eighteen

 Dearest Cooper-

You are eighteen today - actually it was almost a month ago because somehow your mom dropped the ball on your very last birthday letter. Oops! Better late than never, right? But seriously, how are you a full grown adult?! Weren't you just graduating from preschool yesterday?

I said in a post on your birthday that when you're in the thick of parenting little kids, it's just so hard to imagine ever getting to this place where your kid is a full on adult. The days were SO long sometimes when you were little, but then it feels like the last four years went by in a blink. The high school chapter was my favorite one yet, and I've just loved having a front row seat to watch you find your stride. You had an amazing senior year, and I think you'd say it was your favorite year yet.

 

You had another great football season, and your team went all the way to the quarter finals of state again this year. Unfortunately you had a season ending injury during the second to last game of the year when you dislocated your elbow. It was one of those scenes where everyone ran on the field with all the medical equipment, people surrounded you for what seemed like an eternity, while we sat in the stands having no idea what happened. When we finally saw your legs move, I burst into tears. I automatically thought the worst, so I was so thankful for the little sign that things were probably going to be ok. Right before you got up, your coach said, "You need to pump up this crowd" so you go to your feet and threw your (good) fist into the air. I have no idea how you kept a smile on your face through it all. It was a sad way to end your football career, but what an amazing four years! You went from never playing a down of football your freshman year, to starting nearly every snap your junior and senior year. You were an All Sunflower League offensive lineman and also received the Sunflower State Stalwart award. I'm so proud of all the hard work you put into learning the game and will forever be grateful for all of our Friday nights under the lights.

Everett was moved up to varsity for the playoff run, and it was so much fun getting to see the two of you suit up and run out of the tunnel together. I never imagined the two of you would get to play together, so it was an amazing experience for everyone. While we were in the emergency room dealing with your arm, Everett was able to hold the regional champ plaque in your place. Such fun memories for you two!

You're headed to K-State in the fall to study secondary education, and I couldn't be more excited for you. As of now, you want to teach high school history, but are also keeping your options open. I tried to not sway your decision and told you we could visit whatever colleges you wanted, but you were set on KSU. Definitely not mad about that! You're living in the dorms with a friend you've known since second grade, and I think it will be a great match. I can't wait for you to experience all the things that Manhappiness has to offer, and I know some grandparents that are really excited to have you in town, too!

I know every parent probably feels this way, but getting to be your mom has been one of the greatest joy of my life. I know it doesn't end just because you are an adult, and I have a feeling some of the best times are yet to come. Things will be different in a few months, and it's going to take some getting used to around here. I'll miss your daily "crash" through the door after school or work, usually singing some song, or ready to tell me some crazy story about your day. I'm just so dang proud of the person you're becoming, and I feel so lucky to get to say I've raised some of my very favorite people on earth. The next year will have some major changes for everyone, but I'll be there on the front row cheering you on in whatever you choose to do.

Love, Mom

fifteen

 Dearest Everett-

You are fifteen today. Nearly fifty-five hundred days that seemed to go by in an instant.

This past year was a big one because you started high school. I think it didn't seem as scary for either of us because you had Cooper there to show you the way. It's been a really special year to have both of you at the same school one final time. No surprise you've done incredibly well in most of your classes and have decided as of now that you want to be an architect. Next year you get to take classes that fit this path, and I can't wait to see what that brings. I know things will probably change, but right now I love sharing this passion with you.

Another big change this year is you started to drive. I was a little more prepared for this milestone the second go round, but it's still the most frightening thing ever. Dad did most of the teaching in the early driving days because I've learned I'm just not cut out to teach teens how to drive. You have to wait a couple more weeks to drive to school on your own, but you are so ready! I can't believe the days of waiting for you outside of practice or a friend's house are coming to a close. The end of an era for sure!

You are still a football fanatic and had a very special year for your first year of high school football. You started every game on the o line for the freshman team, got moved up to play in a JV game, and then the cherry on top was getting moved up to varsity for the playoffs. I never imagined you and Coop would get to suit up together, but those few weeks of watching you take the field together were incredible. We were regional champs for the second year in a row, but sadly Coop had a season ending injury that game. You were happy to hold the plaque in his place while we were at the ER. That playoff run will forever be one of my favorite memories of the two of you! You've been hitting the weight room since the season ended and are eager to get back out on the field. I admire your drive and dedication to the sport and can't wait to watch you next season!

You've been a pretty chill guy since day one, and that hasn't changed much as you've gotten older. Your three favorite places to be are home, a football field, or somewhere with a fishing pole. You don't like anything fancy, although you did get dressed up a couple times this year in "hard pants" and I think you actually liked it. You love chicken wings and pasta, and would probably eat some form of those every day of your life. You have an empathetic heart and are always thinking about the people around you. We are all so lucky to know you, and it's an honor to be your mom. I can't wait to see what's next!

Love,

Mom

seventeen

 Dearest Cooper-

You are seventeen years old today. Gulp. How did we get here? They weren't lying when they said, "Don't blink."

This past year has been one of my all time favorites of your entire life. I don't care what people say, teenagers are so much fun. Sophomore year was full of ups and down, and was awful at times, but your junior year was just fantastic. Probably one of the best ones yet. You've matured so much over the past year and are one of the very best people I know. 

You make me laugh every single day with your witty banter, and your knowledge of current events and historical facts is incredible. You are very passionate about your political views, and you love to have conversations about the craziness in the world. You are always coming home with something wild and crazy to discuss. You've always had a brilliant mind, and I think this year you've finally realized it. It's been fun to get to watch unfold.

One of the highlights of this year was an incredible football season with the Cougars. After just two seasons of playing football, you earned the starting varsity spot at offensive left tackle. I've never seen you as nervous as you were before that first Friday night game. You were pacing around the house like a crazy person! But after a few snaps, you settled in ,and you guys came away with a huge victory.  That started a magical season that ended as regional champs and 6th in the state. You started every game and played nearly every offensive snap. It is beyond amazing to think about how far you've come in just a couple years of playing. I cannot wait for your senior season!

This upcoming year will be super special because it will be the only time you and Everett will be in high school together, and play football together. We had the NW football draft a couple weeks ago, and you were so excited to get to draft Everett onto your summer team. You've been talking about getting him on your team for an entire year. It's fun to see you both head off to early morning weights together each day. I hope you're still as excited at the end of the summer after spending it with your brother!

A big change this past year is you got your first job! You're worked in the school year at an after school program, and now you're working with the same group at their summer program. No surprise, the kids absolutely love you. You still are thinking you want to be a teacher, so this will give you a really good idea  of whether you want to stick with that idea. It will keep you super busy this summer, but the paychecks make it worthwhile!

Seventeen years ago you made me a mom and started what would become the adventure of a lifetime. I love being a mom more than anything in the world, and you I'm so glad I get to be on this ride with you. I can't wait to see what comes next!!

Love,

Mom

fourteen

Dearest Everett-

Well, it happened. After nearly seventeen years of writing these birthday posts for you and your brother, I finally forgot one. I'm honestly surprised it took this long. So, today you are fourteen years, and a couple months- Yahoo! Even though I forgot your birthday post, it doesn't mean this past year was any less important. (It just means your mom is getting old.) 

You are getting ready to wrap up your middle school career, which of course has gone by in the blink of an eye. You have always been an outstanding student, and that was no different in middle school. You earned nearly straight As for both years, and made it all look incredibly easy. Your "math brain" is so impressive, and you even helped Coop out with some of his math homework a time or two. You enjoyed your woodworking class, design and modeling, and FACS. You currently want to do something in the design or construction field, which thrills me to no end! You described this year as "fire" which I've learned is the highest compliment a teenager can give. So I'd say it was a success!

This year was the first year for middle school football, so it was fun to get to be a part of the inaugural season. You started on the o line for the entire season, but I think your first love will always be in the defensive trenches. You joined Cooper at early morning weights at the high school this spring, and you are super excited to start Cougar football this summer. You attended your first draft, which kicks off the high school season, and you were shocked and excited to be the first eighth grader drafted. Your brother was equally excited to have you on his team. I love the bond you've created over football. I can't wait to watch you play next year!

One major milestone that happened this year is you got your learners permit. You've been driving mostly with your dad because I'm a little bit of a nervous Nelly with new drivers. The first time I tried to teach you how to drive in GT and VV's pasture, I forgot to have you put on your seatbelt. Clearly I'm not fit to be a driving instructor! You did drive the whole family to get smoothies, and you did a fabulous job. It seems crazy that we will soon have four cars and four drivers in our house!

You've found a new favorite hobby this past year - fishing. You started out with a hand me down pole from GT, but have since upgraded to not one, but two fancy poles. You researched and reviewed so many options before deciding on which ones would be best. You love going out with your friends, and even if the fish aren't biting, you seem to be in your happy place when you're out there. 

I probably say this every year, but it's absolutely true. You are such a joy to parent, and I love every second of watching you grow up. I can't wait to watch you soar in high school. I know how fast it goes, so I'm just going to try to soak up every second. You are a gem of a human, and I'm so lucky to get to be your mom.

Love,

Mom

sixteen

 Dearest Cooper-

You are sixteen years old today. Sixteen. I think I need to sit on this one for a while. Every milestone in your life has felt significant, but this one hits a little different for some reason. It's just all been too fast.

The biggest milestone for you this past year was definitely getting your restricted license and hitting the road in "Black Mamba." Up until today, you could only drive to and from school things, but now you have FREEDOM! You are actually a pretty good driver, which is surprising, if I'm being honest. I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I thought you'd be a little more distracted on the road. I only slam on my pretend passenger seat break every once in a while now instead of every second like when you first started. I'm not sure how I feel about you driving all over town, but you are sure excited about it.

School was pretty "meh" for you this year, but you did end up with your best GPA ever. You didn't really love your classes, but ended up working really hard to keep your grades up. You still want to be a high school teacher, so next year you will get to start taking the teacher ed classes. I think you will really enjoy getting to go into schools and see what teaching is all about. I don't know if you'll end up in that field as a career, but it's fun to see you get excited about your future. I do think you'd make an amazing teacher, but it's certainly not a career for the faint of heart! 

You loved playing football again this past year and ended up switching from defense to offense mid season. You really found your home on the offensive line and loved being a part of that group. I was so in awe of the way you just rolled with the punches that came from various things that were out of your control. It all worked out for the best, and you are thriving in your new position. Team camp started this week and you are loving it. I can't wait to see you play in the fall!

You decided a few years back to start rooting for the worst team in football - the Detroit Lions. You've always loved an underdog story. Through some luck and amazing draft picks, they became one of the best teams in football this past season. We had a blast watching them, and we were really pulling for a Chiefs-Lions Super Bowl, but that wasn't in the cards this year. You sure do look cute in that Lions blue!

I mean it when I say you have been an absolute delight to parents in these teenage years. Sure, we've had our moments of frustration (usually on early morning school days) but you have really grown into an incredible young man these past few years. You are unapologetically yourself, and you don't really conform to what everyone else around you is doing. (See Lions fan above) This can be very hard as a teenager, but you are starting to figure out that it doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks. 

You have really got into all things history and politics over the past few years. You taught me so many things about various historical or current events around the world, and you always seem to have a fun fact about something. History has never been a strong interest for me, but you have a way of making it all seem more interesting. You have definitely taught me way more than I will ever teach you when it comes to this topic. I love having conversations with you about things you're passionate about. You have such a brilliant mind, and I hope you always continue to share your knowledge with others. If you do decide to become a teacher someday, those kids would be so lucky to get to learn from you.

Thank you for making me a mom sixteen years ago and starting us on the journey of a lifetime. I hope you continue to let that light shine bright, no matter what anyone else around you says. It is such a joy to be your mom, even if I do complain about making dinner ever. single. night.

Love, Mom

thirteen

 Dearest Everett-

You are thirteen years old today. A TEENAGER! What the what?! I swear this was yesterday. Don't blink, they say!

The biggest change this past year is probably that you started middle school! You were so ready for a change from elementary school, so it's been a pretty easy transition for you. You have quite a few friends in most of your classes, which really helps ease those middle school scaries. You have enjoyed most of your classes so far, especially foods class and design and modeling. We've had fun recreating some of your favorite recipes at home. You played on the school rec basketball team this winter and really seemed to enjoy hanging with your friends, shooting hoops. You also hate getting your picture taken, so most of the time I get this look from you.

You officially passed me in height this year, making me the shortest member of the Smith family. How rude! Just kidding - I could tell early on based on your giant feet that you would pass me eventually. You also really enjoy lifting weights, both at school and home, so you'll be able to whip my butt in no time! 

I know the teenage years can be scary for parents, but you are proving to be an easy going dude who doesn't really get worked up about much. You still have that spice every now and then, but your laid back personality typically shines through. You've never cared much about what you wear, and I can hardly get you to comb your hair, but the night before the first day of school you decided you needed a certain "fit." It had to be a white shirt with these powder blue shorts. Well, we had the shorts, but you didn't have a white shirt that worked with the vision in your head. It was nearly 9pm and suddenly you cared about what you wore to school. Thankfully that phase was short lived, and you're back to your old self. I asked what you wanted to do for your birthday this year, and you said dinner and a movie with a couple friends. I asked if you wanted to have more friends come along, and you said, "Bigger is not always better, Mom." Isn't that the truth?! 

This fall you played your second season of tackle football with the Cougars. You again found your home on defense and loved racking up those sacks and tackles for loss. I say this every year, but nothing brings me more joy than watching you do the thing you love. Next year you are moving on to middle school football!

Speaking of football, our Chiefs won yet another Super Bowl this year, and it was an overtime nail biter! You are my go-to guy for anything football related. You understand the rules better than most people I know, and you are always the first to give me the scoop on various trades happening around the league. I think you have a future as an analyst! I love that football has become a common interest between all of us in the Smith house.

Thank you for completing our family thirteen years ago today. Your quiet disposition is a great compliment to your (much) louder brother, although you do have your loud moments! You have always been just the right amount of sweet and spicy. I love getting to have a front row seat to watch all the amazing things you do in life, and I can't wait to see what's next!

Love,

Mom