Lessons for My Daughters

There's nothing like being a parent to make you feel like a failure.  That may sound like a harsh statement but I believe that is the TRUTH!  Parenting is the hardest job in the world but by far the most rewarding.  Despite it's bountiful rewards it's downright frustrating, trying and hard.  There are so many days that I feel like I'm not being the best mom I could be.  There were too many times that I yelled or such little time that I spent with the girls completely undivided.  But I believe as parents, especially us moms, that we're our own worst critics.  Let's agree that we need to give ourselves a pass and even a pat on the back.  With all that parents have to juggle we're all just doing the best we can.  All I can do at the end of everyday is just pray for His guidance and strength.

As a mama of two girls there are some things that I think are my responsibility to teach them.  Of course many lessons and values are passed from not only mom but also dad, grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents, peers, etc.  I just want to share with you things that I hope I am teaching my beautiful girls.

1.  Trust in God in all things.  Pray in everything, turn to God not only in scary times but in thankfulness and happy times.  Don't worry.  Work hard to advance in life but don't get overly concerned about material items and status in life.

2.  Success has nothing to do with money or career.  Don't measure your worth by either of those items.

3.  Family first!  Always protect your own, fight for them, stand by them and forgive them.

4.  You don't get to choose your family but you do get to choose your friends; choose them wisely!  Your friends should cheer you on, laugh with you, cry with you...bottom line they should support you.  There is no competition amongst friends.  Friendship has seasons; it is okay for a relationship to sunset.

5.  Life isn't fair or equal.  You don't get A's in every subject, you don't always make the team or play first string.  You can't always win.  Don't be a sore loser, play and work to win but be humble whether you win or lose.  Respect your opponent and congratulate the winner even if you don't like them.  

6. You aren't the center of the universe.  You earn respect, it isn't guaranteed.  You are not inherently better than anyone else.

7. Don't strive for perfection, just do your best.  Some days your best is greater than the next day.  Your best is perfect!  Along those same lines, don't worry about making mistakes.  Mistakes help us learn and grow.  

8.  I am your mom first, not your friend.  Sometimes you will not like my discipline or my decisions but I ALWAYS have your best interest at the forefront.  I hope that one day we can be the very best of friends but I will always be your mom first.

9.  Your faith and your values are two of the very few things that can't be taken away from you no matter.  Develop them and stay strong.  It's not easy standing up for your beliefs but do it anyways.

10.  Respect and love yourself first.  Don't compromise YOU for anyone else.

My sweet, sassy and smart girls, I love you more that you will ever understand, you are my world.  I will always be here for you; to listen, to hold you, to love you.  God bless you and keep you.

These gorgeous photos were captured by Elisabeth Kate Studio who specializes in film photography and loves shooting precious family moments.  You can find more info on her website.  Thank you Elisabeth for preserving these moments for my girls and I.