TWELVE YEAR OLD, DELTA MAE

Our beautiful Delta Mae is 12!

Twelve years of loving you, Sweet Girl! When I was talking to my mother recently, I was telling her about how I would put you to sleep as an infant with a rain machine playing in the background. Fast forward to today, and Honey Chicken, you are a water lover. I don't know if the two are related (probably not) but it's neat to think about.

But yes, you and water. It's a love story. You joined the city swim team last summer and you're just about to round out your second season as an Athens Gator. As I'm writing this, you're just a week away from the State Championship! Since we may forget later, I'll mention it here - you advanced two times during the summer swim season, going from Dolphins to Stingrays and then Stingrays to Sharks. We're so proud of your hard work. You never miss practice and never really complain about having to go. It's been such a joy cheering you on.

And you're still a brilliant, bright light at school. All As for your sixth grade year. And we can't forget the books... you've read ALL OF THE BOOKS. I think you're count form this summer is close to 40.

We love you big time!

 

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CHRISTMAS CARD PHOTO SHOOT 2023

 We set-up the trip-pod and did it again folks. Thankful that they put up with me getting family photos throughout the years.

Wish I would've zoomed in on the photos a bit more, but all in all, our 2023 Christmas Card turned out pretty good.

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FOURTEEN YEAR OLD, WYATT

 Happy 14th Birthday, Wyatt!

Goodness Bud, you make life so fun! So quick-witted, you keep us laughing all the time. It's an absolute joy to have you around. You are seven days away from starting your Freshman year of high school, which is so exciting for me. You couldn't care less. I guess I'm most excited because you'll finally get to go to school dances! And with all of the moves that you bust around the house, I bet you're really going to enjoy yourself at those.

You and your guitar have been inseparable for nearly two years now. Currently, your favorite band is Led Zeppelin, but you enjoy a wide range of rock music and have a small appetite for any other genres. You performed at your school's talent show in March of this year, playing the guitar and singing House of the Rising Sun. You didn't get the outcome that we had expected, but your friends didn't let your self esteem take a hit, telling you that you "got robbed". And you did. Here's the link to your performance.

Once I quit working, you asked if we could sign you up for voice lessons, so you've been polishing up your pipes since May. Come the end of August, they are having a showcase and you will be playing and singing the same song. I can't wait to hear it!

Over the past year, you've grown taller than your Dad, and every other male in the family, except for Papa J. You have a well visit scheduled for later this week and we'll get an official height measurement there. We're thinking it'll be really close to 6'2". And you've been working out at the gym with your Dad for months now, putting in the work and getting tough. You're up to 172 pounds! Still Mr. Big Stuff!

You gave football a try this past school year but opted out of playing for the ninth grade team. You've decided to focus your efforts on Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field - but really just field events. You started the year off running hurdles, but transitioned to shot put at the final event of the season, and ended up qualifying for state! You're wanting to compete in shot put, discus, and javelin next year, and we'll be there rooting' for you the whole way!

Time for some pics!

Goofball. You call this your GigaChad face. Apparently, it's a meme.

We thank the Good Lord for giving you to us! I cannot wait to see what your future holds, but we know it'll be bright! Love you, Rooster!

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ELEVEN YEAR OLD DELTA MAE

The most beautiful Honey Chicken you ever did see is ELEVEN! 🍯 🐥💛

This has got to be your busiest summer yet. You and I keep the roads hot, chauffeuring you to swim practices, swim meets, volleyball games, and an occasional gym class. You’ve dabbled in so many different extracurriculars over the years, searching for your “thing”. Well Dear, we think swimming might just be it for you. Being a member of the Athens Gators Swim Team has brought you so much joy the past few months and we love watching you complete!

You’re the best student. I got a message from one of your teachers this past year. She said, “She is such a blessing to have in the classroom- I know I can always count on her for anything I need and ask for (and even if I don't ask for it). She can read me like a book and just knows when I need a little extra assistance like passing out some papers this morning, extra cleaning, etc.” Another teacher told you that you were his, “faith in humanity.”

You’re still the biggest book lover I’ve ever known. It’s remarkable how quickly you devour the pages and move right along to the next one.

You’ve got some spunk, Little Lady. On one of the last days of school, something didn’t go your way and you said, “Awe, fiddlesticks!” Some punk kid made fun of you for saying fiddlesticks, and you barked back with, “You’re annoying and I don’t like you.” You were so proud of yourself when I picked you up from school that day - and honestly, we were too. You’re learning to stand up for yourself.

We recently filled out a survey for your pediatrician before we go to your next well visit. It asked if you felt hopeless. We filled in the bubble next to the word never just after you said, “Heck, no! My future is bright!” And your future is so very bright, Chick! You have a brilliant mind. You have a generous and loving heart. God has great plans for you.

Off to middle school you go!

I love you. I’m proud of you. I’m thankful you’re mine. 🩷

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