Advice To My Daughter

• There is nothing you can’t do
• Have confidence
• Dream big
• Never try to make someone like you. They will or they won’t
• Don’t hide your intelligence
• Respect yourself or no one else will
• Be nice
• Kiss a lot of toads to find your prince (only kiss!)
• Don’t second guess yourself
• You’re body, you’re decision
• Don't judge
• Re-define what it means to "throw like a girl"
• You never have to prove anything to anyone
• Like yourself
• Talk to me
• He is the lucky one
• Learn how to change a tire
• Just because I will never think anyone is good enough for you, doesn’t mean you should also think that
• Let him down easy
• Look out for your brothers
• Go easy on your mother
• Break stereotypes
• Be happy
• Be yourself
• Have no regrets

And remember, no matter what, you will always, ALWAYS, be my little girl

Advice To My Boys

• Give more than you take
• Kindness is not weakness
• Trust few, but trust completely
• The right thing and the easy thing are seldom the same thing
• Choose role models carefully
• Dance
• Don’t hold grudges
• Look people in the eyes
• Be nice, even if other’s are not
• Give credit, take accountability
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
• When all else fails, trust your gut
• Love your mother
• Protect your sister
• Be there for each other
• Question authority, just do it respectfully
• Extend olive branches
• Do what YOU want to do, not what others want you to do
• Don’t be a bully
• Stick up for yourself
• Try new things
• See other’s perspectives
• Don’t settle
• Call home
• Have faith

“I may not love you for the rest of your life, but I will love you for the rest of mine.”

Dear Me. Things I would tell my younger self

Dear Me.  Things I would tell my younger self

1. Listen more, talk less.
2. Make eye contact.
3. Say please and thank you.
4. Tell your parents that you love them more.
5. Don’t worry about what anyone else has.  Your things do not define who you are.
6. Try and let your mom eat a hot meal.  You don’t need seconds before she has had firsts.
7. Go find someone that no one else is talking to and say hello.
8. Don’t worry that you don’t know what you want to be when you grow up.  You still don’t know – and you’re doing OK.
9. I know that you feel that (Insert girl’s name here) broke your heart , but not only are there other fish in the sea, you will really enjoy fishing….for a while anyway.
10. You know that kid that’s been bullying you on the school bus?  Don’t worry, I’m at the Exxon now and he just pumped your gas.
11. You might want to hold on to those ripped jeans, one day you will actually pay top dollar for those “rips”.
12. …Those parachute pants on the other hand…not so much
13. Try not to be so insecure, you’re not as bad as you think you are…
14. …but keep in mind, as you grow up, you’re also not as good as you think you are either – be humble.
15. It’s not enough to not be a sore loser, don’t be a bad winner
16. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. 
17. It’s OK to cry…
18. … but not over not getting that toy you wanted.
19. And while you’re at it, try not to throw yourself prone on the floor of the department store if you don’t get your way.
20. You know those toys that make all that noise, don't use them until after 10am.
21. Your parents actually do know better…for a little while longer anyway.
22. No, you will not use algebra later in life
23. … however you will use “how you learned” algebra in almost everything you do
24. Even if your parents say they’re busy, keep asking them to play with you.  Believe me, they will be thankful.
25. But instead of saying “mommy” 17 times in a row, try saying “excuse me” and waiting for her to answer you
26. Give more, take less
27. Believe in Miracles