Pumpkin Patch

 Oh, how I love Fall.

Bulldog face

Road Surfing

I don't know why it took them so long to discover this.  The boys were helping Matt change the oil in his car and this was what they ended up doing instead:

And yes, I know, they should be wearing helmets!

A letter...

To the three most important children in my life right now...

Mia, Alex & Evan,

At this moment, our country is facing a horrible epidemic.  Kids are being bullied and their lives are at risk.  In school, while they play, over the phone, on the internet...in front of their friends and in front of the whole world.

It is so much different now than when I was little.  You have connections to each other, ways to reach each other, that I never had.  You can allow yourself to be so vulnerable without realizing it.  There are so many ways that I can't protect you and as a parent and an older sister, it makes me crazy.

The three of you are going to run into quite a few "bullies" along your life.  The family that surrounds you will make sure you never become one.  That is the easy part.  The hard part is ensuring you have the tools to make you feel impervious to those bullies.  In order feel that way, you need to know some things.

1. There is absolutely NOTHING you cannot tell us.  We love you unconditionally.  If you are feeling weak, stupid, behind, frustrated or lost, we are your warriors.  God gave you to us specifically.  Our job is to love you and protect you, no matter what.

2. You are beautiful.  NO ONE deserves to feel ashamed of themselves for being who they are.  We begged God for you, all of you.  We prayed for you before we knew who you were and we pray for your safety and health every day.  We want you.  We love every little inch of you and you deserve to feel happy and safe.  Do not let anyone challenge that.  If they do, refer to #1.

3. You have power.  I would do anything for you.  I would give my life for you without a moments notice.  It is easy because of the power of love.  What is not easy is risking what you have for someone you don't love.  A friend, an enemy, a stranger.  But, this is the most important part.  You have power.  If you see someone hurting, someone being pushed around or embarrassed or uncomfortable, YOU are the one who should do something.  Do not wait for someone else to tell the teacher or run for help.  Don't wait for someone else to call the police or scream for attention.  Grab their hand, tell them that it will be okay, ask for help.  Risk your reputation and stand up for the little guy.  When you do, come tell me about it.

4. BE CAREFUL with the power you have.  There are going to be kids who look up to you, who respect you or have a crush on you.  Be so very careful with these people. Show grace when they compliment you, show humility when they are honest with you and if you do not share their same feelings, let them down gently and thoughtfully.  Be good to your friends.  Do not speak about them behind their back, do not hurt them on purpose and be there for them even when its not convenient. If you do hurt a friend, do not waste any time with blame.  Apologize, make it right and give them time to heal.

At this moment, many people are coming together to educate kids on this topic.  I hope this education never stops.

Be brave, be confident and be loving.  There is nothing more important that your life.