#9 Eat Your Cake

We love celebrations. All types. It doesn't matter...big and small, we love to celebrate each other. I have definitely passed my love of all things dessert on to you and I love watching you fully enjoy it!!!

Just remember, you don't need cake in order to celebrate life. Celebrations are about the people and emotions you want to share your victory with - not the food you are going to shove down. It has taken me 34-1/2 years to figure that one out...so I'm trying to save you some time! :) Celebrate. Learn to celebrate in a variety of ways...sure, cake is perfect once in a while - but don't forget a high-five, a handwritten note, a special song, a dance party, a smile, a hug, a night out, flowers, etc. and don't forget to celebrate the simple things...it will be easy (I hope) to remember the BIG things that you will need to celebrate - birthdays, anniversaries, holidays - especially with today's technology reminding you all the time...but the simple things - that will be up to you. Take time to celebrate and eat your cake - whatever your cake may be! :)

#8: Size Doesn't Matter

Your dad and I are average size and I'm sure one day you will all be average size too. Starting out Edwin has been smaller than average and it was never a concern until recently. You started Kindegarden this year and your smaller size has become increasingly noticeable not only to us, but also for you. You talk about other kids being bigger a lot...but it definitely hasn't slowed you down...because, guess what?

Size doesn't matter! You can do anything you put your mind to. You will achieve great things regardless of your size. The most important thing is that you always try your best and have fun. Your achievements and mastery of skills will more than compensate for being a little shorter than your peers in Kindergarten! I promise!!!

#7: Sibling Relationships = Love/Hate, But Mostly Love

My best friend is your Aunt Jessica (AJ). She drives me crazy and we often make each other so mad we can't stand it...but at the end of the day, I love her more than words. She is the ONLY one who truly understands all of the nuances of our family. There has never been a day in her life when I wasn't a part of it. She as my best friend from the moment she was born - probably before that! :) When we're apart, I miss her so much that it hurts...and I feel so blessed that she is a part of your lives too!

Lesson: love each other and never let anything break the sibling bond that you have. It is so special to have a sibling...and in your case two. You will love each other. There will be days when you might think you hate each other...but you will ALWAYS love each other!!! Treasure that and remain friends for life!

#6: Choose Your Battles

I have made a very conscious decision that dressing yourself is a form of independence that I fully support. Many people do not subscribe to this parenting technique...Sometimes, your outfits can be a lot little crazy, but unless we are going to a fancy wedding or an event that they have to wear something specific - I usually like the crazy look. I think it says something about me as a mom.

I believe it says:

• I love to showcase your independence.
• I support your creativity.
• I encourage you to learn about colors/patterns/textures/etc.
• I promote your "I CAN (WILL) DO IT MYSELF" attitude.
• I will not be embarrassed that you can dress themselves.
• I enjoy seeing you embrace and develop your personal style.
• I am helping you create a sense of self. 
• I live vicariously through you - I wish I could dress crazy too!
• I am happy when you are happy and comfortable!

Lesson: Choose Your Battles...unless you are are going to a special event, dress yourself; be proud of what you pick and embrace your personality! Some battles are worth fighting, but this form of appropriate independence - not so much...remember that and I sure hope that one day you will allow your kids to dress themselves too!

#5: It is OK to Change your Mind

Eastertime 2013 - we had went to the mall to walk around on the cool Cincinnati day...while we were getting lunch, you noticed that the Easter Bunny was there. While I fed Louie, daddy took you both (Edwin and Lyla) to see the bunny...you waited in the long line and were looking so brave...when your moment came - Edwin walked right up and Lyla politely, but quickly walked away...

Lesson - it is okay to change your mind. Sometimes it is easy to not make decisions because we think we're going to make the wrong one...but it is okay to change your mind. Not everything is blank and white - even though it would often make things in life a lot easier - many times there is grey...just always do your best and grow from the decision that aren't the best and accept the responsibilities that result from the decisions you make.

#4: Not Everything is a Race

I am constantly overhearing you all say "ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO"...or "1, 2, 3, BLAST-OFF!"...you race all of the time. You race each other and more often yourselves. Most of the time it is great fun...sometimes it gets a little too competitve and there are tears shed...and sometimes there are boo-boos and bandaids have to come to your rescue...

This lesson is simply to remind you that not everything in life has to be a race. Sometimes there are tasks that will require focus and attention to detail. Sometimes there will be goals that are worth the wait and you will have to practice patience in order to succeed. Remember that there is value in taking your time and checking your work.

#3: Have Fun

This week has been a long one...your great grandma Mueller went to Heaven this week, so your dad flew to Pittsburgh to be with family. He has been gone a full week and it has become obvious how much you miss him. I can assure you that I miss him more! LOL Anyways, today was our last day without him as he is due to arrive home late tonight. I did my best to keep your mind off of what was missing...we've been busy all week, but especially today. We got your Halloween costumes all ready, we read books, we danced, we watched a little TV - since Lyla woke up dry overnight, we went out for breakfast - pancakes at IHOP, we drew, we cleaned up, we took baths, we went out to dinner - tacos and chicken at Tijana Flats...and most important we HAD FUN! Lots of it! My favorite part of the day was when Lyla started singing the Poop It Poop It song and Edwin was quick to join in...you sang it the entire way home from the restaurant and it was beyond easy for me to talk you into doing it again for video...our family is so fun...THANK YOU!!!

Having fun might seem like an obvious life lesson - and it should be...however, it is easy to get caught up in the seriousness of life and that often takes the fun right out of living. It is crucial to have fun. Surround yourself with people who know how to have fun...not at the sake of other people...but genuine fun...and be that person for others...it will help make the hard days bearable and the good days even better!

#2: Be Involved

Today we participated in the Alzheimer's Walk. This was our 5th year being involved with this cause so dear to my heart and our 5th year exceeding our fundraising goals. There are tons of people who have helped us over the years and who have become INVOLVED in our cause...to each of them we say THANK YOU!!!

Bottom line: find causes that speak to your heart. Find causes that make you smile. Find causes that make you ask others for their support. Find something BIGGER THAN YOU...Our world will be a better place with each of you being involved throughout your lives!!!

#1: Look For Adventures

When your dad told me that he got the job offer in FL, my first reaction was to cry. I couldn't bear to think about leaving our family and friends and moving across the country...but within a few minutes of hearing the news - I had made up my mind that I would accept this adventure. Why? So many reasons: 1) career opportunity for your dad - he work tirelessly so that I can stay home with you and a career opportunity like this doesn't come knocking very often...so we had to entertain the idea, 2) FL? Who wouldn't want to live in the most magical place on earth...at least it is a place I know people will want to visit, 3) your dad and I trust each other fully and WE decided that this would be a great adventure for our family.

Life can get very comfortable and your routines simply become a memorized portion of your day. Laundry Monday, Library Tuesday, Playdate Wednesday, Park Thursday, Go to the bathroom Friday - well, you see what I mean. I think Lesson #1 is so important throughout life. Don't get comfortable. Don't set limits. Don't disregard opportunities because they don't "fit" where you think you are. Don't overlook potential in yourself and others...look for adventures...in everything you do! Life will be so much more fun...and believe me, even as an organized planner personality - adventures can (and will) open doors you never even knew existed...

April 2013 -Time for an Adventure!

Lessons From Your Mom - INTRODUCTION

I was recently asked to tell the story of me and your dad. I LOVE sharing our story and you each play a very important role in our story. You continue to help build what is unfolding as my Happy Ever After. I was feeling so inspired by the questions posed by the Lasting Vow project that I decided to document the lessons I want you to learn from me. Sometimes it is hard to stop and have a learning moment, especially with you all being so young and our days being so busy...but one day I hope you will look back at these stories and memories and appreciate how I tried to help you learn about life by LIVING it to its fullest!

I do my best on a day-to-day basis to be SUPERMOM and many times I fail...but I can guarantee each of you that my love for you is unconditional. You will NEVER find another love so deep and pure as mine for you. To be honest, I never knew I could love so much. I thought I hit my max when I fell in love with your dad...but as our family grew - so did my heart...and everyday I'm reminded of how blessed we are to have each of you.

PS: the lessons will be in no specific order - just in the order I think of them...

Oct 2013 - FL Pumpkin Patch :)