#26: Don't register for fine china.

When you get ready to have your wedding, everyone will tell you that you need to create a registry so that people will know what things you need to start your new life. There will be a lengthy list of suggested items - linens, pots/pans, barware, glassware, and dishes...two sets - fine china and everyday...

When your dad and I went to register, we decided right away that we didn't need (or want) two complete sets of dishes...we almost registered for a plain white set...no character, nothing...plain white. But at the last minute before our list went live to the public, we changed it to our orange dishes. I'm so thankful we made that decision. Our orange dishes have exemplified our marriage in many ways. Happy, adventurous, a little crazy, loud, simple but fun, dress up or dress down - versatile, adaptable, etc.

Lesson: When the day comes that you have to go make a bridal registry, DO NOT REGISTER FOR FINE CHINA! Pick one set that you truly LOVE! Everyone will tell you that you should get super nice dishes AND everyday dishes...I just want to tell you that one set of dishes is more than enough. By the time you are ready to use your really nice dishes (after kids), chances are you won't like your 15-years-ago-these-were-so-beautiful-dishes and don't worry...you'll be able to go buy the dishes you want...if you still want them. Personally, my goal is to buy holiday dishes...my Mom #2 (AKA: mother-in-law) has Christmas dishes and I've always been inspired by that. I can't wait to have holiday dishes...and holiday linens for that matter...I think it would be a fun tradition alongside putting up the Christmas tree - to get out the dishes, and change all the beds/pillows/etc. One day...one day...for now, trust me - Fine China for newlyweds is OVERRATED!!!!!

#25: Don't be scared to make waves.

I worked for SparkPeople during my last year of college and post graduation. Back then it was a little start-up company with just a few passionate people and a ton of potential. I learned so many valuable lessons from my time there - most notably the importance of working WITH others, which I failed at miserably while I was there. I've never quite forgiven myself for losing my chance to be part of what is now an amazing team of people trying to help others reach their goals and live happier, healthier lives.

Another lesson that has always stuck with me is a simple one - the ripple effect. Chris Downie, founder and CEO of SparkPeople.com, talked about never knowing how much the things you do effect other people. It is truly impossible to calculate. It is like jumping in the pool and creating a wave - which turns into ripples - how many people do your actions touch each day. Everything from a simple smile or hello to holding a door open to introducing yourself or donating to a charity...you may never know. This lesson is so important - DON'T BE SCARED TO MAKE WAVES. Do something crazy. Have huge goals. Work hard and achieve great success. Your ripples might help someone get the courage to make their own wave...

#24: Embrace An Attitude of Thanksgiving

Today was your Kindergarten Thanksgiving program. I literally had to wipe the tears away...I was THAT mom in the back of the auditorium...waving madly only to find out later that you never saw me...LOL...I was THAT mom standing there overwhelmed by how fast time is moving...I was THAT mom thinking about how blessed I am...yep, I am proud to say I WAS THAT MOM!!!

Lesson: Don't wait for the big celebrations to embrace an attitude of thanksgiving. It is really about the small things. The everyday things. The minutes seconds. As we approach Thankgiving, it is easy to be thankful. There have been reminders everywhere this month to take a minute and be thankful...but the bigger (and in my opinion, better) lesson is to ALWAYS be THANKFUL! EMBRACE this as your daily motto. Wake up thankful for new chances, new days...talk to people and be thankful for new friendships, new relationships...write to people and be thankful for the ability to send smiles across the miles...go to bed thankful...for new experiences, new adventures. You are blessed beyond measure - as am I...be thankful in everything you do!

#23: Learn to Float

One of the things that you were most excited about was having a pool in FL. To be honest, I've never been more scared. We immediately installed a safety fence around the pool, made sure all of the doors had working alarms/locks, and signed you up for swim lessons. We chose Little Otters Swim Academy and fully embraced the idea that learning to float could save your life.

Lesson: learn to float and one day when you have kids, teach them to float - the earlier the better! Look into survival swimming. Make it a priority! TODAY...

As I'm typing about the literal importance of learning to float, I'd be doing a disservice if I didn't also mention the figurative lesson here as well. Floating through life is important. It is important to know when to dive in, when to hold on to the edge, when to swim as fast as you can back to the stairs, when to get completely out of the water and when to float peacefully along. Just think about it...

#22: Remember Why

Everytime I look at my wedding ring, I remember why I said YES. I love your dad. I love US. I love who I am when I'm with your dad. I love who I've become over the years with your dad. I love knowing that he loves me as much as I love him. I love knowing that he said yes for the same reasons. Basically, I LOVE...LOVE!

I encourage you to remember why you make decisions, especially the BIG ones. Find a picture/item/phrase/etc that will remind you why you do what you do. My wedding ring is a daily reminder about why LOVE is so important...why our family works...why I am so happy...why I am so blessed. It keeps me grounded...it reminds me to be my best. It reminds me that I am loved and this is what life is about!

#21: Eat the Rainbow

One day, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich just won't cut it...I know...sad, isn't. But here is the good news...there are so many unique foods for you to try in your lifetime that you'll never have to look back!

From the IFIC Nutrition Blog: Planning colorful meals will make your food look better and can serve as a way to check that your meal is well-balanced...we are so blessed to live in an area of the world that has access to FRESH fruits and vegetables year-round...take advantage of this rainbow and eat up!!! :)

#20: Take Naps

You don't take naps anymore...LOL...at least not by choice.

Most days I think you could easily take a nap if you'd just lay down - but you are too busy and I can't fault you for that. We are all...too busy.

Take it from me - one TOO BUSY mom...always trying to run around and do the next thing...naps are REALLY UNDERRATED!!!! Try to slow down and if you are lucky enough to slow down enough - take a nap. I've never been good at power naps...but I hear they are wonderful! So, perhaps you should try it? Perhaps one day, I'll listen to this lesson too! :)

#19: Love Who You Look At In The Mirror

I have always been told that you have to love yourself before you can love others...well, I think there might be some truth to that. Lately, I've been liking what I see when I look in the mirror. When people take my picture, my initial reaction is "let me see how bad that one looks..." but lately, I've been liking the photos and I've been enjoying posting them. I think I'm starting to fall in love with myself. That may sound crazy, but I have hated myself for a long time. I'm only sharing this because I want you to learn a VERY IMPORTANT LESSON from your mama tonight...LOVE WHO YOU LOOK AT IN THE MIRROR...

Sitting at bus stop - photo by Lyla Nov 2013

Love yourself. Love yourself enough to make mistakes. Love yourself enough to ask for forgiveness. Love yourself enough to admit when you're wrong. Love yourself enough to celebrate success. Love yourself enough to accept that change is a process and can be slow. Love yourself to enjoy the ride. Love yourself enough to be patient. Simply love yourself. I'm finding that the more I love myself - the more my heart swells for others. I have a "glow" and a certain pep to my step...I'm ready to face my days - good and bad. I'm able to smile - genuine and authentic...and it all started with loving myself a little more each day! Start now and don't ever stop!

#18: Don't Rush To Sit At the Grown Up Table

When I was a kid, we used to celebrate Thanksgiving at my Uncle Larry's house a lot and I never got the chance to sit at the grown up table. I've always acted older than I am (at least that's what I think), so I was always a bit disappointed that an invitation to "move up" was never extended...now that I'm an adult - I can look back fondly of all the fun I had at the kid table and I'm thankful my family MADE ME be a kid ;) ...there are other times where I can remember wishing I were older. A few big ones...when I was 15 - I couldn't wait to turn 16 so that I could get my car and driver's license. When I was 17 - I couldn't wait to turn 18 and leave for college to be "on my own!"

Don't rush to become an adult. Believe me, it is happening too fast and one day when you have a family of your own, you'll appreciate that statement - just like I do now. ENJOY being young. EXPERIENCE your childhood. TRY as many new things as you can. FAIL before a job is on the line. LEARN as much as you can. CELEBRATE each milestone. EXPLORE your boundaries. EARN your independence. PRACTICE all the things that will make you an amazing grown up one of these days - a long time from now...  :) Don't waist time wishing away your childhood - enjoy each day to its fullest and make them each the best!

#17: Find Your Stregth in EVERY Sitauation

We had been in FL for about a month when I got a call from your dad that you had fallen out of our swing. I rushed home from the store and knew that I had to take you to the hospital. We went to Urgent Care and they immediately sent us to Arnold Palmer Hospital because you had broken BOTH arms. They had to put you asleep so they could reset both arms and it was the longest 8 week recovery of my life. We had to help you with everything - eating, bathing, going potty, writing, etc. But, guess what? We made it. You healed. In fact, if I didn't have these pictures...you'd probably never know. We've all moved on...

Waiting for you to "wake up" from your procedure...

Going home from hospital - what a crazy 12 hours 4:00pm - 4:30am

BOTH CASTS OFF!!!! :)

Lesson: First, always hold tight on when you are swinging! ;)
Seriously though, throughout life you will be in situations that you think couldn't get any worse. You might not be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. You might not understand WHY or what to do next. Breathe...and remember just how strong you are. Rely on your friends/family to help you - don't be afraid to ask for help. Be thankful for your strength! Sometimes the worst situations can teach us so much about our personal willpower, determination and strength!

#16: Being Selfish Can Be a Good Thing

I'm not good at being selfish. I always feel guilty - as I think many moms do. When I'm doing something for myself, I usually start to think about all the things I should be/could be doing for others, especially our family. It is both a blessing and a curse to care so much for others...On July 8, 2013, I made a promise to myself. I WILL BE SELFISH! I will put myself on the calendar. I will become a better (and more authentic) version of myself. I will be healthy for my family. I will dedicate myself and stay committed to changing my life for the better...and after 120 days - the results have been phenomenal. I can't stop looking at the pictures. I finally feel like I'm starting to see ME...not your mom, not a 34-year-old-stay-at-home-mom-of-3, but ME. I'm doing it the old-fashioned way - some hard work at the gym and totally transforming my eating...day by day, making it count! It is amazing!!!!

Lesson - sometimes being selfish can be a good thing. Your dad has been trying to teach me this for years, but I'm finally listening...and more importantly taking action. I hope that you learn early on to take time for YOU. Even when you are in a partnership, have a family, a job, responsibilities, etc...MAKE TIME FOR YOU and keep people in your life that understand and value the power of SELFISHNESS! :)

#15: Be Brave

When we found out we were moving to FL, one of the first things we talked about was RIDING A BUS to school. You were so excited...and when the time came - you got right on. I was amazed at your bravery. That afternoon, I was the first mom waiting at the bus stop and it seemed to take forever for me to hear the hummmmmmmmm of the big yellow bus (#150)...but the doors opened and out you came - smiling...you are brave!

There are so many times in our life when we will need to be brave. Life is scary. The world is scary. New things are scary. Making friends is scary. Moving is scary. I could go on and on...You have taught me a new version of being brave...and for that I'm thankful. Now, it is a lesson that I want you to always remember - no matter what happens...BE BRAVE. Face your fears and overcome your challenges with dignity and respect.

#14: No Matter Where You Are - SMILE!

The first thing we did when we arrived in FL was get you all started on your swimming lessons. It was an amazing process to watch you go from basically scared of water to LOVING swimming in a matter of weeks. A few weeks in, your instructor asked me to video you UNDER water...we were both shocked to see the result! Edwin was focused - no surprise there...but Lyla was SMILING...Lyla, you smile under water. You are amazing to watch. You remind me that it is so important to smile no matter where you are!

Sometimes life can be so overwhelming...it can feel like we are underwater - so much going on, so many things to juggle, so many people to keep happy, so many tasks...Choosing to be positive has really helped me face the many challenges we face each day. We must SMILE. We must be the "light" for ourselves and others. You may never know the power of your smile. It can be contagious. It can be just what someone else needs. It can make you feel more confident to face your day. It can make you feel more beautiful. A simple smile can change everything!

#13: Have Favorite Things

Each of you have favorite things...but nothing is as well loved as Edwin's blue blanket and teddy. Ever since you were old enough to carry them around, they have been with you. I thought you'd grow out of them...but now you are 5 and they are still your favorite things. They have to be in your bed each night. You may not carry them around anymore...but they are there and so close to your heart. I love seeing them because it reminds me of all the people who helped us celebrate your arrival. Your teddy is from one of my greatest friends Regina. She got it for you at Harrods in London - nothing but the best for my little Edwin! ;) and the blue blanket is from our friends Nick & Jen Gavey. They have gotten the same blanket (pink for Lyla) for each of you and it has been a favorite all 3 times. We are so blessed with amazing friends/family...

Lesson: Have favorite things. Don't let others tell you that you are too old for them. All through life you will appreciate what your favorite things represent. And when you're ready to "put them away" save them for your kids. The stories and people that they allow you to share will be so appreciated and they will become treasures for the next generation...

#12: When You're Ready - Build a Partnership for Life

Your dad and I couldn't be more different in a lot of ways - but we make a great team. We met in September 1997. I knew as soon as I saw your dad get off the elevator that I wanted to know him. Instantly I was attracted to his red hair and confident smile. It didn't take long to realize that he was the whole package. We were in the same Honors program - so he lived across the hall from me in the dorms. Your dad is probably one of the smartest people I've ever met. I felt like he never had to study...hahahaha...even though I'm sure he'll tell you that he did. Everyone liked your dad and he had connections. He was instantly involved with Greek life on campus. I told my roommates that I really liked your dad and they said I was crazy...but somehow I just knew...

Over the years, we grew up together. We slowly built our team and when your dad asked me to be his wife (Nov 8, 2003) I said YES to a partnership for life and on Oct 9, 2004 I made it official before God and our witnesses. I take that vow seriously and protect it with every ounce of my being. I cannot imagine my life with anyone else. One of the things I like best about your dad is his ability to teach me. He has taught me that it is okay to be selfish - we cannot fully love others unless we love ourselves first. I'm still working on this everyday...He appreciates what makes me ME. He loves all of ME.

In everything we do, there are similarities and differences...LOVE it all!!!

Remember, partnerships aren't about being the same. Building a team is about allowing each other to be different and LOVING everything about what makes each other tick. It is amazing to find someone who makes you excited to live each day.I pray that each of you will find your "better half" and that each of you will be someone else's "better half!"

#11: Travel

I've had the opportunity to travel to so many great places - in the United States and abroad. For school, pleasure and work...I have so many favorite memories. I loved Barcelona. Munich will always be special to me. I adore Tucson. I would love to live in NYC. Venice was beautiful. Rome was just what you'd expect. Thailand was indescribable - so different. I could go on and on.

If you get the opportunity, I hope you will find a love for travel. My first trip was to Tucson when I was 5. Grandpa Randy and Grandma Nikki buckled me into a plane and sent me off (alone) to meet Grandpa Ralph and Grandma Betty upon landing. I can't imagine doing that with any of you...especially Edwin who is 5 right now...

...but I do know that I have never feared traveling - so from an early age I thought it was fun to go on adventures to new places...meet new people...try new things...so, I hope you'll continue learning about the world - it is so much bigger than our street - our town - our state - our country...learn as much as you can and appreciate what makes each experience unique!

#10: Messes Aren't All Bad

There are so many times that I wonder how it is possible that 3 little people can make such BIG messes. I can get overly frustrated by the number of times I have to ask you to clean up. I can't believe that you can't put something away before you start the next thing - I KNOW YOU DON'T DO THIS AT SCHOOL...hahaha...but then I remember how fortunate I am to have 3 healthy kids who can make messes, how blessed we are to have family/friends who continue to provide an excessive about of goodness for you to play with and how much it really doesn't matter at the end of the day...and I say with happiness, messes aren't ALL bad! :)

This is really a lesson about perspective and I'm sure it will return in a variety of messages from me. I believe we have the power to choose our reactions...and you must choose to be positive. Sometimes it is impossible not to feel down - grumpy - negative - whatever you want to call it...but I guarantee if you can learn to channel that energy into finding the positive in each situation - those feelings will pass much quicker. Finding positive isn't always easy - in fact, it can be quite honestly scary. People around you will be focusing on negative and bringing you down - whether they mean to or not - it will be up to you to rise up and remember this lesson - not all messes are bad...some might not be the easiest to clean up, but clean it with a smile and move on...as fast as possible! :)