Letters to My Children 2014 || August

Dear Cannon,

My sweet little Cannon.  I wish I could freeze you at this age, two and a half, and never let you grow up.  You are fun, and funny, and so stinkin' smart, and happy (most of the time), and a joy for all of us. Your dad and I and your siblings, every single one of us, would move mountains for you if that's what you wanted.

I'm sure you'll be told the story countless times as you grow up of how you were the best unexpected surprise that happened to our family.  I am so so grateful that our Father in heaven knew much better than I what was best and sent you to be a part of our family.  I hope as you grow that you keep your fun loving, jovial nature and your kind, tender heart.  Even though you're only two, I can see in you such potential to do some pretty great things.

Right now you're my sidekick.  You are with me almost 24/7, and I wouldn't want it any other way.  I've decided you can't grow up and go to school and leave me.  You are going to always have to stay my baby so just get used to that idea now.

You're the best caboose to our family, and I love you to the moon and back.

Love,
Mom

Letters to My Children 2014 || April

I have joined a great group of photogs/moms who are all writing monthly letters to their children throughout the year.  I'm excited to be a part of this group of women in doing this project and hope to express some important things to my children along the way.

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Dear Harlee,

How fitting that it just happened to be your turn during this beautiful springtime with all these flowers blossoming on the trees!  Even though you don't like pink.  Or flowers.  Or anything remotely girly.  And that's one of the many reasons I love you!

You are kind.  You are sweet.  You are a genuine friend who tries not to get involved in the drama that girls sometimes like to stir up.  You stick up for those kids at school who maybe can't or won't stick up for themselves.  You have qualities that will take you far and make this world a kinder, gentler, better place to be in.  Don't let the negativity, judgments, and criticism of this world taint all that's good and right inside of you.  Continue to be the shining example of integrity that you already are.  I pray that you will always want to follow our Savior and have a personal relationship with him.  He will be one constant in your life who will help you through tough times and celebrate with you in the good times.

Thank you for always being such a huge help to me in so many ways.  As the only girls in this house, we have to stick together with all of these boys around and not let them get the best of us ;).  I love you more than you could know girl!

With all my heart,
Mom 

Letters to My Children 2014 || March

I have joined a great group of photogs/moms who are all writing monthly letters to their children throughout the year.  I'm excited to be a part of this group of women in doing this project and hope to express some important things to my children along the way.

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Dear Braden,

As I'm sitting here typing this letter, there's a song playing that is talking about how "I was born to be a rockstar."  I would say that describes you pretty well.  You have a drive that is unmatched by anyone I've ever met, with the exception of your dad.  You're lucky that he shared that with you!  It's going to take you so far in life.

Right now, you love all things sports, especially basketball and football.  And you work hard at improving in both of them.  You work hard at school to get good grades.  If there's anything you want, you are going to go after it and do what it takes to get it.  I tell you all the time, you may look like my side of the family, but you are your father's child when it comes to your personality and your work ethic.  I hope that you realize early in life that you can do anything when you are willing to work.

You have a little brother who looks up to you and watches your every move, and I know you are going to be a good example for him as you get older.  I see that you are always trying to make good choices and do those things that you know will please your dad and I, and your Father in Heaven.  Stay on that path…it's the only path to happiness in this life.  

I love you B!  Just keep doing what you're doing, except you could lose a little bit of your stubbornness when dealing with your mother.  I am so proud of you and all that you are accomplishing, and I know the future has good things in store for you!

Love, 

Mom

Letters to My Children 2014 || February

I have joined a great group of photogs/moms who are all writing monthly letters to their children throughout the year.  I'm excited to be a part of this group of women in doing this project and hope to express some important things to my children along the way.

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Dear Trey,

First of all, thank you for coming with me to take some photos.  I know it's probably one of your least favorite things to do, but it's one of my most favorite things to do.

I always love the one on one time I get to spend with you.  You make me laugh, and you show me that soft, caring side of you that you don't often let others see.  I also love when you tell me your secrets and those things in your heart that you don't want just anyone knowing.  I hope that I can always be that safe place for you to share those things.  

Thank you for taking care of me when we went skiing a few week ago!  When everyone else left me to go have their own fun, you were the only one willing to stay behind and teach me all of your tricks, and you have some good tricks!  I don't know what I would have done without you that day!  

You are a sweet, caring boy, and I know you don't always see the good in yourself, but don't ever forget the good.  Just because sports maybe isn't your thing, and your interests are different from your siblings and some of your friends, you have your own unique talents and skills and personality, and I love you just the way your are.  Heavenly Father gave you those special gifts and made you YOU because you are going to do great things and accomplish great things.  He knows your potential and wants you to see how great you are as well.  I definitely see it!

I love you Trey and can't wait to go skiing with you again!

All my heart,

Mom

To read from more mom/photographers writing letters to their children this year, continue on through the blog circle starting with Staci Schonbrun

Others who are participating…Allison Moore  ||  Michelle Quattrin  ||  Bobbi-Jo Stuart  ||  Amanda Voelker  ||  Jen Hill  ||  Carrie Saindon  ||  Fiona Hicks  ||  Denise Crowe

Letters to My Children 2014 || January

I have joined a great group of photogs/moms who are all writing monthly letters to their children throughout the year.  I'm excited to be a part of this group of women in doing this project and hope to express some important things to my children along the way.

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To my rascals,

Where do I even begin?  I have so much I want you to know and learn and do.  I guess it's a good thing that I have started a little project and will write a letter to you every month.  Hopefully by the end of the year I'll be able to express a good portion of all that I want you to know.  

First, you must know how much I love you.  How proud I am of you.  How amazing you are.  You can accomplish any dream you desire to accomplish in this life.  All of you.  I see so much good in you.  I see a great desire by each of you to want to do good and be good.  I see a strength in you that I still don't have.  You are examples to me.  Everyday.

It is so important that you remember to be good to one another.  Build one another up.  Make each other your best friends.  Support one another.  Protect one another.  Heavenly Father made you brothers and sister for a very good reason.  Remember that.  And remember to always love one another, even through the annoyances and the teasing and the obnoxiousness.

Please forgive your dad and I when we screw up.  It's going to happen a lot, an awful, awful lot.  Be patient with us and try to remember we are doing our best.

I'm looking forward to what the future holds for our family, and I see so much potential in you.  Can't wait to see the spectacular things you will do.

Love you so, so much!

Mom

To read from more mom/photographers writing letters to their children this year, continue on through the blog circle starting with Denise Crowe.

Others who are participating…Allison Moore  ||  Michelle Quattrin  ||  Bobbi-Jo Stuart  ||  Amanda Voelker  ||  Jen Hill  ||  Carrie Saindon  ||  Staci Schonbrun  ||  Brandy Inkelaar