15

 

Happy Birthday to our 15 year old! Colin is currently on a his way home from Ensenada, Mexico having helped build a house for a family in need. I can't wait to hear all about his trip and to hug my boy!

Colin is constantly on the go, whether he is going to or from soccer or hanging out with his friends, he is rarely still.

His great love is still soccer and he will spend another season playing MLSNext with his club team. His dedication to his sport and his passion is inspiring. He works very hard to stay at the level he plays at. It is no easy feat.

Colin is a great friend and a good brother...when he wants to be! He has a big group of friends who stay actively involved in each other's life. 

Colin is active in our church's youth group, especially his life group. Even if he has soccer training, he will still go late and tries to make every life group meeting. They are a great group of boys!

This summer, he chose to spend 3 weeks of his break to serve others. He worked in Detroit for a week, cleaning up yards, streets and school in the heart of Detroit. He is coming home from a week in Mexico, building houses for families who slept on dirt floors and in August he will head to middle school camp as a volunteer  and game coordinator. This was very much his decision and his choice to spend his rare free time. We are so proud of him.

Happy Birthday, Colin. We can't believe that you are 15! We are so proud of your determination and your commitment in all that you do. You work hard and it shows. We pray that the Lord guides your steps in the coming year. We are so excited to see what the Lord has in store for you.

Happiest of Birthdays, my boy. We love you so!

17

Seventeen years ago, this one made me a momma.

17. One year away from "adulthood". One more year of high school. Time surely is a thief.

Jack is active and on the go all the time.

He plays soccer for both high school and club. He works hard at school and challenges himself.

Jack loves to hang out with his friends, exploring every single hot chicken place in Detroit Metro.

Jack is interested in business and enjoys "reselling" clothes on line that he thrifts.

Jack is the typical big brother. He makes sure they know they he is the boss.

Jack is helpful with running his brother and sister to their practices, especially if he gets to drive with the sunroof open on a nice day.

We love you, Jack. We look forward to seeing where the upcoming year will take you.

Lots of big decisions ahead.

We pray that the Lord guides you in all that you do. We pray for wisdom in the decisions that you make.

We know that regardless of what choices you make, we will be right beside you, supporting you.

Happy 17th Birthday, my son. We love you. We are proud of you. We are excited for you and for the future ahead. Lead with kindness. Trust the Lord. Enjoy this exciting year! Time, slow down.

 

Nine and Feeling Fine

Our sweet girl is NINE today! Last year in the single digits.

Maggie spent her day helping me, going to a soccer game and playing with friends.

A very accurate representation of her life.

Helpful. Patient. Friendly

Maggie loves to be with her family the most. She is the happiest at home, with her whole family. With our busy schedule, it doesn't happen very ofter, but when it does, she thrives. 

Maggie is kind and caring and always looks out for her friends. She cares about the people around her and sees the people that others seem to miss. She has a special gift of seeing people and making them feel seen and heard.

She is just the best little friend around.

Maggie is so fun. She likes to tease her brothers and sister, and especially her dad.

She has the best laugh and enjoys singing silly songs and dancing ridiculous dances. 

Happiest 9th Birthday to our girl. We love you and your kind heart and sweet smile and inquisitive mind.  We are looking forward to seeing you grow this year. I know that God has great things in store for you.

Happy Birthday, Maggie Li Ya.

We love you so!

14 and feeling fine

 

This boy. He is 14 today. Entering into high school in the fall. Growing like a weed.

 He still love soccer the most, spending almost all of his time doing something involved with his sport.

Colin chose to play soccer with his club MLS Next team this year, which does not allow him to play for his high school. He is excited to continue to play MLS Next with his buddies and travel around the country.

 We are so proud of his hard work and dedication to his sport. He truly gives it his all.

  Colin is lots of fun, making us laugh all the time. He tends to torment his siblings, making sure they are aware of his presence at all time.

Colin does well in school and enjoys hanging out with his friends. He loves to spend time with his life group and youth group at church.

Colin is loyal and kind, ready to help out if needed. 

 We love you, buddy. We are excited to see where life takes you. You are smart and strong, serious and funny. It's an exciting year for you! There will be many new adventures to come and we can't wait to watch!

Happy 14th Birthday, Colin. We love you so!

16

 

The boy that made me a momma is 16 today.

Time is a thief.

Jack is on the go, all the time. If you can't find him on a soccer pitch, you will find him with his friends, playing spike ball or his latest obsession, pickleball.

Jack crushed his sophomore year. He decided to "put in the grind" and finished the year with a 4.0.

Jack loves traveling and exploring new places. He loves that he can go to new areas for soccer and he and his dad always find a local ice cream place to "test out".

Jack plays soccer for both his high school and club and is exploring playing in college...which is coming up alarming soon.

Jack, we are so proud of your hard work. When you decide to do something, you do it well.

We love your sense of adventure and know that you will do great things!

We know that you can be a great leader. People watch and follow you, and we pray that you lead by example. You are a great friend.

Be kind to those around you. Notice the ones who go unseen. Advocate for others. Be a friend to all.

We can't wait to watch you grow and learn and change the world.

We love you buddy and are so proud of you.

Happy 16th, my son.

Now...everyone stay off the roads!!

Eight is Great!

This magnificent girl is 8 today!

Maggie is funny and kind and inquisitive. She doesn't just want to know the answer, she wants to know why and how.

Maggie is a good leader. She was voted by her classmates to be the leader representation for the class for the second year in a row.  She may be the smallest in her class, but her classmates listen to her and respect her. She is tiny, but mighty!

Maggie loves to be with her family, playing school with her sister. She is a favorite with Luna, always begging for Maggie's attention.

Maggie has lots of interests and want to be either a doctor or a teacher. Her favorite animal is still a penguin and we have watched many, many documentaries on penguins.

Maggie loves to do art projects and has recently gotten interested in reading.

Maggie is the best sports sister around. She has a bag packed of things to do and play with, along with a very large pile of snacks, ready to go at any time.

She is always sideline ready, and has a great little group of friends at Colin's games.

She rarely complains, only if it is outside and freezing.

Maggie lights up our life and we are so in love with our girl. Happy 8th Birthday, Maggie Li Ya Fedell!

We love you big time. We can't wait to watch you grow. We are excited to see what God is going to do in your life!

My Double Digit Daughter

Our Macy girl is 10. Both hands. All ten fingers.

Macy is funny and kind. She loves to help. If you need a helper, in any capacity, Macy is your girl.

Macy wants to be a teacher when she grows up. She loves to play school with Maggie and she likes being with little kids. She will be great babysitter when she is older!

Macy is in 4th grade and is a great leader in her class.

Macy is a great big sister. She loves to spend time with her family and her dog, Luna. 

Macy is funny and is always making "Dad" jokes with her Daddy. They crack each other up every day.

Macy is a good athlete and works really hard. She has doubled her hours and her meets in gymnastics this year.

She is determined, and that drive has paid off. We are excited to see her grow and learn more this year as she starts competitive gymnastics.

Happy 10th Birthday, Macy!

We love you so much. We are so proud of the beautiful young lady that you are becoming. Continue to be kind to those around and to advocate for those who can not speak for themselves. We can't wait to watch you grow and take on new things this year.

We love you!