tone.

it's one of the choices you get to make. so many times the tone chosen can out do the words themselves. be careful when choosing both. for there have been many times when talking to both of my kiddos that the tone chosen has been off-putting. perhaps it's because i'm your mother that i bare the brunt of it and pray.* (*even praying for myself as i too have chosen the wrong tone)

perhaps the best way to avoid being off-putting is to be quick to listen and slow to respond. this is a lesson that typically comes with maturity, but if you can learn it sooner rather than later i'd say you'd be one up on your peers.

day 3 and this is for each of you.... SLOW DOWN!

not quite sure when i decided to do so, i think it was a gradual realization brought about by watching others, feeling the stress myself and when the moments passed feeling as though i had missed them altogether.

kathryn i've heard you say a time or two throughout the first half of your senior year that 'time flies and it seems to be going faster'. and it's so true.

matt, you're at the stage in life where all you want to do is hurry up time so that you can hop in your truck, with your dog and head to austin, tx. well i assure you it will all happen soon enough in at just the right time.

so, slow down and enjoy the ride. soak in the journey and each moment. don't fall into the worldly trap of hurry hurry hurry..... and i'll go even further and challenge you to look for, find, and admire Gods glory each and every day and in those crazy moments that will undoubtedly come your way. if you're blessed with a tomorrow know that it is for a purpose and reason.....if you're not sure what that purpose or reason is, amp up the convo's with God and build up that relationship. like any good relationship, the better you know one another the better the journey through life together. and together is far better than alone. it just makes more sense.

to my children.... so so much to tell you both. much i've shared with you a time or two. the most important thing i think you need to know is that you're beautiful people whose purpose perfectly designed by a masterful, loving God.

you are loved unconditionally by both your daddy, myself & God. His plan for you is perfect. never forget no matter how rough the waters that the plan is a perfect one. never forget to give Him the glory at all times for all things.

you'll be faced with choices daily, every min. of every day at times.....they have consequences, chose wisely.

well happy new year my loves...

2014 i'll be writing to you. not quite sure what all i'll impart but know that my intent is to leave you with tidbits that i want you to know. it's been 2 years since my mom has been gone and so many times i wish i could pick up the phone and call her and get some info. she was for sure my go to source. recipes, advice, cheering up, venting to, whatever the need she always seemed to fulfill it. i laugh when i think of the number of times i called her when i first moved away from home asking for laundry advice. #1 question...."is it hot or cold water that sets color/stains?" finally after what was probably the 1001 phone call for the answer to that question i decided to write it down....in the We Care cookbook from which she pulled many of her recipes. still to this day i'd have to reference the front inside cover to get the answer and in my hand writing i can hear her voice dictate the instructions.(i'll be sure to share them with you..... )

first thing i wanna start with is to you, andy. i want to thank you for making the choice to love me. in the beginning of this journey we both had choices to make and daily i'm thankful you chose me. there's much to be said for common core values and sharing a vision of what you want from this journey with another. we had major commonalities and minor differences. we balance each other for sure.

i love the example we've set for our children. we've kept it real and honest. you've been a great dad, husband and provider. you've worked hard. i think one of the reasons we've come to love Christmastime so much is because the kids and i know we're gonna all be together for family time. it may not always be fun & games (as you hate games) but there's a comfort in knowing that we're all under one roof. this Christmastime was all the more special as it's our last guaranteed one with us all together. hard to believe or baby girl is off to college this fall.

so as commonplace as it may sound i want you to know that i love you. i want you. and i am so looking forward to the rest of our journey. i'm glad we chose to do this thing call life & love together!

i've said it many times before folks....life is about choices. some are big and will forever change your life. some will forever change the life of others and some seem so small and insignificant it's hard to imagine they would ever impact anyone......not so. every choice has a repercussion....a ripple effect. may you choose to send a wave of smiles into this world.