letters to my sons 4/10/13

I found out this morning from a friend (via Facebook) that today is National Siblings Day, so I nixed my other plans for a post and decided on this.  The timing just seemed right, so the shot of them sitting on our front doorstep waiting to hunt Easter eggs will hang out for another day (or maybe not...it's not the greatest...I was bummed).  I borrowed the idea from some of my favorite photographers out there (whose blogs I stalk regularly) to write letters to my sons - to share what's on my heart every now and then and tell them everything I want them to know.  Eventually, when I have enough, I plan to publish them in a book(s) and give each of them a copy to have and (hopefully) read.  So here goes number one... 

Boys,

I remember one of the first times I said that, and I caught myself mid-sentence and thought...Wow.  Because to be a mommy to even one of you is a dream come true and a whole lotta answered prayers.  He said, "Yes, I will.", and I was and have been in awe of Him and both of you from day one.  And I always will be.  I have so much to say to you - to share with you what my hopes and dreams for each of you are, to share my best mom advice I can possible give you, and above all to make you feel my love.  I can't possibly boil it down into just one letter, so this is just my starting point.

1.  Because my greatest hope and prayer is that you make Him number one in your life, my number one is this...Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  Matthew 22:37  That means more than anything or anyone...even me.

2.  Stand firm.  To what you know is right.  To what is true.  It may go against the "grain", but that's okay.  You'll be glad you did in the long run.

3.  Brush and floss those pearly whites at least once a day.  You only get one smile.

4.  Play hard.  Work harder.  The things you work for and therefore earn will mean so much more.  They'll make you proud of you.  And confidence, Babies, doesn't come with a price tag.

5.  Pay someone a compliment at least once a day.  There is true power that comes with giving someone else a reason, big or small, to love themselves.  And they'll thank you for it.

6.  Choose your friends wisely.  There's a saying that goes, "You are the company you keep."  True dat.  So surround yourself with those that will build you up not tear you down, will hold you accountable to staying true to your morals and beliefs, and will love you for you no matter what.  And remember...you already have one friend (your brother) for life.

7.  Tell the people that mean the most how you feel - even when what you have to say to that person may be hard for him or her to hear.  Communication in any relationship is absolutely critical for it to survive.  And it's nice to hear "I love you".  Really, really nice.

8.  Love each other.  Always and forever.  Even if it's just because I said so.

Love you right up to Heaven, Honeys!

~Mom