Posts Tagged ‘daughters’

She Said Yes

Tuesday, December 27th, 2016

a and b

Love cannot be quenched in my family. Why should it? With all that life throws at us, love is the glue that holds us all together.

From the day she called to tell me about a crush on a guy who came through her drive-thru window at the bank, I knew. This girl of mine who loves deeply and sets her standards high… true love came knocking in the form of an artsy, thoughtful, level-headed handsome guy named Bobby (Robert, to some).

love lo

That first date (coffee at Starbucks) morphed into a four-year courtship filled with ups & downs, twists & turns….and lots of fun exciting moments. So much growing up, growing together and patiently waiting for the right time to take that next step, in love.

It’s been a beautiful journey. As a mother, I’ve enjoyed watching them strategically take every step necessary to get them to this day.

all b eng

What’s better than having a daughter get engaged? How about BOTH DAUGHTERS ENGAGED within a month of one another?

I can’t make this stuff up!

God, you are funny!

the ring

The truth is we are over the moon for our girls. Both have found the one in whom their soul loves and that’s a blessing to us as parents.

Congratulations Alexandria & Bobby! What a joy to share your love with our whole family! Another wedding…..SQUEEEEEEEE!!

Four Blondies Walk Into a Sunroom

Friday, September 11th, 2015

blondies in sunroom

Look at us. All cozied up together on the little ugly couch in my sunroom. Sheer bliss. That’s the best description of how I feel when I’m surrounded by my beautiful girls.

I used to think I only wanted sons.

Whatever! One really awesome son fills my heart and for that I’m grateful.

I love being a mom of daughters. They remind me so much of myself. Not only do they look very similar to me but they hold many of my same personality qualities. I like that….hopefully the rest of the world does too.

Sitting around the table talking with my girls empowers me to talk openly with them about real life stuff. They aren’t little cuties anymore. They’re both grown young women with smart minds and lofty goals for their future. As I look into their sparkling eyes and marvel at their big beautiful smiling teeth…..I get a lump in my throat at their beauty and their poise. Each of them embody a loveliness that leaves me breathless.

I want them to have everything they deserve and more. But, what I really want is to equip them with the greatest parts of me and what I’ve learned throughout my own life. I pray that they know…

girls love

Nothing they ever do can make me stop loving them. They are human, just like me. Loving them has nothing to do with their success or performance or appearance. I love them simply because of WHO THEY ARE to me. My daughters.

girlss 1

No one agrees on everything all the time. Even in families. Still, I can value the opinion or thinking of my girls. I can celebrate them and their differences and I can learn from their knowledge. They deserve it.

girls know

This one is easy because I’ve lived my own flawed life right in front of their faces. They’ve seen firsthand, NO ONE IS PERFECT. I want them to know that they don’t have any unrealistic goals to live up to. If they goof up, they haven’t blown it forever.

girl hearts

In a world where the most often used advice is “Follow your heart” I want my girls to know that FOLLOWING JESUS is way more important than whatever “heart” emotion they may feel. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”. Don’t trust your heart….trust Jesus.

girls lovey

No matter who – it’ll cost you. It might be your time, your independence, your family, your town, your career, your dreams. Love is costly. What you have to decide is …. is it worth it? Any love worth having will be worth the sacrifice.

fail

Success isn’t everything. It’s important but not everything. Your value doesn’t come from your success. God already made you valuable. All the success in the world will never make you a great human. When you fail, accept it and learn from it. Failure will make you stronger, smarter and better in every way.

be a lady

It only takes a second to ruin a reputation. The words we use, the clothes we wear and the way we behave and treat others all reflect WHO WE ARE as people. I want my girls to be the kind of young women that represent ladies in the highest form.

girls and mother

Sorry girls. All the things you’ve rolled your eyes at…you will do it to your own precious cargo. It’s just the way it is. So, trust me when I say what sounds crazy or stupid now will someday come out of your own mouth. It’s wisdom. You’re welcome.

And lastly…

daughter

Not a day goes by that I don’t thank God for giving me my two girls. They really are the best parts of me. Because of them, I want to be a better me.

50 Things to Teach My Daughters

Sunday, March 2nd, 2014

1.  YOU are absolutely unique.  God created only one – you.  Be yourself, it will always draw people to you.

2.  Beauty comes from the inside.  Don't fall for what the media calls beauty.  God made you in HIS IMAGE.  Don't compare yourself to anyone else.  You are beautiful as you are.

3.  Nothing you will ever do…..can make me stop loving you.

4.  Read your Bible and pray, everyday.  God's Word is alive and active. (Hebrews 4:12)

5.  Friends will make you or break you.  Always surround yourself with great people.  Decide to be the kind of friend you wish for.

6.  Never be afraid to try.  Staying stuck in neutral will never move you forward.  Step out and take a chance.

7.  Don't whine & complain.  Nothing is more unattractive in a person and it shows you're NOT willing to solve your own problems. 

8.  When life beats you up (and it will!), don't feel sorry for yourself.  Be tough and do something nice FOR SOMEONE ELSE!  You'll be surprised at how empowering it is and what a great reminder of HOW BLESSED you really are.

9.  Never forget, someone is always watching you!  Be the kind of woman that honors God at all times.  You might be surprised at how God is using your life to change someone else's.

10.  Read good books.  You will never regret learning something new or traveling somewhere while still wearing your pj's.  Plus, reading is the best brain food!

11.  Dress up, every chance you get.  There's something powerful in looking your best and showing the world.  Besides, fashion is a love language!

12.  Know your worth.  It isn't just a saying, scripture says YOU ARE WORTH MORE THAN RUBIES!  (Proverbs 31:10)  Don't let anyone treat you less than your true worth.

13.  Forgive.  Even when they are not sorry.  It's been proven that unforgiveness only hurts the one witholding it.  Don't hold back letting go of that kind of poisoning.

14.  Marry someone who is fun to be around.  It's important that you can laugh together.  Trouble will come your way and it's a good idea to have someone who can find the good in every situation.

15.  Be honest & trustworthy.  Your word will follow you everywhere you go.  If you are a liar….it will catch up with you.  Say what you mean and mean what you say.

16.  Sleep on the best sheets.  Face it, you were raised on them.  You can't possibly learn to go backwards now.  It's okay if some call you a sheet snob!

17.  Step out of your comfort zone, here & there.  Be willing to bend every now and then to someone else's desire.  It's not that horrible to go camping or see a movie that's not on your list.  Consider it…..stretching yourself.

18.  You are in charge of your own happiness.  Don't put that responsibility onto others.  It's your job to be happy!

19.  BE NICE to everyone (especially strangers).  It only takes a second to show someone else loving-kindness.  You never know what they are going through.  Trust me on this one!

20.  Keep a journal.  Write down what is in your heart.  You'll love looking back and seeing how much you've grown.

21.  Love animals.  If you ever want to experience unconditional love….get a pet.  They don't know hate or rejection.  They only know YOU ARE AMAZING!

22.  Recognize the beauty all around you.  God made a world that is off the charts exciting.  Enjoy it and be thankful TO HIM for it.

23.  Work hard, everyday.  Give your very best in everything you do.  Half-hearted attempts will deliver crummy results.  Don't forget to rest too.

24.  Treat yourself to something delicious at least once a week.  

25.  Call your parents.  Your mom misses you everyday and your dad will stop heaven & earth to help you no matter how old you get.  He's super soft about his girls.

26.  Marry someone who opens your car door, drops you off at the door of your fave stores and takes you to restaurants that you love more than he does.  That's a man to have babies with too.  HE THINKS VERY HIGHLY OF YOU!!

27.  Use good communication skills in every situation; at home, work & in social circles.  It saves a lot of misunderstandings.

28.  Go somewhere new.  Travel, take off on excursions.  Nothing teaches you more about life than different cultures.  Hey, everybody doesn't have a Sonny's BBQ…remember?

29.  Never be ashamed of who you are in Christ Jesus.  You are a child of God.  Live outloud for Him.  You will never regret it.

30.  Always listen to good music.  A song can heal your heart, bring a smile to your face and fill your heart with goodness.  Don't be afraid to sing as loud as you can either.

31.  Kiss the one you love.  It's like therapy.

32.  Don't put money in a spot of worship.  Having it….can be awesome.  But don't let it rule your joy and happiness.  Always thank God for what you have.

33.  Don't let anyone talk trash about your family.  Ever.

34.  Pay attention to details.  Believe it or not, its the little things that make us happy.

35.  Say thank you when someone does something nice for you.  It's a privilege to be loved by others.  Write it down and send it — if you have to.

36.  Brush your teeth and floss every single day.  You will thank me for this when you're older and paying for your own dental work.

37.  Get out and exercise.  Sitting around and being lazy will surely soften all that you hold dear.  Tone it up, girl!

38.  Buy good shoes.  Spend a little more for real leather and make sure they look good too!

39.  Visit with your siblings.  Growing up together means you have instant best friends.  Treat that relationship with care.  Someday, your dad & I will be gone….you'll only have each other.  Cherish it.

40.  Go to church.  Knowing what you know about that world can be a little daunting but that's not how God wants it.  He meant for us to gather with others and worship.  Find a church that loves one another and strives to please Christ not self.

41.  Make your home a reflection of you.  Even if it's not a fancy palace, make it warm and inviting.

42.  Choose a man who is strong.  Goodness knows, he's going to need it to handle loving you.  Your dad is one of the strongest men I know.

43.  Be the first to help someone in need.  Don't wait to see who will help when you can do something right then.  You weren't raised that way.

44.  Follow the recipe when learning to cook, it will help you know how to create your own good foods someday.

45.  Don't be a know-it-all.  No one likes them.  Be smart and sit on it when you're tempted to show it off.

46.  Smile at everyone.  Your face is never ugly when it's smiling. 

47.  Be teachable.  See #45.  You really don't know everything!  Be willing to learn from others.  It's amazing what they know.

48.  Drive however long it takes to get to the beach.  The ocean holds power (God made it) and your heart needs to experience it as often as possible.  Let the sun shine on your pretty face.

49.  Don't waste time worrying.  It robs you of peace & joy that you can't ever get back.  Trust God….He is always working.

50.  Pay your bills, be responsible for your actions and say you are sorry when you mess up.

 

My girls are all grown up now. They’ve picked the men God created just for them to love and cherish for life. I couldn’t be more proud! They’ve filled my life with love & laughter, memories that I’ll cling to forever. My prayer is that they know without a shadow of a doubt, I AM THEIR BIGGEST FAN! I will cheer them on in this grown up life they live and I will always, always be their mom. The one they can run to when the world threatens their joy & peace.

I will never get over, being picked to be their mom!

Do you have daughters that need to hear something important from you?

Dad Rules

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

Maybe you’ve bumped into this post out in the blog world already. If you haven’t, you must read it! I promise…..you’ll love it! It’s all about dad’s and the rules for fathering a daughter. Be prepared to giggle, tear up and remember your own daddy relationship.

For some (like myself) that relationship wasn’t as special as it should have been. I remember my dad being there up until the death of my little brother. After that, it was just the two of us. My mom did her best, but being a single mom isn’t the ideal situation. I missed out on so many things that little girls shouldn’t have to. Sadly, I was also a victim of other people’s sins.

I don’t own the shame that comes from that abuse. However, I do wear the scars in my heart from the innocence that was stolen. It happens. More often than you’d think. Children, especially misplaced children are easy targets for the sick in our world. Daddies have the power to protect the girls they father.

Mine could not do that.

For my own beautiful girls, God had special plans. He custom created the best daddy in the world. One who would be madly in love with them. Nothing they could ever do or say could stop him from that. He has always teased about snippin’ a notch in their ears at the hospital to keep anyone from trying the old switcharoo. Instead, he chose to stick right with them the entire time. That, he did. (Our son, too) None of our children were ever out of his sight.

Over the years (in 8 days–married 22 years) I’ve felt a sort of redemption for my own childhood. Mine was full of turmoil and pain. I grew up thinking love was conditional and costly. All things that are foreign to my kids. While they can surely point out parenting errors, I know each of them cherish their dad & I. They have known love, protection and trust everyday of their lives. God surely makes beauty from ashes. I’m living proof.

Today, I see my past as a gravel road to a victorious life. One that could only be orchestrated by God. He knew what I needed. While I didn’t experience the warm fuzzy love of a daddy…..I’ve stood witness to that in my own children’s lives. I see now, what a real dad is. A blessing to me and to them.

I can’t leave without sharing this link. It’s just another daddy making it his goal to rock his little girl’s world (as long as he can get away with it). Hehe! If you have a daddy in your life that has blessed you and loved you with his whole heart–Don’t forget to let him know what he means to you.

Ok, one more link, just in case you haven’t had enough “love those daddy” tears.

God,
Thank you for the dad you’ve given me (in my husband). While he can never change my past…he’s certainly blessed my future.
Amen