First Week of School - 2026/2027

It’s Friday, and that means it’s the end of your first week back to school. And this year is a big one, particularly for Holden and Mercedes. Sorry Lexi in the Middle – you’re always important too of course, but this year marks both Holden’s FIRST year of high school and Mercedes’ LAST year of high school – huge transitional moments for both of you.

Holden – We’re so proud of the young man you’re turning into, although you definitely don’t share as much with us as you used to when you were younger. (I do miss the days when all of you fought to tell us every detail of your days and you were the class clown, always with a joke or a funny comment, especially at the dinner table, to get a rise out of your sisters.) You are adjusting to the new routine – earlier mornings (a bit difficult for someone who missed the morning basically all summer!), new teachers, longer classes, changing rooms, etc. So far so good! You might have been a little bit nervous about this new phase, but you took it all in stride, even in a couple of classes where you didn’t have any of your main crew with you. I can’t wait to see what this year holds for you.

Lexi – Despite it not being a milestone year for you, I’m still always so proud of you. I know you can get anxious in new situations, and going back to school after a summer of freedom is a big transition of its own. But you have friends in your classes, your teachers seem decent, your class schedule is good, and you even seem a little bit excited about some of the work you’ll get to do (especially in Science and History). I know you’re incredibly academically motivated, which I love, and I have zero worries about your grades – so my only wish for you this year is that you continue to explore the more social side of high school and your teenage years with the awesome friend group you have.

Mercedes – Although you’re hardly AT school (only one class in-person this semester and two next semester), that doesn’t change what a pivotal time this year is for you. We’ve done one university tour already (Brock) and tomorrow we’re going to tour Trent. And in a couple of weeks you’ll be off to Ottawa for the weekend with Ava to tour uOttawa and Carleton, which is super exciting and also super scary to think of you five whole hours away! You all did Senior Sunrise yesterday and you’re already talking about the Prom after-party… what a fun time this year will be. But let’s not lose sight of the ‘lock-in’ you promised to ensure the best grades possible (while still having the time of your life!) so you have your choice of the kind of future you want next year. No matter what, I know this year will be great – you may not realize it now, but you are living the quintessential teenage life (actually you remind me a lot of me at your age) – driving around with your friends, boys, parties, ENDLESS sleepovers, chatting on the phone at all hours… I couldn’t be happier that you are thriving. And you even got a new job this week! While you may not be sad to say goodbye to McDonald’s, I know it was a great first employment experience. Onward and upward!

All in all, while we’re so stunned by how quickly time is passing, we’re also so proud of the young adults you all are. Funny, kind, hard-working, and beautiful inside and out. What more could we ask for? Here’s to a great school year! We can’t wait to see what happens.

Love,

Mama

Last Day of School - Grades 8, 9 and 11!

Well, we did it! Another school year has come and gone, and this year marks another ending and beginning, as Holden has graduated Grade 8! After 13 years of being a part of the Hewitt’s Creek Public School community, our family’s time there has come to an end. And I’m sad about it! When we were outgrowing our house in Newmarket thanks to Holden’s impending arrival, we were very intentional about which neighbourhood we chose, knowing that we wanted to stay here until you were all finished both elementary and secondary school. It seemed like such a far-off thing, since Mercedes hadn’t even started JK yet. And now here we are, 13 years later, and my last baby has graduated and will be off to high school next year!

It’s hard to believe that next year all of you will be in school together, one last time… and then we start the grad cycle all over again. I am so proud of all of you and your accomplishments this year – it’s been a big one.

Mercedes – Watching you navigate choosing higher-level courses, think about university programs, figure out what you might want to pursue in the future, get your licence, work part-time… it’s hit us that you are almost an adult and with only one year left of high school, you could be moving out in just over 12 months! I’m not quite sure I’ll ever be ready for my babies to leave the nest, but I’m so excited for what lies ahead for you in Grade 12 and beyond – prom, graduation, all the last-year stuff that comes with it, and of course, figuring out university applications and acceptances. I can’t wait to see what your very bright future holds!

Lexi – You’ve finished your first year of high school! And very, very successfully. I know you were nervous about this big transition and moving between classes and making new friends and real exams – but you’ve done so well and we couldn’t be prouder. Your work ethic and perfectionism may have driven me a bit crazy at times, but your marks and comments and attendance record reflect your effort. While we don’t have final report cards yet for Semester 2, I know already that your marks are outstanding, just like Semester 1. High marks are definitely NOT the most important thing – effort and commitment and consistency are, but it’s a nice bonus that it’s paying off for you, and I hope you’re proud of yourself too.

Holden – Last night was your Grade 8 graduation, and despite the bittersweet emotions it brought up, mostly I was just so thrilled to see you smiling and happy and embracing the moment. Seeing you before the ceremony with your large group of friends (a truly awesome cohort of boys, many of whom you’ve been friends with for the past 10 years) warmed my heart. All of the parents agreed that this group is so special – polite, respectful, kind, considerate of each other – and we’re so happy we got to give you the gift of a limo before grad to really commemorate this momentous occasion. And we’re super thankful that you all agreed to the hour-long photoshoot beforehand! I worried about you when you started school, knowing you’d always be the youngest in your class… but I never should have bothered. We’re so happy with the young man you are growing into, and I can’t wait see what high school holds for you.

 

Congratulations to all of you on a successful year – I’m so proud of each of you, and so excited to see what’s next. Enjoy your summer vacation – you’ve earned it!

Love,

Mum

Lexi - Happy 15th Birthday!

Dear Lexi,

Fifteen! How has a decade and a half of loving you flashed by in the blink of an eye? I can remember all your tiny newborn goodness so easily (and I do mean tiny! You were small, but mighty and that’s never really changed). I am so beyond proud of the person you are, the woman you are growing into, and the kid that I just absolutely love hanging out with.

I said this in your card (and it’s something that your Zaidie has said to me frequently over the years)… I love you, of course. You’re pretty easy to love, first of all, and you’re my kid, so duh. But I also actually really *like* you. I like your opinionated personality, your unique taste, your eclectic music mix, your foodie aspirations, your stubbornness, your cleverness, your perfectionism, your sense of humour, your tenderness for the cats (and all animals). I like hanging out with you and watching house shows or laughing over something the cats have done. I like sitting on your bed and listening to you talk about your day or driving you around like a chauffer (did I mention stubborn?) while I discover new, interesting songs you’ve added to your playlist.

I am so proud of how you’ve adjusted to high school this year, because I know transitions and new situations are not always easy for you (and your marks are fantastic), but mostly I’m just so thrilled to watch you continue to develop into your own awesome person.

Keep being you and keep shining bright – we always knew you were a star, and every day, every week, every year, you continue to prove us right.

Love,

Mum

Mercedes - Happy 17th Birthday!

Dear Mercedes,

Happy 17^th Birthday! On a cold Friday the 13^th much like today, you made your dramatic entrance into this world, and truthfully the (delightful) drama hasn’t stopped since! It makes me feel incredibly old to be the mother of a 17-year-old, but you also keep me perpetually young at heart. Nothing fills my cup more than driving in the car with you, windows down, singing along to loud music, cracking jokes, laughing together, sharing gossip. I know that everyone LOVES their kids. And I do, I love you so incredibly much. But I also actually really LIKE you. Hanging out, laughing, shopping, going to concerts, snuggling and watching tv or crying at sad movies while sharing chocolate… it’s really some of the best moments of my life.

They say that teenagers pull away a bit as they get older – soon enough you’ll be moving out, off to spread your wings at university as a young adult and figure out your place in this world. And I do feel it a bit – especially now that you have your ultimate freedom in the form of a driver’s licence. You don’t need me as much, you have an active social life, we don’t have as many opportunities to hang out… and I’m ok with it, because I know it’s the way it’s supposed to be, and I absolutely love seeing your independence flourish. But I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t make a little sad that I don’t get to see your beautiful face as often. So please, life your live, enjoy having probably the most perfect adolescence in history – but also, don’t forget your dear old mom. Don’t forget about our concert adventures and movie dates and Taylor Swift and our summer drives – even if you don’t *need* me to drive you around anymore, I still *need* you, kiddo.

I can’t wait to see what this next year holds for you – your last year of ‘kid’ and your launching pad to university and beyond. I just know it’s going to be awesome, just like you.

Love,

Mum

Holden - Happy 13th Birthday!

Dear Holden,

Today, you are officially a teenager (despite you feeling like one for a while now)! I can so vividly remember all of your earlier milestones – the day we found out about your impending arrival, the day you were born, the first time your big sisters saw you, your first day of school… and now here you are, growing into this amazing young man (who happens to be taller than me), graduating elementary school and choosing your classes for your first year of high school next year.

In some ways, you are much more independent than your sisters – just by nature of being the third kid. There are some people who say third kids tend to raise themselves, and I can see it – we’re definitely more lax about some of the rules, you have lots of freedom to roam the neighbourhood with your friends, etc. But then in some ways, of course, you’re still my baby (and always will be, no matter how deep your voice gets or how much facial hair you have). But in any case, it’s such a joy watching you grow. You’re polite (especially in your oddly formal text messages, which always crack me up), and respectful (including at school), and smart, and kind. You also love a good fart joke and laughing when we tease your sisters, and you can get VERY competitive at any sort of games. Most of all, I love seeing you interact with your friends. You have an awesome core group of kids who are all well-mannered and sweet, and treat each other with compassion, which I appreciate so much. 

I am so excited for the rest of this year ahead for you – Grade 8 trips and graduation and even more freedom as you prepare for high school next year. It’s hard to believe it’s happened so fast, but I know you are more than ready to face life and new responsibilities and freedoms head-on. And no matter what, we are here to walk with you through any challenges that you may face.

Happy birthday to the best Christmas present we’ve ever had. 

Love,

Mum

Happy End of School & Grade 8 Grad!

Another school year has come and gone, and it brings with it some pretty significant milestones. Holden, you’re now entering your last year of elementary school (and your TENTH and final year at Hewitt’s Creek). Mercedes, you are now officially halfway through high school (how on earth did that happen so quickly). And Lexi, you are now a shiny new graduate (with honours), and ready for high school in the Fall.

I couldn’t be prouder of all three of you. There’s been great report cards, lots of learning, exciting field trips, awards given, friends and parties and social lives… I love the good grades of course, but mostly I’m so thrilled at how well-rounded you all are. Kind, considerate, inquisitive, dedicated, but still able to have fun and enjoy all of the great things that your schools and this awesome neighbourhood and community have to offer.

Mercedes, I am so excited to watch you figuring out what you potentially want to do with the rest of your life (as of now, leaning towards Pediatric Occupational Therapy) and then doing the research and working backwards to ensure you can make it happen with the right prerequisites over the next two years. You’ve gotten your first real job (yay McDonald’s), joined a gym, and made some new friends, all while navigating your first serious relationship and keeping your grades up. It’s a joy to watch you move through some of the hardest years of your life with grace and humour (and of course, there’s the truly wonderful fact that you still love spending time with me, which I will cherish for as long as it lasts!).

Holden, every day you seem to grow an inch and look more grown-up. But beyond physical changes, I love seeing you change - although your friendships haven’t changed much! But I absolutely love that you and your gang of buds have endured through many years of friendship and nothing makes me happier than hearing you laugh hysterically while you’re playing games online with them. Except maybe watching you speed off (safely!) on your scooter to roam the neighbourhood with those exact same kids. You’re independent and adventurous with them (going as far as the beach to watch the airshow, swimming at friends’ houses, buying food wherever you go, etc.) and it makes me so happy that you still have this completely normal aspect of childhood/pre-teen life. Your report card was great, sure, but even more thrilling is reading the comments from your teacher on what a great kid and peer you are (and the fact that you are being recognized with a character award at the last assembly of the year this week!).

And last but certainly not least, my honour-roll graduate. Lexi we could not be prouder of how you conquered this year, with all of its importance and significant transitions. Grade 7 was so hard for you, and it broke our hearts as we tried to figure out how best to help you cope with your anxiety. But you persevered and worked so damn hard - and Grade 8 was a roaring success. You made it to ALL of the field trips (including a two night overnight trip in the frozen north, and a very crowded downtown Toronto field trip). You chose your courses for next year, you had sleepovers with friends, you had the best time at grad (in an actual dress and heels!) with your friends. Your report card was great, and the honour roll is an impressive achievement - but watching you embrace friendships and your social life and make these memories in this pivotal final year of elementary school… nothing compares to that feeling of pride. We are overwhelmed with love and admiration for the person you’re growing up to be, and I can’t wait to see the adventures that await you in high school next year and beyond.

Congratulations to all of you - and I hope this summer is one of even more magical memories.

Love,

Mama

Lexi - Happy 14th Birthday!

At 5:22 this morning, on 5/22, you turned 14! And I can’t help but reflect on how amazing this past year has been for you. Grade 7 was pretty rough (lots of anxiety and social/school avoidance), but you’ve worked SO hard to learn how to cope and overcome those challenges. We couldn’t be prouder – and your hard work was never more evident than this morning, when I dropped you and your brother off at school early for the annual Grade 7/8 field trip downtown (St. Lawrence Market, a Blue Jays game, and a trip to the Eaton Centre for the Grade 8s). Last year, you never made it on this trip – too worried about being far from home, nervous about the crowds downtown and at the game, scared of having a panic attack with no escape route. It was heartbreaking. And today, your only fear is that somehow you’ll end up on the Jumbotron in honour of your birthday (which would be a dream come true for your mother!).

I am in awe of how much you’ve grown and changed over this past year, how well you’ve handled all of the changes and stress that finishing elementary school brings, and how you’re very bravely getting ready to face graduation and starting high school. You have amazing friends who truly let you be yourself, and I love seeing you smiling and happy when you talk about them and school and your plans for the summer and your future.

And despite how you’ve gotten slightly more introverted and quieter as you’ve gotten older, you’ve never lost that truly unique Lexi spark. We always joked that you knew you were a middle child before we did, and all of those fantastic Middle Kid qualities are still shining bright – strong opinions (very, very strong), unique spirit, fierce independence. We are so incredibly proud of the young woman you are growing into and feel so lucky that we get to be by your side. I can’t wait to see what 14 holds for you!

Love you lots,

Mummy