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Dear Holly: Making Your Brother a Birthday Drawing

9 years, 6 months.

Dear Holly,

One of your many Warmies is a monkey you named after your brother.

Therefore, it makes perfect sense that it when it came time to make your brother a drawing for his birthday, you chose to draw a monkey for him.

I was impressed, but not too surprised, to learn that you drew the picture without any help whatsoever; not by watching a YouTube video (as you often do) or even from looking at another picture.

No, instead, you drew it completely all by yourself.

Mommy and I reacted by making sure to tell you to continue drawing and practicing your amazing art skills!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: A Dad’s Letter to His Son on His 15th Birthday

15 years old!

Dear Jack,

It’s official. You’re 15 years old today. When we asked you what you wanted to do to celebrate, you chose for our family of 4 to spend a quick day trip to Nashville, hitting up all your favorite spots.

As for your “big” birthday gift, you carefully researched the best gaming chair for your “PlayStation 5 station” in your room. The chair is basically an actual car chair and is even equipped with a massager for your back.

Though I will say, you’re still not too old for Lego blocks, as you were very excited today to build the F1 racecar we got you, which you are now proudly displaying in your room.

Everytime it’s your birthday, I will always think back to that terrifying moment I held my firstborn child for the first time, as I thought, “How am I supposed to know what to do with this brand-new human life?”

Fifteen years in… So far, so good.

I love you, Jack.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Serving as a Greeter at Church

14 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

This past Sunday was “Youth Sunday” at church, where the high school kids led the entire service. You were asked to serve as a greeter, as you were responsible for welcoming people at the front door and handing out the the programs to them as they entered.

I wasn’t sure what you would think of serving in that way. But afterwards, you confirmed that it went well and you enjoyed it.

This is something I figured would be out of your comfort zone. Fortunately, I was wrong.

I am proud of you for continuing to develop your social skills and that it actually was a good fit for you!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Your Warmie Scarlette’s Birthday Party

9 years, 6 months.

Dear Holly,

You and your cousin Darla had been making plans all last week, leading up to the sleepover you had at her house; which took place Friday night as Mommy and I went to Nasvhille to see Bryan Adams in concert… for a 2nd time.

One of the main events for the sleepover was that you hosted a “birthday party” for your newest Warmie, a parot named Scarlette.

It was so sweet how you crafted a gift bag for Scarlette and carefully made a customed birthday card for her, in which you referred to yourself as “Mom”.

I love it!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Helping Manage the Trick-or-Treaters

9 years, 6 months.

Dear Holly,

This year was ultimately the first time we have ever been at our own home long enough during Halloween to actually tend to the trick-or-treaters, before we actually left the house to do our own trick-or-treating.

Not only did we have candy to give away, but thanks to Nonna, we had dozens of Ty beanie babies (still with the tags on them!) to give away to kids who came to our door.

It was truly heartwarming to see how grateful these kids of all ages were as they got to pick out the animal of their choice.

You did a great job helping Mommy!

 

Love,

Daddy