Lessons from a Nine Year Old

As my youngest celebrated turning nine yesterday, I began to ponder the things that she has taught me in her nine years.  Here's the short list....

EVERYONE DESERVES A CHANCE TO HAVE FUN.  She is the most vibrant, friendly child on the planet and truly likes to include everyone.  She doesn't believe in judging anyone and I love that about her.

SOMETIMES THE BULLIES JUST NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO.  At her age, this is often true.  Sometimes the bullies are just bullying because they're lonely.

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF MAKING SOMEONE SMILE.  I don't know how she does it but she can make pretty much anyone smile at any given time.

HAVING A HUGE HEART SHINES THROUGH ALWAYS.  You literally meet her and love her immediately.  I have always told everyone that she absolutely charms people from the moment they meet her.....everyone.  It's just the way she is.

STYLE IS ABOUT JUST BEING YOU.  This kid combines polka dots with stripes with plaid and works it.  She just has this flair about her that her friends try to copy and just can't pull off.  I swear that she should be building displays in the mall clothing stores because, with the way she layers, she'd be making millions.

and a few other random things.....

CINDERELLA SHOULD HAVE TAKEN HER SHOES OFF TO RUN WHEN IT STRUCK MIDNIGHT.  She could run faster without shoes, after all.

I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO KEEP TRACK OF WHICH MY LITTLE PONY EQUESTRIA GIRL IS WHICH.  So don't......even.....try.

LITTLE GIRLS LOVE FOOTBALL TOO...SOMETIMES MORE THAN BOYS.

I love my little monkeys and they've all taught me so much.  Happy Birthday to my Baby Girl (yesterday).

Reflections

As it nears my youngest child's birthday and her last year in the single digits, I find myself taking a good look at those that I hold dear.  I look at my family within my house but I also look at the family outside of the house.  Some are biologically related and some are of no biological tie at all but are closer to me than most people could imagine.  I'm saddened that my kids don't get some of the family experiences that I had growing up but I'm incredibly thankful that they have the people that they do.

Grandparents.  My grandparents are some of the most important people in my life.  I cherish every conversation I have with them.  My maternal grandparents have been gone for decades but my paternal grandparents are the source of knowledge, support and love that I value more than anyone can imagine.  My grandmother is my biggest maternal influence in my life and I want to be the kind of amazing mother that she is.

Cousins.  Oh my goodness, cousins.  I have a ton of them and I'm so thankful for them.  As an adult, I've gotten closer with some and more distant with others.  I grew up near some of them and had so many adventures with them. 

Friends that are Family How many people have "aunts" that aren't really their aunts?  I have so much family in my life isn't even close to biological relation but they are SO important to me.  They give me hope for an amazing future, strength when I need it and the support that no one else on the planet can provide the same way.

My Dad.  My dad is incredible.  Nuff said.

Amazing Friends.  Though I'm not as close with some of the ones I consider family, I have an incredible group of friends that I adore.

Keep those that you hold near and dear in your heart every second of every day and cherish every single moment.  Those life experiences shape who you are.