Happy 13th Birthday, Mr. Frazier!

Dearest Frazier,

What a fine young man you are! Full of chivalry, tenderness and an eye for needs around you, you love big and are loved by many. Amidst it all, you know how to have fun and make others laugh. 

Recently, an acquaintance texted me and said, “I was at a birthday party this weekend talking with another mom who has a 7th grade boy. She was talking about how the boys in that class are a tough group and she’s not a fan of her son’s friend choices, but then she said, “Except for Frazier Lawrence. He’s such a great kid and I WANT my son hanging around him!” I am often told how helpful and kind you are. In fact you’re receiving an award in just a few weeks for the 2nd year in a row at your school recognizing your good character. So proud of you!!

You continue to be a lover of the outdoors, air soft guns, building and creating, and hats and knives. Should the apocalypse come, all our faces will be shielded from the sun, and we will be protected. 

For your 13th birthday, we took 4 of your school friends and 3 of your church/family friends to Compass Entertainment for go-karts, batting cage, adventure course and arcade fun. We all but took over the place and were highly entertained by the shenanigans of 8 adolescent boys. We celebrated the next day with family, and you were generous with your thanks throughout the whole weekend. You have a keen sense of what others do and how they contribute to help you, and you’re so good about verbalizing your gratitude.

You have surprised me in a great way with how you’ve taken ownership of your academics. Your grades are great, and you hardly need help to stay on top of your assignments. We are really proud of you.

Swimming was the sport you hated and learned to like (mostly) this year, and baseball continues to be your favorite. You enjoy serving in Kids Church any Sunday you can though I’m certain you’re having more fun than serving, but perhaps you’re just having fun while serving. Let’s hope so!!

You are my sweet-tooth buddy always ready to sneak a spoonful of cookie dough or taste a new creation. Oreo truffles anyone? We had a dessert charcuterie board for your birthday, so everyone had something they liked.

It’s so fun being your momma, and I delight at the ways I see your Daddy shine through you as an up and coming gentleman knowing his role as a protector, provider and the entertainer! 

I love you, buddy!

Momma

Kallie (September 10, 2005 - December 19, 2024)

We lost our beautiful niece, Kallie Sue Glass, on December 19th. Born on the day of our wedding, I’ll never forget the call while we were preparing for the big celebration. Though my brother, Drew, took his family all over with the Air Force, we always enjoyed when we could be together. She was bright - in beauty, in intelligence, in the way she reflected her faith through loving and really “seeing” others. 

I’m thankful for the family memory we share of visiting Kallie and family in Japan for 2 weeks. There are very few families we’d spend 2 whole weeks with 24/7, and without a doubt, we knew we’d enjoy our time with them. From singing Frozen II theme songs to monkeys on shoulders and wearing a mask in Tokyo Disney before that was even a thing, boy, did we make some memories.

And this Thanksgiving, I thank the Lord for his goodness and his nudges getting their family up to VA from TX. We didn’t know it would be our last time with her, and many times we never do. I’ve been soberly reminded to never take those moments for granted and to cherish relationships deeply. In the end, the legacy we leave is in people. Kallie, though your years were too few, you leave a beautiful legacy. 

Live Big

Love Big

Worship Big

TDT and 19 Years

Frazier: So, Mary-Michael, what’s it (TDT) going to be like tonight?

MM: Frazier, don’t be shy, but don’t be annoying. Talk to the girls you dance with and ask them questions, but not weird ones like “What color is your toothbrush?” If they give you short answers, it means they don’t want to talk, so don’t keep asking questions. Just dance.

Frazier: Ok, will there be food?

MM: Yes, but not til close to 9. Frazier, we might get to dance together tonight! I’m so excited!

Mom: (wide eyes and a smile)

Tonight, we are celebrating our 19th wedding anniversary (a few days early because we’ll be at a volleyball game on the 10th). Geoff, there’s no one else I’d rather walk through all of life’s joys and challenges with. Our marriage is a gift from the Lord, and I’m thankful for it everyday. You are a man of chivalry, strength and deep love for me and those who are blessed to know you. I love you so much.

Spring 2024

Spring was full of celebrations, meaningful moments, sports and family time. Though this year has had its challenges and surprises, we are grateful, and we are growing. 

Kelly Minter Conference with some of my women’s ministry friends!

Go Kings!

Mosaic night at Battlefield Elementary.

Happy 14th birthday to MM at Tyson’s!

Cadet Lawrence looking sharp.

Final year playing middle school volleyball.

Fun Run at Battlefield Elementary with Benaiah.

Our Christian Seder (Passover) meal. So special.

He is Risen!

Easter friends and family on the farm.

Spring Break mission trip with RVA Hope. Mom was able to join Leila, Mary-Michael and Frazier for this.

Frazier received the Radiant Award at school. Poppy came to celebrate.

Baseball with Grace Christian!

This child loves to dress up. Cow Day!

Fort Worth stockyard with Drew and Jana. So fun to visit Dallas in April for a conference and family time.

Despite the rain, we had a great visit with Jon and Melissa while in Dallas, too.

Mom and daughter night to see Anne Wilson!

Let’s go Kings!

Elijah House Gala and remembering Blake’s dad who started the school and went to be with Jesus earlier this year.

May Ball with TDT!

Good Citizenship Award for Benaiah!

Happy Mother’s Day at Wind Vineyards. So thankful for my momma!

Frazier made the decision to be baptized! So proud of you, buddy. You’re becoming an amazing young man of God.

My wonderful Rooted small group!

Daddy chaperoned Frazier’s field trip focused on wilderness survival.

Happy 70th birthday, Dad! You are so easy to celebrate!

Goodbye Kindergarten with Mrs. Walker!

Off to 1st grade!

14 Going On 17

Happy birthday, Mary-Michael! Oh how you’ve grown into this beautiful young woman with spirit and spunk! Your love for fashion, your endless friends from so many circles and your tenacious leadership of your siblings makes you a force to be reckoned with (in a good way…most days).

You are a smart young lady who has taken on my love for reading and studies and most definitely inherited your daddy’s quick wit and sense of humor. I personally think this is a great combination. Every year I am more certain we will be great friends when you’re an adult. You are so fun to be with. You seem to never be lacking in confidence, and I am so thankful for this as middle school years can be hard on teenage girls. I pray the truths we’ve taught you about being made in God’s image and loving others well will continue to provide you with a deep and firm foundation.

You are our little fashionista regularly sharing your opinion when asked and even when not. Frazier, Leila and I frequently come to you for advice on our attire. Now that we are the same size you regularly raid my closet, and for the most part I’m flattered that your 40-year old mother has clothes your 14-year old self would want to wear. 

You continue to be crafty and creative. You have beautiful hand-lettering that results in lovely homemade cards. You took on making personalized name decals for each of Benaiah’s classmates for their Valentine’s Day treat, which was a hit. I can spot your class work from a hundred feet away because it’s covered in color from highlighters and a variety of pens. I have a feeling your entrepreneurial spirit will lead you to a side hustle in this realm at some point.

This year you shined in volleyball, joined the Varsity Cheer team and in the off-season are regularly working out in preparation for volleyball, which is definitely your favorite activity. You’re about to wrap up your 2nd year with That Dance Thing (TDT) where you’ve made so many friends and learned the art of ballroom dancing. Church is your home away from home, and you took initiative to volunteer to serve with our kids church this year. You’ve also done a fantastic job on the Social Media Team (https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5vzx_ix0lK/?igsh=MThrNGgxM2ZxejB3ZA==). You thrive when we’re with RVA Hope ministering in the inner city, and you know the influence you have on the young girls there. I love watching you connect, play and care with such ease.

The hard truth of only having you in the home for your high school years is hard to swallow, but for ages parents have done it and children have thrived. I have no doubt when the time comes, you’ll be ready. We love you, Mary-Michael, and we’re so happy you are ours.

Love,

Momma and Daddy