• Middle school and high school are hard. They will challenge you and try to break you in ways you could never imagine, but you will learn so much about life from those years. Don't let them define you. Learn and move on, and know that in ten years most of those people will no longer be in your life.

• Don't be scared of the unknown; embrace it. You will never move forward if you don't allow yourself to be challenged and learn to tackle the most difficult things head on. No one has ever moved mountains by hiding in the corner.

• You're not perfect. This was probably the hardest life lesson I ever had to learn. You will make mistakes, and that's okay. Perfection doesn't make us interesting. Our flaws give us character, and usually go hand-in-hand with something we can be proud of.

• Just because everyone does something one way does not make it the right way, or the easiest way, or the best way. Learn to question and challenge things in a graceful way. Think things through, and share your ideas with confidence. The world can't evolve without change.

• Your heart will break, but once you put the pieces back together it will be stronger. You will be stronger.

• Listen to criticism, learn from it, and then shake it off. Never be too good for advice, but stand strong in what you know. And when the time comes, passion trumps everything.

• Happiness is a skill. You can choose to be happy, but you must also know how to be happy. It is so much easier said than done. Think of the little things that made you smile before you knew the hardships of the world. If we all took a few minutes to enjoy the simplest things that put a smile on our face, the world would be a better place.

• Don't get caught up in the viscious cycle of negativity. Surround yourself with people that smile, and cherish friendships with those that want to see you happy.

• As parents we try to set good examples, but we're far from perfect. Realize our mistakes, take note of our flaws, and be better than we ever dreamed of being. You deserve more.

• Friends can make you or break you. Choose wisely. You don't have to work hard for true friendships. When times are hard, realize who is there for you, who isn't, and who got you there in the first place. Own your own mistakes, but don't forget how important the influences around you are.

• Even the best friendships can fade away if you let them. Never let someone forget how important they are to you. A few sincere words or unexpected call can go a long way.

• Don't let a relationship take over your life. You will lose yourself, your friends, and everything that made you who you are long before that person walked into your life. You can never be 100% sure that someone will be around forever, so make sure you can stand on your own two feet without them.

• Change is good. Be weary of those that always resist change, and even more cautious of someone that doesn't want you to change for the better.

• Be honest and trusting, but always aware of the intentions of others. Have faith that there are good people in this world, you just have to find them.

• Think wisely before you let anything become a habit. Habits are easy to make but so much harder to break, so be sure it's something that you want to be part of your life now and always.

"Though she be but little, she is fierce!"

~William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream

my sweet girl,

It's hard to believe there was ever a time that you weren't a part of this family. You have brought an energy and excitement to our home that we didn't know we were missing.

You are loud and fearless, and never one to be forgotten in a crowd. You have music in your soul and dancing shoes on your feet. You pose for pictures like you were born for the spotlight. There hasn't been a dull moment since you entered our lives.

You were crawling by 7 months and cruising by 9, but despite a few steps here and there you haven't fully embraced walking. It's as if you know that once you step out of our arms, you are no longer the little baby girl we brought home a year ago.

You look more and more like your brother every day, but with an undeniable beauty and grace. You're still less than the 1st percentile on the growth chart, but full of courage and independence. You know just how and when to smile to make anyone's heart melt.

It's hard to imagine there will ever be a boy that loves you more than your brother. He never gets tired of smothering you with hugs and kisses and love. He is the first to protect you, and the last to leave your side. I hope you always cherish the bond you have shared since the day you were born.

When the day comes that you are ready to leave home, I hope you fly with open wings and your head held high. The world doesn't know what awaits them in your petite little frame. I hope you reach for your dreams, and never settle for anything less than what you deserve. You are full of strength and will that will take you far.

Here's to one year down, and a lifetime of joyful memories and beautiful journeys together. Forever and always, you are the most special girl in my life. Whatever life brings or wherever it takes us, you will be a part of my heart forever. I love you, sweet girl.

love always,

Mama

 

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