Just a few things I want my newly 10 yr old to remember!

I've read a lot of “Letters to my son or daughter” on the internet and with my Amber's 10^th birthday already here I thought I'd write my own.

 In my opinion, a girls 10^th birthday is a pretty a big one, not as big as 13 or 16 I guess, but hitting the 2 digit mark I remember being a milestone in my mind.

So here's a few things I want her to remember..

1. You always say you want to be a kid forever so....Be a kid forever! Hold onto it as long as you can. Growing up is not all it's cracked up to be, so take advantage of having endless energy, no bills, and getting to be carried to bed while you fake sleep every night. (Seriously, we're on to you. We see the smirk.)

2. Don't say “Skinny” or “Fat” to define yourself or anyone else. Both ends of that spectrum can be hurtful. Be and feel healthy...that's your perfect size.
   
   
3. Don't talk to yourself about all your flaws, that's a voice you can't ignore so be careful what you say. 
   
   
4. The only difference between those who succeed and those who don't is the simple act of TRYING. The worst thing that could happen is you end up where you are right now and learned something in the process.
   
   
5. Don't EVER allow your past to be an excuse for your present. You've already experienced more loss than most adults and you'll have hard times that you'll think will break you, but don't allow those things to give you permission to feel sorry for yourself. Grow from it, learn from it, get to the point where you're thankful for what it taught you. YOU and YOU ALONE are responsible for your future and happiness. So before you pull the poor poor me card, remember, “If we threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back”. Change your attitude about the problem and you'll change the problem.
   
   
6. You're not better than anyone else. Not the kid with the attitude, not the kid that can't afford new clothes, not the kid that speaks a different language or looks different, not the kid with bad grades, NOBODY. Don't ever allow yourself to look at someone else and think you're better. The action of doing so proves you're not.
   
   
7. Be Beautiful! Be the girl that no matter what you're wearing, no makeup on, hair with a mind of it's own, that has such beauty on the inside that it shines through and makes others smile. The most beautiful women in the world will look like a total troll when she's filled with hatred and jealousy...Don't be a troll :)
   
   
8. You'll be tempted by that green eyed monster on a daily basis. By someones clothes, intelligence, sense of humor, maybe even their boyfriend. You'll be jealous of those closest to you and people on TV. Don't give in, when you focus in on that one thing someone else has you stop caring about all that you do. 
   
   
9. Stand up for those who can't do it for themselves. I don't care who is being the bully, if you see it and do nothing you're just as guilty. I would rather get a call telling me you're suspended for knocking someone out then hearing you stood back and watched.
   
   
10. And on that note...If you decide to bully someone you will meet the wrath of your Mother like you've never seen. The way someone treats others is a reflection on themselves not of the other person. Always remember that, especially if you're the target.
    
    
11. I've said a lot about being nice, but don't be TOO nice. Don't allow yourself to get ignored, forgotten, or walked on. Putting your energy into others without expecting anything in return is fine, but when it gets to the point where others are expecting and never returning than it's time to stop. 
    
    
12. Be classy not trashy. You'll get just as much attention but it'll include being interested in what you have to say.
    
    
13. Always be Daddy's girl. He will protect you, make you feel safe, and hunt down anyone who treats you any less than what you deserve. 
    
    
14. Protect your heart, don't just give it away. Make the boy you like work his butt off to prove his feelings and if you find out he's been proving his feelings to other girls then walk away...give him a well versed, eloquent, ass chewing first, then walk away and NEVER consider him again. Your heart will be broken and you'll feel like you'll cry forever, but after I've held you crying all night and spent heart broken weekends eating junk and crying some more we will sit and laugh about him and his big stupid head. Then your parents will egg his car and possibly threaten all he holds dear. 
    
    
15. Create your family. Learn from Daddy and I and who we surround ourselves with. If it's one thing we do well, it's picking good friends :)
    
    
16. LAUGH! Laugh all the time, spend time with those who make you laugh, marry someone who makes you laugh (Seriously, I know!), laugh whenever you can. It'll give you wrinkles and stories to tell.
    
    
17. You can't do it all. That's right, you CAN'T do it all. As you grow into being a women you will be told you can have it all: Wife, Mom, career, spotless house, home cooked meal, you get the idea. But let me just break the news now. If you want it all, not only will you have to sacrifice a lot, but you wont be able to do it alone. The secret to succeeding in life and being happy with said life, is simple. Literally, it's living simply. You don't have to do everything, all the time, by yourself, perfectly. Ask and except help. Having a spotless house might mean shoving everything into a closet , home cooked meal might mean out of a box or Wendy's grab and go on kids sports nights, having a career might mean missing school plays or Holiday's, being the perfect Mom...HAHAHA! She's hanging out with the Unicorn counting her pot of gold. But that's all OK! The secret to having it all is knowing you already do.
    
    
18. And finally...Have fun! Go to Prom, go on dates, enjoy summer nights with your friends (maybe even with your old parents too), dance around your room to your favorite song, be safe but make memories. Make memories that in 10 years you can sit down with those friends who stuck with you for the long haul and make lots of new wrinkles.

Always remember Daddy and I love you unconditionally, no matter what you do or choice you make you can call us and we will be there. Don't be surprised when you get grounded, have your car taken away, and get the horrible “We're not mad, we're disappointed”. BUT we will still be there adoring you relentlessly. So, Happy 10^th Birthday Amber Lynn...You amaze us!