Eighteen

Congratulations! You are officially an adult! Eighteen years seems like a long time when you're just talking about it, but I truly cannot believe how quickly eighteen years have passed in real time. I'm so thankful you made me a mom and that you have been patient with me as I've tried to figure this parenting gig out. I think we have both learned a lot along the way. It has been one wild, crazy, heartbreaking, exhilarating, challenging, joyous ride that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world! You are such an amazing person, and I'm grateful to have you in my life!

You have really grown into yourself in the past year and I think you are more than ready to enter adulthood. About a year ago, you got a job working for Ruff It, the grooming and boarding side of City Vet. You were recognized for your hard work by being awarded employee of the month a couple of times, and it wasn't long before you were ready to move into a vet tech role with more challenges and responsibilities. You acquired many new skills and a greater degree of confidence, and you even took the lead on coming up with ways of making the clinic run more smoothly. And, you got pretty good at dealing with people and animals of varying temperaments. Unfortunately, because of Covid-19, you were furloughed from your job in late March, and then they decided they weren't going to be able to bring you back. It was a tough experience on many levels, but you handled it with grace and didn't let it get you down for long.

Because of work, you had the opportunity to stay home by yourself a couple of times during the summer and during the winter break, which is another reason I know you are more than prepared to enter adulthood. You are quite capable of taking care of yourself. And you are responsible and trustworthy...and thoughtful, as you even cleaned up the house before our return.

You had the opportunity to attend a CAP powered flight academy last summer, and you took a leadership position at one of the Encampment events, as well as attending and leading at several events in the fall. You also rose to an officer rank within the Nighthawk Squadron, achieved the title of 2nd Lieutenant, and received the Billy Mitchell award. I'm so proud of your hard work in this organization and of the wonderful skills you acquired! 

This was your senior year of high school, but you took all your classes at NCTC, so it was a bit of a non-traditional senior experience, which I guess was an appropriate ending to all your other years of non-traditional schooling. You enjoyed your classes and made excellent grades, and even wrecked the curve for the rest of the class from time to time. Your academic achievements earned you a nice scholarship to UNT and a place in the honors college. You are so smart, and you are an incredibly hard worker, and I'm so proud of all your accomplishments!

You have struggled, as all teenagers do, with what you want to major in in college and the path you'd like to take for your life. For now, you have settled on majoring in Psychology and possibly pursuing a career in Occupational Therapy. I think this is wonderful, but I want you to know that it's absolutely okay if you change your mind. Despite what society might have you think, you don't have to have your life figured out at the age of 18 (or any particular age). I know for sure that you have within you everything you need to become who and what you want to be on whatever timeline makes sense for you. And you have the power to change and grow and continue becoming all the days of your life, so don't ever think you are locked into something that no longer serves you and your happiness. I am excited about the journey that awaits you and will be here cheering you on every step of the way!

This year has brought some difficult changes and circumstances to our family and to the world at large, but I have watched you handle them all with grace, forgiveness, strength, and dignity. You are the kind of person who tries to see the good and make the best of the situation, and you have learned through therapy and life how to manage your mental health in a way that allows you to rise rather than sink. And because of this, you have so much to give to others. You have been a shining example and a wonderful comfort to your brothers, to myself, and to others as we have all navigated these choppy, unfamiliar waters. 

Ruth, you have the most beautiful heart and a wonderfully brilliant mind. And you truly have so much to offer the world. You make me proud and bring me joy every single day! I consider these last eighteen years with you a rare and amazing privilege, and I'm thankful for all of the big and little moments that have brought us to this point. You are now and will forever be, not only my favorite daughter, but one of my favorite people on the planet! Welcome to adulthood! You are going to rock it! I love you more than words can say!

Love,

Mom

Seventeen

Happy birthday to the person who made me a mother seventeen years ago! You have taught me so much, and it's been incredible watching you turn into the amazing young woman you are today. You are intelligent, thoughtful, creative, responsible, capable, caring, self-motivated, independent, and mature beyond your years. You work hard to accomplish your goals, and you consistently make smart choices. I'm so very proud of you and know without a doubt that you have a bright future ahead!

We spent a couple of months in South America last summer, visiting famous sites like the Amazon, Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, Easter Island, and the Andes. You bravely spoke Spanish with the natives, ate a grub in the Amazon, and drove a standard-transmission car on Easter Island. Besides that, you seemed to enjoy the sightseeing and the family time.

Last summer, you obtained your driver's license and, along with it, so much more freedom. You have been responsible with both those things and have never given us a reason to be concerned. Dad and I love that we can trust you completely on and off the road!

You ran cross country and track again this year. In addition to keeping fit and enjoying the activities, you have also made some great friends through HSAA, and it's so good to see you building these strong relationships. You are a faithful friend and have so much to offer!

You have also continued your involvement in CAP, which has pushed you into a variety of leadership roles this year. You became the First Sergeant of the squadron and recently made Chief. You have also staffed several camps, and, in a couple of days, you will attend a Powered Flight Academy. Adult leaders and parents of other cadets have told me how you add value to the organization, and from my perspective, it has been nothing but a positive experience. I have seen you gain confidence and leadership skills that will serve you well for the rest of your life.

This year, you took most of your classes through NCTC, and though you were often the youngest person in your classes, you consistently impressed your professors by your class participation and performace on assignments and exams. You stayed on top of the material and studied hard, which allowed to you receive an A in every class. You also made a 1440 on the SAT, which is really fantastic and should help you move in whatever college direction you choose.

Ruth, I am so thankful that I have gotten to have you in my life for seventeen years! You are a delight to know, and you make me proud every single day! I hope that this coming year is your best one yet! I love you!

Love,
Mom

We have a new driver!

School Outings and Such

We have really been enjoying the outings planned by Jeff's school and have been trying to take advantage of as many of them as we can. Yesterday, Jeff and I visited one of the museums in town that is dedicated to the town's founding. The original seat of government and adjoining plaza were buried by an earthquake in 1861, and the Museo del Area Fundacional sits right atop the excavation site. I wrote more about the experience on my Year of Firsts blog, if you want to check it out.

Museo del Area Fundacional

The entrance to the museum , showing the excavation site

This evening, the Australian owner of the school invited the students (and whoever the students wanted to bring) to one of the bodegas in town, Wine O'Clock, for a wine tasting and some Spanish/English conversation. The boys didn't want to get out in the cold and opted to stay in watching a movie and eating pizza rolls, but Jeff and Ruth and I went and had a wonderful time. We got to try a couple of wines--a Malbec, which we loved, and a Cab that was good but not great--while also enjoying a cheese board and some nice conversation. (I didn't get any photos while we were there, so I borrowed some from the Internet.)

Wine O'Clock tasting room

Ramanegra is our new favorite Malbec!

After checking in with the boys after the tasting and finding them perfectly happy and safe, Jeff and Ruth and I went out to grab some dinner at El Club de Milanesa, which is a very cool restaurant dedicated to chicken fried steak (though not the way we think of it in Texas). We ordered the sampler and got to try seven different milanesas plus a big basket of "loaded" fries. And, for dessert, we had the flan volcano filled with dulce de leche, which was wonderful. We really love Mendoza and all the fun things to do here!

Fun night out at El Club de Milanesa

Milanesa Sampler

Flan Volcano

Celebrating 16

We had a pretty low-key, but still very fun, celebration for Ruth's birthday today. She had requested pancakes for breakfast, which was a little easier said than done, since that doesn't really seem to be a thing here in Mendoza. We also don't have any measuring cups in our house, so Ruth just threw ingredients into a bowl and hoped for the best. I then cooked the pancakes one at a time in a frying pan, which took quite a long time but was worth it. The pancakes came out super thick but quite tasty, and even though we couldn't find syrup, we found a number of other acceptable toppings. 

Birthday breakfast

Pancakes upon pancakes upon pancakes!

Later, Ruth made herself a chocolate pie, which also proved to be something of an adventure. We only had an oval pan, and the pie crust we found was more like phyllo dough. Also the handle on the saucepan was just about to fall off and would twist around in her hand every time she tried to grab it, so hot chocolate kept spilling all over everything. And a certain little brother released all the aerosol from the whipped cream canister, so that it came out creamy rather than foamy. But it tasted good and makes for a good story. 

Birthday pie

When we were giving Ruth our gift of many gift cards to some of her favorite places, Clay was sad because he didn't have a store-bought gift for her, even though he had drawn a lovely picture to give her. So, he begged me to take him to the store to pick something out. He is such a giver and a lover, and I couldn't resist his request. He found the perfect thing: a pack of four different writing instruments Ruth could use for school and a package of Ferro Rocher bonbons. He's such a sweet boy, and he does love his sister so!

When you get exactly what you
wanted for your birthday.

There will be some shopping in this girl's future

These two have the sweetest relationship!

For dinner, we went out to a cool place that Ruth picked out called Fuente y Fonda. The restaurant didn't even open until 8, and we were some of the first patrons to arrive. The concept of the place is shareable dishes served family-style. We ordered three different things: Chicken Milanesa, Shepard's Pie, and Steak, which came with sides and bread and desserts. Everything was delicious, and we had such a great time!

Fuente y Fonda

Birthday dinner

So much yumminess!

And Just Like That, You're Sixteen

Dear Ruth,

I know that at the stage of life you're in time seems to move too slowly. You are ready to be out on your own, becoming your own person and making your own way in the world. But for me, the years are flying by, and it's hard for me to believe you are already 16! I do love this age, though. I love that you are capable of doing everything. I love that you are planning your future. I love that our relationship is evolving to be one more of friendship.

We spent last summer traveling around the western U.S. and Canada in our tiny RV, and though you were sometimes annoyed by the lack of space and privacy, you were a trooper, and overall I think you enjoyed the trip and learned some things about yourself and about some places you had never been. One of our stops on the trip was the Air Force Academy in Colorado. Our time there lit a spark in you and inspired you in many ways. You decided you could see yourself at a place like that and immediately began to make plans and take actions to try to make that happen.

For example, you had never been a runner, but you decided almost on the spot that you would start a training program for yourself and that you would join a cross country team when we got back to Flower Mound. You were disciplined to get up early, even while we were on vacation, and to put forth whatever effort you could muster for that day, working up from short runs that left you wiped out to runs several miles long that left you energized. Once we were back and you were part of the team, you diligently followed all the recommendations of your coaches and continued to improve your times and gain more stamina, working hard both at practice and on your own. By the end of cross country season, you definitely considered yourself a runner and were eager to continue the work you started by joining the track team. You improved at every meet during the track season and even earned your letter jacket by running on the varsity team at several meets.

In addition to running cross country and track, you participated with IEA again, though by the end of the season you were feeling a little burned out and were wanting to put more of your focus on your running sports, college preparation, and some of your other activities. You haven't decided if you will go back to IEA in the fall. Sometimes it is hard to walk away from something that is familiar or comfortable or something you have previously loved and go a different direction, but I'm really proud of you for taking a critical look at your activities in order to decide what is truly important to you, what really brings you joy, and what is best for you in this season of you life.

Other than sports, you also participated in a homeschool honor society and took on a volunteer position at a barn that works with disabled kids. And you found the Civil Air Patrol, which seems to be what brings you the most joy right now. You feel connected and inspired and challenged there, and you are working hard to move through the ranks. You joined the Color Guard and got to participate in a parade and a horse show with them. You also got to do your first training flight, which thrilled and excited you in so many ways and may have sealed the deal for you to pursue getting a pilot's license at some point in the future.

Aside from our summer trip, we had several other opportunities for travel this year. We went to Nashville in August to see the total solar eclipse, which was really something spectacular to behold. We also traveled to Washington D. C. in November, which was a trip you thoroughly enjoyed. In December, we spent time with family in South Padre. We took a short trip to eastern Oklahoma in March, which was restful for all of us. And, we are currently traveling in South America. We've already visited Peru and Easter Island, and now we are in Mendoza, Argentina. And, we still have Chile to look forward to. You have had a very open mind on this trip, and it seems you have enjoyed the overall travel experience more than you have in the past.

You have been working on your Spanish this year and have improved dramatically. And you have been so thrilled and proud to be able to understand and communicate with a variety of people while we are traveling in Spanish-speaking countries. Doing something hard, like learning a language, never seems like much fun when you're in the midst of it, but it's usually worth it in the end, if for no other reason than to know that you are capable of doing hard things. You are definitely capable of doing hard things, and I'm proud of you for putting in the effort and pushing through the discomfort that comes before the accomplishment.

In many ways, this year has been easier and happier for you than last year. You seem to be settling in to who you are and feeling more comfortable in your own skin. You still had some difficult classes in school, but they didn't seem to frazzle you as much. You've been better about not taking yourself so seriously and giving yourself grace, and there is peace in that. You also made some good friends through your various activities, who you have enjoyed hanging out with. And you and Weston have really developed a special bond, which is touching to see and good for both of you.

You got your driver's permit right after your last birthday and have been driving us everywhere. You have driven in all sorts of conditions and have encountered some stressful situations on the road, but you have kept your head and maintained a calm demeanor. It has been a delight to see you gain confidence in yourself and your ability to handle the unexpected. You are looking forward to getting you license when we get back to Texas, which will mean a new level of independence for you. You are more than ready for it, and I'm excited for you!

Ruth, it's actually sort of difficult for me to put into words how very proud I am of you, but I hope you know that I am. You are an amazing young woman, and I'm so thankful for you! You are a hard worker and put your heart and soul into every endeavor you attempt. You are a helper and a giver. You are funny and intelligent and brave. You are so responsible and mature, and I trust you completely. I'm so glad that you made me a mother 16 years ago. You have taught me so much and have brought immeasurable joy to my life. Even if I wasn't your mom, I would consider it a privilege to know you. I know there are amazing things in store for you, and I can't wait to see where your path takes you this year and in the years to come. Happy 16th birthday! I love you!

Love,
Mom

Where one season ends and another begins

Today was Ruth's last cross country meet of the season and her first horse show. She had very little time between the two events and literally had to change clothes in the car. She pulled off the transition flawlessly! We are so proud of all her hard work during the cross country season and for the ways she has improved and the friends she's made. The riding season got off to a great start, and we look forward to all it holds.

A strong finish to the cross country season

Ruth and Charming in the Walk/Trot class

Ruth and Blue in the Walk/Trot/Canter class

2nd in W/T and 4th in W/T/C

Sibling Week

Ruth's cross country team invited younger siblings to join them at practice this week and then participate in a special one-mile race at the meet today. Max, who was born to run, was the only one of Ruth's brothers to get in on the action, and he loved it. Both kids performed very well today, and we are proud of both of them!

Hitting it hard

Off they go!
(Apparently a lot of little brothers felt the need for speed!)

Focused on the finish line!

Transformation Tuesday

While our boys are away, Ruth and I are making the most of our girl time. Today we enjoyed a trip to the salon. We both knew we wanted drastic change, and we were pleasantly surprised to find out that our unwanted hair could be donated to an organization that provides wigs to cancer patients at no cost to them. That's definitely what I call a win-win!

Before

After

From Colorado to Texas and back again

Yesterday, we drove from Colorado to Texas so we could pay a visit to the DPS office this morning and pick up a very important piece of paper. The lady in the office was blown away by Ruth's organization and couldn't believe she had all the necessary paperwork. She said she thought it was the first time in the history of the county that someone actually got their permit on the first try. Today, we turned around and drove back to Colorado, because we're a little crazy like that. But, our new driver did get some time behind the wheel, so that was pretty exciting. We are now at one of the best KOAs ever, just outside of Durango.

Apparently, Texas was glad to see us!

This is how younger brothers wait on big sister

She's official!

Not everyone is lucky enough to do their
beginning driving in a beauty like this!

Lunch in New Mexico, Christmas style

The Caboose Cafe and Pavilion at our KOA

Pizza and a movie under the pavilion

Fifteen

Dear Ruth,

Today, you turned fifteen. Fifteen. Wow! This surprises me in two ways. On the one hand, it still seems like you should be a little girl, like I just met you and we are only starting to get to know each other. On the other hand, it seems like you have been in my life forever, and since you are mature beyond your years, I often forget that you are the age you are. I am surprised both by the fact that you are already 15 and that you are only 15.

These last 15 years have been challenging in so many ways, but they have also been some of the most fun and rewarding of my life. You and I have been teaching each other about life, and I think we have both learned a lot. We are still learning.

You are fiercely independent and amazingly responsible. You show a tremendous amount of initiative in a variety of circumstances, and you eagerly pursue knowledge and experiences which you believe will help you achieve your goals or, at the very least, make you a better, more interesting person. Dad and I are so proud of you and know you have a bright future ahead of you.

As is to be expected of someone your age and wide range of interests, you are not quite sure what that future holds. You have played with many ideas for colleges and careers, and I think you put a lot of pressure on yourself to figure all of this stuff out, and you get frustrated when you don't know for sure which path to pursue. It's truly okay that you don't know yet where your road leads. It'll all come together at just the right time. The important thing is that you are currently laying a foundation for your life that will help you be successful no matter which direction (or directions) you choose to go.

This has been a tough year in some ways. We ended our RTW trip and moved to Flower Mound. You started high school and jumped into several AP classes. One of those was outside of home, and it wasn't what any of us expected it to be. There were some hard but worthwhile lessons learned this year, and you are surely stronger because of the trials.

This year was also full of of some really spectacular experiences. You joined the local IEA team and have had so much fun and learned so much through the practices and shows. You performed very well, won a number of ribbons throughout the season, and even advanced to Regionals. You are a natural with the horses, and I think they love you almost as much as you love them.

In December and again in March, you had the opportunity to work with Aunt Bekki in her vet clinic. You loved every minute of it and hope to have similar opportunities in the future. You are still considering vet medicine as a possible future career but are wisely keeping your options open.

We took our new-to-us RV to Florida in January and visited Universal Studios, which you really enjoyed. We are currently on a three-month tour of the Western U.S. and Canada, which you seem to love, aside from missing the barn and horses back in Flower Mound. Tomorrow, if all goes according to plan, you will become the proud owner of a driver's permit and will then have an opportunity to try out the driver's seat during portions of the rest of our journey.

Ruth, you are one amazing young lady! You are smart and beautiful, and you make me proud and inspire me every single day. What a privilege it is to be your mom and to watch you grow and blossom. I love you more than I can say! Happy 15th!

Love,
Mom

From Denver to Boulder and back again

Our day started around 5:30 this morning, because we really wanted to visit the Mint, and we had heard that you pretty much had to be in line by 6:30 to have any realistic chance of getting tickets for any of the day's free tours. As luck would have it, we did get tickets for the 8:00 tour, and by the time we were done around 9, the ticket office only had a few more tickets available for the last tour of the day, which was to start at 3:30. It was a fascinating tour and a nice complement to our recent tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Ft. Worth.

Early birds at the Denver Mint

In order to make the idea of getting up so early more palatable to the kids, we promised them we would take them out for breakfast. And we made good on that after the tour by taking them over to Dozens.

Dozens

Most important meal of the day

After breakfast, we drove over to Boulder to take a tour of the Celestial Seasonings tea factory. We were able to go out on the factory floor and get very close to all the machinery, which was really interesting to see. We also thoroughly enjoyed the tasting room! But the best part of the tour was the smell! Heavenly fragrances wafted up from every corner of the property, both inside and outside.

Celestial Seasonings

Clay with the iconic Sleepytime Bear

Enjoying a cozy seat

The tasting room

When we were finally able to pull ourselves away, we drove over to the Scott Carpenter Park, so the boys could burn off some energy on the playground, while the rest of us either napped or just relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.

Having a blast at the park

View of The Flatirons from Scott Carpenter Park

Finally, we headed back over to Denver for an early birthday celebration for Ruth, which started with dinner at The Populist and ended with rolled ice cream from Chaos and Cream. We also managed to toast National Wine Day in the process. It was a full and fun day, and we loved every minute!

Dinner at The Populist

Seared Scallops

Cheers to National Wine Day!

Rolled ice cream for the birthday girl