Happy 12th Birthday, Molly!

Molly, there are times when I look at you and think to myself oh boy, she's stubborn, opinionated, sassy.....and I think those things like they are undesirable traits. 

It wasn't until recently, after stopping and really thinking about those traits, did I realize I am wrong in thinking they are undesirable. I only thought that because I face those from you daily and it sure does wear me down sometimes. But in truth, those traits make you strong and resilient. Something I think every child is going to need for their future. 

So I'd like to rebrand those traits.

You are not stubborn, you are independent. You don't need someone to follow, and you don't need someone always telling you what to do and how to think. You can make your own decisions. You don't go along with the crowd just because everyone else is. You know what's right, what's wrong, and you don't need to change yourself to please others or fit in. 

You are not opinionated, you are outspoken. You have found your voice and aren't afraid to use it. You say what you are feeling and thinking. You ask questions. You discuss. You negotiate. You speak up. You even speak up for those that don't or can't for themselves. 

You are not sassy, you are bold. You don't let anyone get the better of you. You don't let anyone tell you you can't do something. You stand up for yourself. You take on challenges head first. You let yourself feel your emotions, but then you put your big girl panties on and get to it. You are a tough cookie. 

The world needs more independent, outspoken, and bold. 

And, of course, lets not forget your other traits....creative, sweet, loving, hard working, funny, kind. 

The world needs more Molly's. Definitely. We couldn't be more proud of the young woman you are growing into. 

I am so glad you are mine, Molly. 

Happy 12th Birthday, Molly Lynn! We love you beyond measure. 

With love,                                                                                                          Mama Hauck 

Happy 14th Birthday, Anthony!

It always feels like we have so much more time than we really do. Anthony, when you were little, just starting out in Preschool, thinking of you entering High School felt so far off. And because it's so far off, there aren't any emotions tied to it. You know that eventually the day will come, but it's so far in the future, you don't even give it a second thought. Until one day, somehow, you blink and the day is here, and you're left wondering where in the hell all that time you thought you had went. 

That is how I'm feeling. I'm feeling like I wish I could go back to the days where you were just a little preschooler, so proud of working on your letters and numbers. I'm feeling like I don't know how we've already reached 14, and you'll be entering High School in the fall. I'm feeling like I know better now, I know how quickly time passes, and I am all kinds of choked up knowing that in 4 years you will be graduating. 

I know this, but I still don't want to believe it. 4 years doesn't seem as far off as it used to. 

Anthony, we are continuously proud of the hard work you put into school. I know not all things school wise come easy to you, and you are one that has to put in the constant hard work to get those A's and B's (and you got them! All throughout Middle School!).  I know how frustrating it is to you that you have to work so hard, while others around you don't seem to. I can promise you that it's not always such a good thing to have things come easy. That doesn't teach you work ethic. That doesn't teach you perseverance. That doesn't teach you how to be brave and find your voice and know when it's time to ask for help. People who have never struggled or failed at anything don't truly know just how sweet and victorious it feels to succeed. But you know that feeling. I know you know that feeling. Otherwise you wouldn't have text me in the middle of the school day to tell me you succeeded in getting your math grade up to a B after such a long and hard last quarter. I know you felt proud of yourself. I know you felt that all your hard work payed off. The fact that you couldn't wait till you got home to tell me made my heart swell. I'm always in your corner. I'm always rooting for you. 

You will be a better man in the future for having to work hard now. I know it. And we are so damned proud of you for your perseverance. 

What a fine young man you are growing into. 

Happy 14th Birthday, Anthony Carl! Upwards and onwards.  

With love,                                                                                                            Mama Hauck

Happy Gotcha' Day, Leo!

2 years ago today, I adopted Leo. This tiny pup from a rescue shelter called Wags to Riches out of the Yakima, WA area caught my eye while I was casually perusing petfinder.com on a mild June day.  It was love at first sight. 

 

There must have been some special forces at play when the two of us were put together. Never in a million years would I have thought I could love a dog as fiercely as I do him. He is my heart dog. The one that touches my soul. I don't even care that it sounds corny to say it, because that's how strongly I feel that Leo was meant for me. 

This photo is my favorite. This photo means more to me then anyone will ever know. This is me in bed with a migraine with Leo right by my side. This dog.......it doesn't matter what time of day it is, who else is at home, what he was previously doing.....if I am unwell, he knows it, and he is there, laying by my side. 

Recently, in celebration of Leo turning 2 years old and my undying love for him, lol, I got his sweet little left paw print on my left foot. Now he can walk with me wherever I am, even if it's not home with him. I love it beyond words! 

I hope he can feel just how much I love him. 

With love,

Mama Hauck