Jaris is Eleven

Eleven years old on on the verge of middle school. How is that possible? I'm not sure what we've done to deserve such a great kid but we are so thankful for you.  5th grade has been so great and a huge confidence builder. This is uncharted territory for us! Your reading has (for the most part) caught up with where you should be and you have maintained that throughout the year. It's been a great school year and we are anxious and excited for all that middle school will bring. 

We are navigating the preteen waters and with that comes patience from all 3 of us. Testing the waters on your end and a lot of trust on ours. You have a great group of school friends and sports friends that we are close with and we know you have a great foundation for the years ahead. 

You and dad are constantly together as dad coaches you in every sport. I know you might not see eye to eye all the time but I also know you would want it any other way. You love having dad there as both a source of comfort and a driving force! You guys bond over your games.

My time with you is between practices and is becoming more and more grown up. Our conversations are more grown up and inquisitive, quick glances during conversations when we hear shared inside jokes, and a (continuing to grow) better understanding of each other. 

You are playing football, baseball, and basketball. We are about to start tackle football in the fall and you are pumped. When you can watch your sister play her sports you are supportive and sweet. You love going hunting with dad. You are constantly asking him to play catch outside or run football routes. You like playing Fortnite with Brooks and your friends. You are picking up dog waste for our neighbor and you are so sweet with their little boy who adores you. You have a great group of sports friends that love you and we are so glad for that group.

We are so proud of you and all that you do and continue to do. As parents, we are growing and learning right along side you, making mistakes and we are just as nervous about the next chapter as you are. We pray that you continue to follow your heart and the word of God and that you take that with you into these crazy middle school years and know that we will always be here for you. We love you to the moon and back buddy.