Dear Freddy,
The big 12! You received the priesthood on January 2 and have passed the Sacrament the last two weeks. You also got to go to the temple on January 12 and do baptisms for the dead. You love passing the Sacrament but said the baptisms were weird. You didn't like having to change, and Daddy told you to get used to it because it's going to be like that for the rest of your life. Daddy was out of town the night of baptisms, and I was home with RieRie because he's sick. Uncle Keith was able to take you and I was so glad you weren't completely without family that night. We'll have to take you back with Daddy and me to hopefully dissolve some of the weirdness.
You decided to start growing your hair out last year, after a haircut in March. Lots of people have commented on it and suggested you cut it. You refuse to listen to them. I love that about you! You do what you like and aren't influenced by the opinions of others. You came home from school the other day and said a girl was giving you weird looks about your Dude Perfect bracelets. You asked her what she was looking at and she timidly said, "Nothing." Even if she had said something, I know you would continue wearing them.
Last year's letter said you decided not to play baseball, and that was the original plan. But then you went to the park and saw Coach Dan. He asked if you were going to play and you told him no. From the time it took you to ride home from the park (less than five minutes), you decided you did want to play. I emailed Coach Dan that night and he said if we registered you within the hour, he could get you on a team. You ended up making it on to the A's, a moment we waited five years for. You thrived at shortstop and took on the leader role of the team. You were nominated for All-Stars but weren't picked. You played Fall Ball and were put on a team with mostly travel ball kids. It was a challenge for you to keep up but you never quit. Please remember to never quit! Always try your hardest! Daddy and I are your biggest cheerleaders but you're the only one that can push yourself to do your very best.
Middle school has been an adjustment for you. The first trimester was a bit rough but you've done amazing so far in the second. You seem to have a test of quiz every other day which stinks because you hate studying. Your math teacher reminds you a lot of Ms. Coulter (they're both young, have blonde hair, and love otters & Harry Potter). You hate that you have to wear masks at school but have found solace with your friend Liam, as you have the same thoughts and opinions about Covid-19 and masks. You started the year riding bikes to school with Cohen but that changed with our neighbor Logan started riding with you. When it started getting cold & rainy, I drove you and Logan in the morning and his mom brought you home. I think you've gotten used to it because it's not as cold, nor wet, but you still ask to drive. You love getting to school on-time and worry if we're even just a few minutes off schedule. That trait came from me.
You still love playing with Jackson and Wyatt but they'll be moving in March. Rylen moved last year but you've played with Nico a lot. Which is funny because Nico is in RieRie's class. You've influenced him to play baseball and wear camo hats with Vans. I think you like being the older kid that everyone looks up to. We just have to remind you that you aren't the boss and you can't use your age as a reason to tell people what to do.
We broke the news to you last night that Santa doesn't have a white beard nor does he live in the North Pole. You said you were a little sad but started catching on when kids at school talked about what they got for Christmas. You said you didn't care whether or not the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, or leprechauns were real. You still wondered how Mommy & Daddy were able to buy you and Rie bikes a couple years ago. We simply said, "That's the magic of Christmas."
You are about an inch away from being as tell as me, which is weird even though we knew it was going to happen. Despite being big, you still have Lucifer and sleep with it every night. You love Tech Decks and dressing up for Nerf battles. You tried on your old fireman outfit a few weeks ago and did your best to convince me it still fit. You aren't shy and still love pizza. You inhale your food and take pride in having eaten nine slices of pizza in one sitting. You could eat an entire box of Cheez-Its if you wanted but you still don't like breakfast. You watched Mrs. Doubtfire for the first time a few weeks ago and you like Top Gun. You love cars and are very passionate in your opinions on what you think are the best ones. You love going to the dirt jumps across the street as well as the ones by the half pipe. You wish you had a mountain bike because of the suspension but we told you you'd have to buy it for yourself. Snuggling is still your favorite and you especially love when Aksel lays down with you on the couch.
Time keeps zipping by and I hope you're having fun. I sure am, and I'm treasuring these years we have together before you venture off on your next adventure. Be kind to others and yourself. Remember you can do anything you put your mind to. You are amazing and I love being your mom!
Love,
Mama
