlkIyMYC7CwO7wgWlKpuZ37lbxmjQoN6RqJC0_xMCBlkdg4U3_tTu5T6ljoOjfPgDeFIJHRpQ8Hlw0ZyQR6tdAce1p8In-j6N6KCm-BSybbw/s320/Kate%20Claire%20Kitaki.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumKJlcBqzYfF4BSsKAH1pGpSxYa1MwurkJHmL0jZrpDlWUHay4MwG_Jv3z3Fuurhre6Pm3whJW7rq4Hx4kFd3eYJhD1WsmcYqVC9_IMCxYj1xX3KoreD2UuQe7knCiHsLwi5eHsO2Pt48162S1NoVBSogYAYzD-5uWogVacTzhldIzEshtiBecixW7Q/s4032/Christmas%20Kids.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumKJlcBqzYfF4BSsKAH1pGpSxYa1MwurkJHmL0jZrpDlWUHay4MwG_Jv3z3Fuurhre6Pm3whJW7rq4Hx4kFd3eYJhD1WsmcYqVC9_IMCxYj1xX3KoreD2UuQe7knCiHsLwi5eHsO2Pt48162S1NoVBSogYAYzD-5uWogVacTzhldIzEshtiBecixW7Q/s320/Christmas%20Kids.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-39288235176858639312022-05-06T06:46:00.001-05:002022-05-06T06:47:27.176-05:00Ode to 47<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgar7kgmIk2QhSIsyZWmVV6tQVj2OIwl_Q400zCWeiFM01WiU0oGU-LX4qhw-xdm2AFqoutNLu_pf5OT5d04qFvj_bk4uOVeg72jjH9kzQSFRm7sOx0nZlrV8DM1JMU4HZkOpqaqi-JDyU1YSfFUVESIYAPhz7Zfn___0v1jbwKgb0C69yyQ-BNLsiqzA/s640/Kelly%20Beach.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgar7kgmIk2QhSIsyZWmVV6tQVj2OIwl_Q400zCWeiFM01WiU0oGU-LX4qhw-xdm2AFqoutNLu_pf5OT5d04qFvj_bk4uOVeg72jjH9kzQSFRm7sOx0nZlrV8DM1JMU4HZkOpqaqi-JDyU1YSfFUVESIYAPhz7Zfn___0v1jbwKgb0C69yyQ-BNLsiqzA/s320/Kelly%20Beach.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Four years ago, I opened my conflict resolution practice.</p><p>Six years ago, I started teaching at a university.</p><p>Eight years ago I ran a marathon.</p><p>Eleven years ago I gave birth to our third child.</p><p>Eighteen years ago I walked down the aisle and completed my master's degree.</p><p>Twenty five years ago I graduated from college after studying abroad.</p><p>Thirty years ago, I was the age my son is today.</p><p>*****</p><p>As I look back over 47-years, I stand in awe...what a wild life.</p><p>And as I ponder what makes a good life, I have to believe that so much of it is showing up amidst the not knowing. </p><p>Showing up when you don't know what you're doing. </p><p>Showing up when you're scared.</p><p>Showing up when you're pretty sure it's gonna be shitty.</p><p>Showing up when you're tired.</p><p>Showing up when you'd rather not.</p><p>Showing up when the something on the other side isn't deserving.</p><p>Showing up when you have no guarantees.</p><p>***** <br /></p><p>Presence is happiness. Presence and intentional engagement in the here and now with all of its sticky, flawed, oily, frustrating, beautiful madness is the only way to know you're alive.</p><p>And believe me, in the last few years, people I have really loved have died too early, and with their abrupt departure, I have learned that we only have the now--not the now when we're ten pounds lighter or ten fold richer or prettied up...just the present moment.</p><p>And so, as I embark upon this 47th year, I say, hooray...I lucked out...I made it to another year of life...another moment of continuing to show up...</p><p>To see my son embark upon his senior year of high school and his epic college selection process.</p><p>To discover my eldest daughter slaying her high school experience while she masters archery during the day and en pointe at night.</p><p>To witness my youngest daughter break boards in taekwondo and write short stories that she fully intends to publish.</p><p>All while I share my hopes and incessant worries with a brilliant partner who is willingly in all of the details.</p><p>This life is a gift. The decision to inhabit this new year is a choice. May I continue to choose wisely. May I continue to show up imperfectly over and over again remembering that tomorrow is guaranteed to no one and this time is for the living.<br /></p>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-2949815030645732222022-04-17T08:12:00.000-05:002022-04-17T08:12:05.039-05:00Ode to 18-Years of Marriage<p><span style="font-family: arial;">April 17, 2022</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgNVPD5zLpzHzemz6ywpxvpSGnZ9hhzyKunizemfK3_8-7FhwuIbiCpUf4JLht01IQ-_mCzY6Q_9SECkgyn4af8VWjkVgP8asGFzz2oFTzwyHOC9Qmg_32KvHjW6gB8T_jhZVnqdAR5ab-sFO3kQLc6K7_Qw3h20HVUH6NIB7eMAJT52nxpf5ojDNqw/s642/Anniversary%20Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="642" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgNVPD5zLpzHzemz6ywpxvpSGnZ9hhzyKunizemfK3_8-7FhwuIbiCpUf4JLht01IQ-_mCzY6Q_9SECkgyn4af8VWjkVgP8asGFzz2oFTzwyHOC9Qmg_32KvHjW6gB8T_jhZVnqdAR5ab-sFO3kQLc6K7_Qw3h20HVUH6NIB7eMAJT52nxpf5ojDNqw/s320/Anniversary%20Pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My Dearest Ray,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Happy 18-years of Marriage!<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Moments ago, you returned home from taking Sam, another dad, and two of his friends on college visits this past week to the Chicago land area. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Just in time, you jumped back in the van to buy groceries for the new week, and to get Kate to the Comicon conference downtown to present the costume she's been designing, sewing, and 3-D printing for over a year.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But not before you made sure that Claire had poster board, markers, and supplies needed to complete her science project on the sun.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">****</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is our life. And you, are at the center, in every detail, joyfully.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">**** <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's hard to believe that 18-years ago, we took such a leap of faith and said, "I do." How could we have known what we were saying yes to? Almost two decades later, it looks like--infinite car rides to and from three schools, boy scouts, ballet, taekwondo, piano lessons, cross country and speech meets, volleyball practices/games, Target/Costco runs, lunch packing, test studying, paper editing, fight referring, hair cut/physical/dentist scheduling, braces tightening, retainer losing, eye glass/contacts prescription changing, early morning alarm ringing, carpool arranging, last minute, "Dad, I forgot" scrambling and everything in between.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And through the mayhem and busyness, you have said yes to me.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes to the countless times, when I've asked, "Will it be okay?," watching our teenager drive away, </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">seeing our little girl start high school, </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">recovering from yucky words with our feisty fifth grader, or </span>jumping out into the world and starting my own business.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes to my need for control and my desire to have things look a certain way, realizing that it's okay to acquiesce when you love another.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes to my talking things to death, and my need to process every feeling (again and again), especially when it comes to the hopes/concerns for our children.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes to reworking your schedule to pick up one kid and take another to a thing-which forces you to bring work home and reconfigure your tasks-because you know it will ease my burden.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes to making dinner every night-because it doesn't stress you out, and you're just better at it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes to being the last one awake in the house so you can make sure every kid light is out, run the dishwasher, put things away, and ensure we're ready for the morning.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes to holding my uncertainty with a strong sense of faith that reminds me of how far we've come and the promise that God holds for our future.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes to the practice of your faith, and the model of that for our children.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes to the continual invitation to run slowly, because you'd rather round the bends with me as your partner than to go it solo.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes to listening to me complain about my weight, and still picking up Dairy Queen when I text at night asking to grab a blizzard on your way home from picking up a kid.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes to walking me down from the ledge when I think it's a good idea to visit our son monthly in college (I'm still working on accepting that this is an insane idea).<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes to giving me space, reminding me that I'm beautiful, assuring me that I'm right where I'm supposed to be, and encouraging me that this too shall pass.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">There's just so much, and honestly, words are insufficient.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">You are not Jesus, but on this Easter day, you remind me of the rising--the deep belief that love is so much more than we can possibly know on the day we say yes at the altar. It is rising continuously to the calling of saying yes to the person we chose and who chose us-even when it is the same over and over again. It is holding steady to the belief that if we keep showing up, keep doing the work imperfectly, and keep intentionally saying yes, we will carve out a life--an honest, real, beautiful thing that gets better with each year, because we believed in the capacity of each other, and ultimately, of ourselves.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for saying yes to me and to us. Sam, Kate, Claire and I are the luckiest because you keep heeding the call.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Happy, Happy 18-years, my love.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I pray that we get many, many more.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">All my love,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Kelly <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> <br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-60799281656890417142022-02-08T04:54:00.001-06:002023-02-07T14:25:58.901-06:00Ode to Sam on Your 17th Birthday<p> February 8, 2022 <br /></p><p>My Dearest Sam,</p><p>Today, you are 17-years old.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGNnR5HDQ1qcIutLV0FPi99SPb1_A8DoTvVcaCC7YHWeQzPBpTLQONFphxU_AKZcPjwRgPs7mGbBh6stHe8ZPjBYCnkEizAVtyT-Q2piQzTZygzx42JPESzRjnj_GM-MP7ABt4GXwC-bnlpeGOyQqCWMvY5i8lGEXEgfz7DsJAqTzVJbidTFcD8pT2cg=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGNnR5HDQ1qcIutLV0FPi99SPb1_A8DoTvVcaCC7YHWeQzPBpTLQONFphxU_AKZcPjwRgPs7mGbBh6stHe8ZPjBYCnkEizAVtyT-Q2piQzTZygzx42JPESzRjnj_GM-MP7ABt4GXwC-bnlpeGOyQqCWMvY5i8lGEXEgfz7DsJAqTzVJbidTFcD8pT2cg=s320" width="320" /></a></div>There's a million things I want to share--mostly because every time I think about you, I'm bowled over in awe, while simultaneously, feeling like time is slipping through my hands.<p></p><p>Weren't we just doing this...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhA9rNAOcRYIpOX_ufl-qzh8U1mPBXFrT2ehFqpCC8FJKOSotCfk7IeJ0kHinb9-ro78ONajcDQA5i-Udj9ZIyJ6PX3GL6BQs5KfiDHu31jFFodDkVJBk07iIIBaEHLlhJliog_zz_TUee6GskUk_szOFfyFCmnWt0JQ8QB1la85UquUhM8gYURH7ImZA=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhA9rNAOcRYIpOX_ufl-qzh8U1mPBXFrT2ehFqpCC8FJKOSotCfk7IeJ0kHinb9-ro78ONajcDQA5i-Udj9ZIyJ6PX3GL6BQs5KfiDHu31jFFodDkVJBk07iIIBaEHLlhJliog_zz_TUee6GskUk_szOFfyFCmnWt0JQ8QB1la85UquUhM8gYURH7ImZA=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Holiday room parties, STAC quiz bowl sessions, cub scouts, Magic tournaments, Harry Potter marathons, piano lessons, epic bike rides, and countless pushes on swings and walks home from school.<p></p><p>Now, you pick up your sisters from school, grab a gallon of milk at HyVee, and let me bless you five million times before you leave the house while promising to be safe on the roads.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0N3mOXEvXxN7xy3bt46R5j9Z8_7Bh-dSS8q10L6-BqwwIOZDuTlsc1cz-UKiTvQqbksV1Lti83EEvA2s9DmiZcI7acGa39SQJhfdxLzVsGaDYRehAKRVJLHoFOK0sdWj6OdsZSb_Zm4qfYGRpFmpfKImc9C_I2h88V64NYle2yRifL0m9DQc3eA1Iew=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0N3mOXEvXxN7xy3bt46R5j9Z8_7Bh-dSS8q10L6-BqwwIOZDuTlsc1cz-UKiTvQqbksV1Lti83EEvA2s9DmiZcI7acGa39SQJhfdxLzVsGaDYRehAKRVJLHoFOK0sdWj6OdsZSb_Zm4qfYGRpFmpfKImc9C_I2h88V64NYle2yRifL0m9DQc3eA1Iew=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>Remember all of those dinosaurs with the crazy multi-syllabic names that only you could pronounce, and the times we stood and watched the incredible construction sites while you named all of the trucks and the intricacies of what they could do? Or, how about when staying up until 9pm was late...and indulging in pancakes with Nutella and whipped cream required asking for special permission?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgd0oYh2nCCJsPv9wbaVOD_BxrHnAXC_ciMBkt190HyMfR8cJrt55ZKBBx2jX89jYSGzU2r3D-IyYjIPLHF3RAcPZKcBh3qkrcWF1lFYSdOzyS0gGU4TSeh5QQIKt-G3-kVJ6Ll8p3M-aPQ5xDn21IvQOxg2aJqZcXDy6uS6CmQeW7GNfR4_KxTn0dG-w=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="383" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgd0oYh2nCCJsPv9wbaVOD_BxrHnAXC_ciMBkt190HyMfR8cJrt55ZKBBx2jX89jYSGzU2r3D-IyYjIPLHF3RAcPZKcBh3qkrcWF1lFYSdOzyS0gGU4TSeh5QQIKt-G3-kVJ6Ll8p3M-aPQ5xDn21IvQOxg2aJqZcXDy6uS6CmQeW7GNfR4_KxTn0dG-w=s320" width="192" /></a></div><p>Now, you and your best friends head out for sushi, movies, and soon, will take a trip to go look at colleges.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5q01esoODJpxo4DFalGZhl0TOj15oFWZW820w55Ma_gUdDXBlJGc21x69GpZVFXE31ZmA-5MqQ-VFTUIwd2wuoGdAS5tXu6tnSYmfW0KPGBVnZ1_onPYgKsYw-7HjDYnDul8U4_ChQRxTfCzCJj5eXq95KH1C1GV4Z5_pAfGPur2Vj6iu_9URs42SXA=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5q01esoODJpxo4DFalGZhl0TOj15oFWZW820w55Ma_gUdDXBlJGc21x69GpZVFXE31ZmA-5MqQ-VFTUIwd2wuoGdAS5tXu6tnSYmfW0KPGBVnZ1_onPYgKsYw-7HjDYnDul8U4_ChQRxTfCzCJj5eXq95KH1C1GV4Z5_pAfGPur2Vj6iu_9URs42SXA=s320" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I really do know this is supposed to happen. I mean, I can remember when I was 17 and all of the larger than life plans, hopes, dreams and excitement I had. I also remember the craziness of trying to maintain a strong GPA, a competitive ACT score, and loads of activities while holding down a job. </div><p>But I never did it like you're doing it. It's been the greatest gift to see you soar, in only the way that you, Sam, the humblest of them can do. <br /></p><p>This year, we celebrated the unbelievable accomplishment of earning your Eagle Scout. When I think of the number of hours post first grade that you and your father put into service, camp outs, skills based seminars, meetings, leadership roles, and projects--I stand in amazement. And the truth is, you didn't waver. You wanted it and learned more than we could have imagined.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHUKBZO8jxxWo3L4Q9r4Jk4LkdK5YdmtFMxiMmUANlkZT8Zm9SywL6ghweCVJnm021zRZh7M15x70W2PsRQGTlIdog2q3oslEcToJguUuzBf7JXyBkzZK4adEKNiX0EEpmZfajinj-gx3quIm9x9F3rZiH0rHpJOU7celnRnL3qc8vZ3dH1dG7Uxak6g=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHUKBZO8jxxWo3L4Q9r4Jk4LkdK5YdmtFMxiMmUANlkZT8Zm9SywL6ghweCVJnm021zRZh7M15x70W2PsRQGTlIdog2q3oslEcToJguUuzBf7JXyBkzZK4adEKNiX0EEpmZfajinj-gx3quIm9x9F3rZiH0rHpJOU7celnRnL3qc8vZ3dH1dG7Uxak6g=s320" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Your junior year has also seen you running cross country, taking crazy hard AP and honors classes, continuing your lawn mowing business, trying a stint part-time in the restaurant business, serving in a leadership role in the Prep Film and Photography club, serving on retreats, and chauffeuring your sisters all over God's green earth.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimzdjtU1I1XyukmWSj7U392J4s9xIs3QVGod8CHhK62_UF3v6FLJd-2NnkRqFnSyYXvpVED-PoeUUS-s7tUptwM3tZzDo89iuB-SGbx50nggiw9EM6jDIWghBD-eqtH9nxAHFFH0dVbxDOaw6ELS09fUWOVKBuMV1Ds6shHt1Q-XmahT37JQ30vQ5pNw=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimzdjtU1I1XyukmWSj7U392J4s9xIs3QVGod8CHhK62_UF3v6FLJd-2NnkRqFnSyYXvpVED-PoeUUS-s7tUptwM3tZzDo89iuB-SGbx50nggiw9EM6jDIWghBD-eqtH9nxAHFFH0dVbxDOaw6ELS09fUWOVKBuMV1Ds6shHt1Q-XmahT37JQ30vQ5pNw=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxWFpo2OAZFFB38UT5MwFGOypqRgj6-jbn1WkLryPb_exGDwuYQ9zadp80F0MGAwi1TsiM95LEQ7KAU_zBmJ6mgjN8zwlvl4QJZgqJ1uwYEn4YAX5mFRGdWDctRppVocI_mxLYdQJlKhqL4ZzmodljcioBZC2RfQ3tYQ_XA9sJSLZ-VQT8Ne3hF4BvtA=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxWFpo2OAZFFB38UT5MwFGOypqRgj6-jbn1WkLryPb_exGDwuYQ9zadp80F0MGAwi1TsiM95LEQ7KAU_zBmJ6mgjN8zwlvl4QJZgqJ1uwYEn4YAX5mFRGdWDctRppVocI_mxLYdQJlKhqL4ZzmodljcioBZC2RfQ3tYQ_XA9sJSLZ-VQT8Ne3hF4BvtA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />Some of the most fun was taking you and the girls to Lake Forest College where dad and I met, and to Northwestern to start the college exploration. My favorite comment was how surprisingly small the dorm rooms are...indeed, son, indeed.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixIprXd0vGzujrn6C1-mQIDbzMfZRYBtt8ro14MEmqjo53JYBSvTrBZh6rqHcqoXcUVSxkS3tMtQC3QNYlKsr7WUpr-2j0zNAGIGVdh-v5T0NwPEtuAuWB5TGMkQZ7cVwIwJjwfdRDeBNAhZbkrfqfzz67djQYW-ck74Kzy9EqI__bZQm32itxbTV-9w=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixIprXd0vGzujrn6C1-mQIDbzMfZRYBtt8ro14MEmqjo53JYBSvTrBZh6rqHcqoXcUVSxkS3tMtQC3QNYlKsr7WUpr-2j0zNAGIGVdh-v5T0NwPEtuAuWB5TGMkQZ7cVwIwJjwfdRDeBNAhZbkrfqfzz67djQYW-ck74Kzy9EqI__bZQm32itxbTV-9w=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBixd5-1Wo4ZiVx0vdA-D24K35s94pVxQHQRKNAIhUnBDGSRU32ToylxPHSCu-obYDpTeqdsKV1Ugz3ggx66oc7dT0ro5luJHGRoGAJtq3AJ6uicwNghVIsXaSgYgY3lJirLhIQyNba5ez8OATJEPrkkB7SPNuuPeQF15n15l0HNCgOGC6Uu1QyuRHaw=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBixd5-1Wo4ZiVx0vdA-D24K35s94pVxQHQRKNAIhUnBDGSRU32ToylxPHSCu-obYDpTeqdsKV1Ugz3ggx66oc7dT0ro5luJHGRoGAJtq3AJ6uicwNghVIsXaSgYgY3lJirLhIQyNba5ez8OATJEPrkkB7SPNuuPeQF15n15l0HNCgOGC6Uu1QyuRHaw=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUFrlx6h4yBvOXb6S9rF2OHGiDMY8R2_I_Yx6rFCb4oaVni9s2ngpit2ITpeQHonc3qX5s_A7hfNzoHWLO2RX-DgsQ_E9wNO2SyhPnJape44KH9pbu5uGk-MfHyzuZsaUy8mP5YtTuHVdqJhUZEOHwBcRniEUWwG_PirTgCyPnM4xtqVrgznEaYvoTEA=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUFrlx6h4yBvOXb6S9rF2OHGiDMY8R2_I_Yx6rFCb4oaVni9s2ngpit2ITpeQHonc3qX5s_A7hfNzoHWLO2RX-DgsQ_E9wNO2SyhPnJape44KH9pbu5uGk-MfHyzuZsaUy8mP5YtTuHVdqJhUZEOHwBcRniEUWwG_PirTgCyPnM4xtqVrgznEaYvoTEA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2hAmXHX798OEVWI3t1ynrM0-Ja43No-SlNdAf1KtJm9rMzr7b7bL-hm-AXvotclerNLpSvrWP_FU9s4NMZLIigFRkBVMIA9HaBaWD-sPM95QYnRHPXmiAp9X6VUfb9e20f2gpWPlSYWbG4ZuaDrg9rVqml668WQXq0gfDyDczzqINA_POe5u9KGMUWw=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2hAmXHX798OEVWI3t1ynrM0-Ja43No-SlNdAf1KtJm9rMzr7b7bL-hm-AXvotclerNLpSvrWP_FU9s4NMZLIigFRkBVMIA9HaBaWD-sPM95QYnRHPXmiAp9X6VUfb9e20f2gpWPlSYWbG4ZuaDrg9rVqml668WQXq0gfDyDczzqINA_POe5u9KGMUWw=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p>As we continue on this journey of figuring out where the next home will be, I'm mindful of a million of things. The first is the reminder that you're right where you're supposed to be. God made you to be the steadiest of old souls. Your internal compass is extraordinary. You know what seems right, and you really cannot be moved. I've tried to get you to swear (Lord knows I'm a master coach in the art), to drink coffee (this still boggles my mind that you have zero desire), to taste a sip of wine (a hard pass by you), and never once have you asked for a social media account.</p><p>You are rock solid. </p><p>But the truth is...in less than 18-months, you're going to leave us, and head off for the next adventure--probably in a new city with people and experiences that may shake who you are and what you know.</p><p>So, here's what I want to impart...</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>People are people no matter where you go. Continue to treat them well. Leave them better than they found you. <br /></li><li>Pray and ground yourself in silence--trust in the inner knowing that tells you when you should or shouldn't do something. And, when you feel afraid to try something, ask yourself, "If fear wasn't here, could I see myself loving it?" And if the answer is yes, go for it. No one ever regretted trying something that they really hoped would come true (even if they landed flat on their face).</li><li>Good things happen when you leave the house. Get out of your bedroom (dorm). Stay off your phone. Explore. Meet someone. Give them a smile and find something to ask them about.</li><li>It's okay that you don't know what you want to be when you grow up. The truth is...no one does. We're all just faking it. Enjoying what we can. Changing when we're able.</li><li>Decide who you are, even when others make it seem like you should not be. And the who you are has nothing to do with what your business card says. Foundationally, decide what you stand for. <br /></li><li>At the end of the day, the only two things that matter are, "I love you," and "I'm sorry." Get good at saying them often. Life will be infinitely easier this way.</li><li>You are so, so, so deeply loved. When you lose your way, you can always come home. We'll be here. So, too, will your bed and your things--but for now, use your wings to find another safe place to land. There's more goodness out there than you can imagine. And when you run across the bad, keep running---it will take you to the next right choice/place.</li></ul><p>And so, on this day, Happy Birthday, Sam...may your heart be full and may you always know that there's so many of us rooting for you--wanting all of the good for you this year and every year forward. Here's to more blessings than you can imagine.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcnatlZmPk4Re5aZFxK4Z25dbmYAYbEkwwM60_R697Z1rWxxlw3Schca7Ml8ZVh1Tn2PnbMSNCQ34UPMpCNY1TUH6dpKaPxJ5SOgoOXXbzYMbmqib-oJkP9HRjRZM5ckY-ItsX9vSarlU5sjeg6su3DlAIjs8hzlM8huer71GswPqK3qHLw_dXWGLGDA=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="640" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcnatlZmPk4Re5aZFxK4Z25dbmYAYbEkwwM60_R697Z1rWxxlw3Schca7Ml8ZVh1Tn2PnbMSNCQ34UPMpCNY1TUH6dpKaPxJ5SOgoOXXbzYMbmqib-oJkP9HRjRZM5ckY-ItsX9vSarlU5sjeg6su3DlAIjs8hzlM8huer71GswPqK3qHLw_dXWGLGDA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAkYoXmpUOQmZGw6rdiIyV3ruSf1aO2pA3TezlVOnKr0So2D71RT300ZmCrOw_kt6Bj5Kt0ynmWb4pPIf2GRPvxMyMT5Dlh43e_IuzPBN81FVhhnPnJcG-UdkXObsuyOb_ZhIKJgCeXB4VBLyrPbisJLItHZ9MG71WLB01SFOrtBhPQwNeLTlAvnJW4A=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="489" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAkYoXmpUOQmZGw6rdiIyV3ruSf1aO2pA3TezlVOnKr0So2D71RT300ZmCrOw_kt6Bj5Kt0ynmWb4pPIf2GRPvxMyMT5Dlh43e_IuzPBN81FVhhnPnJcG-UdkXObsuyOb_ZhIKJgCeXB4VBLyrPbisJLItHZ9MG71WLB01SFOrtBhPQwNeLTlAvnJW4A=s320" width="245" /></a></div><p></p><p>All my love, Mama</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7HyQ3i5QzNueCFYsqTRJ6OUfWvCQJYTaJ0pv9_6Nk-tt2VB5ZfLITxOX-D2adqxVSclTWHrBkb3dtAcBFOqKmrIqxw7CLORE_G-xoJP79FPSqhW8_a0-KYigKKJc1Vc1FbZb0wuAJ6QDIaT25DLAyca0jNKYYA5WcCTWXpa70A1kFxkU6C02vcjyQGA=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7HyQ3i5QzNueCFYsqTRJ6OUfWvCQJYTaJ0pv9_6Nk-tt2VB5ZfLITxOX-D2adqxVSclTWHrBkb3dtAcBFOqKmrIqxw7CLORE_G-xoJP79FPSqhW8_a0-KYigKKJc1Vc1FbZb0wuAJ6QDIaT25DLAyca0jNKYYA5WcCTWXpa70A1kFxkU6C02vcjyQGA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div> <br /></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-56728923704847394712021-12-13T21:35:00.001-06:002021-12-13T21:35:18.755-06:00Ode to Claire on Your 11th Birthday<p><span style="font-family: arial;">December 14, 2021</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My Dearest Claire Bear,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Happy, Happy 11th Birthday to you!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYfpcygeeZMtevkpHiNFiFvwS2wJ7hOE_ZyPrab0nWnofp-QYEK7poeNxOQG3DxW5NHFiooLW3DFXWlcWYbxrlAm66AI1H2fkzK_sbuVKdTwfHu0eF3yy83R_y-qedhq1j8uz493cfTKZBWJL2iNcfJps7SNqTE4XY3dstoqyDnQXnLqy-P3SJZ2ncvA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYfpcygeeZMtevkpHiNFiFvwS2wJ7hOE_ZyPrab0nWnofp-QYEK7poeNxOQG3DxW5NHFiooLW3DFXWlcWYbxrlAm66AI1H2fkzK_sbuVKdTwfHu0eF3yy83R_y-qedhq1j8uz493cfTKZBWJL2iNcfJps7SNqTE4XY3dstoqyDnQXnLqy-P3SJZ2ncvA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I am not sure how it happened, but all of the sudden, you have become an insanely independent, beautifully brilliant, ridiculously funny, crazy strong, amazingly creative fifth grader...and we are the luckiest to benefit from all of your spirit and gifts. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">You are the light and the laughter that make us belly laugh and howl--while simultaneously being the anger and passion that makes all of us scream, "CLAIRE!!!," in frustration and exhaustion.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">You are indeed a presence.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4rCJUVvg1JWDMzxXLFDhqcw1kEZrjue-24OIjFTsG2Nw3U3bK09yyB3LxqeeyrBnbJMavEKTcuOJYdszUZ_kW1xpfvv6UYiegRjO3i9lhpMV-qXQDs4OHhNNi9Wekr7LSBbnOA1pfE1rH3ztFDLpW6s0i5e3ILPCkjoN5fBR7gk76qX48eNSZlzkcXg=s1025" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="1025" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4rCJUVvg1JWDMzxXLFDhqcw1kEZrjue-24OIjFTsG2Nw3U3bK09yyB3LxqeeyrBnbJMavEKTcuOJYdszUZ_kW1xpfvv6UYiegRjO3i9lhpMV-qXQDs4OHhNNi9Wekr7LSBbnOA1pfE1rH3ztFDLpW6s0i5e3ILPCkjoN5fBR7gk76qX48eNSZlzkcXg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This year, you found yourself continuing to study and progress in Taekwondo. You've earned your brown belt and are keeping your eye on the black belt prize. Your tenacity and grit shows up when nearly everyone in the dojo is bigger than you and you find your way sparring to the finish. When you get hit or knocked down, you rise--but not without a few colorful words (that I'm pretty sure I taught you) mumbled under your breath--which makes me so proud.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZAwnK_SOHepBu5it94FSBIQY8gQubYeIR4JaS7_kMDNEffGw2dm8WDeSDLUiiUDzGE-huYl8zwo8HRevzWqOuz6SsVOUjWl2c1nLdw-95869FxxhwaKgrGifmKhnBvYZo7-wA193JWKOhcNNXrQwO_P5twzYbvemZ_N9_0UZbDbimgbt2ixbf-7WwcQ=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZAwnK_SOHepBu5it94FSBIQY8gQubYeIR4JaS7_kMDNEffGw2dm8WDeSDLUiiUDzGE-huYl8zwo8HRevzWqOuz6SsVOUjWl2c1nLdw-95869FxxhwaKgrGifmKhnBvYZo7-wA193JWKOhcNNXrQwO_P5twzYbvemZ_N9_0UZbDbimgbt2ixbf-7WwcQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As the youngest member of our family, you're watching your older siblings make their way through hard classes in high school, practice driving cars, stumble through summer jobs, and now, tour colleges. All of this has helped you learn the value of a steady work ethic, strong academic success and the in's and out's of what it takes to make dreams come true....namely, a lot of prayers and saying I'm sorry when we take one another for granted.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Whether in school, at the Taekwondo studio or hanging out with friends, you are really good at bringing the fun. You love to ride bikes, swim, hike, camp, sing, play the piano, dance in the kitchen, and man oh man are you an amazing artist--you can draw, paint, sculpt, sew, and design something out of nothing. As you're creating, you're also thinking about how you can make a business out of your craft. Your entrepreneur cap is strong and steady.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmjsm7du0A4WLv66y9ASYokXIJPdmrt89IYi3etfRmde17WBiQ3HWSi2cHIWcE58P1A68vzXUtgj2q1x1mSFTPF_LaJpkiLDEe2K5CnanY85JaNh4Aso8DuDxFrGXMf9sO7tcanEkVdStLkHbUpUza1wXRmTdki4wozENHr4ZrADbxmAOwGrovs6DkRg=s2592" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmjsm7du0A4WLv66y9ASYokXIJPdmrt89IYi3etfRmde17WBiQ3HWSi2cHIWcE58P1A68vzXUtgj2q1x1mSFTPF_LaJpkiLDEe2K5CnanY85JaNh4Aso8DuDxFrGXMf9sO7tcanEkVdStLkHbUpUza1wXRmTdki4wozENHr4ZrADbxmAOwGrovs6DkRg=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja-d3Xahn9gkZLUXCXjKYROjk1oEJIEO_ApL12BorpmNyU6eFCBXO6VuDTvljTVCY3gFfvJbJs9-XZTxcbrXoy3QgUqZMZcEIom_s_1PWiCh_v79KH5V1-T27kOk6TjrmwTdgnNWwKN1GMR57iC5k_rWFyvNWtuY-i4vVMgNEQa3ds4yGRrviruqV-bg=s2430" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2430" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja-d3Xahn9gkZLUXCXjKYROjk1oEJIEO_ApL12BorpmNyU6eFCBXO6VuDTvljTVCY3gFfvJbJs9-XZTxcbrXoy3QgUqZMZcEIom_s_1PWiCh_v79KH5V1-T27kOk6TjrmwTdgnNWwKN1GMR57iC5k_rWFyvNWtuY-i4vVMgNEQa3ds4yGRrviruqV-bg=s320" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieg9Y4gka9vPI4zZPwUFf8yB1Sz6bhKWMkn65FLHWwzoDRbGGbSUf6l7bn03zvfCARlUROqgBAM0IZzMFcVuBCUQ_RGPH9S5LVk5rGH_mGf-ksrUNOZZiTvV66LcWMu0ILxF44M2upINND1HLJWVAsl-OsphzWZ4Cg-Jfeva03_5AC4rB1xZztSHLZ2g=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieg9Y4gka9vPI4zZPwUFf8yB1Sz6bhKWMkn65FLHWwzoDRbGGbSUf6l7bn03zvfCARlUROqgBAM0IZzMFcVuBCUQ_RGPH9S5LVk5rGH_mGf-ksrUNOZZiTvV66LcWMu0ILxF44M2upINND1HLJWVAsl-OsphzWZ4Cg-Jfeva03_5AC4rB1xZztSHLZ2g=s320" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigr_nqc1uRDHz42wsBq2_y8wlkZWkODEB6eKwxExY-M8IhhxJyIolcPD3XsWsniLnhMKir9FlSxT5Dppzg6906NDOGJxB2WXAjlZ2RkwfcyODL06Gg-MlEnNPDR3T29NLD2X2zSzDRY4EkfdPlgOCedbUpy6Ki1gckFXqjXCuxEvbCUX1r6dc1zFyE2A=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigr_nqc1uRDHz42wsBq2_y8wlkZWkODEB6eKwxExY-M8IhhxJyIolcPD3XsWsniLnhMKir9FlSxT5Dppzg6906NDOGJxB2WXAjlZ2RkwfcyODL06Gg-MlEnNPDR3T29NLD2X2zSzDRY4EkfdPlgOCedbUpy6Ki1gckFXqjXCuxEvbCUX1r6dc1zFyE2A=s320" width="240" /></a></div></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">There are many parts of you that I admire, but one in particular has made its way to the forefront this year...you are a really good friend. You're not interested in gossip or drama. You care about feelings and advocate for peace. You're seen as the calm in the storm and the steady among your people. Watching you navigate challenges with others helps me to learn the value of meeting people where they are and seeking to be loving, instead of right.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And one more thing stands out--you are a brilliant organizer of all kinds of things and people. You can whip a closet, desk, basement, or junk drawer into shape--just as you can use your influence to move people toward playing a game, conferencing over FaceTime or collaborating to make a comic. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgy8Ku0aNnd3yC669-nNu5Ih0XBDAAWg-PtSh4UhszybQtBGYdZhP-g7_3gxo-zQxLbxs8zmmJt2liqxlG4Bm8n_iAAaOe7ur0VkldaI6JNcqQw9IRhgQDIQRINnFCo257Qgsxkv2hivtd1v0QAA8eXM88lPsYfnOaF4LaQiedLuqhASiHF4ktTT8hO_g=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgy8Ku0aNnd3yC669-nNu5Ih0XBDAAWg-PtSh4UhszybQtBGYdZhP-g7_3gxo-zQxLbxs8zmmJt2liqxlG4Bm8n_iAAaOe7ur0VkldaI6JNcqQw9IRhgQDIQRINnFCo257Qgsxkv2hivtd1v0QAA8eXM88lPsYfnOaF4LaQiedLuqhASiHF4ktTT8hO_g=s320" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As you continue to make your way in the world and your siblings eventually head for their next adventures, I want to encourage you to keep your strong moral compass juxtaposed to your fiery disposition. You are a crazy force for good. Take deep comfort and pride in who you are and know that God made you with a heart and an energy for love. Keep navigating your own ship. Don't pay attention to the naysayers or the conformity of the masses--fiercely cling to what you know is right and true.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And as you embark upon this new year in your journey, know that you are so, so deeply loved just for who you are.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc8O_MNMcjXQwIejpC9JhoxbklgeQ-6YlJWgHYBiauzH3v5__Qv3Q0k141b7gdTDOXWRSOBZ1HrmkyonnGQ69xJJvZzxy7IsVdVd2MCBzaClLHA_KByPVc6XJvDZRb_Npmmc9qANAnb5QzHoR-LD9RQCQl3DWZdv6u1mMEakrRNNg9CjJKU6iXVkP-Qw=s2592" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc8O_MNMcjXQwIejpC9JhoxbklgeQ-6YlJWgHYBiauzH3v5__Qv3Q0k141b7gdTDOXWRSOBZ1HrmkyonnGQ69xJJvZzxy7IsVdVd2MCBzaClLHA_KByPVc6XJvDZRb_Npmmc9qANAnb5QzHoR-LD9RQCQl3DWZdv6u1mMEakrRNNg9CjJKU6iXVkP-Qw=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We could not love you more, Claire Bear,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVmeSpTcseEQUbfnwRWVkQLIWMYHdYG4Ykk--juYnOo_NFTbJ2n6TCUu0--5R0gW40nYklAtCoHVHRm9ASbMmMlu-5ItGlmPU3b7KO_y7cNAq_vQu7Lw5xzSVUCayvx0EgdhG46q_Gy5bgHIlXT0MEwwjgfgWePAZHjuNy7az8BdZ7FhmxDUTbizMalw=s2592" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVmeSpTcseEQUbfnwRWVkQLIWMYHdYG4Ykk--juYnOo_NFTbJ2n6TCUu0--5R0gW40nYklAtCoHVHRm9ASbMmMlu-5ItGlmPU3b7KO_y7cNAq_vQu7Lw5xzSVUCayvx0EgdhG46q_Gy5bgHIlXT0MEwwjgfgWePAZHjuNy7az8BdZ7FhmxDUTbizMalw=s320" width="320" /></a></div> Love, Mama and Papa<br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-35152547856787405932021-07-08T07:59:00.000-05:002021-07-08T07:59:49.789-05:00Ode to Kate on Her 14th Birthday<p><span style="font-family: News Cycle;">July 8, 2021</span></p><p><span style="font-family: News Cycle;">My Dearest Kate,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: News Cycle;">Happy, Happy 14th Birthday, Sweetheart! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: News Cycle;">This week, we are spending your special day on an epic adventure in South Dakota, and my goodness are we having a crazy time laughing, exploring, climbing, hiking, eating lots of ice cream, and enjoying all the beauty of the land while also enjoying all of the beauty that is you.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: News Cycle;">Here's you posing a stunning ballet move in Badlands National Park...<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: News Cycle;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXPv156E_UnnPmrw-sa8YGMHcBfS-zrSVOR-Naz8KnwrPJYlNyM5j-g_GfxBp2QMU44n74lkHxjfVzqbXv5kfEgQpQBBIhj_sZiksMXwfI-E4qo2nSluSbHdWgdP5seowX_qTf8_xrapT/s2048/Kate+dancing+in+Badlands.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXPv156E_UnnPmrw-sa8YGMHcBfS-zrSVOR-Naz8KnwrPJYlNyM5j-g_GfxBp2QMU44n74lkHxjfVzqbXv5kfEgQpQBBIhj_sZiksMXwfI-E4qo2nSluSbHdWgdP5seowX_qTf8_xrapT/s320/Kate+dancing+in+Badlands.HEIC" /></a></div> And you hiking the morning away in Custer State Park with Sam and Claire...<p></p><p><span style="font-family: News Cycle;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtsbD9T7CKdUxdNolvkaN2zW1StU5VvTer-dz13Tdoks9I-sb4t4gffrrWtAw24QpPi_vWbpJPpQaCv3kWW2P6bQZ7vzk_uMILyp1MfeLPa2k2ILjKVRGnnDsIp5HJ0Ia9z02kD5C9cye/s2048/Custer+State+Park.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1299" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtsbD9T7CKdUxdNolvkaN2zW1StU5VvTer-dz13Tdoks9I-sb4t4gffrrWtAw24QpPi_vWbpJPpQaCv3kWW2P6bQZ7vzk_uMILyp1MfeLPa2k2ILjKVRGnnDsIp5HJ0Ia9z02kD5C9cye/s320/Custer+State+Park.HEIC" /></a></div> And you, feeding a sweet mule by the side of the road...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjph-y68OM20tuDPzIhglhdzVKDo0aOQnD88lFWw-gxaUOZ-yz83qGqIE8hZngj9ctC3nqh63t51CJeUd8uagvyUg1GjnUIoStdah-wS0phninT65sgEtmdgZWr0pZohE79187SJQhsT5gQ/s2048/Kate+Mule.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjph-y68OM20tuDPzIhglhdzVKDo0aOQnD88lFWw-gxaUOZ-yz83qGqIE8hZngj9ctC3nqh63t51CJeUd8uagvyUg1GjnUIoStdah-wS0phninT65sgEtmdgZWr0pZohE79187SJQhsT5gQ/s320/Kate+Mule.HEIC" /></a></div><span style="font-family: News Cycle;">And, the best part is that there is still so much to come.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: News Cycle;">Let me begin by saying that I love every part of you. When I think of you, I think of joy, kindness, a deep desire to root for the underdog and to do the right thing. An incredible creative at heart. A young woman who takes her time, is filled with intention, and deeply committed when she decides to pursue whatever her passion holds.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: News Cycle;">You are embarking upon an incredible season of excitement and adventure. In a few short weeks, you will begin high school as a freshman at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart--where we believe is the place you were meant to grow, to stretch, to gain confidence, connection, and a deeper understanding of who you are and your purpose on this earth.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: News Cycle;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UkGyTxgtE5O0diTa2dOGEIdu2XEhvF3vH_QysaMtac-CXfmDvqxCniiIE7vQAr45xBhkf4tuS0_UnK9opyS4GUb-ousXB8pzd1Hv1-rF1mBMRfjHp2E3uCAK1TOKHrg7A54Mi8JVjHAu/s1832/Duchesne.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1832" data-original-width="1374" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UkGyTxgtE5O0diTa2dOGEIdu2XEhvF3vH_QysaMtac-CXfmDvqxCniiIE7vQAr45xBhkf4tuS0_UnK9opyS4GUb-ousXB8pzd1Hv1-rF1mBMRfjHp2E3uCAK1TOKHrg7A54Mi8JVjHAu/s320/Duchesne.JPG" /></a></div>Since you were three years old, you've been dancing at the Omaha Academy of Ballet. This summer, you're still dancing--four days a week--Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Improv, En Pointe...and it is hard and intense and technical and you are holding your own.<p></p><p><span style="font-family: News Cycle;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOr3zY9bz2Ist2IQaCfBPKl1BLnqfGIPWjK5PY7NsQ2IC_Wf7ejKqidNjyF0jM4h1IauRm97F6iegtgVBoeexfocZGpUcc7HfxAzlnm44kociIWwQS-M7xpUsDg7LERdbWLtPRt3ctdJR/s1450/Pointe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1450" data-original-width="1011" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOr3zY9bz2Ist2IQaCfBPKl1BLnqfGIPWjK5PY7NsQ2IC_Wf7ejKqidNjyF0jM4h1IauRm97F6iegtgVBoeexfocZGpUcc7HfxAzlnm44kociIWwQS-M7xpUsDg7LERdbWLtPRt3ctdJR/s320/Pointe.jpg" /></a></div>More than anything, I love that you are true to yourself and loyal to those you love. You are committed to your own skin. Even when you don't fully know what that means...you are willing to have hard conversations...to peel back the layers...to dive into uncharted territory and to explore the best version of you...and as a result of your candid commentary, we are all better.<p></p><p><span style="font-family: News Cycle;">You are smart...Holy Hell...I was never as proficient at literature, math, history, art and all the things as you are...and you sew...like real things...beautiful clothes and costumes and repair other items and draw self portraits that are incredible and time after time, blow others away.<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-GK_MAJWs_2cGl3ze85atbiMfEsvcsmIkiOOE5NngsSV2z6CLVylFVccY9AK2AqGyJmjBldNZqy5yqIoLE6kFYoeUcJzz5d7pUTpG-1SYKaJhvEL6bhFUsgfXM7vpTVzv_q21a-CTdFP/s2048/Kate+Portrait.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-GK_MAJWs_2cGl3ze85atbiMfEsvcsmIkiOOE5NngsSV2z6CLVylFVccY9AK2AqGyJmjBldNZqy5yqIoLE6kFYoeUcJzz5d7pUTpG-1SYKaJhvEL6bhFUsgfXM7vpTVzv_q21a-CTdFP/s320/Kate+Portrait.JPG" /></a></div><span style="font-family: News Cycle;">I'm not sure that I have sound advice to give you as you embark upon these final four years of high school at home, except to say that I am here. I know that now more than ever, you'll be away from me more than in the house...but know that I am here for any and all of it. As you process what matters, who you believe you are and who you know that you are not, I am for you in every way. You will always have an ear, an open heart, a shoulder, a pocket book (within reason-ha), and a mother who believes that the world is yours.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: News Cycle;">Keep trying on all of the shades of you. Know that all of it is normal. The shifting., reconfiguring, trying on again and again. You are exactly where you are supposed to be. And when you feel lost or stuck, I'm around the corner-cheering you on-knowing that sometimes, all it takes is time, experience, patience and the deep knowing that you are loved for exactly who you are.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: News Cycle;">Here's to your 14th year and all that it holds. May God bless you, keep you, guide you, hold you and be with you always.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: News Cycle;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: News Cycle;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvar03TeDQBe5CxK9yqjFPhIbRMNMkpfP-d-I-R6QYk3lBLYphyGFlKFlgEzWRSKSPdstJRscbunqFLM9xUTjeI7FF6zbKWuxwMmj16MdQz8oGuT3dpa9gcgQrq7j1avv7mlvYX_qJ1xw/s2048/Gering+Family.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvar03TeDQBe5CxK9yqjFPhIbRMNMkpfP-d-I-R6QYk3lBLYphyGFlKFlgEzWRSKSPdstJRscbunqFLM9xUTjeI7FF6zbKWuxwMmj16MdQz8oGuT3dpa9gcgQrq7j1avv7mlvYX_qJ1xw/s320/Gering+Family.HEIC" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: News Cycle;">I could not love you more,</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: News Cycle;">Love, Mama </span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: News Cycle;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: News Cycle;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: News Cycle;"><br /></span></p>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-17191007224705558082021-05-13T17:50:00.003-05:002021-05-14T05:41:01.620-05:00Gratitude and Hope...Here's to the Next Chapter<p>May 14, 2021</p><p>My Dearest Kate,</p><p>Today, you will walk out of a building that you have walked into every day for 9 years.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgDV-2ln3NQEoeOeUBpdfkUvM7MW1TAw-h1_r8Y8hBVh_e1ThAO6lsAffHweIIeQv9ym9bdvn6f4denK8aDcJJC3I8w3zB7sZhYZX87-QC7uRaME7MHbhAayc-ABvM_1xxlTqvf5kgzJJ/s960/SMM+American+Girl+Doll.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgDV-2ln3NQEoeOeUBpdfkUvM7MW1TAw-h1_r8Y8hBVh_e1ThAO6lsAffHweIIeQv9ym9bdvn6f4denK8aDcJJC3I8w3zB7sZhYZX87-QC7uRaME7MHbhAayc-ABvM_1xxlTqvf5kgzJJ/w240-h320/SMM+American+Girl+Doll.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /></p><p>
Along
with 58 of your classmates, you will say goodbye to the only grade
school you've ever known, and hello to what the future holds.<br />
<br />
We will begin the festivities with an awards ceremony and slideshow, a lunch, a school-wide clap-out, an evening graduation mass--everyone will be celebrating the gift that is you.<br />
<br />
And somewhere inside of both of us lies this deep desire to remember, but not to dwell.<br />
<br />
To
reflect on what it was like to experience Kindergarten Round-Up, Friday
folders, field trips, being the library/computer/lunch helper,
Harvest/Valentine parties, dialogue journals, music programs, Pioneer
Day, Halfway Hoedown, field days, state reports,
advanced math, Speech, Daisies, the Omaha Academy of Ballet, altar serving, First
Holy Communion, Science/History Day, good and bad hot lunches, card marks,
4th grade buddies, Kindness retreats, Narnia
Tea, 6th grade poetry reading, braces, piano lessons, Hummel, Kitaki,
Terra Nova/STAR testing, the bridge project, book reports, power point
presentations...the list goes on and on.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WKEH0yrIEjCnU7tl3WHRDuMEmdvwRYdVF_OSkBe01NGqm5jR4GUDqFpc_Mhf-P3mBvfoA7c2-7GtQMz1TCN32tZA2EgFFT4YqCSJMDwH2B_D1iUaziGVUXuZdWcSk5SIzFG_ZKDaD6TQ/s1080/Tunnel+Kate.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WKEH0yrIEjCnU7tl3WHRDuMEmdvwRYdVF_OSkBe01NGqm5jR4GUDqFpc_Mhf-P3mBvfoA7c2-7GtQMz1TCN32tZA2EgFFT4YqCSJMDwH2B_D1iUaziGVUXuZdWcSk5SIzFG_ZKDaD6TQ/w320-h320/Tunnel+Kate.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8k9XGbG9cb09V2ehajkKFUz5S8HAkO3xYXrQ_ZdTXoqf32Q5QcaCSye2QA6Vd5AESKNtEHsFakok45E0Hpos0QWFQmXOvaLzVUlCM90nzyXwcQcZmyoEsViTUKwQ4Agz4O-j8-3HqjZ0L/s960/DaisyKate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8k9XGbG9cb09V2ehajkKFUz5S8HAkO3xYXrQ_ZdTXoqf32Q5QcaCSye2QA6Vd5AESKNtEHsFakok45E0Hpos0QWFQmXOvaLzVUlCM90nzyXwcQcZmyoEsViTUKwQ4Agz4O-j8-3HqjZ0L/s320/DaisyKate.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtTb8V570VaCba3n1WHBj8veum2h6Hud5qoMtl4njvGz4Suc6YdOkDfdACm7eS8Gv40YAx2-DiPH6g0ZAO7FmjdJNFyfay_ihHrfpai-ZJU-VVBC1ofqr9TPRQB2uoSgWG4y2_O1yLkLN/s1080/Talent+Show+Kate.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtTb8V570VaCba3n1WHBj8veum2h6Hud5qoMtl4njvGz4Suc6YdOkDfdACm7eS8Gv40YAx2-DiPH6g0ZAO7FmjdJNFyfay_ihHrfpai-ZJU-VVBC1ofqr9TPRQB2uoSgWG4y2_O1yLkLN/s320/Talent+Show+Kate.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIH8RBRWzaaAXEiHtxlpnBr7biEsTze4-6FC3r8yR7FHejbgpC6TvEsgFjgRZHmBwsEYVRjhUF6ZIlCkx1DnL1nRSoJM1tbfxCFePiRAC8iJC1QMTWQKcR75FUzn3SJ8cbPI_x-J2DGH9/s756/SMM+Kate.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIH8RBRWzaaAXEiHtxlpnBr7biEsTze4-6FC3r8yR7FHejbgpC6TvEsgFjgRZHmBwsEYVRjhUF6ZIlCkx1DnL1nRSoJM1tbfxCFePiRAC8iJC1QMTWQKcR75FUzn3SJ8cbPI_x-J2DGH9/s320/SMM+Kate.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-UBwRn_C02Sd_EdTSfSmDqMeThqGsJJldh5RAbnRJAjZhoTKoI3D-0i-O2XV09m4LM0pzjv0lSFV7_rXgfaItMrtPcBj57HSDT2zlwqzlyxvp-A7lsWNDLr17n2u7bzMT9ocW9BBpiBD/s1227/Halfway+Hoedown+Kate.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1227" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-UBwRn_C02Sd_EdTSfSmDqMeThqGsJJldh5RAbnRJAjZhoTKoI3D-0i-O2XV09m4LM0pzjv0lSFV7_rXgfaItMrtPcBj57HSDT2zlwqzlyxvp-A7lsWNDLr17n2u7bzMT9ocW9BBpiBD/s320/Halfway+Hoedown+Kate.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZC7By7OjTfvO93Xno8HthUKbCzW8Zmup3ikk0ugKJ78ibsGJJJkrraqCIFqZS5ZfKr9LJEjDQ4I2BdcdTKf6KKjW44LThIaWYjwgQDoLceTyqeLkLub817LKi5USgek4kQnVl0PVbB2l2/s1080/Dance+Kate.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZC7By7OjTfvO93Xno8HthUKbCzW8Zmup3ikk0ugKJ78ibsGJJJkrraqCIFqZS5ZfKr9LJEjDQ4I2BdcdTKf6KKjW44LThIaWYjwgQDoLceTyqeLkLub817LKi5USgek4kQnVl0PVbB2l2/s320/Dance+Kate.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvcvMh6qNjLcjiccmeVtnsXvPjyRcHioqGD9AslHSghcNLnBPOORyCDb1idRAx9QXJ5P3Hzp3beRzAhRJkbpLZgfv_XaW-VqO1McSi2DT0ijlkdvKR_YuH5nIP-9lKNIJwtIoRXptnPcL/s1943/Confirmation+Kate.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1943" data-original-width="1943" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvcvMh6qNjLcjiccmeVtnsXvPjyRcHioqGD9AslHSghcNLnBPOORyCDb1idRAx9QXJ5P3Hzp3beRzAhRJkbpLZgfv_XaW-VqO1McSi2DT0ijlkdvKR_YuH5nIP-9lKNIJwtIoRXptnPcL/s320/Confirmation+Kate.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZiBVbmYTT3nngpv3LdZ5c-6tZeDrSiZZqN_1iiOx7P6GKrEgV5aGETcowYvP5LOwHdJcAXmNwMEpGhpGKJJUVdKaPylYVm5ztMaiAgsx-5iXpvdEHj6KxFqLXgXXANXPbItk6qXpws7C/s1832/Duchesne+Kate.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1832" data-original-width="1374" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZiBVbmYTT3nngpv3LdZ5c-6tZeDrSiZZqN_1iiOx7P6GKrEgV5aGETcowYvP5LOwHdJcAXmNwMEpGhpGKJJUVdKaPylYVm5ztMaiAgsx-5iXpvdEHj6KxFqLXgXXANXPbItk6qXpws7C/s320/Duchesne+Kate.JPG" /></a></div><p>And yet, I
know that you're ready. Eager for independence, freedom, autonomy, new
experiences, different teachers, opportunities that only high school can
provide.<br />
<br />
It's time--to go on to the next adventure.</p><p>Where you can grow and try. Reach and soar. Fail and learn...and become the person that God created you to be.<br />
<br />
So, before you do all the things this summer and beyond, I would be remiss if I didn't share these thoughts with you. I shared them with Sam on his SMM graduation day.<br />
<br />
<b>Know thyself.</b> <br /><br />You
will undoubtedly, spend an inordinate amount of time in the following
formative years trying on identities. You’ll stumble examining what he
wears, how she speaks, what books they read, which jobs they’ve landed,
what streets are best, whether or not God is real, what to do with a
broken heart, and how to live out your purpose. The truth is that most
of it is window dressing. It just doesn’t matter. <br /><br />If you want
to know who you really are, decide how you will treat the forgotten
classmate, the irritating co-worker, the strange neighbor—the
outcast—the one who rarely gets invited, whom others discard as less
than or incomplete. Eat with them. Listen to them. Encourage them.
Believe viscerally that everyone has value. You can not know how much
you’ll grow until you trust that every being has something to teach
you. And while you’ll be shunned for associating with the one on the
fringes, you’ll learn about compassion, generosity, fortitude, and that
most of the time, the Jones’s are just not that fun to keep up with.<br /><br /><b>Nothing is wasted.</b><br /><br />You
are going to hurt. Life is filled with extraordinary amounts of pain.
There will be something or someone that you’re going to want, and you
won’t get it—not now, or maybe ever. The trick is in accepting what is,
and choosing to stand back up with hope for what could be. One of
life’s greatest corner stones is knowing that some things were not meant
for you, because others are better.<br /><br />Once you’ve honored what is,
you begin to realize that nothing is wasted. It’s not so much that
every person teaches you something new…it’s that when you’re paying
attention to the relationship, you realize something more profound about
yourself. When you look back, you’ll realize that you had to meet that
person, or do that thing, that led you to that job, which brought you
to this opportunity, and now, you are where you are, because everything
was used for the good of you.<br /><br /><b>Stand in Gratitude</b><br /><br />You
will find that most people are desperate for happiness. They will
indulge in magic shakes, pills, bottles of spirits, fancy cars, sparkly
dresses, spas in all the right places, marriages of convenience—all for
the hope of becoming comfortable in their own skin. And as they
consume, the hole of desperation becomes so cavernous that not even the
wealthiest can find their way out. The antidote to this cyclical game
of pain is gratitude.<br /><br />Intentionally choosing to stand in your
light recounting that you are enough, and that you are blessed beyond
measure is a recipe for peace. Trusting that all is well while honoring
the people and experiences that bring joy—particularly in the ordinary
moments—will bring endless contentment and love. Because the truth is
that you are blessed. There are more people than I can count who live
and breathe for your stories, your presence, your engagement in their
lives. And when you reflect, you’ll discover that to love and to be
loved is the only reason that we are here on this imperfect planet.<br /><br /><b>Give It Away</b><br /><br />Throughout
your education and life experience, you’ll be tempted to hold on to
that which you’ve been given. You’ll feel afraid that there’s only so
much to go around, and that the smart people are the ones who cling
tightly to what is theirs. I have learned that this place we inhabit is
a world of abundance, not of scarcity. And when I choose to be
generous with my time, my gifts, my knowledge, my listening ear, my
hope—everything is returned. Not necessarily by the same people or in
the same ways that I might have expected—but when I’m in need, the world
rises to meet me—and suddenly the pie grows bigger, not smaller.<br /><br />If
you only knew how much the world wants your dreams to manifest or how it seeks to conspire with you—you’d never be afraid to lend a helping
hand or an encouraging word to another. You’d recognize that we’re all
here in the pursuit of something greater than our present circumstance,
and that every life and interaction is intentional. So give it away.
You’ll be amazed at what comes back to you.<br /><br /><b>Your Words Matter</b><br /><br />As
you know, I am in the business of stories. I listen to people share
their truths, and help them to build a new story that hopefully makes
the future look better than the past. The reality is that we all live
our lives through the lens of story telling. And as such, your words
matter. Take the time to think before you speak. Better yet, seek to
understand, before you jump forward to be understood. If you want
someone to pay attention to your opinion, you must be willing to listen
and to bear witness to theirs first. Beyond listening, honor that their
truth has just as much relevance as your own. And when you hear
something that you vehemently oppose, get curious. Stand in the space
of curiosity over certainty. Decide that there must be more to the
story, before you deem the story teller absurd. Great battles, family
divisions, and community upheavals have ensued because people made bold
and unchecked assumptions about the other. It is worth taking your time
to listen to the story of the other, and to carefully share not only
the ‘what’ of your own, but also the ‘why.’<br /><br /><b>Action in the Face of Fear</b><br /><br />If
you’re really living and not complacently going through the motions,
you will be afraid to do something, to leave someone, or to give skin to
the dream that lies deep within your heart. Fear is good. It signals
that we care about what is before us, and what comes next. What we do
with this emotion determines our outcome. As someone who has battled
with fear and anxiety more than most, I can definitively tell you to
choose motion over paralysis. Everything you want lies in the unknown.
And the odds are that the steps to get there are not as insurmountable
as you perceive. <br /><br />You watched as I crossed the finish line at a
marathon. Your father witnessed me submit a graduate school thesis.
Friends helped to launch my business into the market place. And in
every one of these experiences, I was deeply afraid of failing. And the
truth is, throughout the process, I failed multiple times. I passed
out on the trail from lack of hydration and proper nutrition during
marathon training. I had to throw away more than half of my thesis when
my advisor explained that the argumentation was not sound. I was
terrified to get my business off the ground. And yet, in the failure
came the learning and bizarrely, the dissipation of fear. Putting one
foot in front of the other, controlling what I could in the moment,
instead of becoming overwhelmed by the totality of the endeavor saved
me. And it will save you. Don’t shrink. Lace up your shoes. Fear can
be used to propel, instead of to immobilize you. <br /><br /><b>Choose Love</b><br /><br />Our
deepest desire is to be loved. We yearn to belong. This never goes
away. So, as you navigate all kinds of relationships, recognize that
you cannot control another’s response—you can only control your own.
And so, when faced with the choice to gossip, to render petty
commentary, to inhabit negative head space—choose love. At every
opportunity, take the high road. Believe in the goodness of others, and
pray for the ability to understand. Forgiveness, compassion, grace,
hope and kindness live deep within you, and while you’ll give them to
others, you’ll find that you’ll really be giving them to yourself.<br /><br />I
am certain that I have many more snippets of advice, but for today,
this will serve as enough. We are SO proud of you, and all that you've
accomplished. You are a good person. Here's to goodbye and hello.
Here's to gratitude and hope. We're thankful to be on the journey with you.<br /> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Lm33zRJUicJ8ydeVigvuWUuP_nS6OfRlmztZys60VwXUwCFnBqL5kE2Af-eeISLMsXMf13rndqNjDOQ9FVoSbetrCK6irFoJZXtGsXrGUEwqjPC8qWFvEP0andQKXm-ZCwwBtWyxdMuy/s2048/Amherst+Kate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Lm33zRJUicJ8ydeVigvuWUuP_nS6OfRlmztZys60VwXUwCFnBqL5kE2Af-eeISLMsXMf13rndqNjDOQ9FVoSbetrCK6irFoJZXtGsXrGUEwqjPC8qWFvEP0andQKXm-ZCwwBtWyxdMuy/s320/Amherst+Kate.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDexooMMe60aC4ELclWvLJ4CUUKhiVRDRkJtk0ZEDunEvw3qSAfaxgE6fQTfE15AJdrdsv-ZY6kBQpgXyBIxXMeQjXZZ_3GYP5tQ-jq90jyagaF6fCzTm7R49gihiIG2_lDYvixqqWuq8m/s640/Yellow+Baby+Kate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDexooMMe60aC4ELclWvLJ4CUUKhiVRDRkJtk0ZEDunEvw3qSAfaxgE6fQTfE15AJdrdsv-ZY6kBQpgXyBIxXMeQjXZZ_3GYP5tQ-jq90jyagaF6fCzTm7R49gihiIG2_lDYvixqqWuq8m/s320/Yellow+Baby+Kate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rTeGM7LRHyJ_aNRB5DLfgSJQaa2dlgo3ptDVAEC7rm_zBxp4n4mY5ztBwSsG1q3vKd5Xv3_Rob2MkzQXVpPl77Vl5uscdnQHFkUwLwnNEiGVnD9dwDcMNlI_7SL-IN-625birkQXAo8z/s1080/Torys+Wedding+Kate.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rTeGM7LRHyJ_aNRB5DLfgSJQaa2dlgo3ptDVAEC7rm_zBxp4n4mY5ztBwSsG1q3vKd5Xv3_Rob2MkzQXVpPl77Vl5uscdnQHFkUwLwnNEiGVnD9dwDcMNlI_7SL-IN-625birkQXAo8z/s320/Torys+Wedding+Kate.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /></div><p>And so, with that, have a great adventure...I could not love you more.</p><p>Love always, Mama<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTf1ziMorUuxB0SogBV0M5I7XcbwJLM_nHQfDpSzNH0j1O3TmxXt_r5_q2mk4PyFiykq4hGT2sLs9-y44_QFFXJB6gA4OUmpcUFcso_rcBwImNHV0laZCjpcnD5ZCQz3S5GYnrguyc23S/s2048/Hugging+Kate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTf1ziMorUuxB0SogBV0M5I7XcbwJLM_nHQfDpSzNH0j1O3TmxXt_r5_q2mk4PyFiykq4hGT2sLs9-y44_QFFXJB6gA4OUmpcUFcso_rcBwImNHV0laZCjpcnD5ZCQz3S5GYnrguyc23S/s320/Hugging+Kate.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-85647886327259860582021-05-05T16:50:00.002-05:002021-05-06T12:15:14.421-05:00Ode to 46<div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2O-GweDkQLSXtICr-q6kDqUmTO1cfoZJZGZcCTFpcHH7f9SPIbtbMlyMuNXLYp_uP5SbwkjYU_k4AYu6rIlOWj2mYkYmvTaCZDpxiRVpkzcC9gbeapIcjJ3yFkJHjudUioQE9IVbPBzKE/s1496/Kelly.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1496" data-original-width="1496" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2O-GweDkQLSXtICr-q6kDqUmTO1cfoZJZGZcCTFpcHH7f9SPIbtbMlyMuNXLYp_uP5SbwkjYU_k4AYu6rIlOWj2mYkYmvTaCZDpxiRVpkzcC9gbeapIcjJ3yFkJHjudUioQE9IVbPBzKE/s320/Kelly.JPG" /></a></div><b>Ode to 46...</b><p></p><p>In the spirit of honoring that which I know to be true at this squarely middle age, here are 46 truisms...at least for me.<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>It is fucking hard to raise teenagers</b></span>. I'm currently raising two...Sam is 16 and Kate is 13. Caught between living vicariously through them and honoring that they are their own beings who do not need a micromanaging, crazy ass mama controlling their game--we do our wobbly dance of love and expectations, struggle, apologize and repeat.<br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Running is my favorite metaphor for life</b></span>. It hurts. It's hard. It breeds confidence, determination and the belief that with enough steps, over and over again, anything is possible.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Do the work/honor the hustle.</b></span> Since owning my business, I've learned that half the battle is showing up, doing the work imperfectly, learning from my mistakes, treating the people I serve well and trying again tomorrow. Success comes from consistency. I know no one who lucked out. You may have gotten the opportunity, but without the tireless follow-up and follow-through, there was no sustenance.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Be kind, even to the assholes</span></b>. It is free and important to be kind. It isn't hard to say hello, smile and wish someone a great day. And those words and that intention can be the difference in someone's willingness to see that it can be okay--and maybe that it is okay.<br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li> <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Move your body</b></span>. There really has never been a time I've wanted to run. And there's never been a time after a run that I regretted going. I can't seem to breathe and propel my body forward while miring in my own shitty thoughts. Movement takes away the stories I've been telling myself about what will or won't work out, improves my mood, and reminds me that life is for the living.<br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The story you're telling yourself isn't true.</span></b> I live in my head a lot. I create wild tales about why someone thinks something about me and what the future will hold or why that thing happened in the past. I analyze, over analyze, and then, cycle through again. And 9 times out of 10, I'm wrong while simultaneously having wasted all that time--that I could have spent on calling a friend or drinking coffee-anything other than worrying.</li></ul></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>You're right where you're supposed to be</b></span>. This is probably my greatest lesson in 46 years of existence. As much as I want to think that my time/opportunity has passed or that I'll never learn or that it's hopeless--something happens and I realize that I couldn't possibly have started my business then or ran the marathon in college or lived in Chicago--I am exactly where I'm meant to be today--growing where I'm planted.<br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Nothing is for forever</b></span>. I lied. This may be my greatest learning. In the moment, it feels so hard, so scary, so uncertain, so unfair, so not going to work out...and then one day, it doesn't. I'm working on this with my kids. There is nothing like black and white thinking when you're a kid. Somebody sucks or they're a super hero. Someone meant to hurt you or they're the bees knees. The truth is--and I especially see this in mediation--rarely is the other out to get you or amazing--rarely is the relationship a failure forever (especially if you choose to work on it)--rarely is the situation permanent--because you are not a tree--you always have a choice to move.<br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Your story is still unfolding</b></span>. The receptionist at our family dental office recently asked me, "What are you going to do when your kids go to college? You're only a couple years away with Sam," to which I replied, "Breathe and sleep." I will be in my 50's when all 3 of my children have flown the coop and all I know is that there will be another awakening, another emerging, another shift in my story--and that is exciting. As such, I'm committed to owning the present for all it is.<br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>It isn't impossible</b></span>. My 10-year old daughter, Claire taught me this. She's a bad ass taekwondo red belt. I've watched her break boards and spar with kids and adults that hover over her--and she is not afraid. She does archery, rides horses, writes books, and tells people to fuck off in her head (this was a new development she shared recently). At the end of the day, she proclaimed, "If it lives in your heart, do it. It's meant for you." All too often, I won't attempt something because it seems ridiculous or for someone not like me i.e. an IronMan, and then, I remember Claire kicking the shit out of a competitor because she wants to, and I realize, it's only impossible in our heads.<br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Always have a dream</b></span>. A few weeks ago, Kate, our soon to be freshman in high school came to the dinner table and said that she found her dream school--Amherst College. Their acceptance rate is 11% and the tuition, fees, room and board in 2020-2021 are $76,800. They have phenomenal design programs, a student body of 1850 and are situated in one of the most geographically beautiful communities in Massachusetts. And this is Kate's dream. She can tell you all of the reasons and she's chasing it. <br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Take time to be with the ones you love</span></b>. During the pandemic, every Sunday night at 7pm, my family gathered over Zoom to talk with my parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, aunt, uncle, and cousin. We didn't realize how much it mattered, until we discovered that we knew more about each other because of this past year than we had from the previous. Life is uncertain. It isn't hard to call and connect with those you love. And in the end, it's what you cherish.<br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Every day, you get to choose.</span></b> This is one of my favorites. I'm notorious for beating myself up over the things I did or should have done, until I remind myself that right here and now, I get to try again. As long as you breathe, you get to pick.<br /></li></ul></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Coffee should be mainlined</span></b>. Jesus. This goes without saying. Good coffee is a super power.<br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Tell the truth with your whole heart</span></b>. I have learned this most in marriage and parenting. Cut the bull shit and share who you are and what you need. Trust is built over being who you are and showing up to do the work honestly along the way.<br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Write shit down</span></b>. God this is a big one. I have journaled publicly and privately for most of my life. One of the things I love best is going back and re-reading where I was when such and such was going down, how I felt about it all, and juxtaposing it to where I am today. It's like being an investigative reporter of your life. And, reflecting and writing is one of the cheapest forms of therapy and helps to get the fear and hope out of your being and into the world. Can't encourage it enough.<br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Say I love you...a lot.</b></span> If you know me, you know that I say I love you constantly because I do. The words I love you are not ones to withhold ever. To know that you are loved and have someone to lavish it on is what it means to be human and to be connected and to belong. Say it--even more than you do now.<br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Say I'm sorry over and over again.</b></span> Get good at apologizing--to your partner, your kids, your employees, your neighbor, your mom, your dog, and most importantly yourself. The world is messy. We behave poorly. Our intentions don't match our actions. Just accept what is, work to make amends and then, don't do it again.<br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Tell your children they are loved, right now with no strings attached.</b></span> This is huge. There should be one God blessed place in this world of uncertainty that children know they are accepted and that is with their parents and in their families. For the love of God, love them up for the oily, quirky, mean, irritable, cranky, needy, little humans they are. It's one of the most important jobs we have.<br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Stop using your past as an excuse.</b></span> This has taken me some time. It's seductive to stay trapped in the comfort of the old narrative until you realize that the thing that happened with the person was years ago and you are no longer living that life and it's time to stop using it as a crutch. Live in the here and now.<br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Breathe</b></span>. My work is to meet people in one of the worst times in their life. Mediating divorces while parties navigate sharing their children is not for the faint of heart. And when the shit is hitting the fan, I remind them and myself to breathe and that together, we can do hard things (to borrow a phrase from Glennon Doyle).<br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Pray.</b></span> For me, prayer is stillness. It is the quiet that I enter into and the space where I am open. I share gratitude. I plead. Sometimes, I beg. I hope. I wonder. I ask. I remember. I yearn. But mostly, I believe that I am connected to something bigger than me, and I feel less alone.<br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Dance.</b></span> I'm not very good at this--at all--but I like how I feel when I get out of my head and into my body. My daughter Kate is a dancer and watching her reminds me that we were meant to move and to be free.<br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>The size of your house or bank account doesn't matter. </b></span> This one took a while--but I finally think I'm there. I've learned that happiness isn't contingent on anything external. It's something we choose for ourselves and own all on our own. No one can give it to us or make us it--least of all material possessions. How freeing is that.<br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li> <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Let it go.</b></span> At the end of the day, whatever you're worried about most likely doesn't matter, and if it does, with time, it will work itself out. Surrender is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Get an education</b></span>. My children have been told since they could pull themselves up onto furniture that they will go to college, study abroad, go to graduate school, and not be allowed to marry until they're 30. They mostly still believe this. But I'm learning that an education is also mowing lawns, learning how to manage homework and tests, having a fight and resolving the issue, and keeping CPS from coming to your house because it's a pig sty.</li></ul></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Travel</b></span>. Nobody loves the couch, a good book and Netflix as much as me, but the truth is that good things happen when you leave the house (according to Kelly Corrigan). Have an adventure, so you can tell a story.<br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Wear deodorant.</b></span> For fuck sake. Do your part. And I'm not sure about these homemade shibangs. I just think that part of my daily routine with my 16-year old son is, "Did you put on deodorant?" and the world thanks me for it. <br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Leave it better than you found it.</b></span></li><li><b>Stop complaining.</b></li><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Give the benefit of the doubt.</b></span></li><li><b>Know when you've overstayed your welcome.</b></li><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Give hope.</b></span></li><li><b>Get a dog.</b></li><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Smile at people when you walk by.</b></span></li><li><b>Don't be a dick.</b></li><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Wash your dishes before you go to bed at night.</b></span></li><li><b>Read.</b></li><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Send someone a text when you're thinking of them.</b></span></li><li><b>Try not to hold a grudge.</b></li><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Drive a Honda.</b></span></li><li><b>Do not teach your teen to drive. Skip right to Driver's Ed.</b></li><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Decide what you believe in.</b></span></li><li><b>Have the difficult conversation you've been putting off.</b></li><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Listen to the quiet yearning of your heart--it's not a coincidence.</b></span></li><li><b>Remember that you are loved.</b></li></ul><p>I didn't have the energy to write descriptions for the final 18--it made me realize that 46 is a lot--but I guess in a good way. I've amassed some life and definitely some lessons. I'm so grateful that I get to live this great experiment with people I love and who love me. My prayer in this new year is more--more acceptance, more surrender, more hope, more connection, more love, more growth, more me.</p><p>Happy 46th...here's to it all.<br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-19439552713314915822021-04-17T09:29:00.002-05:002021-04-17T09:29:48.159-05:00Ode to 17 Years of Marriage<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hc-KiHP6c3GfIREa2AfF1SRwvb2kF-FiTmIRubEKR6PZ1E_ggPFWTUdy2UOmZRv92oPrXF9woSyCdLqpuInG3D38M8CowEijdDBmRa_-zdkiZ4qKPcXIDZCYT9hnrkeRdswn0dgvX1lk/s642/Wedding-arm+up+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="642" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hc-KiHP6c3GfIREa2AfF1SRwvb2kF-FiTmIRubEKR6PZ1E_ggPFWTUdy2UOmZRv92oPrXF9woSyCdLqpuInG3D38M8CowEijdDBmRa_-zdkiZ4qKPcXIDZCYT9hnrkeRdswn0dgvX1lk/s320/Wedding-arm+up+photo.JPG" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">April 17, 2021</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">My Dearest Ray,</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Golden Anniversary--17 years on April 17th!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As I thought about writing this anniversary ode to you, I kept hearkening back to a podcast I've been listening to about what makes a marriage last--like really last, decade over decade, year over year, day over day, minute by minute. Couples who've been married for a long time talk about what keeps their love and commitment strong--they say things like active listening, never going to bed angry, not keeping score, and finding happiness in the ordinary details that compose a life.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It struck me that this past year-where we've been both living and working together at home, raising three children, and carving out a life in the midst of a global health crisis-I've been keenly aware of how lucky I am that we chose each other. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You are my person. You are the one I go to first for everything--when I'm worried about micromanaging the details of our teenagers academic lives, when I'm fearful of how my business will fair or why the hell I can't put down the Dove chocolate at night or whether they're going to get into the right college or be able to merge properly onto the interstate.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You are the one who makes dinner every night and delights in bringing us together as a family for every meal to ask, "What was your rose today?," while you listen to the adventures that everyone's been on.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You're the one who when Kate says, "I want to start an Etsy business," helps to navigate all of the pieces from shipping, product weight, business cards, social marketing, and prospects for future entrepreneurial enterprises.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You're the one who takes Claire to every taekwondo lesson and memorizes the parts of her form. And when she's nervous about breaking a board or the size of her sparring competitor you quietly say, "You've got this. Go get em."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You're the one who takes Sam driving every morning and night. You know that I have too much anxiety to do it, and so, you are the coach and the guide and the cheerleader--even though I know you've had a few nail biting moments.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You are the one who this year said, "I'll run with you." And even though I've been the resident runner for years, you quietly surpassed my pace, but chose to stay beside me as we went up hills-because you know I lose my mojo on them and want to quit. We signed up for our first half marathon in the fall and I'm so excited to feel what it feels like to do that together.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You are the one who listens when I'm unsure about a case or feel nervous about spreading my wings and tell me that I way underestimate what I bring to the table and encourage me to show them what I've got.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And so, as I listen to these podcast interviews and I think about us--I think that the secret to 17-years is the doing--the doing of love--and in the doing comes the commitment--and in the commitment comes the safety--and in the safety comes the trust--and in the trust comes the freedom to soar--individually and collectively.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I thank you for modeling something powerful and real and evolving and beautiful for our children. They too are the luckiest, and while I tell them all of the time that they don't have to get married, but that if they do, I pray they find a partner just like you. Someone who is a doer--who lives happily in all of the details--who wants this life as much as I do. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">So, as we continue forward in this beautiful marriage and family life we've created, I thank you for taking your vows seriously and for making them come to life in all of the ways that matter. Thank you for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself and for knowing that all would be well, even when it felt hard or uncertain. Thank you for choosing us and God and hope and making lunches and carpool and Learner's permits and well, all the things. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Anniversary, my love--what a gift you are to me--if I thanked you daily, it would not be enough.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All my love, Kelly<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-69112984052877588472021-02-07T20:19:00.001-06:002021-02-07T20:19:51.548-06:00Ode to Sam on Your 16th Birthday<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">February 8, 2021</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">My Dearest Sam,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Happy, Happy, Happy 16th Birthday! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4WvgGtiTtiHlqyE-6cCfH7PoHTBgLPuo0kFCx4mxwIl8gyn0iu5mZ3pps5fYdHkCuipdFQPCEI6fx2GIQLrFjQLfMwGvEDuDxMKz46luNUwoF8APVeRTYSVjZGXr72EDeFYr3aoXsv6q/s2048/Sam+Free+Little+Library.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4WvgGtiTtiHlqyE-6cCfH7PoHTBgLPuo0kFCx4mxwIl8gyn0iu5mZ3pps5fYdHkCuipdFQPCEI6fx2GIQLrFjQLfMwGvEDuDxMKz46luNUwoF8APVeRTYSVjZGXr72EDeFYr3aoXsv6q/s320/Sam+Free+Little+Library.HEIC" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />How is it possible that you are officially Sweet 16??!!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">What a crazy year we've had...moments after your 15th birthday, the entire world entered involuntarily into a global pandemic. We had no idea that schools would shut down, dad would work from home for almost a year, we'd wear masks everywhere we went, we'd become experts at social distancing, Covid testing sites would spring up, a shortage of toilet paper and disinfectant wipes would be a thing, and every social event you came to love would be put on hold.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">But in the midst of your 15th year, some really remarkable blessings emerged. You began your sophomore year at Creighton Prep. By the grace of God, you continued running Cross Country, and we got to cheer on the sidelines.<br /> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEE1jiBroBdcUZV6GKUY10kD1qj0ElxiFP7xbw9OcBpUli4kRl5q_fzd0MICXuEXHvZbKxUi4ydc6AZ53Bm6RCsPGVutyuwi1v55ZxyM0y0_2pyZiKZpZ6hUMVkkRIEB5EmcMNTQIgRW6v/s2048/Sam+and+Kelly+Prep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEE1jiBroBdcUZV6GKUY10kD1qj0ElxiFP7xbw9OcBpUli4kRl5q_fzd0MICXuEXHvZbKxUi4ydc6AZ53Bm6RCsPGVutyuwi1v55ZxyM0y0_2pyZiKZpZ6hUMVkkRIEB5EmcMNTQIgRW6v/s320/Sam+and+Kelly+Prep.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxu5D64UpuoZQ4rSK9_KHzus7ycBvkA5oa28tF8fTtlGlPFuhZT0FC5jjmsnKYK6hNZl-cSNPOSTpNwmsMqiEvm7t1MWbvPJm1RlZcd_PL_gHOBHTebeGDamn2xQMosKTOaDQbUJQYRSOG/s1450/Sam+running.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1450" data-original-width="1450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxu5D64UpuoZQ4rSK9_KHzus7ycBvkA5oa28tF8fTtlGlPFuhZT0FC5jjmsnKYK6hNZl-cSNPOSTpNwmsMqiEvm7t1MWbvPJm1RlZcd_PL_gHOBHTebeGDamn2xQMosKTOaDQbUJQYRSOG/s320/Sam+running.JPG" /></a></div><br />You completed your Eagle Scout project after nine years of being in the program. The YouTube video below is an amazing story of what you created in the community gardens of Holy Family parish--alongside Dad and Bompa--who were so proud to help you.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yxAzwCfwlx4" width="320" youtube-src-id="yxAzwCfwlx4"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5SG_GaY0KlZc47vgcbMHWO8tCLwXq5__OhLCc0IC_tYfQpAhtP6SE1DKNRFvY6ZHmeheF6rCaO5XjAOXhVvPwaBkPO_qqr_BO0DHpi5am-NK4iTCFnqgwyd7dAzluvpR38aBTZnLztgr/s960/Eagle+Scout.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5SG_GaY0KlZc47vgcbMHWO8tCLwXq5__OhLCc0IC_tYfQpAhtP6SE1DKNRFvY6ZHmeheF6rCaO5XjAOXhVvPwaBkPO_qqr_BO0DHpi5am-NK4iTCFnqgwyd7dAzluvpR38aBTZnLztgr/s320/Eagle+Scout.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>You received your Learner's Permit and officially took to the streets with Dad as your fearless coach.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOqGyAM9-fluRJI4salZRxQL6wYUM7zl3RJQ2L7gWce1cDRZx4iNMupTr8uz-tkIH_6gqYmSPPuuYI4QbxVfhSK_SE57HsV-DpaXSz2su3UiETKaRkvPAvv6NJw6i6zpFpf-_OPMFTD1P/s2048/Sam+Learners+Permit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOqGyAM9-fluRJI4salZRxQL6wYUM7zl3RJQ2L7gWce1cDRZx4iNMupTr8uz-tkIH_6gqYmSPPuuYI4QbxVfhSK_SE57HsV-DpaXSz2su3UiETKaRkvPAvv6NJw6i6zpFpf-_OPMFTD1P/s320/Sam+Learners+Permit.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsFUJ0eU9kxPyKCupmtLxrngtJXeK2thz_O9TPt_FI61fGOEq6QGA4SDOC5m8DcChAaqdimMFdRJPMyNaxKwN9wb9hHM8e_JNLF_KXPtl5j49ANtRB0pKSdOq40jSukTezaQ8bVhLcaXX/s2048/Sam+and+Ray+car.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsFUJ0eU9kxPyKCupmtLxrngtJXeK2thz_O9TPt_FI61fGOEq6QGA4SDOC5m8DcChAaqdimMFdRJPMyNaxKwN9wb9hHM8e_JNLF_KXPtl5j49ANtRB0pKSdOq40jSukTezaQ8bVhLcaXX/s320/Sam+and+Ray+car.HEIC" /></a></div><p>You decided to teach yourself how to play the guitar and suddenly, we heard lots of Pink Floyd in our home.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJ05eZA2MMcOVa1-0pj1Ww_IjkVvvv5zsm9XBQNOEX2jGRme2zeznIBJ0JKvoT0dLX5karooewjckmOa53WM6MfFEGz2rA8QhTSLYNWdbXyiF99_ew6hhFZiHGAPSENPAFGLupzVLnEeI/s2048/Sam+playing+guitar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJ05eZA2MMcOVa1-0pj1Ww_IjkVvvv5zsm9XBQNOEX2jGRme2zeznIBJ0JKvoT0dLX5karooewjckmOa53WM6MfFEGz2rA8QhTSLYNWdbXyiF99_ew6hhFZiHGAPSENPAFGLupzVLnEeI/s320/Sam+playing+guitar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>You hiked up ginormous mountains, rode bikes, ate heaps of ice cream, played board games and made beautiful memories in Estes, Colorado with our family.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLbeQI-a36onK4MqTVAdmYg0Z3fY_wd3pYeOjqfsL9p7CH0vHc5Jkl8N0hOqtRiC_sTZ7x6RO14u4lg4qvMKPKyqkjAFcc76KnWK1p0ZWjbHg3zMfH4fPFtJXuzPEf-3QspUE40Ix7MQa/s2048/Estes+Family.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLbeQI-a36onK4MqTVAdmYg0Z3fY_wd3pYeOjqfsL9p7CH0vHc5Jkl8N0hOqtRiC_sTZ7x6RO14u4lg4qvMKPKyqkjAFcc76KnWK1p0ZWjbHg3zMfH4fPFtJXuzPEf-3QspUE40Ix7MQa/s320/Estes+Family.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmS_deJ-ruT9p3Xyj7ebtkpRwsyNukwiXkdPUedzb1oGFXDoKc7gZ_-JQbW9-H-IPaQzJI3w9pu0E6ZWc4X2gZZ4Xp0iqCtgYeEVl2MtK-MXRR1h-9r81l_EEfQzPiuQk9FGXS-AkYMUJE/s2048/Bike+Riding+Estes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmS_deJ-ruT9p3Xyj7ebtkpRwsyNukwiXkdPUedzb1oGFXDoKc7gZ_-JQbW9-H-IPaQzJI3w9pu0E6ZWc4X2gZZ4Xp0iqCtgYeEVl2MtK-MXRR1h-9r81l_EEfQzPiuQk9FGXS-AkYMUJE/s320/Bike+Riding+Estes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKc0qfnu94t1MzTBAjQ_ZAlwUAqdikquT4uY1mtvBuo5Ucl330JoGwjwh1vIUho-tl7covIJ9CxVHL6PD0ooIX1gs_VA7p5wk5xSTnrv0KutdTY6e31e0O-CGM2VYfKXndM0ACD_OoGNBL/s1943/Sam+and+Kate+mountains.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1943" data-original-width="1943" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKc0qfnu94t1MzTBAjQ_ZAlwUAqdikquT4uY1mtvBuo5Ucl330JoGwjwh1vIUho-tl7covIJ9CxVHL6PD0ooIX1gs_VA7p5wk5xSTnrv0KutdTY6e31e0O-CGM2VYfKXndM0ACD_OoGNBL/s320/Sam+and+Kate+mountains.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmilDWKunUR2SIzdq6g7NoQCRPQghPKNpum4hXuf7H8eEfiwJYlOij7puiACd2LAlUYnHCV4I9pmASCCt9wdeiVEDaz6sNDKApg-terSYRAKTq-Bf2-Q4qEJ2-qYmBaii34rBwz8gMQ2aR/s2048/Sam%252C+Lisa+and+Cory.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmilDWKunUR2SIzdq6g7NoQCRPQghPKNpum4hXuf7H8eEfiwJYlOij7puiACd2LAlUYnHCV4I9pmASCCt9wdeiVEDaz6sNDKApg-terSYRAKTq-Bf2-Q4qEJ2-qYmBaii34rBwz8gMQ2aR/s320/Sam%252C+Lisa+and+Cory.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCLbmgkk88pXKo3x-7VTwSjVlP1-LKHVhfW8WUE2OInEFTYTzwyhk55RJICf0GFBKt93UAYqwm1qQk2RIY-U1Sm2iC7CT6SZHYsp9FLaA0gnfUryGbyAVpj-cI7AnIalUjbJcv_4mm1kU/s2048/Bonnie+and+kids.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCLbmgkk88pXKo3x-7VTwSjVlP1-LKHVhfW8WUE2OInEFTYTzwyhk55RJICf0GFBKt93UAYqwm1qQk2RIY-U1Sm2iC7CT6SZHYsp9FLaA0gnfUryGbyAVpj-cI7AnIalUjbJcv_4mm1kU/s320/Bonnie+and+kids.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8mVfLDf71wg3tG4AVhMv92wB_LU5P6PFJa1WlKMAkcSSwketXcG1VIjoyEPr1kM2pCdq3ZgNb2sNJ36b6Yct-p5ifa4dMsGcXgVJGMF4js-PhnSzl8GkqObCr6XSxConUC76IJmhdhoM/s2048/Kelly+and+Sam+in+Estes.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8mVfLDf71wg3tG4AVhMv92wB_LU5P6PFJa1WlKMAkcSSwketXcG1VIjoyEPr1kM2pCdq3ZgNb2sNJ36b6Yct-p5ifa4dMsGcXgVJGMF4js-PhnSzl8GkqObCr6XSxConUC76IJmhdhoM/s320/Kelly+and+Sam+in+Estes.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWjDw_RkYnvfwLc1d1aMdQX6FwiGQTIlYYCykk1VTxcbGkzF5xzGpRMyJeNGLtD288UrfgVZS3-RZZkAN9zQVf5l1Eahp5t5misOuPF4jUHbeNhgz_l560ZTCVfv23prVLKtA_Cy0NZIU/s2048/Estes+Family+in+front+of+Mountains.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWjDw_RkYnvfwLc1d1aMdQX6FwiGQTIlYYCykk1VTxcbGkzF5xzGpRMyJeNGLtD288UrfgVZS3-RZZkAN9zQVf5l1Eahp5t5misOuPF4jUHbeNhgz_l560ZTCVfv23prVLKtA_Cy0NZIU/s320/Estes+Family+in+front+of+Mountains.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p>You took really hard honors and AP courses and learned about the value of earning your stripes inch by inch, especially when most of it was done via Zoom.</p><p>You were a really good big brother to Kate and helped her through advanced math at Prep, while going toe to toe with her in other ways--showing her that strength comes from trying and a willingness to keep showing up.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHAPCJc5k4URDhWNcjrpbnWGWUrak-NVkn9GRwLm_uI1ZE5HPfhK41n_6ehnP_2zZ20oJO607D9ZuvypEZugtdd43T4P7knHPHXtoGmVmqfv7XaBZ0p46Jxzgg5MaGXHKHbfgGx2okFOx/s2048/Sam+and+Kate+on+Pointe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHAPCJc5k4URDhWNcjrpbnWGWUrak-NVkn9GRwLm_uI1ZE5HPfhK41n_6ehnP_2zZ20oJO607D9ZuvypEZugtdd43T4P7knHPHXtoGmVmqfv7XaBZ0p46Jxzgg5MaGXHKHbfgGx2okFOx/s320/Sam+and+Kate+on+Pointe.jpg" /></a></div><p>And found lots of ways to laugh and encourage Claire-showing her that there is still joy in life, even in the midst of a pandemic.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8gIedbUtZteGNhz_GYGisO_P5kTc6pGXNzoG644wUvhVJgDdjxRdLXIpaTKkQTMxQ28neab8Bb2cmd4lBGRN9NthcBSIQtLEZnjSJMKdRlkKEcyW5Q7W4sKnSDPofqM6QLgCZtK3_srU/s2048/Sam+and+Claire+First+Day+of+School.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8gIedbUtZteGNhz_GYGisO_P5kTc6pGXNzoG644wUvhVJgDdjxRdLXIpaTKkQTMxQ28neab8Bb2cmd4lBGRN9NthcBSIQtLEZnjSJMKdRlkKEcyW5Q7W4sKnSDPofqM6QLgCZtK3_srU/s320/Sam+and+Claire+First+Day+of+School.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>Through all of it, even though regular hang-outs with friends were canceled, Movie Club, Quiz Bowl, Chess Club, going to the theater, and being with your buddies was nearly eliminated--you made the most of it. And during our nightly dinners, you shared that your Rose of this experience has been getting to know your favorite people even more. And that you're grateful we're on your team.</p><p>******** <br /></p><p>As you embark upon this new year, there is so much goodness on the horizon. Soon, you'll be creating a lawn mowing business with a buddy, studying for the ACT, exploring colleges, driving Kate to Duchesne and Claire to Saint Margaret Mary and making trips to Dragon's Lair, HyVee and Prep.</p><p>And, I'll keep texting you-my daily-"I love you so muches and I'm so, so proud of you."</p><p>And, as we now see the official half way point of high school, I'll try not to cry when I think about the little time I have left with you at home. And instead, I'll treasure our runs together through Elmwood Park and the moments that you encourage me in my Conflict Resolution business and the chances you trust me enough to read through your English essays and the moments we get to talk about good literature like 1984 and The Screwtape Letters and the times you let me give you a hug longer than you'd prefer just because you know I need it and the morning blessing, "May God bless your mind so you can learn...your ears to be a good listener...your lips to speak kind words...and your heart to feel love" (the same one since Kindergarten). </p><p>And I'll continue to marvel at the great gift you are and keep standing on the sidelines cheering you on. <br /></p><p>I could not love you more.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1LkbP58t_CIvYnJsHdloplOJlgNlZVL3j5CXebPQRJGoHqUxdrvi_RSEYVue9oN9e3T-MrFIshINjetFHIFmh47GqF5fbBuxDM-UzlLJk7UHIP7xrY3yHqjWwWqcptUN17-H6KGw-jpx/s2048/Sam+and+Kelly+winter.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1LkbP58t_CIvYnJsHdloplOJlgNlZVL3j5CXebPQRJGoHqUxdrvi_RSEYVue9oN9e3T-MrFIshINjetFHIFmh47GqF5fbBuxDM-UzlLJk7UHIP7xrY3yHqjWwWqcptUN17-H6KGw-jpx/s320/Sam+and+Kelly+winter.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p>All my love always, </p><p>Mama<br /></p><p> <br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-43840446019855871602020-12-13T17:54:00.001-06:002020-12-13T17:55:08.226-06:00Ode to Claire on Your 10th Birthday<p>December 14, 2020</p><p>My Dearest Claire,</p><p>Oh my goodness...you are DOUBLE DIGITS!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqSHMfoeqmqgJ1JleRe6oWSWM1MzajpTtkSMOo-gOfz2JwYn9bWr8J9E3GVWx9WdX_yG2wx-NLH0kjc7857sbdz1-e_SxwXpG-cGZbrYgVLaTg90o8ErxXoMF4KCb-399UUa2TPJou8oL/s2048/Claire+on+Rocks-Estes.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqSHMfoeqmqgJ1JleRe6oWSWM1MzajpTtkSMOo-gOfz2JwYn9bWr8J9E3GVWx9WdX_yG2wx-NLH0kjc7857sbdz1-e_SxwXpG-cGZbrYgVLaTg90o8ErxXoMF4KCb-399UUa2TPJou8oL/s320/Claire+on+Rocks-Estes.HEIC" /></a></div>Because you are the youngest, it feels like you are always wanting to be big, and today, you've finally reached the pinnacle of what it means to be 10!<p></p><p>And, what does it mean to be 10?</p><p>Well, for starters...it means fourth grade with the most amazing teacher on the planet who has nurtured a love of reading and writing. Often, your nose is buried deep stories about dragons, wizards, adventuring sisters, and crazy escapades of fantasy and science fiction. Currently, you are on the 9th "Wings of Fire" series book and you can't seem to get enough of the characters.<br /></p><p>When you're not reading, you're journaling--all of your thoughts and feelings and hopes. Recently, you started a gratitude notebook to document the goodness in your life, and to remind you that blessings abound. Usually when you're writing, you're also listening to music--and man alive do you love a wide range of genres and musicians. By far and away, your favorite is Hamilton. You know all of the words, can do all of the dances (especially to King George), participated in a scene from the musical during your 3rd grade talent show, and are knowledgeable of so much more U.S. History than I ever was it your age. If it ever works out that we can see the production beyond Disney Plus, we will be there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTENkn58p0mjtgL9xSHwM2CDCoHQnU-ymEMY20pjgLtmvIbSofOAibyfsnkBUqQb-yqvmMmPzhink1588ggbhRi0ChLgfjuaClGkg09gYSgrsAICFEPDthjXtZpH20qBSpLCwuuzCHZ1k/s1060/Claire+Kick.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1060" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTENkn58p0mjtgL9xSHwM2CDCoHQnU-ymEMY20pjgLtmvIbSofOAibyfsnkBUqQb-yqvmMmPzhink1588ggbhRi0ChLgfjuaClGkg09gYSgrsAICFEPDthjXtZpH20qBSpLCwuuzCHZ1k/s320/Claire+Kick.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If I had to select a space to showcase your heart, it would be in the Taekwondo studio. This is your third year of taking classes, and most recently, you advanced to a Red belt. The best way to describe it is that you are not afraid. As one of the smaller students, you can spar with people twice your size and not flinch. You can memorize form, language, and do your due diligence of endurance exercises. You break boards, do countless push-ups, sit-ups, and squats, and are tough--which my God will serve you so well.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ01rLCs6NHazxPW5QPcB9wEtjYlKkZk32vmWNnEk9_wr5_3b_hmOPZsHRonj4YvNKxS8q4mOSe3-t9-tIo0w54rHMNbfzma4GxlFOiwSEmtBFz1Rnqw0ArilpI-Ij4XIRpeAkzy8cwBrx/s2048/Claire+Gering+Archery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ01rLCs6NHazxPW5QPcB9wEtjYlKkZk32vmWNnEk9_wr5_3b_hmOPZsHRonj4YvNKxS8q4mOSe3-t9-tIo0w54rHMNbfzma4GxlFOiwSEmtBFz1Rnqw0ArilpI-Ij4XIRpeAkzy8cwBrx/s320/Claire+Gering+Archery.JPG" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-daZ_x-o62K3TEBE4rURP1QooCk0ktFfsNROm5CCJlFKpBKbTDaoAF-Ly1SqDuiKSQAlFxO_kXWKbX2BTh34sRZQIwHQnBv7421jfzqAbbOXzG6xqHBzj3f0JvirwUjiMrLFAHIomXIxh/s1832/Claire+Deer+Archery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1374" data-original-width="1832" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-daZ_x-o62K3TEBE4rURP1QooCk0ktFfsNROm5CCJlFKpBKbTDaoAF-Ly1SqDuiKSQAlFxO_kXWKbX2BTh34sRZQIwHQnBv7421jfzqAbbOXzG6xqHBzj3f0JvirwUjiMrLFAHIomXIxh/s320/Claire+Deer+Archery.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Most recently, you've discovered a love of archery. And for your birthday, you received a bow, arrows and lessons. And you know what...you're a decent shot. Diving into this unknown territory is just another example of your willingness to jump, to try, to explore, and to believe that the world is for the taking. This giant piece of your spirit is one of the things that we love so much about you.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFj4RVlC-mXxUU59faLuVyesCPJ0irIPvE5Amv1QqfPqV9ewYqf0ghy310vfkdNVojCHALnt9FGmhSxYi4YYmX4iAEwwG0N7vYKw6UcwoEN42oj5Mka3neD7n9uhgvBzq0j8dw99xzrwR/s1934/Claire+Horse+Back+Riding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1934" data-original-width="1934" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFj4RVlC-mXxUU59faLuVyesCPJ0irIPvE5Amv1QqfPqV9ewYqf0ghy310vfkdNVojCHALnt9FGmhSxYi4YYmX4iAEwwG0N7vYKw6UcwoEN42oj5Mka3neD7n9uhgvBzq0j8dw99xzrwR/s320/Claire+Horse+Back+Riding.JPG" /></a></div>This past summer, we took a beautiful family trip to Estes-you rode horses, went hiking, biked all around town, enjoyed loads upon loads of ice cream and declared that you would live on a ranch and own horses. This prompted us to watch the live action version of "Black Beauty" where you fell in love with every horse on screen.<p></p><p>In general, you adore animals and have been begging for a dog. It seems like everyone has gotten a four-legged creature during the pandemic--and in your dreams, we would have a golden retriever. If it was a boy, we'd name him Scout. A girl-we'd name her Honey. Much to your chagrin, we haven't acquiesced, but I have a feeling that it won't be long and we will.</p><p>Speaking of passions, you also love to do the Mini New York Times crossword puzzle every morning, and also take a family stab at the Spelling Bee where we work hard to guess a million different spellings of words with only 6 designated letters. You usually pull a word out that we never thought of just in the nick of time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DoCrwpB7Vpmo_yfUGX4onV0Rikyg6m1KncVtlR6yU1WV_VTKUfqGawfYluP8mb6mPWWutqd_6YA_6QTlku9Qhhr73pxMGSwTMJh69JIfCwFTsg3oNiUnkka5M3WO0iHI6vO1cUOx02-u/s2048/Claire+on+Fence+Estes.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DoCrwpB7Vpmo_yfUGX4onV0Rikyg6m1KncVtlR6yU1WV_VTKUfqGawfYluP8mb6mPWWutqd_6YA_6QTlku9Qhhr73pxMGSwTMJh69JIfCwFTsg3oNiUnkka5M3WO0iHI6vO1cUOx02-u/s320/Claire+on+Fence+Estes.HEIC" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The truth is Claire-you are beyond extraordinary. You make us laugh with your endless jokes. You amaze us with your kicks and Hutzpah, you intrigue us with the stories you write, you exhaust us with your requests for horses and dogs, and you remind us regularly that life is for the living. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXWsfhRtdw1ybCfeFzRENmC6s4u5riL65vux5pb9iphPG9QcwY9KrIuSf-n_x25_u3CdU4wXWox0ImEElSsSZgWpb46-kKE5iQRrb4q_Qfi6ByNHf0o9C1_lBs0VhEXdAuFSx-b3dArZA/s2048/CLaire+and+Ray.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXWsfhRtdw1ybCfeFzRENmC6s4u5riL65vux5pb9iphPG9QcwY9KrIuSf-n_x25_u3CdU4wXWox0ImEElSsSZgWpb46-kKE5iQRrb4q_Qfi6ByNHf0o9C1_lBs0VhEXdAuFSx-b3dArZA/s320/CLaire+and+Ray.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Please know as you grow, that you are deeply loved for the weird, wacky, crazy, feisty, beast of a ball of heart you are. When you wonder if you're too much--don't. The world needs more guttural laughs, full bodied smiles, kee-yah's, karate kicks, and bow/arrow slinging women. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVgVlIsyGfr7jhh8ZUkqiLA3R-SFlu8Qb8hFO8MyDaRLDZocdt-3-5moYC1y2udNC2WyPtf2MqQQ3fDhc5jRN-6pWH5SCGyhRyjiqxufw4s1BfRa4_RgpIAckaKZ7UNy8zxvtd6Pkrkc6/s2048/Claire+on+Kate%2527s+Shoulders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVgVlIsyGfr7jhh8ZUkqiLA3R-SFlu8Qb8hFO8MyDaRLDZocdt-3-5moYC1y2udNC2WyPtf2MqQQ3fDhc5jRN-6pWH5SCGyhRyjiqxufw4s1BfRa4_RgpIAckaKZ7UNy8zxvtd6Pkrkc6/s320/Claire+on+Kate%2527s+Shoulders.jpg" /></a></div> As you embark upon this new year, may you meet each challenge with fearlessness and hopefulness.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tuCtK-3HLD79BjtIJ9ntU8benvY-H9AAzlOp8oocSh2FMCZZAQnTxCp9XZMM4p68cOMrOTlXTNPsBYjz8er6Usk_hCvtbsWAMMJCfSSqwNCpd3y94VeewX3FiljA92Rpe1deQd3azGY5/s2048/Claire-Estes+on+Rocks.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tuCtK-3HLD79BjtIJ9ntU8benvY-H9AAzlOp8oocSh2FMCZZAQnTxCp9XZMM4p68cOMrOTlXTNPsBYjz8er6Usk_hCvtbsWAMMJCfSSqwNCpd3y94VeewX3FiljA92Rpe1deQd3azGY5/s320/Claire-Estes+on+Rocks.HEIC" /></a></div>Love you to the moon and back,</div><p>Mama<br /></p>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-57587735929581954302020-07-08T07:56:00.001-05:002020-07-08T07:56:42.097-05:00Ode to Kate on Your 13th BirthdayJuly 8, 2020<br />
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My Dearest Kate,<br />
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Happy, Happy 13th Birthday!<br />
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How can it be? You're a teenager!! And, because you're such an amazingly creative one--you made you're own birthday cake...Devil's Food with layers of vanilla and chocolate buttercream frosting, sides of milk chocolate and macadamia nuts along with maraschino cherries to top it off!<br />
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And this cake is a great representation of where you love to find yourself these days...baking all kinds of macarons--vanilla mint, stawberry citrus--you name it, you're working to perfect the recipe and asking how old you have to be to work in a bakery.<br />
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But this is just scratching the surface...you love, love, love to create. And since we've been home during quarantine, you've done plenty of it--whether you're sewing, painting, digitally drawing or playing a song on the piano, you're always bringing beauty into the world. <br />
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And to that end, ballet still lives strong in your heart. This year, we saw a dream emerge as you garnered your first pair of pointe shoes and danced again in the Omaha Dance Project.<br />
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And while you continue to create, you continue to exude brilliance. It's still very important to you to take your time, to do the work well, and to stay passionate and curious about what might be around the corner to take the project to the next level. We absolutely love this about you.<br />
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A few weeks ago, we went on a much needed family vacation to Estes Park, Colorado. We'd been cooped up in doors for weeks on end worried about the state of the world enduring a global pandemic. Together, with Grandma Bonnie, Aunt Lisa, and Uncle Cory we climbed mountains, rode on our bikes, made dinner together, played games at night, ate ice cream and taffy every chance we got, and talked about what it means to be a family, and to remember how much you are loved and valued.<br />
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And in a really special way, Aunt Lisa crafted a "13-days of celebrating Kate extravaganza" complete with thoughtful cards, gifts and kindness--but the final day, she presented you with a gift that was so special.<br />
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The engraved bracelet says, "You are loved. You are valued. You are beautiful." <br />
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Becoming a young woman is a tricky business. The world will teach you that you have to be all sorts of things to be deemed worthy. And, because you haven't had enough life experience, you'll be tempted to buy into the premise that you have to turn yourself inside out to try to win their praises. The truth is that your only job is to cling deeply to yourself. The weirder, smarter, kinder, gentler, louder, more fiercely "you" the better. There is only one Kate Gering and she is magnificent--and we are all better because you are here.<br />
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As you grow (which, can we talk about that for a second? You're already 5 and a half feet tall and wear the same shoe size as me??!!), which inevitably you will keep doing--now, more than ever, know this in your heart--you are extraordinary--you are deeply loved--you are incredibly wanted. You never have to prove yourself or change yourself to be loved. You, the perfectly imperfect you is more than enough.<br />
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So, as we celebrate you becoming teenager, lean on your family. We're crazy. We curse. We're a little socially inappropriate. We love to tell silly stories. We like to have fun. We are your people. And, we will be there for you through all of the ups and downs. All of the seasons. All of the uncertainties and unknowns. You can count on us.<br />
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We could not love you more. We could not be more grateful for you. We cannot wait to see all of the amazing things you birth into the world. <br />
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Stay weird. Stay amazing. Stay true. Be you. <br />
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Love you beyond words,<br />
<br />
Mama<br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-15302814040880270822020-05-06T05:52:00.000-05:002020-05-06T05:52:49.094-05:00Ode to 45<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today, I turn 45...years old.<br />
<br />
Claire's reaction on the left looks like, "Hells to the yes! Let's do this!"<br />
<br />
Kate's response on the right is more like, "Oh my goodness, that's a big number."<br />
<br />
And sandwiched in the middle, I'm feeling like, well, here I am.<br />
<br />
Let's begin by saying that I've been pretty angsty about today...and not because it's 2020 and we're in the middle of a global pandemic, but because well, at 45...I think you're supposed to have your shit together.<br />
<br />
But for some reason, I feel like I'm just getting started.<br />
<br />
Really, I do.<br />
<br />
**** <br />
<br />
In my 20's, I finished graduate school, got married, bought a house, had a baby. In my 30's, I quit my job, stayed home for a decade, raised my now three babies, ran races, wrote a blog, and wondered if I'd ever see Tuscany and a business suit again. In my 40's, I found myself teaching at a university, starting my own conflict resolution practice, watching my babies turn into big people-one of them much taller than me-and discovered the real meaning of running my own race. I also got to go on date nights without paying for a babysitter, and began having genuine adult-like conversations with my children while writing a book.<br />
<br />
So much has changed, and yet, so much is just beginning.<br />
<br />
**** <br />
<br />
Recently, my best friend from college indulged my ramblings on a long walk. It went something like this:<br />
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Me: "Grown up 45-year olds live in fancy houses, travel to Fiji, and have cars that aren't vans."<br />
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Her: "Grown up people are boring."<br />
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Me: "Where did I go wrong? I think it's too late. I'll never be an Olympian or a Pulitzer Prize winning anything. And, well, I think I still own a futon. Fuck."<br />
<br />
Her: "But are you happy?"<br />
<br />
Me: "That's the thing. I am."<br />
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Her: "Well, then, I'd say, you're lucky."<br />
<br />
****<br />
<br />
And, that's why, firmly planted in gratitude, here is my ode to my new year.<br />
<br />
Ode to<br />
the wrinkles<br />
the gray<br />
the I don't care if she likes me...because I like me<br />
to vulnerability and hope<br />
and sushi and matcha green tea lattes with coconut milk<br />
and to writing the fucking book already<br />
to knowing that I am enough<br />
and sinking deeply into my skin<br />
making amends<br />
saying I love you, because I may not get tomorrow<br />
sucking it up, and taking the high road<br />
trusting my gut--it always knows<br />
taking risks<br />
doing the next right thing<br />
believing in the impossible<br />
to God and the extraordinary ordinary<br />
the sunrise, and the chance to try again<br />
the gift of another year<br />
another run<br />
another chance to say<br />
thank you for me<br />
all of me<br />
may I greet this year with all it has to offer<br />
perfectly<br />
imperfect.<br />
<br />
Happy Birthday to me...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-76267912941730051022020-04-17T07:08:00.001-05:002020-04-17T07:16:44.750-05:00Ode to 16-Years <br />
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<br />
April 17, 2020<br />
<br />
My Dearest Ray,<br />
<br />
I never imagined that we'd celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary in the middle of a global pandemic.<br />
<br />
An author recently coined this time the "Great Pause,"... a collective deep breath of uninvited, unexpected, necessary reflection.<br />
<br />
And so, in gratitude with so much time to consider us...<br />
<br />
Thank you...that during this time of roller coaster uncertainty, fear,
and exhaustion, you know me so well to gently nudge media out of my
hands, wrap your arms around me, and remind me of what is real and
enduring.<br />
<br />
Thank you...that planning to spend our 16th anniversary on a Friday night playing Scrabble with the kids, while eating an insane amount of popcorn doesn't feel like a let-down--because your love for our family passionately parallels mine.<br />
<br />
Thank you for making all of the meals in our home so much better than I could, and for crafting the perfect carrot cake. <br />
<br />
Thank you...for honoring us by believing in who we are as individuals first. You indulge my two cents on the latest podcast interview, NYT article, memoir I'm reading, political grappling, theory about how the world should work--and even if you don't agree--you let me have my time in the sun--with zero interest in changing me. We share ideas, honor the differences, and move on.<br />
<br />
Thank you for having boundless energy when I do not...and for never keeping score...because Lord knows, I owe you.<br />
<br />
Thank you for teaching me that a 16+year love with two people in their "mid-lives" is messy, tiring, steadfast, ordinary, brave, magical, and filled with little to no bull shit. This usually shows up in your show-me, don't tell-me way of loving each of us so fiercely. <br />
<br />
Thank you for always doing the next right thing.<br />
<br />
Thank you for your big, crazy, infectious laugh--the one that says, life is for the living and damn it, that was funny as hell.<br />
<br />
Thank you for your love of God, and the way you model a life of lived faith and service to our children.<br />
<br />
Thank you for taking the time, long before the Great Pause, to call your mom regularly, to find the perfect fabric for Kate's latest costume design...to attend every one of Claire's taekwondo lessons memorizing her form while she does...to listen to Sam while he painstakingly teaches himself how to play the guitar...and for consistently encouraging me to write the book in my heart.<br />
<br />
Thank you for saying yes in a million little ways over and over again to us.<br />
<br />
During the Great Pause, I am the luckiest....to get the gift of stopping dead in my tracks to look at you, us, and these three children of ours...if I thanked you daily, it would not be enough.<br />
<br />
Happy Anniversary, My Love,<br />
<br />
KellyKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-83085149918191390742020-02-08T07:55:00.002-06:002020-02-08T07:56:16.121-06:00Ode to Sam on Your 15th BirthdayFebruary 8, 2020<br />
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My Dearest Sam,<br />
<br />
Happy, Happy, Happy 15th Birthday!<br />
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<br />
In a few short hours, dad and I will collect you from your Freshman Retreat. You've spent the past few days immersed in a tradition at Prep that generations have shared, and men have looked back at as transformational and connective. We can think of no better way to begin the journey into your 15th year than connected to the Holy Spirit and your peers.<br />
<br />
I'm not certain how to capture what an extraordinary past year this has been for you as a young man. So much has transpired...and growth in every way has been the fruit.<br />
<br />
You were confirmed at Saint Margaret Mary's...<br />
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After 9-years of education, you graduated from SMM...<br />
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You made the trek to Washington, D.C. with your class mates...<br />
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You spent the summer having fun with friends at Kitaki, while also learning the value of manual labor, work ethic, and brutal hours detasseling corn...<br />
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You received a scholarship to attend Creighton Prep High School, and have blown us out of the water with the effort and commitment you've made to honors classes and a course load you've excelled at.<br />
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You experienced your first Homecoming, Mother/Son and Father/Son masses, and learned how to tie a tie!<br />
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But if I had to pick one of the spaces that has been awe-inspiring, it was watching you take on the commitment and experience of running your own race on the Cross Country team. Having never been a runner, it was extraordinary to witness your choice to run miles daily with your team mates, and to cheer you on at the races. You had no desire to win a medal. You just wanted to see how far you could go, and to cross the finish line. You were humble, consistent, and open to the experience. And as a fellow runner, I was never more grateful than when you cheered and ran with me as I completed a half marathon. Knowing that you know what it feels like to push through the discomfort, I was grateful that we have a new found connection.<br />
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And meanwhile, you're deep in the throws of finishing your experience as a Boy Scout...planning your Eagle Scout project, and finalizing all of these years of camping, merit badge earning, and life skill attending. One of my favorite memories was the final hike/camping trip you took with dad.<br />
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We have so many memories this past year of traveling and celebrating as a family...so many fights, so many words, so many I'm sorry's, so many hopes, so many silly jokes/stories/free-falls...<br />
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And in variably, because you are the oldest, and now officially, the tallest in our family, you have carried the burden of our learning. We have placed immense expectation and hope on your ability to fully actualize your potential, to be kind to those you meet, to not subscribe to behavior that demeans another or makes them feel like they don't have a place in the group or an invite to the party. And, we know that we ask a lot of you.<br />
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But man, Sam...you are the real deal in every way. You are brilliant and kind and good-spirited. You have empathy and a conscience that says I'm not going to go there, because in the end, it's just not right. You are gracious and value humility. You are a self-professed minimalist and can't understand why people need to have/buy so many things. In the end, you believe that as long as we have each other, we have everything we need.<br />
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As we stare down this new 15th year, you'll become even more independent--getting your Learner's permit, taking Driver's Ed, hanging out with your buddies, starting up your lawn mowing business, traveling to camps, and in general being away from home will be more of the norm than being with us. And, when I'm being honest, that makes me sad...but also happy for you. You deserve every goodness that God has in store for you...today, and every day.<br />
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So, as we celebrate you--know that we could not possibly love you more...or be more proud and inspired by the young man you are. You make us so honored to call you son.<br />
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All our love,<br />
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Mom and Dad<br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-56077104919315931322019-12-14T08:32:00.000-06:002019-12-14T08:46:40.676-06:00Ode to Claire on Your 9th BirthdayMy Dearest Claire,<br />
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Happy, Happy 9th Birthday!<br />
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My goodness...here we are celebrating YOU on your special day...a day that you have been waiting for...for SO long!<br />
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You finally convinced us that you were old enough and responsible enough to get your ears pierced, even if your older sister has no desire to do so.<br />
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You also remind us regularly that self confidence is earned and what better way to do so than to kee-yah your way in the world. This past year has seen you earn new colors of Taekwondo belts, new opportunities to earn trophies at competitions, and multiple chances to spar competitors (especially the ones who are bigger--they're your favorite).<br />
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Last spring, we celebrated a very special milestone for you, and for our family. You were the last member to have a First Holy Communion. It was a beautiful mass and an important reminder that you are never alone, and that God has such a beautiful purpose for your life. Watching you twirl in your white gown and pray with family and friends made our hearts happy.<br />
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This school year, third grade keeps you very busy. You could not be more in love with your teacher, and with reading and writing. You've been feverishly working on a masterpiece entitled, "The Panda Story." Most days after school and a snack, you grab your journal and my computer and you get to typing. You've learned about dialogue, character formation, plot, the injection of humor, and the many ways to land a surprise in the midst of the tale.<br />
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Watching you grow has been crazy amazing. Of our three children, you are indeed the most independent and self-sufficient. You also convinced us that you were ready for a week of summer camp...and so, off you went. Barely saying goodbye as you prepared your sleeping bag and said hello to your cabin mates, you could hardly wait for bonfires, hiking, swimming, silly songs and crafts. And then two days before the end of camp, you called to say that you got a bug bite on your eye and that even though it was swollen, you had absolutely no intention of coming home--they just made you call to tell us.<br />
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You have a spunk, a feist, a sass, a Hutzpah about you that drives us all mad and also makes you adorable beyond measure. You are incessantly singing pop songs and mass hymns, while also trying your hand at piano lesson ditties and You Tube medleys. You love to tell jokes, laugh to the point of crying or peeing your pants, and tell stories about why the chicken crossed the road.<br />
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You're also the best and most frequent baker of the house. Your all-time favorites are banana bread, scones, yellow cake, chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin pie, and really any recipe that you can get your hands on.<br />
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As you embark upon this new year, the final one before double digits, cling to your authentic self--even if the expression of it pisses us all off just a little bit. Never doubt that your spit-fire ways will serve you well for many moons to come. Trust in who you know yourself to be. Keep writing. Keep reading. Keep imagining. Keep reminding yourself that you are loved beyond measure--just for who you are.<br />
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And when the world feels a little blah--show up and give them what you got.<br />
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Kee-yah, Claire...we love you to the moon and back.<br />
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Love, Mama, Papa, Kate and SamKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8897987987072175849.post-69926156131189781272019-07-08T08:05:00.002-05:002019-07-08T08:15:09.369-05:00Ode to Kate on Your 12th BirthdayJuly 8, 2019<br />
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My Dearest Kate,<br />
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Happy, Happy 12th Birthday!<br />
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I can hardly believe that this is your last year before officially becoming a teenager. How is that possible?<br />
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In so, so many ways you are extraordinary--and watching you grow has been the greatest gift.<br />
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First and foremost, I don't think I know a more creative individual.<br />
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Whether it's the Art Fair at school or art class, you are constantly working with different mediums to paint, sculpt, draw, or design something that brings joy into the world.<br />
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But I have to say that this year, you blew all of our minds, when you decided to take an entire year to sew the perfect costume for Comic Con. You had a vision to bring "Orphea, Heir of Raven Court" to life. And that you did, sewing an entire costume, building a coffin with purple lights, securing prescription blood lust contacts, locating the best classic platinum blonde wig, and tricking out a pair of Good Will shoes--you truly embodied the part.<br />
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Fellow Cosplayers asked to take pictures with you, and for a few hours, you felt like a star.<br />
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But that's who've you've always been. Since you were a little girl, you've been dancing your way into the hearts of everyone who crosses your path. And it's hard, because in many ways, I still think of you as that little ballerina.<br />
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The one who flits around the studio humming and singing, loving just to be in tights and slippers. But the truth is that you're a serious dancer. This year will mark nine that you've been dancing and performing at the Omaha Academy of Ballet. And as such, you'll find yourself dancing 4 nights a week doing ballet (and soon to be on pointe), jazz, and modern dance. And then, you'll be dancing on the weekend, landing a special part in the Omaha Dance Project. You're not so little anymore.<br />
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Which takes my breath away when I consider that this fall, you will be in 7th grade. How is that even possible? And, as a full-fledged middle schooler, you will head to school at o'dark thirty to take advanced math, and continue your service as an altar server, and stay late to be on the Speech team--which has become one of your new passions.<br />
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Still, by far and away, my favorite part is watching you voraciously read story book after story book, devouring characters, plot, and the love of language. You still enjoy participating in the summer reading program and ticking off those hours.<br />
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When you're not reading, you're feverishly working on your business--Kate's Customized Dolls. You take old dolls and repaint their faces, create stylish hair, sew new clothes, and work to sell them at local shops like Legends--our neighborhood Comic Book Coffee House.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkTbAM9P9RNW91-8MWEl14QgJWl98EyQhOQGH4y_XS1UrSG7qxqFehQSKtygnvqZsXgdrnoeERzrqqa_o88dg3F1M9bcbY_9PmNsl8iFpJKt0KJDUAm0K2F6w2Hf2aJOW2roAJqR03PuV/s1600/Kate%2527s+Customized+Dolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkTbAM9P9RNW91-8MWEl14QgJWl98EyQhOQGH4y_XS1UrSG7qxqFehQSKtygnvqZsXgdrnoeERzrqqa_o88dg3F1M9bcbY_9PmNsl8iFpJKt0KJDUAm0K2F6w2Hf2aJOW2roAJqR03PuV/s320/Kate%2527s+Customized+Dolls.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
To be honest, you inspire me to be present--to sink deeply into the moment, to reach for the exceptional and to be brave when it comes to sharing all of me with the world. You've never been afraid to be Kate. You have a quiet inner strength that says, "here I am--all of me--let's get to know each other and create beauty," and that is such a magical gift.<br />
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Thank you for sharing your gift of beauty and love with all you meet. Thank you for being willing to lend your hand and your heart to everyone you encounter. Thank you for leaving the world and people more beautiful than you found them. Thank you for saving every love note, your daddy and I ever wrote you from your lunches and for reminding us that the only reason we are here is to love.<br />
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As you embark upon this new year, remember a few things. The world can be cruel and unfair--but you can choose to share your vulnerability, even if others are afraid to share theirs. Running for the Student Council and not getting elected is okay, because knowing that you have something to say and a way to make things better for others is what really counts. There's nothing wrong with having only one really good friend. Making one person feel that they matter is enough. Sometimes, it can be hard to share a bedroom with your 8-year old sister, when all you really want is to cry or laugh or watch YouTube videos without an onlooker, but knowing how to share your space and your life with someone you love, will make you better.</div>
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Never forget that you have a voice and you have a purpose. Share your unique "you" with everyone. Being different is an absolute gift. Embrace that. Own it. Relish it. There is only one Kate and she is a beautiful, vibrant, whole, joy-filled, imperfect, and exactly enough in every way young woman. Here's to being 12 and all that it has to offer you and the world.</div>
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Thank you for letting us share in your journey.</div>
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We love you to the moon and back,<br />
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Mama, Papa, Sam and Claire<br />
xoxoxoxoxo<br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05423589275895132659noreply@blogger.com0