Z Newz Blog

Hello fam!

I racked my already-stressed out brain to come up with the perfect Christmas gift for the people I care about the very most. After giving up on every other corny thing possible, I decided it was time to gather everything Zager in one convenient, easy to access, place....the internet. As our unit is beginning to spread out, it is more important than ever to stay in touch and remain active in each others' lives. I am hoping my gift to you does just that. I hope you'll find solace in pictures, stories, recipes, and more. I truly hope each of you will add to the content to make it what it was always meant to be: a record of us.

I love each and every one of you. May this strange experiment bring you comfort and joy, whether you are home or away. Consider this Mom's giant, all-encompassing, digital hug. Can ya feel it??

To the edges of the known universe and back, I love you.

Mama

You are all still asleep. We just finished putting your presents under the tree. It doesn't look like a lot, but it is.

Memories are everything, kiddos. Everything. Material crap will come and go; most likely ending up in the trash or at a yard sale. The pleasure and joy the thing brought was momentary and fleeting, yet, at the time of want, it seemed like it was the only thing you needed to really be happy. Remember that. Remember that things will never make you happy. Unless it's a Dodge Challenger, then...maybe?

I am really looking forward to spending quality time with all of you. It's the only thing I want for Christmas...for anything, really. Time is precious. It's the one thing we always need, never have enough of, and are always running out of. Cherish it for the scarcity it naturally entails, for scarcity brings value. Value your time. Use it wisely. You never get it back.

Sorry if I seem melancholy. Christmas has a way of marking the years that have slipped away, some more quietly than others. I feel like it was just last year that we were staying up all night, frantically putting together your toys, so we could watch the joy eek from your little faces when you woke up...at 4 am. Ooooooof. Now, it's 8:30 am and y'all are still snoring and we are waiting for you! Haha! Funny how time changes everything.

Anywho, I wanted to let you know that I love you. We love you. You have brought epic levels of joy to our lives. You've given me meaning and purpose; something I'll always be indebted to you for. You've made me a better person, a better human. Thank you for letting me be your Mama, with all my crazy, stupidity, emotions, goofiness, messiness, and more. You are all my pride and joy. Always have been. Always will be.

Now and forever,

To the edges of the known universe and back,

Love,

Mom

I need to get better at this.

Life gets pretty crazy. We spend so much of our lives wishing we had more time only to be granted it (thanks COVID) and then realize it wasn't time we needed at all. It was our attention.

We have spent the majority of the last year together. Between Dad breaking his leg and being on disability for 6 months, me losing my job, KarLee coming home from college, Keagan moving his buddies in, and Jae being a little home-body, we've tested our limits of how much we can stand each other. Turns out, we really do love being together.

Thank you, my babies, for hanging with your old mama and pops. We have treasured every single moment we've had with each other, from the numerous camping trips to the Friday pizza nights to the puzzles to the movies to our little karaoke parties. Every single thing. I know I don't tell you enough, but I really love being with you. I can't imagine anything more rewarding than my children wanting to spend time with me. There's truly nothing more gratifying in this world to me.

So, I just wanted to drop a note of thanks as we enter into a new phase of life.

Keagan, my sweet boy... You are about to take the leap and spread your wings to see just how ready you are to take this world by storm. And I know you will. Remember who you are and remember what you stand for. Remember to stop and listen to others; there's so much for you to learn from others' experiences if you'll only give them a chance to share them with you. Don't be afraid to take risks; life is too short to stay on the sidelines. Use your persuasive personality for good; help others to see the injustices in the world and guide them to the fight. Lastly, remember that THIS TOO SHALL PASS. Whether blissful or heart-wrenching, every moment of this life is fleeting. Don't forget to stop and take it all in because it will be gone before you know it. Be in the moment to live in the moment. We love you so much, son. Sometimes I look at you and my heart leaps at the incredible man you have become. You are so strong. You are so determined. You have it in you to do whatever you desire, so go forth and do it.

KarLee, baby girl... thank you for giving me the opportunity to walk along your side through your young adulthood. It is the privilege of a lifetime. I am always astounded at your outlook and maturity. You see the best in people. You want the best for people. You give your all to people. You truly blow my mind. If there's any advice I can give you, it's this: never ever let anyone make you think you are anything other than phenomenal. Nobody gets to tell you who you are. Nobody gets to shrink you down to something they find easier to deal with or control. Nobody. You fully own yourself and you have within you the capability for knowing what is right for you at all times. Listen to that voice, for she will never lead you astray. I love you so much, baby girl. I'm so proud to be your mama.

Jae, my Bae... I am honored to be your Mama Bear. I know this world is cruel and it breaks my heart to think of what you will encounter when I'm not around to fight alongside you, but if I know anything, I know that you will take the world on like the beautiful, powerful, determined person you are. You blow my mind every day. So many full grown adults have yet to find out who they really are and then there's you, facing yourself and embracing yourself, damn the consequences. You are incredible. I want you to know that I will be by your side as long as I'm alive. I will be right there with you fighting for your right to be who you are. I will be a shield to those who are so backward and selfish they aren't willing to afford you the respect you deserve. You will always have an ally in both your dad and I. We are honored to fly your colors and we always will. Keep your chin up, you beautiful girl. The world needs your courage and light. Shine bright, gorgeous girl.

I love you all to the edges of the known universe and back, my loves.

Love,

Mama