Happy 18th Birthday Josh!
Dear Josh,
How is this happening? Just yesterday you were my tiny, blond, hilarious toddler, and you and now my very tall, blond, hilarious, smart, fun, kind, and thoughtful ADULT CHILD.
You are in the midst of the stress of college applications and the sheer fun of Senior year. It’s a hard balance, but you are doing a great job. I’m so excited to see all the options that open up for you and what you choose to do next! I know that it can seem overwhelming to make such a big choice but always remember that nothing has to be permanent. You’ll make the best choice you can right now, and then you can always pivot when you need to.
I think you had a pretty awesome last year of childhood. Lots of time spent outside–ski trip to Steamboat, BolderBoulder, Adventure EFY with Blake, High Adventure, Glenwood Springs, the DeCaLiBron, and Scuba in Cozumel. I love to see you take on new challenges and do hard things.
We had such a fun trip to Vegas to go SKYDIVING and I swear you weren’t nervous at all! I love adventuring with you! (And I’m so glad you jumped first so I could see you safely on the ground) We had a great time watching the Mike Tyson/Jake Paul fight, and going back to the same restaurant the next night to watch the BYU game, exploring Casinos and riding rollercoasters and hiking in the desert hills. What a gift to be able to have that one on one time together.
It has been such a joy and a privilege to be your mom. Your intelligence blows me away, yet you don’t let it go to your head. Maybe that’s because your head is already filled with things like Physics, Calculus and Engineering. I think we all know you have my genes to thank for that. Lol.
You have developed a great work ethic in passing multiple AP exams with flying colors. You wake up most days with some, but not a lot, of complaint to attend early morning seminary. You work hard at your internship at Germany Law Firm. These things might seem “normal” to you, but to me they speak of great character and determination far beyond that of a typical 18 year old.
You have a tender heart, a desire to serve others, and a strong conviction of God and his plan for his children. These traits are going to help you change the world! And I have no doubt that in your own way, with your own unique abilities and talents, you will change the world. Remember that it doesn’t have to look big or grand on the outside. Some of the most important world changes are seemingly small and personal.
I love being your mom and even though when I think of you leaving home to start your next chapter it makes me so sad I can hardly breathe, I am equally excited to support you and make a million new memories along the way.
To remember the moment we are in, I asked ChatGTP for some life advice. This is what it gave me: “Take risks, but not with food expiration dates. Some gambles just aren’t worth it.”
Love you!
Mom
We had such a fun time celebrating Josh and Claire at Sunday dinner, as their birthday fell on a Sunday. Sarah made a DECADENT 6 layer chocolate salted caramel cake, and I did “18 things you can do now that you are Eighteen.” It was so fun I want to write it down so I can duplicate it again when needed.
- Open a Bank account–$18
- Buy Fireworks
- Skydive–Airheads
- Buy Spray Paint
- Get a Tattoo–temporary tattoos
- Vote–Voting guide
- Jury Duty–American Flag
- Play the Lottery–lottery tickets
- Adopt a Pet–Cosmo the Cougar stuffie
- Give Blood–Blood bag filled with red Gatorade
- Get Married–Ring Pop
- Sign Legal Documents–Nice Pen
- Change your name–Mr. Goodbar
- Go to Jail–Ice Breakers. Strike through Ice and right Jail
- Buy a House–5th Avenue candy bar
- Work Full Time–Payday candy bar
- Attend Medical appointments by yourself–Dr Pepper
- Buy Cough Syrup
Sunday birthday’s aren’t the greatest. But, I bet this might be the only time in his life that he opens presents in a suit! Blake said he remembered when he was a little kid that Josh made him a paper hat for his birthday. Blake thought that was the coolest thing in the whole world, so he made one for Josh today.
But the Party didn’t stop there! On Monday we had the Schofields over to celebrate with a Caramel Apple Bar. I thought this was so fun! It’s an idea I’ll definitely be using agian.
