Six Spectacular Years!

 

Happy 6th Gotcha Day to our Maggie Li Ya!

Six years ago, I held you in my arms for the very first time.

Today, you randomly crawled into my lap and fell asleep.

We've lived so much beautiful life in between those two moments.

You are kind and strong.

You defend those around you.

You tackle new challenges, even when you are nervous.

You have excelled in school this year, working so hard.

You were chosen by your peers to be the classroom leader. I definitely cried when that happened.

Meeting you on August 7, 2017 was one of the greatest days of my life. 

What a blessing to call you daughter.

What a blessing to be your mom and get to see you grow.

We love you so much, Margaret Li Ya Fedell.

Teenagehood.

You are 13.

A full fledged teenager now.

You are determined.

You are dedicated.

You work very hard at things that are important to you.

You are also fun.

And surprise people with your witty banter.

You make us laugh all the time.

You are still highly competitive and soccer is still your great love.

You have branched out a bit and ran cross and track... but you really just did that for conditioning for soccer.

You are a great teammate and a great friend.

We love your drive and you care more about a game then most of the kids out there.

But more importantly, you are a kind kid. You care about those around you and you care if someone is feeling left out.

You do really well in school and your determination shows in all aspects of life.

We love you so much and look forward to watching you grow!

Happy Birthday, Colin.

We pray it is the best year yet for you.

May you continue to love God and love those around you.

We love you so.

 

15

15 years ago, this one made his debut.

It wasn't the easiest debut, but he has made sure his presence has been known ever since!!

Jack completed his first year of high school, played JV soccer in the fall and played club soccer the rest of the year. He was able to travel to Florida and Arizona this year with his club soccer team to compete in showcases and loved the whole experience.

 

 Jack is now the proud owner of a driver's permit. He will have to accumulate 50+ hrs before he turns 16 and can get his license.

We are very proud of Jack and how he manages a very active soccer life, friends and school.

It was a definite learning curve, but he worked hard.

Jack is very social, always off riding bikes, going to "Dons on Hag", watching high school sports, and just hanging out with friends.

Jack makes sure that he is still the big brother and likes to frequently remind his siblings of that fact. We always know when Jack is home, as the decibel levels in the house raise significantly.

We love you, Jack, and look forward to seeing you grow this upcoming year. Lots of big things are coming and we know that you will thrive if you keep working hard. Be kind always, look out for those who do not speak up for themselves and be a good friend to all.

Happy Birthday, Bud. We love you so!

Spectacular Seven!

This sweet face is 7 years old today!! How can it be?!

Maggie is rocking the 1st grade! She loves her teacher and her friends and is growing in her confidence with reading and writing.

She works so hard at all that she does.

Maggie loves all things about the body and wants to be a doctor when she grows up. We have spent a lot of time watching (kid-friendly) videos about how the body works. ' The Blood Mobile' and Magic School Bus are some current favorites. 

Maggie loves to create. She will spend hours painting, drawing and cutting paper into shapes and little books. 

Maggie is the best sports sister, who has her bag of activities and snacks with her at all times.

She just goes with the flow of our busy sports family.

Maggie is inquisitive and always has just one more question. She doesn't want to just know how something works, she wants to know why. So, if Maggie asks you a questions, be prepared to give her an in-depth answer. 

 

We love our sweet girl and can't imagine our world without her.

We are so blessed to be her parents and we are so excited to celebrate another year with her. Maggie lights up our whole world with her smile and funny personality. She keeps her siblings on their toes and makes sure we are all in order.

 Happy 7th Birthday, Margaret Li Ya. We love you SO!

Nine and doing just fine!

 

My sweet girl is NINE today. One year away from double digits. Time slows down for no one.

Macy is a friend to all. She loves to help, to lead and to teach. She wants to be a gymnastic coach and a teacher when she grows up.

Macy discovered gymnastics this year and has fallen in love with the sport.

She works hard every day and is getting so strong.

Macy is funny and likes to joke around with her daddy.

She is patient with her sister, and not at all patient with her brothers.

She can occupy herself at any sporting event and is happy to be with her family...though not as happy to be at continual soccer games.

We love our kind, sweet girl. We can't wait to see how you grow and change in this coming year.

Happy Birthday, Macy Elizabeth. You are the best nine year old around and we are so proud that you are our daughter. We love you so!

5 years!

 

Five years ago I held you in my arms for the very first time.

It seems like yesterday.

It seems like a million years ago.

I can't imagine our world without Maggie.

She brings so much joy to our lives.

Maggie is sweet and kind and loves her friends and family.

She is organized and loves small details.

She notices everything and is quick to compliment.

She is determined and driven.

I can't believe that you have been our daughter for 5 whole years.

What a gift you are.

The blessing of having you in our family is something that we will never take for granted.

Being your mom is my great joy and privilege.

Happy 5th Family/Gotcha Day, Maggie Li Ya!

We love you so.

12

 

My boy is 12 today.

 If you see Colin, 90% of the time he will have a smile on his face.

He is a good friend, always willing to stand up for those around him.

He is a lover of soccer.

Playing soccer. Watching soccer.

He is a student of the beautiful game.

If asked, he would choose to be on a field, with a ball at his feet, over anything.

"We can go to a movie, or you can go to a soccer practice"

Colin will pick practice. Every time.

Colin also enjoys reading and spending time with friends.

His dream came true this year, and he finally has a dog.

Colin is a good student and while he denies liking school, he does well. 

We are so proud of you, Colin.

Keep being kind.

Keep defending those around you.

Keep your funny sense of humor, your killer "Dad" jokes and your quick wit.

(But, please try to be nicer to your sisters)

We love you and are excited to see where this year takes you!

Happiest Birthday, my love.