lessons from Mommy

Ive decided to blog about things I want my kids to know, and things that I hope for them.

1) We can't choose the people we love, and we can't pick the people that love us. There will be heartbreak, and there will also be wonderful love. Time does heal, but doesn't mean that we necessarily forget or stop feeling the love we felt for someone. Love changes, it doesn't necessarily have to go away, and that's a good thing.
2) Think for yourself, have your own ideas, your own opinions, and know that it's OK if you like something that momma or dada don't necessarily like. You are your own person, a unique individual, and your opinion is valuable, and authentic.
3) Think about what makes you happy, think about what you want to do, think if it's possible, listen to advice, but never sell yourself out to someone elses ideals and stick to your dreams.
4) Live fully, love passionately, dream big, don't be guarded and always stick close to the ones you love.
5) Friends are the family you choose. Surround yourself with positive people, good influences, people who make you laugh, those that are worthy of a good cry, and those who love you for who you are, appreciate you for your quirks, and aren't afraid to tell you the truth when the truth may not always be easy to tell or what you want to hear but rather what needs to be heard.
6) Love your family, lean on them, stay close at heart, and know no matter where life takes you family is never far away.
7) We grow from experiences that scare us at first. Don't be afraid to be afraid. It's not weak, it's human. New experiences can be scary, but you'll never grow if you don't try new things and challenge yourself to new endeavors.
8) Stay close to your siblings Someday when mom and dad are old and gray or gone away, you'll always have each other. You can argue, you can disagree, but always remain friends siblings are your built in companions for life and know you through and through. There will be tough times when siblings will be invaluable and you will need each other.
9) Always say thank you and send thank you notes.

and Finally....
10) NEVER LEAVE YOUR BEER UNATTENDED AT A FRAT PARTY :) this one is for Andie. Also, "Jungle juice" is actually pure alcohol....back away from the trash can of fun colored juice.