Shelby's World

The Break-Up

To Eli,

You're now 10 years old.

Last year is when our break-up began.

And I'll be honest, it's still kind of hard for me sometimes.

Maybe because I feel like I have to let you do things like this now...

You'll never know what it feels like to be a mom and watch your boy jump off a cliff!

My heart was beating out of my chest, but your Dad thought it was the coolest thing ever.

And of course you think he is the coolest thing ever.

And why wouldn't you?!

I don't jump off sand dunes.

I didn't teach you to throw rocks.

I would never let you put cheese on my head.

And I certainly couldn't build this for you...

No wonder you don't want your mommy that much.

That's okay son, I know my place.

And so for your birthday gift this year, I give you your Dad.

Happy 10th.

PS. Just don't forget that I'm the one who let you wear your Batman costume to pick strawberries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eleven

 

There was once a time when you only cared about Buzz Lightyear and your blanket.

You don't care about Buzz anymore:(  

Now we discuss boys and bras.

But that blanket has never left your side.

It has changed and evolved much like you have.

It has survived challenges.

It's bolder now.

It's perfectly seasoned.

It gets better with age.

Just.  Like.  You.

Happy Birthday Sammers.

Great 8

What happened to all those years?!

Piper, you're one of a kind.

I don't know other children that ask their fathers after work everyday, 'How was your day?  Did you have any meetings?  What were they about?'  And actually care about the answers.

Plus you do air guitar in your bridesmaid dress.

And I don't know any other children that sleep with a sleeping mask.

I certainly don't know any 8 year old with a bucket list.  Congrats on crossing this one off!

 

Bucket List from Shelby Friesen on Vimeo.

 You have $50 in birthday money and said you'd like to buy something for a couple of dollars.  When I asked you what you wanted, you said "That's the problem... I don't know because I have everything a girl could want!"  

Well I have everything a Mom could want in you Pipe.

Happy 8th Birthday.

 

Breaking up is hard to do.

Dear Eli,

You're 9 years old now.  How did that happen?!  I feel like our mother-son dating relationship is coming to an end.  You're getting older and dad says it's a little creepy.  But seriously, how can I not still be in love with you?!  In my mind's eye, you still look like this~

My little man, with a baseball hat and really kissable cheeks:)

You've made it hard to cut the card ya know.

Recently I asked you to play a game and you said, "No, I just want to snuggle with you."

You invite me to have lunch at school with you.

You still kiss me goodbye in the hallway.

You like to sleep with my t-shirts if I'm away- just to smell me.

You say, 'Mom, let's have a proper hug' and you squeeze with all your strength.

We were such a cute couple!

You have a crush on a girl at school now.

You won't tell anyone her name.

but you told me.

You said, "I don't know why, but my body is attracted to girls who don't talk a lot."

this tells me you're probably ready to move on.

Mommy talks a lot, huh?

No wonder you would choose someone different.

But we've had our share of good times together~

But you're growing up and many great things await you.

Without your mommy.

I'm reminded of the Dr. Seuss book, "Oh the Places You Will Go".

So many paths to choose from~

So many adventures to be had~

So much to figure out~

New things to try~

Work to be done~

and fun to be had~

But guess what?

Mom will pick you up if you fall off that horse.

Happy Birthday Elijah.

I love you.

 

3,650 days ago my life changed forever.

Samantha Scott arrived and I became a mother.

That baby is now a girl.

So in honor of Sam's 10th birthday,

I present the Top 10 Reasons why Sam is so spectacular!

10.  Eclectic taste in music:  Sam listens to music and jumps on her mini trampoline everyday.  You'll here The Sound of Music, Celtic Thunder, Justin Beiber, Joshua Bell, Michael Jackson, Elvis, The Nutcracker, Bon Jovi and Lady Gaga playing at any given time.

9. Very sentimental:  If you've given her a gift, of any size or value, she'll remember it, display it, and save it... forever.  Sometimes that's not always possible and a source of stress, but we work through it:) 

8. Generous:  She gives away her allowance to homeless people.  She likes to say, "God Bless You" when she hands them the money.

7. Thoughtful:  She starts making Christmas gifts the day after Thanksgiving.  She won't leave anyone out.

6. Dedicated:  She's in her third year of violin.  Sometimes she doesn't feel like practicing and we've asked her if she's tired of it.  She'll respond, "I'll NEVER stop playing the violin!"

5. She takes risks:  She's not a risk-taker by nature, but she'll go for it in her own time.  Jumping off a diving board, ropes course, recital, public speaking, etc.  She makes us proud.

4. She loves to be alone with us:  Sam gets down right giddy when Piper and Eli are out of the house at the same time.  She often wishes she could be an only child even though she loves her siblings.  These times feed her soul.

3. Honest:  Sam told a white lie about 3 years ago and it still plagues her.  When there is trouble in the neighborhood we go to her; the "informant", because we know we'll get the truth.

2. She is her father's daughter:  Sometimes I get cocky and think that I know what's best because I'm the mom.  I'm often wrong.  She is very similar to Eric~ slow decision maker, methodical, attention to detail, anxious and highly capable.  He is her anchor.  

1. She lives and loves deeply.  Sam takes her life, and everything in it, very seriously.  Sometimes it's too much and we get concerned, but mostly we find it endearing.  She has a bright future ahead of her.

We're madly in love with her.

Lucky #7

It's been a busy time at the Friesens since Piper and I share a birthday week.

Celebrating Piper is easy because she's always been an amazing girl.

For instance~

She could rock a head of hair like no other newborn you've ever met.

She never complained when I put her in her brother's pajamas.

She's always been the life of the party.

She'll try just about anything.  at least once.

She's a friend to many.

A lover to all.

She's comfortable in her own skin and has a style all her own.  A rockstar really.

She's 7.

But we're the lucky ones.