parenting

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Dear Jack: Serving Ice Cream to Your Sister

14 years, 8 months.

Dear Jack,

As I was finishing up washing the dishes in the kitchen, I heard you and your sister laughing in the dining room.

You took it upon yourself to make ice cream sundaes for the two of you. Apparently what caused the laughter was that you accidently gave her way too much whipped cream; to the point there was more of it than there was ice cream.

This really is becoming the norm: That you find ways to help and serve your sister, which often leads to the two of you laughing together and having fun.

It is such a reward as a parent for me to see this development.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Doctor Squish Squishy Maker

14 years, 8 months.

Dear Jack,

I love to see how it is a regular thing now for you to proactively find ways to help your sister. It was the middle of the week during the middle of the day, while Mommy and I were both working.

Your sister needed something new and creative to work on, so we pulled out one of her birthday gifts she got a few months ago: Doctor Squish Squishy Maker.

Thanks to you, she was able to make sort some of slime-filled water balloon ball.

I guess in a way, it felt like we had a “3rd parent” there to help entertain your sister while we worked. I really like this concept because it’s not only helping Mommy and me, but I know it means a lot to your sister as well; as it provides quality time for you and her.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Playing Wordscapes on Mommy’s Phone

9 years, 1 month.

Dear Holly,

I can appreciate that you have discovered solving crossword puzzles on an app on Mommy’s phone, called Wordscapes.

As we made the hourlong drive to Guntersville for the boat race last Saturday, you kept yourself  entertained and intellectually stimulated in the car.

And while the boat race did keep your attention for a little bit, you decided solving crossword puzzles was more your speed.

Something I definitely appreciate about this is that you and your brother have now begun solving these puzzles together. Sometimes I help too- but you and your brother tend to do much better than me!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: 3rd Grade Awards Day

9 years.

Dear Holly,

Mommy and I received the notice from your school that we would need to be at Awards Day.

We were there to see your principal present you with the “All A’s & B’s” Award.

Meanwhile, your teacher and classmates voted you as “Ms. Cooperative.”

It makes Mommy and me so proud that both you and your brother qualified to be honored; especially for the fact you both were “new students” this year.

Not that we were too worried that transitioning to a new school in a new state would be a problem, but it definitely has been nice to have solid confirmation that our family’s move was a good thing for you both.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: 8th Grade Awards Day

14 years, 6 months.

Dear Jack,

During this last real week of the school year for you, we attended your school’s 8th Grade Awards Ceremony.

You received an award of Academic Excellence in English, a Special Recognition award in Science, and a Best Artistic Artist award for art.

And on top of that we were there to see your cousin, Calla, be awarded several awards as well.

I know you were definitely proud; especially knowing this was your first year at this school since we moved from Tennessee nearly a year ago.

And of course, I am so proud of you. It makes me wonder… did I have something to do with you turning out to be such an amazing kid?

Love,

Daddy