Happy 15th to Sam!

 Sam,

Today you turn 15. It's actually easy to believe because you have seemed older than 14 all year. The past year has been a good one for you. You skipped 8th grade and started 9th grade in the fall. You are still swimming year round but this spring you played flag football. I was so proud of your decision to do something new. You made all As this year and did well on your first try at the PSAT. 

You are still best friends with Mattox. I am so glad the 2 of you are so close. You don't really let many people in, but he is one person who knows you very well. This spring, you went to Rome. You seemed to really enjoy traveling and I hope that trip opens up a desire for you to travel more as you grow older.

Sam, you are a really great kid. I hope that as you grow older, you grow deeper in your walk with Jesus. I pray you find your identity and confidence in Him. I pray He is the only one you look to for validation. I pray that when you are struggling, you run to Him. I pray against pride and the idolatry of self reliance. I love you and can't wait to see what year 15 holds for you.

Love always,

Mom

Happy 10th Birthday Eli

 Eli,

It's the end of the month. I am a little late writing this. When you turned 10, we were skiing in WV. I can't believe you are 10. It's been a great year for you. Lots of growth and maturity. Ups and Downs. I have watched you grow and change before my eyes this year. 

This time last year, you were still going to Western Union Elementary School. With about 4 months left in the school year, we pulled you and put you at Weddington Christian Academy. You became really good friends with Michael Potter. At the end of the school year you did a project on Henry Ford and you dressed up like him. You got the class award for leadership. 

Last summer, we didn't do much because we were saving up for Mattox's car. We didn't go to the beach or anything. However, towards the end of the summer, you started at Tech Fall with Madi. You struggled at first to climb the rope. By the end of the summer, you had it. You took the fall off of baseball to wrestle. It was good for you. You got faster and stronger and tougher. You are a decent wrestler. You are smart and learn moves quickly. It has been fun to watch you do something new.

This winter, you wrestled for Parkwood and just started playing basketball. It will be exciting to see you play baseball this spring after having some time off. It has been almost a whole year since you have played baseball. You are a great little player and you seem to love it. 

Eli, you are a special boy. You love people well (when you are being other's focused). You are fun and cute and everyone likes you. You are curious and empathetic. I pray, more than anything, that you always say "yes" to God's plan on your life. He has given you many gifts. I am so thankful I get to be your mom and I get a front row seat to it all. I will always be here for you!

Here's to another great trip around the sun. 

Love-Mom