End of Year Family Awards 2025

Knox, this year we are awarding you the “I’ll Be There for You” Award. Throughout the year, you’ve been a loyal friend to your peers. While you might have been frustrated with a few of them from time to time, in the end, you always worked it out and found a way to move on together. When a friend was struggling with other kids, you stood up for him and asked those kids to leave him alone. When another friend was having a hard time with tics, you were the one he wanted to spend time with and, while you were with him, his tics decreased. You earned a Citizenship Award this last 9-weeks, proving that you are a role model at school and a pleasure for your teachers to have in class. Ms. Jaco told us at your fall conference that you always have something positive to say and a way to look at the bright side. Even away from school, you’ve had to endure long baseball games or practices, sit through some of Dad’s campaign events, or tag along to band concerts and a fifth grade celebration. They were boring and annoying to you, but you made it through! You notice when Mom’s upset or looks frustrated, and you offer a hug or snuggle to help her through it. You have watched Tova heal from surgery and wanted to comfort her through it. Time and again, you show up for others, and this makes us so very proud of you!

Quinn, your final year at Hightower comes to a close tomorrow. We hope you can look back at the past 6 years and feel proud of yourself for all you have accomplished. We hope you can say you have no regrets and left no stone unturned. We believe you can say that, and that’s why this year we are awarding you the “GO-GETTER” Award! The definition of a “go-getter” is someone who works very hard and very much wants to succeed. This is you. You worked hard to get all A’s this year, to challenge yourself, to try out new activities, and to volunteer where others chose to sit out. Helping Hearts, Spelling Bee, Bluebonnet reading, and cooking club, volunteering to sing – and auditioning for and securing a rap solo – at fifth grade celebration, leading your grade level numerous times in a mob dance of “Bye, Bye, Bye,” and always being a great role model and leader at school… these are ways you have shown up and given it all you’ve got. And it hasn’t just been at school. We saw you overcome your fears at bat after getting hit by a ball that left its imprint on your back. We saw you get up on stage to join the lip-syncing contest with Dad on our cruise. We saw you take your time with your instrument selection for next year, asking to have a second fitting to be sure. We’ve seen you struggle with knowing the middle school options for next year simply aren’t ideal but then embrace the change and the excitement of what’s to come. We have no doubt you will do very well as a middle school student, but we also know that change is hard, and leaving elementary school and the memories of your younger self  behind pulls at all of our heart strings. As much as you want to stay at Hightower or to never grow up, the inevitability is that you must go on.  And we know that’s what you will do, and you will give it all you’ve got every step of the way, because you are a “go-getter!” 

Banner, your award this year is the “Persistently Tenacious” Award. Persistently means consistent and ongoing. Tenacious means a firm clinging or holding on and not letting something go in a determined way. Let’s start with Algebra. You could have easily given up and not cared about doing well. But you agreed to get a tutor to help you all year long with the concepts, especially since the past two years of math instruction were pretty meager. There were days you would have rather not stuck with tutoring, but you pushed through it. Drumline. The Wednesday night practices weren’t fun, but you endured them and made some new connections to other kids and got some good percussion practice in, too. We love that you tried to attend Middle School Mornings at Hightower as often as you could, when you otherwise could have slept longer. We love that you salvaged a friendship that could have easily been destroyed early on in the school year. You learned from last year that perhaps doing a science fair project on your own was a better option, and you pushed through that with determination, too. Even when you weren’t sure which BBYO chapter was for you, you have stuck with it, made new friends and attended some fun events. You went on the Civil Rights trip with Temple and grew interested in a time period that isn’t easy to learn about. You held tight to the lessons you learned there and made the most of that incredible trip – asking for photos with special people and not being afraid to ask questions. Baseball. Initially it was just an idea your friend group had, but you’re the only one who ended up joining a team. You didn’t care that you might not know anyone, and you happily started lessons with Leo. You want to improve, to practice and get chances to pitch and hit and show off your new skills. You are willing to put in the effort, time, and sweat to making your dreams come true. We’ve seen such growth over the last 3 middle school years, but this year, we’ve seen such maturity and a deep desire to do well and do what you need to do to get to where you want to be. We are beyond proud of all you’ve accomplished and earned this year.

Tova, this year, you earned the Patient Patient Award. I have lost count of how many times I’ve taken you to the vet this year. You’ve been so brave with all of your appointments where you were poked, prodded, and put under – from having your teeth cleaned, to having a few urinalyses, to blood work, to biopsies, to having a tumor removed. You’ve endured 2 straight weeks with a cone on, and we’ve changed your food a couple different times this year. You have been so patient and flexible through it all. We’ve had to give you so many medications, and you take them with ease now. We’re currently giving you ear drops for an ear infection, and you don’t even mind it – especially because it comes with a relaxing ear massage! We don’t like seeing you in pain, but we will do anything we have to to keep you healthy and active! We love you so much and appreciate all you’ve tolerated this year!

We are so proud of all of you for your growth, determination, perseverance, courage, strength, kindness, positive attitude, and learning this year.

And Another Year Makes NINE! (Knox's Newsletter)

 Dear Knox,

A week ago, you turned 9 years old. Your last year in the single digits. I cannot come to grips with the fact that 9 years has flown by in the blink of an eye. Being your mom is a joy and a challenge all rolled up into one - a wild ride for sure.

So, what are you up to these days?

• You are doing very well in school. You are at or above grade level in all areas and seem to catch on to new material quickly. Your favorite subject is PACE, which is ironic since you didn't want to even be tested for it in first grade. 
• You still love to draw. You are pretty darn creative and come up with the silliest, most unique, and interesting characters, settings, and innovations. Earlier in the year, you created a whole cast of characters that all wore top hats. It was really cute and creative. 
• Your favorite things include: playing with friends online (Fortnite, Roblox, Meta Quest games), anything Shrek or axolotl, cuddling with Tova, wearing the same bunny pajamas every night, your pink bubble slides, your Shrek socks, sleeping in Quinn's room, pretzel bagels, playing Chess, mini chocolate chip muffins, coffee ice cream, Slurpees, and wearing sweatshirts no matter how hot it is outside.
• Sometimes you laugh so hard or so long that you start crying in a panic - because you can't catch your breath and think you're "going to die." You can go from laughing hysterically to crying with anger because you can't breathe. We've learned to take you seriously when you say to stop making you laugh, or there are times when I have to tell you brothers to stop whatever they're saying so you will be able to catch a breath before you panic.
• You still have braces and an expander and are eager to get them off!
• You have your own style and charm and aren't afraid to be your true self. For Valentine's Day this year, you just HAD to wear a pink suit. It was adorable. For Hanukkah, you wanted an "ugly" knit Hanukkah sweater. 

• You still really struggle with regulating your emotions. Frustration, anger, irritation - these feelings cause you to yell, cuss (!!), throw things, or even hit yourself in the head. It's really upsetting to see you act like this or not know how to manage these big feelings. I definitely think you're a "DFK" - a deeply-feeling kid, as the famous Dr. Becky likes to talk about. You often blame others for your poor decisions or misfortunes. For example, a couple nights ago, you came over to me to give me a hug but accidentally wedged your barefoot under mine as you approached me closely. You then fell to the floor wailing, "You stubbed my toe!!" I did nothing but stand there, but apparently it was my fault. If your Switch dies, you will blame me for not telling you to charge it. You swung your hand into the wall a few days ago when you were playing on the VR, and you blamed everyone else nearby (even not in the same room) for not telling you you were close to the wall. If you don't have clean pants, you blame me for not doing laundry or buying you enough (even if I've asked you to bring your laundry down days before). This is a big struggle, even after months of focusing on it in OT last year. You definitely know better, but in the heat of the moment, all that learning from before just goes out the window.
• You pick you lips, very often until they bleed. This is a habit that you come by naturally (I do it too), but we try to help stop each other. I'm better at stopping than you! :) You have told me that you need a fidget in school to help stop it. That helped for a short while, but then you didn't want the fidget anymore so we are back to square one.
  
• You played soccer for the first semester with your Tigers team and LOVED being a part of the team. But, you really disliked the actual playing! You hated going to practice, although you did better at practice than at the actual games. You would rarely go after the ball. When you did, you were awesome, but you didn't seem to have much interest in really getting into the action. So, we're sitting this season out. I'm hopeful you'll go back to it, but we will see!
• Your friend group includes: Luke M., Arjun, Luke P., Clark, Reid, Nathan, Elliott, Isaac S., Isaac V., Tevin, Desmon, Nolan, Landon M., Benjamin, and Dylan (when at Sunday School). You adore your cousins, too, and love spending time with any of these people any time! You like kids who follow the rules, and if there's a kid that doesn't respect them, you are quick to tell us about that.
• We went to Dr. B a few days ago, and here are your stats
• Weight - 55.4 pounds = 15th percentile
• Height - 50 3/8 inches = 19th percentile
• BMI- 15.39 = 37th percentile
• We just upped your Adderall to 15 mg since you were starting to lose focus in class. Your teachers have noticed a marked improvement, and we hope this continues. You ask for your medication usually, and you don't mind taking it at all.

For your birthday this year, you originally wanted to go to Altitude again. It would have been your third birthday party there, so we encouraged you to try something new. Aunt Kira had introduced us to Ground Control, and when we went there there the first time, you loved it, so that was an easy sell to get you to reconsider. You wanted your theme to be Gorilla Tag since that's your latest obsession on your most prized gift from Hanukkah, Meta Quest. When we were looking for cakes that would fit this theme, you had a specific idea in mind but couldn't find an example for the bakery. Finally, I suggested you draw what you wanted and maybe we could turn that into a sheet cake. You loved this idea and immediately got to drawing. When you made mistakes on the drawing and I told you that the erasures would show up on the cake, you said, "Good, then everyone will know that I really drew this. I want them to see those marks." It turned out exactly how you wanted it. Your best buddies were there, and they loved your creation. Oh, I forgot to say - we started the day with our traditional balloons in bed and birthday kolaches. At the end of the day, you picked Nerdvana for dinner and laughed with your brothers the entire time you played video games while trying to eat dinner. 

Knox Morgan, you are a hoot. You have a very big personality, know exactly what you want and will fight to get it, are kind and polite and a really great friend (just not so much to your brothers), and are quite smart! Your handwriting has improved GREATLY this year, you are a rule-follower at school, and you have continued to make great gains in your learning. You are witty, curious, hyper, and loud - very loud. You try your best to be sneaky, but you just don't know how to hide a good prank or lie. Sometimes you're shocked I can see right through your shenanigans or plot to pull one over on us, but your inability to hide a smirk or divert your eyes in a very telling way gives you away immediately. You are combative and uncooperative a lot of the time, especially when trying to one-up your brothers - always on the defense and ready to retaliate. Many times you assume the worst from your brothers, and that often makes things worse for you and for them. But, when you are alone or have all the attention, you are as sweet as can be.

One of my favorite things you do is randomly ask for hugs. Sometimes you can tell I need a hug or you will just offer one when things are a little stressful, hurried, or busy. "Can I give you a hug?" you'll say, and you'll give the best snuggle into my chest with arms wrapped tightly around my body. I hope I remember you at 8 and 9-years-old forever, tucked into my body, ear to my heart, silky straight hair against my chest smelling so clean and fresh. I just love these cuddles and embraces.

I love you so much, Knoxipoo. I hope you had the best birthday yet!

Happy Birthday, BabyLove!

Love,

Mom

Last sleep as an 8-year-old

Good Morning, Nine!

With Isaac S, Dylan, Elliott, Tevin, & Arjun

With Elliott & Luke M.

With Reid & Desmon

With Nathan & Luke P.

SUKKOT SHENANIGANS 2024

After a week (and a few days) in the Sukkah, we finished taking it down yesterday. Another year of memories and fun times doing our silly stuff out there. This year, we had a hard time narrowing down our list of themes - so whatever didn't make the cut this year, we will likely see next year! The boys are always thinking of new ideas, year-round! My list grows constantly, and then it's hard to make the final selections around the end of July-ish when we vote on which ones we think are best for this year or are most excited about. The winners for this year: Marvel, The Beatles, Squid Game, Get Out the Vote, Israel, Ted Lasso, and Glee. Here's what it looked like!

Marvel Sukkah!

The boys invited some friends (Landon, Jack, Myles, Haden Reid, Nathan, Clark) to join us on this first night. They came up with the theme and many of the food ideas: Thor’s hammers, Iron Man tray, Groot Beer, Fanta-stic Four, The Daily Bugles, Ant-Man on a Log, Infinity Stones, Avengers Pizza, and a Captain America cookie cake. It was simply “marvel-ous!!”

The Beatles Sukkah!

We got to “Come Together” with BeeBee, Zaide, NaNa, and Colby for an incredible evening of songs and fun food! Quinn gave the most “Help!” prepping our Let it B-L-T Bites, Yellow Submarines, and Strawberry Fields. We also enjoyed Penne Lane, Veggies and Dip-la-Dee, Dip-La-Da, Jello Goodbye, Sgt Dr. Pepper, Love Me Dew, and so much more! Sam won the Emoji Song Title competition, and we completed the evening by watching Yesterday.

Squid Game Sukkah

We had a very full, very loud sukkah this evening with cousins and friends. We ate Red Light Green Light Salad, “squiddlers,” savory Turn Overs (as in “your turn’s over”), Tug of War Ropes, rice, corn, and Dalgona cookies before competing in Tug of War, Red Light Green Light, Dalgona, and Glass Bridge. Thank you to the grown ups who helped judge, lead, and “eliminate” players.

Get Out the Vote Sukkah

With less than 34 hours to go before EARLY VOTING begins in Texas, we did everything we could to DO SOMETHING! Grandma, Papa, Aunt Jacque, and Uncle Freddy joined us for a dinner filled with reminders about voting. We had “High Stakes for the United Steaks of America,” Campaign Trail Mix, We the Peaple, zucchini votes, “Eggs-ercise Your Right to Vote,” “Donut Forget to Vote,” AmendMINTS, Bill of Rice, LiberTEA, Cheese Block Walk, Let Freedom Ring, and Churn Out the Vote. We helped write postcards to help turn out the vote across Texas and for our friend, Texas State Representative Mihaela Plesa’s, re-election in HD-70! Then, our guests left with yard signs. Finally, I introduced the boys to one of my favorite movies, Iron Jawed Angels, which reminds us of how lucky we are to GET to vote!

Israel Sukkah

We hosted an Israel-themed dinner with our friends (and Sam’s co-workers), the Friedmans and the Gottliebs. I loved watching my three big kids play with the little ones. I enjoyed conversation and catching up with friends. It’s been a hard year for Israel and for Jews everywhere. When Jewish people across the world celebrated Sukkot last year, we couldn’t have fathomed what was about to take place in Israel. This Sukkot, so many families are missing someone (or many more). With pain in our hearts, we remember them. We pray for the prompt, safe return of the hostages. But with pride in our hearts, we move forward. We are still here and persist and thrive. As Rabbi Stern said in his Kol Nidre sermon, “… in the face of such overwhelming darkness, we insisted on life…. We are more than shattered fragments… We insist on the whole tablets alongside the broken.”

Ted Lasso Sukkah!

What a fun night with Robin, Kevin, Keaton, Mischelle, Brycen, Nami, Hayla, and Jillian celebrating all things Lasso! If you haven’t seen Ted Lasso, you’re missing out! If you have, you’ll probably know why we had all these foods: goldfish, Biscuits with the Boss, an open jar of peanut butter on the counter, kebabs, fish and chips, brown water (tea), sparkling water, Diamond Dogs (ironically, I unintentionally got Nathan’s brand hot dogs)- with Wonder Kid buns, Jamie (Pop) Tartts, and a big “WHISTLE!!” It was, in the words of Roy Kent, “FU…..NNNN!”

Glee Sukkah!

Our big finale to this year's week of fun, family, friends, and food was a Glee-themed evening. The boys started watching the show this summer, and they’re nearly halfway through season 4. It was fitting to have Regan, Fitz, Sandler, and Taryn here because we carpool to Sunday school with these dear friends, and the kids love to take turns choosing songs in the car, singing along and introducing each other to new music. If you watched Glee (and can remember!), you’ll understand why we had: Grilled Cheesus, Cheerios, Rachel Berrys, slushies, tots, Breadsticks (that also happened to be (Emma) Pillsbury), Lima beans, bake sale cupcakes, Coach Bieste bars, little elves, grapes and sanitizer wipes, and Fondue for Two! We had such a delightful time chatting the night away!

Saying goodbye to Sukkot is bittersweet- I’m exhausted and ready for healthy food(!), but I’ll miss our evenings with company every night. We had an amazing week being silly, connecting with people we love, and enjoying some fun themes. We lucked out with the most perfect weather, too! So long, Sukkot! See you next year!