A letter to my daughter

Dear Paige,

Just because you are a girl doesn't mean that you aren't allowed to get dirty.  Jump in mud puddles.  Make mud pies.  Get that finger paint all over yourself.....but try to avoid mommy's carpet if you can.

Don't grow up too fast.  I know you won't be my little girl forever, but sometimes you just need to be a kid.

Work as hard as you can.  Your dad and I will do our best to give you everything that you NEED, but unfortunately we won't be able to give you every single thing you want.  Even if we hit the lottery, you need to learn to work hard to bring in your own money...because we won't always be around.

Learn from your mistakes.  You are going to make a few along the way but don't keep making the same ones and expect different results.  And whether you succeed or fail, you are loved.

Laugh like crazy every chance you get.  Life can be cruel sometimes so enjoy even the smallest moments.

Don't be a bully.  You will learn as you get older that some people are mean just to be mean.  Don't let it change the good person that I know you will be.  That being said, don't take anyone's crap either!  Protect yourself, always!  Don't throw the first punch, but make sure you defend yourself.

It's okay to cry sometimes, it does not make you weak or any less of a person.

Know that I am always going to be your best friend...but first and foremost I am your mother.  Sometimes I'm going to make you mad.  Just try to understand that I always have your best interests in mind.

Don't be afraid to be different.  Just be you.  I know there will be a lot of pressure to act and look a certain way but never lose sight of who you are. You are beautiful.

Never stop learning.  Right now you are like a sponge trying to soak in all the information you can and I love it but as you get older you are going to think that you know it all.  You don't.  You will learn something new every single day.

Be kind to animals.  Pets know nothing in this world but how to love you unconditionally.  Love them back.  You will never have a better friend in the world than your pet.

Choose your friends wisely. A good friend will treat you like family.  They will have your back, encourage you, support you, and love you.

There will be some people who have more than you but material things do not equal happiness.

Learn to say no.  Don't do things that make you uncomfortable

And ALWAYS know how much I love you <3

Love,
Mama xoxoxox