2012: The other day, as I was driving to work, I passed a big truck with a high school boy and a girl riding in the middle of the truck. It reminded me of my days in high school and being the girl in the middle of the truck. I started to think about one day that girl might be one of my little girls. Made me a little nauseated honestly. My mom did a good job of instilling in me the things that were important and what she expected of me. I started to think of the things I wanted Sophie and Maggie to learn or appreciate in their lives and what I expected of them. Here are my 20.
To My Sophie and Maggie:
1. Always put God and His church first. You can do all things through God. Let Him be your guide in life through prayer and reading His word, the Bible.
2. Love is not just a four letter word. Love is a big deal and is not a word that you just throw around. Love is something that you do. It is something that you don't give on a whim. It comes with trust and respect. It is something that needs continuous work to help it continue to grow. Love is the greatest action in the world!
3. Your mama and daddy love you no matter what. Yes, you will disappoint us. Yes, there will be times that we have to ground or otherwise punish you. Please know that does not change our love or feelings for you. You will always be part of us. Our love will never go away!
4. Boys will lie! Some of them will. This is when putting God first comes in handy (and a box of tissues and chocolate ice cream and your mama's shoulder)!
5. Girls will lie! Sometimes even your "friends." Refer to number 1 for help (and the box of tissues, chocolate ice cream and your mama's shoulder work for this too)!
6. Wash your face every night! (I mean it!) Your mother has struggled with bad skin her whole life. A lot of it was because I didn't wash my face. So I will be making sure you follow through with this one.
7.If you don't enjoy something, then stop doing it. Don't play a sport because you think we want you to or because you think that is what you are supposed to do. Don't participate in drama because I did. Don't pretend to like golf because that is what dad watches on the weekends. Do what makes you happy when it comes to activities in school!
8. The most popular boy or girl in school is not going to be popular forever. Eventually they become adults and they become just like everyone else. Sometimes they lose their muscle, they lose their charm, and in all honesty they lose their appeal. Don't feel bad if you aren't their friend in school or if you appear to go unnoticed. God has other plans and He has something even better in store for you.
9. Save your money! Watch what you spend and save when you can!
10. Read your Bible and pray! The answer is always there and God is always listening!
11. Don't let anyone ever question your worth! You are more valuable to me and your daddy than you will ever know!
12. Putting a plan into action doesn't always mean it will go how you have it planned. Buckle up and enjoy the journey!
13. Find a love that is more like a comedy then a romance movie! If you can find the person that makes you laugh at yourself and life (and not take everything so seriously), then you have found the right one!
14. Look for inspiration everywhere! Take everything in because the smallest thing can inspire you and make your day go better!
15. When you find friends that understand your sense of humor, knows what you are thinking with just a look, and can use code words with you to have a whole conversation, you are truly blessed with a great gift! Cling to these people because they are rare jewels!
16. Never be ashamed of who you were or mistakes you have made! Life is too short to live in the past! Chin up, learn from them, and move forward!
17. Be adventurous! Don't be afraid to try something new (except a tattoo or some weird piercing! Discuss that with us first PLEASE)!
18. Date someone that you would marry! I'm not saying you will find "the one" in high school (but you could). But look at every boy through the scope of "Would I want my children to call this guy "daddy" one day?" "Does he have goals beyond high school or Friday night even?" "Does he value what I value?" Seriously think about these things!
19. You always have a home with mom and dad!
20. Dance! (When you are happy, when you are sad, when you are cleaning the house...just dance!)
I'm sure there are more that I want you, my sweet little girls, to get from life, but these will get you started and guide you on this journey of life!
Love,
Your mama
Sophie at 4 and Maggie at 6 months
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