Dear Misses...

Dear Misses,

         Today I am sending you off to your first day of preschool. Buying your Disney Princess backpack yesterday evening was surreal, and I couldn't help but wonder about all of the "First Days of School" to come.  I realized that 0 to 3 went really fast! God willing, soon you will be 12 years old, and we'll be arguing over the backpack you want me to buy. It made me happy and sad at the same time. Happy, because I know that you are going to have a blast at school since you have been excited to go to preschool for 6 months now. Sad, because soon I'm going to miss having our mornings together. I know that sometimes I am going to miss having you with me at Target trying on every shoe in the aisle, and ordering a coffee without having to order your breakfast cookie will be a hard habit to break. :)

While you are starting your very first of your school years, there are a few things that I want you to always remember.

1. You are smart. You may not always know the answer, and you may not always get your work perfect,     but you are capable of anything. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

2. You are beautiful. Where ever you are... whatever you are doing... Sometimes you will be the prettiest person in the room, sometimes you won't, but you are a beautiful person. Always.

3. Be a good friend. Your friends will be your family during your school years. They will support you, make you laugh, and give you strength on the hard days. You can never have too many friends.

4. Be kind to everyone. Everyone! The kid who smells funny, the kid who looks funny, the kid with two different shoes on. It doesn't matter. Be kind to those who are kind to you.

5. Be confident.  Whether you are trying to make it across the monkey bars, make it on the soccer team, or solving a math problem... Know that you can do it. Confidence will carry you far, but being afraid to try never got anyone anywhere.

6. Stand up.  You will never get in trouble at home for getting into trouble at school... IF you were standing up for yourself, or someone else who needed it.

7. Play.  I don't care if it's soccer, cheerleading, gymnastics, softball, volleyball, or chess team.  Spend time being a part of something bigger than yourself.  It's one of the best things you can do... Learn to work together as a team, and you will make friends while doing it.

8. Be your own person.  Whether all the kids are eating worms, riding on top of cars, or piercing their lip. Be your own person, and use the good head that God put on your shoulders.  They will still be your friends if you don't do it.

9. Try your best. You may not always get the best grade, but if you truly gave it your best try, your grades should usually reflect that.

10. We love you. Always know that when you come home from school... your biggest fans will be waiting for you at home to hear all about your day.

                  Love,
                        Mom