This is your poor, tired, broken-down mother writing.  

The reason I am writing to you, my precious children, is that I want to get some things straight with you.  I do hope you will take into consideration with what I am about to tell you.

First of all, your Daddy and I happen to love each and every one of you very, very much.  You are all equally important to us; we don't love one more than the other.  We love each one of you equally and the same: there are NO favroites.

Secondly, I appreciate the help you give to your sister, Moriah.  I know she cannot do a lot for herself, but you have been so good with her: helping me with the feedings, diaper changes, and the like, and have been very accepting of her, even in spite OF her limitations.  I know it isn't easy for you to deal with, but it's not her fault the way Moriah is.  It's just how God designed her; He made Moriah this way for a purpose.  No, at times, it is anything but easy, but I just wanted to let you know that Daddy and myself are very, very proud of you for helping Moriah the way you have been.

Keep it up.  You are all doing a fantastic job with your little sister!

Thirdly, it's the discipline.  When we discipline you, we do it out of love, not because we are mean-spirited.  We don't want you to get hurt in any way.  We only want you to be safe and to know right from wrong.  We want to give you the world, but we also want you to know what can happen when you purposely disobey us.  There are consequences to be paid and you must know the rules!  I know it isn't easy, but one day you will see the rewards for good behavior and how they can outweigh the bad.

We don't like taking priveleges away or grounding you any more than you do; it's even worse when we have to spank, but doing so hurts us more than it does you, if you can believe that; but it's true .

Fourthly, it's the grades.  Most of you have been doing fantastic at school and I pray that this coming school year is just as good for you all.  As for Mark, I know of your struggles with reading or writing, or the fact the kids tease you because school seems to be so difficult for you.  I am not asking you to make all A's on your report cards: oh, no! All I'm asking, Mark, is that you just try your best and do your homework that the teacher gives you.  When you do well, it makes us happy; when you don't, it makes us sad because we know the hardships you face.

When the kids tease you, Mark, they're the ones who are in the wrong, NOT you.  You have nothing to do with it; it's not your fauilt.  There just happens to be some very bad people in this world who don't know  how to love or be nice to others.  All you can do is try to hold your head high and ignore them; if you cannot, please tell your teacher or another grownup such as the principal, guidance counselor, or aide.  They are there to help you, just as much as your teacher will.  They are your friends!

Fifth, the uniforms you are required to wear.  I happen to like this because this way, there is no competition on who's dressed better than the next person; and I think uniforms look nice.  I know you want to wear your own clothes to school, but I don't want your good clothes for church or special events ruined, and besides, the uniforms look great on both boys and girls.  You look so grown up and that pleases your Daddy and I so much!

Sixth, you shouldn't be ashamed of the fact that I don't work and stay home with Moriah.  You know if I could work, I would, but Moriah's needs prevent this; I have to be with her at all times, in case something should happen to her.  Daddy does work, and he tries his best to make sure we don't run out of what we need.  Sometimes we DO struggle, but God, somehow, some way, in His infinite wisdom and grace, supplies for all our needs!  Daddy and I will make sure that not one of you children ever goes hungry or don't have decent clothes or shoes to wear!  And that is a promise from both Daddy and myself!

Well, kids, I know I have talked a lot, but I just wanted to let you know that Daddy and I cherish you all so much; we cannot imagine our world without you.  You mean more to us than the mooon or the stars, and we would die for you.  That is how much we love you all!  May God bless you all with all that you need and may you have the best school year EVER!!

~Love, Mommy and Daddy.  X0X0X0.