Doodlebug - Tally Mark 96

Dear Rie,

As we left the baseball field last night, you said, "Five more hours until my birthday!"  I told you that at that time, eight years ago, we were just finishing up at a Mexican restaurant when I started having contractions.  I knew those feelings were only the beginning and you'd be joining our family soon after.

This year, as an eight year old, you're going to be baptized.  You have a bookmark of Jesus in the water and it reminds you of him being baptized in a river.  When we first started talking about  your baptism, you said from the very beginning that you wanted to be baptized in a river.  Since there's been a lot of snow this year, and rivers run really fast, we thought a lake might be a safer bet.  So that's the plan!  You also don't want anyone there but Daddy, The Lime, and me (someone from the bishopric will have to be there, too).  Can I tell you how excited I am to have just our family there to enjoy this special day?

The reason why you just want our family there is because you're still shy.  Definitely not like you used to be, though!  I was talking with The Lime last night (also at baseball), and asked him if he remembered your first season of Fall Ball.  Your coach asked each of you who your favorite team and baseball player were.  You had answers but were so scared to speak in front of people that The Lime had to do it for you.  It made me so happy to see you sitting on the bench last night, talking and having a good time with your teammates.  We were at a Mexican restaurant last week (we like Mexican food) and one of your classmates walked in.  You both said hi to each other as he passed us.  That was huge!!  You're also getting better at ordering your own food and asking for things by yourself.  I know this is a challenge for you.  The small steps you're taking will lead you to so many wonderful opportunities!

Speaking of baseball, you are on the Red Sox this year with Coach Mike (he was your Fall Ball coach last year).  You've loved pitching and catching, and have made some great hits and plays.  You've gotten the game ball once and are always disappointed you haven't gotten it again, because you're always so proud of how you've played.  You're a natural on the field and Daddy has thrown around the idea of playing travel ball.  That makes you nervous but I'd know you'd do great if you decided to play.

When you're not playing baseball, you're on a device.  I think I may have had something to do with that (you've been watching YouTube your whole life).  You love watching other people play video games or playing games yourself.  We recently bought you a stylus pen so you could draw on the iPad.  I love when you bring home pictures from school that you've drawn because you're so stinkin' talented!  You soak up anything you focus on and it amazes me what your little brain has stored in it.  At school yesterday, you got to look at and hold a vole skeleton.  You were so excited to share with me everything you learned about it (and it was a lot!).  I had to ask you questions because I didn't know what you were talking about.  Keep that love for learning up!

Earlier this year, we struggled with some negative thoughts and rough emotions.  We still don't know where they came from but it was hard to hear you say the things you did.  I hope you know that no matter what, Daddy, The Lime, and I will love you.  You are the best Rie in the entire world and our family wouldn't be complete without you in it.  It's hard for you to express your emotions and it makes you a bit overwhelmed.  We're learning to take breaks to allow things to settle so we can talk about them without getting mad (both of us).  It makes me a little nervous for what you'll be like as a teenager (with hormones) so hopefully we can figure a good method out now.

One thing I hope you still do as a teenager is say, "Mommy?  Guess what!"  And then you tell me you love me.  That's been our thing since you could talk and it makes my heart swell.  You still ask for lovies and you occasionally ask me or Daddy to snuggle with you at night.  You always give us hugs and kisses before bed.  You have, though, started walking to your class by yourself when I drop you off for school in the mornings.  I know it's a step in the right independent direction but it also feels strange.  I'm proud of you for being brave and trying new things by yourself.

Some fun things about you are that you love the color red (and you'll sometimes dress in red from head to toe), you still have your mohawk (and you let us do a real mohawk a couple months ago), you have my big teeth and Daddy's small mouth (we'll see how that works out for you), you're much smaller than The Lime was at this age (you tried his suits on and you were swimming in them), your best friend is Tyler (he's been in every class with you so far), you love to read and zip through books so fast.

You're my best Rie and I'm excited to see what the next year brings you!

Love,

Mama

The Lime - Tally Mark 144

 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

Doodlebug - Tally Mark 84

 

Dear RieRie,

7 years old!  Wo hoo!  7 is an awesome number, and I know you're going to have an awesome year ahead of you!

You are winding up your first grade year at school and you have mixed feelings about second grade.  You think it's going to be hard but I have a feeling you're going to breeze through it like you did first!  When you started the school year, your spelling/writing/reading were a struggle.  We'll blame Covid on that one, since you had to do "school" from home for three months and not much learning took place.  But you worked so hard and your struggling scores shot up to outstanding.  You love to read and be read to.  Every math test you take has a "Wowza!" on the front of it because you got a perfect score.  Your teacher said you were perfect, and I'd have to agree (most days).

Speaking of school, we met with your Speech Therapist last week and she officially deemed you a graduate of speech!  I was watching videos of you when you were younger and it was so hard for me to understand what you were saying.  I know this was frustrating for you because you knew exactly what you were trying to get across.  I think that played a part in you being so shy, because you were afraid people wouldn't be able to understand you.  Now you confidently go to the snack bar at baseball and order a pretzel and Gatorade all by yourself.  This wouldn't have happened a year ago!  I'm so proud of how hard you worked and your enthusiasm to grow.

You decided to play baseball this season and you've loved every second of it.  You thrive at playing all the bases because you're such an awesome catcher.  At the end of every game, you remind us how far you hit the ball and that you're the best player on your time.  You love playing wiffleball with The Lime outside and going across the street with Daddy to the batting cages.  I know you'll make it far in baseball if you keep loving it and trying your best!

When you're not playing baseball, you're most likely on the iTouch watching YouTube.  Occasionally you'll go outside and play with the neighbor kids.  You've recently started asking if you could go with The Lime to his friend's house but he has a pool, and I'm not 100% confident in your swimming skills just yet.  Hopefully with lessons this summer, you'll get even better!  

You told your teacher the other day that you want to be a police officer when you grow up.  I suggested a K9 officer because you love dogs so much.  Aksel has been such a treat for you.  You want to be as close to him as possible, all the time, even if he doesn't want you to be close to him.  You two like to tease each other and sometimes it goes a bit too far.  Aksel really does see you as one of his littermates.  I'm so glad you two will be able to grow up together!

I talked about your tummy issues in last year's birthday letter.  Thankfully, it's not as bad as it once was but you still have flare ups every once in a while.  I'm beginning to think it might be linked to Red 40 dye, because anything red tends to immediately send you to go potty.  This means no red ICEEs at the snack bar.  Total bummer! 

You give Daddy and me a run for our money.  I often ask Daddy how we'll be able to handle you when you're 16 because we can barely handle six.  You know what you want, are persistent when you strongly believe in something, and rarely back down.  You have an amazing poker face.  I just hope it's a phase and not something you'll carry on with as you get older.  You insist on getting hot lunch at school.  Your art skills are out of this world, and you can draw pretty much anything.  You still give me hugs, tell me you love me, and let me hold your hand.  You can't go to bed without getting at least two kisses, because you claim to have not received the first.  You get afraid going into the garage by yourself, whether it's light or dark outside.  You say you're cold when it's hot outside, and hot when it's cold outside.  And you say you're cold if the wind is blowing no matter the temperature.  You get very enthusiastic when you tell stories.  You randomly scream in your sleep, usually telling The Lime to stop.  You've lost six teeth and are hoping number seven won't be too far behind.  You believe everything your friend, Tyler, tells you (he is not nine years old and he didn't move in down the street from us).  You're so darn cute, funny, and smart and I'm so glad you joined our family seven years ago.  I love you so much!

Love,

Mama

The Lime - Tally Mark 132

Dear Freddy,

Angel number 11!!!!  Holy cow, still shocked we're already to this moment.  We spent last night talking about the moments leading to your birth.  Your biggest concern was how your head came through such a small hole.  I love that you're comfortable enough to ask such a thing.

You came home this week, after playing with some friends at the park.  You told me one of the boys is in middle school and his voice sounded funny.  You openly asked him, "Are you going through puberty?"  He said yes.  That time is just around the corner for you, so I'm treasuring the time where your face is still silky smooth, and your little voice doesn't crack.

This is your last year in elementary school and, while it's not what we envisioned (still dealing with Coronavirus), you love it.  Mrs. Lara (Ms. Coulter) is your teacher, and as previous years, she was your number one pick.  You have meshed well with her and you're thriving!  We just got your progress report for semester two and you have all As and one B.  Going out with a bang!  You're learning that studying pays off, and you're so proud of yourself when you come home to tell me you got an A on your test/quiz/story/project.  I'm super proud of you, too.  You also dressed up for every day of Kindness Week, which has never happened.  I was thinking about it earlier this week.  Every year you have asked for a yearbook and every year we tell you you can get one when you're in 5th grade.  I'm so sorry you're getting a yearbook for a school year where nothing has happened!  I promise to get you a yearbook from now on.

You love playing with friends (Cohen, Logan, Jackson, Wyatt) and count down the minutes after you get home from school where you can knock on someone's' door.  Riding bikes or scooters is your activity of choice.  You've started going to the library park with Cohen and I think you love that bit of independence.  You also play Fortnite and your friends' houses because we don't let you play it at home.  You get excited to tell me about all of the kills you've made but I really don't understand what it means.  Thank you for telling me anyway!

Many people have commented about your style.  You take much pride in your outfits and ensuring they match.  You've started rolling up the cuffs on your pants and don't care if they're rolled extremely high.  You would wear everything Vans if you could, and you hope to work there when you're 16 so you can get an employee discount.  And so you can smell the shoes and new clothes.  That's your favorite smell!  

It's been a struggle for a while to get you to push yourself, try a little harder, and see your potential.  We were doing sit-ups and push-ups the other night, and you couldn't do either.  With a lot of encouragement, you've seen your potential and we now do a round of push-ups, sit-ups, and planks every night.  Sometimes we throw in a wall sit for fun.  You've already improved so much!  And it's exciting to see you get past the negative thoughts in your mind, telling you you can't do something.  

While you still watch plenty of Dude Perfect and Fortnite videos on YouTube, you've started watching videos linked to law enforcement.  Live PD was one of your favorite shows before they stopped making it.  You've mentioned a carrier in this field might be something you'd like to pursue.  But you think it might be scary.  And you get scared really easily, so that gives us something else to push through.  It would be neat if that's what pans out.  You've played and pretended to be a police officer for so long, it really might be your calling.

You still have Lucifer and sleep with it every night.  Its full of holes and the stuffing can be found all over our house.  It's been your pal and comforted you for so long, I can't imagine it not being by your side every night in bed, or on the couch with you while you're watching tv.  Daddy still threatens to throw it away, but I promise I won't let that happen.

We sat down this week and you decided you didn't want to play baseball this year.  Part of me is sad, but you want to try something new and I support you 100%.  You're thinking football or basketball.  Here's to hoping the world will settle down and resolve itself soon so you can get out and explore new adventures.

I love you so much, dude!  Your attitude and talking back stink sometimes but I suppose that comes with the age.  You try really hard to do good.  You watch our for others, always making sure they're safe.  You remember to say thank you after we buy you something.  You still want me to carry you to bed, but I have a feeling you'll be carrying me before long.  You eat all your dinner, even if it's gross and you don't want to.  You're simply the best and I'm so glad you're mine.

Love,

Mommy

Doodlebug - Tally Mark 72

Oh My Rie Rie,

You have been counting down to this day for the last three weeks.  I'm so sorry you have to celebrate in quarantine (thanks, Coronavirus!) but that hasn't seemed to damper your spirit.

What a year five was for you!  You finished up your first season of baseball, had your first session of swim lessons, started kindergarten, started your second season of baseball (Fall ball), learned how to ride a bike, made lots of friends, barely started your third season of baseball (Farm!  And...Coronavirus), and lost your first tooth.  You amazed me in all of these endeavors and more!

You were so blessed to be on the T-ball team you were on!  Mrs. Smith, Carson's mom, was one of your Team Moms.  We knew her from school because she was Ryan's teacher.  It's not uncommon for younger siblings to get the same teacher their older sibling had.  But after getting to know Mrs. Smith, we knew she'd be a much better fit for you than The Lime's kindergarten teacher.  Daddy and I wanted to tell the school we wanted you to be in Mrs. Smith's class but she beat us to it.  She came up to me one day and said, "I hope you don't mind but I requested [Doodlebug] be in my class next year."  And, sure enough, you got her!  You have loved her and she's loved you!  You were recognized as Star Student more times than I can count, and you earned a special recognition your first semester.  It's been tough not seeing her everyday since the middle of March but you love being able to see her on your Zoom meetings every week.  This is her last year teaching kindergarten and we're hoping you'll get her again in second grade!

Speaking of school, we weren't surprised when Mrs. Smith suggested you meet with the Speech Therapist.  Since you started out grunting rather than talking, and it was still hard to understand some words you said, we knew it was coming.  You first worked with Sister Turnbull from church and then Mrs. McMorris when she came back from maternity leave.  We're not the best at remembering to do your homework but you always try your best and never give up!

I reached out to Silas and Tyler's moms a few weeks ago and asked them to do a "drive by" birthday celebration since we still can't have parties.  You originally wanted to go to Chuck E. Cheese, then Rockin' Jump, but neither of those can happen this year.  Not being able to see your best buds has been the hardest part of staying at home.  You've told me numerous times, "I just want to see Silas and Tyler!" so I'm hoping their brief visit today will make you extra happy!

We've spent the last year and a half trying to figure out what's going on with your tummy.  The last year has included lots of doctor visits, lab visits, and even a colonoscopy/endoscopy.  It's traumatizing for adults, let alone a five year old.  But even with your tears and fears, you've pushed through and showed me how brave and amazing you are!  When you went in for your procedure, I knew you were scared, and we both almost started crying when they wheeled you away, but you were so strong!  It hasn't been fun for you not being able to eat cheese, milk, ice cream, etc.  Thank you for having a positive attitude and getting excited about the "special" things we get for you.  We're still trying to find a cheese that isn't gross.  One day!

You love riding your bike, watching way too many videos on YouTube (specifically FGTeev), and being read to.  Every night before bed you ask me, "Read book?"  You're usually asleep within minutes of me starting.  You can't go to sleep without your giraffe, panda bear, and blanket you've loved since you were born (the one Sister Tanner gave you).  You don't like it when I tell you I love you but I do it anyway.  You are an early riser, no matter what time you go to bed.  You love Mouse Trap and usually win.  You hate turkeys but love babies.  Seeing you with babies makes my heart melt.  You're going to be such a good dad one day!  You loved getting hot lunch at school before we found out we needed to go dairy free.  You used to alternate doing rock 'n roll hair and "the wave" for school.  Then you got a bike for Christmas and had to wear a helmet everyday so it was whatever would stay after we took your helmet off.  You still get hiccups when you laugh too much.  You have a tendency of having bad dreams and screaming in your sleep for The Lime to stop.  You can never remember what they're about.

Daddy wishes you would stay little forever and I'd have to agree with him.  But we know that won't happen so we'll stand by and enjoy each year that we get to watch you grow.

Guess what, Rie Rie?

I love you!

Mama

The Lime - Tally Mark 120

Dear Freddy,

10 years ago at this time, I was getting a wee bit nervous, realizing that you were going to make your appearance very soon.  And I was nervous until the second the doctor delivered you.  And then I was in love!  You were the cutest baby, for having just been born, and you're the cutest 10 year old!  Every time Grammy sees you, she comments on how handsome you are.  I would have to agree.

Grammy and Papa were just here for Christmas and you had so much fun with them!  You and Grammy played football outside, she recorded you on your bike while you tried (and succeeded!) making trick shots into the basketball hoop, you played lots of games and read lots of books.  You begged them to stay, hoping their flight would be delayed longer than it already was.  You have such a great time with them and I know you're anxious for our next visit.

You've been anxious this year to try other sports; basketball and football.  While we didn't sign you up for them, you've been playing plenty of both at school and with friends after school.  In fact, I think all of your white shirts are grayish brown from all the mud you roll around in.  Last year was your first year not playing baseball in the fall, in hopes of being able to play basketball.  We weren't able to make it happen but we'll see if we can work something out this year.

After four years of having girl teachers, you were initially excited to be put in the class of the only male teacher in the whole school.  It's been a different dynamic, and it's taken you a while to get used to it, but it's been nice for you to have something that's out of your comfort zone.  You did, though, tell me Thursday night (as we were studying for your DLI test) that Ms. Swithenbank and Mrs. Lee are still your favorite teachers so far.  And I'd have to agree!  Especially Ms. Swithenbank.  She still says hi to you every time we see her at school.  She was so good for you!

This year at church, you're not participating in scouts.  They've implemented a new program for the youth where you work on goals in four areas; physical, spiritual, intellectual, and social.  You'd like to read the Book of Mormon, include people at school who don't have someone to play with, get better at division, and get better at baseball/football/basketball.  You told me last night that you think you aced your multiplication/division test this week.  I know when you put your mind to something, and really try, you're able to knock it out of the park!

A couple of months ago, you were struggling with that; not really believing in yourself.  It stemmed from us receiving an email from your teacher, letting us know that you were extremely disruptive in class one day.  I came across a book from Cost Plus where you write, each day, why you're amazing.  I got a Five Minute Journal for Christmas and we've set aside time each night to both write in our books.  We then share with each other what we wrote.  I love that you're able to find even the smallest reason as to why you're amazing (you bought pizza for the family one night).  It was super cool when, after you initially weren't feeling so hot about yourself, you were able to write about being the only one to clip up in your entire class (that's a good thing!).  Or how you got a perfect score on your math test.  Always look for the positive!

You started riding your bike/walking home from school this year.  Daddy has been encouraging it for years but neither you, nor I, felt comfortable with it.  Something changed this year and you were eager to start.  The only thing, when you see the unruly neighbors down the street outside, you choose to go the long way just to avoid them.  You are so my child and I love that you're aware of your surroundings!  You're willing to go the extra mile (literally) to ensure you're safe.  You got walkie talkies for Christmas and you've been bringing one to school with you while I keep the other.  While I know you wish it was a cell phone, I can tell you think it's pretty cool to be able to chat while you're riding home.  With all of this said, though, there are some days where you do opt for me to pick you up.  And I am more than happy to!

You have also started staying home by yourself (or with Doodlebug) for short periods of time.  I know it makes you feel old and responsible.  When Daddy and I left you two home alone one Saturday while we went Christmas shopping, you called Daddy's phone about 6 times in almost two hours, wondering when we'd be home.  So while I know you love feeling like a super big kid, you have moments like that where you're still young.  I'll take it because I know those times are winding down.

Keep up the good work, my love!  I love seeing you progress, learn, grow, and I can't wait to see where you end up.

I love you so much!

Mommy

Doodlebug - Tally Mark 60 - Part 2

-Will only drink his chocolate milk with a straw.
-Is still rockin' the blonde hair even though we were afraid he would have lost it by now (like his big bro).
-Loves doing "rock and roll" hair for church (fake mohawk).
-Still says Coldplay is his favorite.
-Has had intermittent diarrhea for the last six months. I believe it has something to do with cheddar cheese.
-Wakes up multiple times every week, crying from growing pains in his legs. Poor kid!
-Will eat lettuce and tomatoes but prefers his cheeseburgers with just cheese and the patty.
-Doesn't know the name of one of his baseball coaches so he calls him Fireman Coach.
-Likes watching "Barbie" on Netflix.
-Whispers if he has to tell me something in the morning and I'm still asleep.
-Says he has magic eyes.
-Does not like automatic flushing toilets.
-Is brave enough to give prayers, talks, and recite the scripture in Primary.
-Favorite color is green.
-Is trying hard to not cry and whine so much, now that he's five.
-But pardon me while I go cry because my little stinker is a whole hand.