Happy 9th Birthday, Luke!

To the one who made me a mom, Happy Birthday. 

Luke,

It’s hard to even know where to begin with you. You are the kindest, most compassionate, most helpful, most mature, most self-motivated child I will ever know. I realize all moms say these things about their kids when bragging on them, but those who truly know you, know how real these words are.

This is your second full year of homeschool, and you love it. Through homeschool, we have gotten so close. I say this as a joke to many people, but I honestly couldn’t do life without you… at least not in the season we are currently in. You help your brothers so much, and adore your sister, even though she’s getting older and you don’t have all the same interests as you once did.

You are very close to your baby brother and dote on him often. He looks up to you so much, all of you really, but you take that responsibility and wear it like a badge of honor. You are so excited to welcome another baby in the home, and since your dad is working so much, you know I will depend on you a lot… and you love that role.

This year you placed 30th in the world at Pinehurst. That means within the U.S. Kids Golf organization, you are the 30th best golfer for your age. You practice every single day in our basement and have your sights set on higher goals this year. Not for placement, but for low scores. I can’t wait for this year’s golf season to start up again. All of your best friends you’ve met through golf, and we love all of them as much as you do.

You started a new co-op this year and can’t wait to go back again next week. It’s a great way to get out of the house and learn from new teachers besides mom. Some days we knock out our schooling very fast, and have the afternoons together. Some days we skip the morning and wait to do school in the afternoon, and some days we take the entire day off and watch movies. We both love the flexibility of homeschool, and while it’s entirely your choice, I secretly hope you choose to do it again next year.

You made some really great friends this year and like to play video games online with them. Moms don’t love screen time, but it’s something you really enjoy, especially in the winter when the weather is less than ideal. When the weather is nice, you are outside with the neighborhood kids playing football and soccer. We will start going to the park regularly again when the weather breaks and when my pregnancy sickness subsides. You enjoy being outside so much.

You love going to church on Sundays and started Lifewise Academy this year. A Christian based off-campus Bible study during school hours. We’re happy they accept homeschoolers, because your sister goes too and you both love every minute of it. You started an art class this month with your sister and one of your good friends from golf is in there too. You will also start theater this semester and want to re-enroll in the Children’s Theater downtown. Growing up, my secret dream job was to always act, but that ship sailed for me….maybe it’s in the cards for you! You have no fear and there isn’t an ounce of shyness in your body. You can get on stage in front of hundreds and make them laugh, I admire you for that, especially at such a young age.

You got your first library card this year and enjoy participating in the library reading challenges. Above all your hobbies, sports is still #1. You stay up and watch football with your dad, you like watching sports highlights on your iPad, and when the weather makes sense you are outside from dawn to dusk with a ball of some sorts playing with anyone who will join you.

Luke, you still call me “mommy” and ask me how I’m feeling. You ask me if I had a good night’s sleep and what I’d like to do today. You still liked to be tucked in at night and ask me to help you with your Lego sets. I know these days are fleeing, but I’m so thankful for the last 2 years of homeschool and the memories we’ve made.

I love you so much it hurts. You are my co-pilot though this crazy life we live, you are my rock, you are my therapist when I’m on the verge of a meltdown, you are my entertainment, you are my first born…and I couldn’t have asked God for a better child than you.

Thank you for being you, Luke. I love you so much and happy 9th birthday!

Love, Mommy