#25 Remember What Counts

It is very easy to get wrapped up in material things. Trust me -- I love coats and tennis shoes--they make me happy, they bring me a level of joy, but in the end that joy never compares to the happiness I get from things not easily seen.

Learn to take joy in friendship. My shoes will get holes in them and I will have to get a new pair. A good friend, I never have to replace so long as I take care in my relationship.

Learn to love kind words. It is EASY to be critical and rude--much harder to be kind. Appreciate the kind words others give to you and use kind words with others. The smile that spreads across someone's face can keep you warmer than the heaviest of coats.

Find comfort in hugs, excitement in the count down to your last days of school, happy anticipation of reading your favorite bed time story. Live every day knowing that you have tons of people who love you. Place your glory in heaven and not on earth.

Yes, darling I want you to enjoy your favorite pair of jeans or your latest amazing toy. I just always want you to remember that things of value often can not be touched--only felt with the heart.

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#24 Try New Foods

As a baby you are starting to eat so many different things. Yesterday I gave you black beans. I don't like them but you tried them fearlessly...and loved them.

I hope you always try new foods as you continue to grow. Eating a variety of foods is good for you. Also, trying new foods is generally a safe way to let yourself live "on the wild side" for a bit. You can use food to learn about different cultures and spark conversation. The next time someone offers you escargot or a SuperDawg in Ames go ahead and taste it.. You might just find your new favorite dish.

#23 Unplug

Yes I know it is a bit ironic that I am typing this blog post to you on a computer and telling you to unplug. I'm serious though, do it. At the very minimum pick two weekends a year where you turn off all of your electronics. That is right, unplug all of your electronic "extras". You need to realize that while these things can make life easier or more entertaining (sometimes), it still goes on without them.

Use your unplugged weekend to:
- Go for a walk--listening to nature not your music.
- Sing a song--a camp song that doesn't require a booming base.
- Have a conversation -- in person instead of over the phone.
- Send a letter -- in the real mail instead of speedy un-personal electronic mail.
- Play a board game -- as opposed to a video game.
- See a play -- did you know that actors can perform RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU? Not just on a screen?
- Take a nap -- You probably don't get enough sleep anyways.


These are obviously just a few ideas. I just always want you to take time away from this buzzing electric world of ours and simplify, prioritize, and enjoy the things that are quickly becoming beautiful reminders of lives once lived to the maximum.

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#22 Let Your Dad Be Protective

I know, in a few short years a protective father will be HIGH on your list of reasons you hate life and your parents, why you aren't "cool", why no boys will come within ten feet of you (which if you ask me is a good thing), and a million other things. I still say -- LET HIM GUARD YOU.

I can tell you this RIGHT now..your father has your best interest in mind always. I can also tell you that he is a great judge of character. He wants you to be happy--he also wants you to be safe. He will want to know where you are when you are out with friends, he will give you a curfew, he won't let you date boys who he doesn't know and who don't show you respect. Naturally you will think this is the worst thing ever but I promise it is not.

In case you haven't figured it out your life is a precious gift not only to you, but also to us as parents. We want you to have friends, have fun, heck at some point in time I even want you to get married (if you want to as well). However none of that will change that you are your father's little girl. His eyes light up when he sees you, his smile gets bigger than I have ever seen it, he cherishes you and when you are older he will want you to be with a man who does the same.

He wants you to be with someone you love (See: #4 Marry For Love) and who loves you back. That means that he might be polishing his guns when Johnny knocks at the door. Trust me, if the guy is worth your time he won't have to even worry about what your dad is up to when he arrives. It also means he will expect boys to pick you up at the door when they come to the house--not the driveway. Also, he probably won't let you out the door if he can see the young man's underwear or even a segment of your midsection.

If you promise to let your dad guide and protect you as his little girl who he loves so much..I promise to support you if he gets out of hand. ;-)

#21 Call your Grammy and your Nana

You are one lucky duck girl. You have a Grammy and a Nana who love you so very much! Do me a favor, when you are older and you think your mom is a crazy batty fool--call them. They will guide you when my advice isn't so hot. Sometimes they will agree with me, other times they might ACTUALLY have a better idea.

Other times you need to call them:
-When you are lonely
-When they are lonely
-When you are happy
-When you do something really fun
-When you are sad or disappointed
-When you want to laugh
-When you want to make someone else laugh
-ANY TIME that you think of them--because they are most likely thinking of you too.

The awesome thing about these ladies is that they are actually MOMS too! They love you and have your best interest at heart. They get the joy of spoiling you and sending you home--so they naturally come with an extra dose of fun and exciting. They have advice that I don't have. Love them, have fun with them, learn from them--AND DO NOT FORGET TO CALL THEM!!!

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#20 Shake Your Groove Thing!

That's right girl..dance! Lately you have really gotten "into" music. When the Leapfrog toy plays the ABC song you really shimmy. I just wanted to say that I hope you always are willing to dance.

People seem to think that in order to dance you have to be taught or you have to "know" how. Of course, if you want to do perfect ballet, learn a tap dance routine, or participate in So You Think You Can Dance (A TV show that will be long out of existence when you are old enough to even enjoy such a thing) you will need some classes. The good part is--you don't need a class to shake and shimmy!

Dancing is good for you! It raises your heart rate and gets your blood flowing, it stretches your muscles and can relax your mind. You can dance to relieve stress, you can dance to make someone smile, you can dance to commemorate your wedding, you can even dance for charity through things like Dance Marathon!

Please daughter, even if it is just to make your mom giggle--always be willing to break down and dance!

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#19 Learn How To Walk In Heels

After that last statement some feminist out there probably hates me. Oh well.

Should you wear heels all the time or even every day? I wouldn't recommend it but to each their own. On the other hand I feel like every girl should at least know HOW to walk in them, which does require putting them on from time to time.

Why heels? Well for a number of reasons...

1. They make you taller. Trust me at some point in life even if only once--it will be nice to be just an inch or two taller.
2. They can dress up any outfit --well almost any.
3. Wearing heels (especially while doing something that only men think they can do) is kind of like saying everything you can do, I can do better..while looking good.

All kidding aside, it is just a good skill to have. You never know when you might want to make a business suit a bit more feminine, when you will find the perfect dress only to find that the perfect shoes are pointed and tall, or that you just want to work on your balance.

You will rarely see your mother in heels, but I assure you that yes even she -- the girl in constant denim and old sneakers-- can walk in them.

Okay you don't have to start learning this today...

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