I'm not sure what I was so busy doing in early April but I realized that I missed my favourite thing to do for you - write your annual birthday letter.
I know it may seem silly to you that I write you and your sister's a letter every year but I this I know for sure.
1. When I ask you to read yours (which I will do tonight) - you pretend that you don't like it but I know that you secretly do.
And 2. One day, perhaps when I am long gone, or when you have a family of your own - you might, YOU JUST MIGHT, look back at these letters and if I'm very lucky? They may touch you just a little bit.
You aren't ready to drive just yet. Even though I push to you to get your learner's permit. Mostly because I think it well have you feeling accomplished.
Your anxiety gets the best of you sometimes but I promise you my sweet boy, that stuff gets much better when YOU are in control.
Do you remember when I suffered so much and would often take the wheel from your dad? Somehow, I felt better when I knew fate was in my own hands.
School has been going much better this year - I know you would still rather be anywhere but there but still, you go.
To me, it represents exactly how I see you - such innocence with just the slightest hint of mischief.
And that you would not regret it later when the time was indeed "right" and you had already exhausted all that fun.
And I think if I asked you if it was different than you imagined - wishing back then so desperately to grow up - today, you would say yes.
I may get frustrated - I may say things you don't want to hear - I may even do things you will never understand.
She's just learned to ride a two-wheeler (!!) so she's been riding while I run alongside her or else we'll just walk the local neighbourhood.
Over the summer months, I feel like we've all but stopped this routine so we're both pretty pumped about starting it up again now that the weather is cooling down.
She keeps me honest {read: she forces me to go} on days when I really don't feel like it. Truth be told though, don't we always feel so much better once we do get out??
Koral Activewear sent along these ah-mazing leggings made out of their signature form-fitting infinity fabric that fits {quite literally} like a second skin.
With a fun logo'd waist, they easily made the transition from workout to an afternoon of lunch and running errands with the addition of a soft, lightweight denim shirt.
baseball cap - Lululemon | tank - Gap | leggings - "Aden" c/o Koral Activewear | trainers - New Balance
If you're like me, I always feel better being active when I feel I look good and let me tell you, these leggings hide a multitude of sins.
Available in a range of colours and prints, with free shipping and returns to the U.S., this line is a winner.
Just time is so scarce these days between mommying, working and occasionally selfieing on instagram.
Today, I'm featuring a brand I've worked with before - and am blessed to have the opportunity to work with again.
SmartBuyGlasses remains one of the world's largest AND fastest growing online eye and sunglasses retailers (which comes as no surprise when you check out their selection and pricing!) -
I'm wearing a pair by Jimmy Choo and though it's a tad difficult to see by these photos; they are actually a very dark charcoal. The shape is perfection and they feel light on the face which is always a plus with acrylic frames, n'est pas?
I envision her one day reading through all of her letters - not unlike both Isabella and Julian have.
They don't say much but I know they get a kick out of reading about themselves and what they were like year after year.
I think mostly because you knew it meant getting rid of your car booster. The moment I did so, you told your brother you were officially no longer a baby. And that he couldn't make fun of you anymore.
You could read and write all day long - and right now, like myself years before you, the library is one of your favourite places to be.
And you get through each one of them before reminding me 10x that it is time for them to be returned.
I surprised you with a real live unicorn at your birthday party - you and ms. Lily became fast friends.
I will never forget how you stopped mid-party to come over to me for a hug telling me how thankful you were.
I will say, it's not technically stealing per se since I am the one that took this photograph in the first place.
Canvas Factory made it so simple for me to create this keepsake for her - which she may or may not have received on the morning of her 19th birthday.
Tons of available options for sizing, colour and effects; but somehow, I always go back to classic black + white.
Posted by Susan Liberatore at 12:26 PM 16 comments : Labels: authenticity, lifestyle, parenting, photography
Some days, I feel like my life is just a whirlwind of waking up, frantically getting everyone ready for school, downing a coffee, rushing out of the house, drop offs and then, starting it all over again the next day.
So used to prepping for a family of five - and now, between work and school for all - it's not often enough that we all sit down at the same time.
Isabella is in her 2nd year of university and is so dedicated to her schooling - honestly, she makes me so proud.
She will learn that on her own I am sure; but raising strong girls has always been top priority for me.
I remember Isabella telling me how quickly - too quickly - those years went. And how often she wishes she could go back to what now seem like such carefree years.
In just a few short years, at the tender age of 17, these kids need to decide the course of their future.
Her vocabulary rivals that of a 25 year old. The things that come out of her mouth amaze me on the daily.
And making comments like "Mom, I can't believe Jacquie likes Noah. Do you see his side profile? His nose?!"
I've found that no matter how hard you try, the laundry will still pile up. The ironing will still sit for days. The dust will come back. And the to-do list will always seem never-ending.
Are you a writaholic? @Ava_Jae vlogs about the importance of taking writing breaks to avoid burnout. (Click to tweet)
YA writer. Author of BEYOND THE RED trilogy (Sky Pony Press). Insatiable reader. Freelance Editor. Rep'd by Louise Fury of The Bent Agency.