thinking on things

Hi kids,

It’s the middle of the year in 2013 and as happens sometimes, I am feeling sort of reflective about where we have been so far and where our family is going.  I have a few thoughts for your older selves to read someday. These are just random thoughts in no particular order.

1. You guys really need to start eating some green vegetables again. What’s up with that? I feel like we dropped the ball on that one.
2. Daisy you are one tough and silly little monkey. Keep it up. That’s a winning combination.
3. Townes you are growing into such little man. You’re just not a baby anymore. It can no longer be denied. I still love to snuggle you though (whenever you let me). I’m all too aware there’s a shelf life on that particular privilege.  I’m going to work on letting you go gracefully in teeny, tiny little increments so when you’re finally leaving for college I’m able to hold it together without needing to be carted away on a stretcher. You’re going to be such an amazing young man.
4. The future keeps coming at you faster and faster. Make big plans for yourself and stay the course. If you live a life without purpose, it’s barely living.
5. Whenever you feel yourself losing control, take a long, deep breath. Townes, you already do this. We started suggesting it as an option for when we can see that you are starting to get too upset and it works really well for you. When you get older it will be something you can internalize, but sometimes the situation might call for a literal deep breath too. Don’t be afraid to do it.
6. Read a lot of books. Or tablets. Or ZedReaders or Jak600m’s or whatever they are calling them where you are. You both like books a lot. I like to think aside from just being an amazing portal to alternate universes, books serve up other benefits as well. Most importantly, I think reading fosters curiosity about the world and other people. If I may generalize, readers are more curious people. Curious people are better listeners and the best listeners set people at ease. If you are ever at a party with someone whom everyone seems to be over the moon about, it’s very likely they are a good listener.
7. But take some time out for yourself. When you’re the kind of person that people like to talk to it can get tiring. Make sure you have some time alone. Time alone should be rejuvenating not lonely. But it’s ok if it’s lonely sometimes too.
8. If you are ever having a hard time in school, remember that 90% of the coolest/meanest people in high school have hit the high point of their lives at age 17. If you think about it that way, it’s actually quite sad. Feel bad for the people who pick on you. If those mean people could see into their own futures, most of them would be a lot nicer to the not-as-cool kids.
9. Pick up your toys when you are finished playing with them and try to be tidy about your clothes when you are too old for toys.
10.  I’m going to try and be a better role model for you. Daisy especially because women still have it tougher. No one respects a doormat so I need to make some changes to my work persona especially. Take no guff. Guff is an old timey word, but it is a good one. Look it up if they still have dictionaries in the future.
11. Don’t watch too much tv. I know you have your favorite shows and all, but a lot of parents are worried about their kids because they don’t want to go outside. Both of you love the outdoors. That is becoming a unique trait. Hang on to it.  
12. Make each other a promise to never ever fight about trivial stuff. Townes, lately you have been telling me that Daisy is your “best friend.” Remember that when she is doing stuff that makes you mad as a grown-up. She will. And you will do stuff that makes her mad too. But you are always going to be each other's best friend and you should always have one another’s backs.
13. I will always do my best for you. I expect you both to do your best in everything you do. It can be hard sometimes, but that’s not a good enough excuse for not doing your best.
14. People will say this a lot and it will make you roll your eyes, but it’s actually very true. Do not sweat the small stuff. Like is too short. Repeat that one and let it sink in. Life is too short. Be the best version of yourself when you can. It’s not always easy. But try.
15. When you wake up, 95% of the time the first word you say is "Townes," Daisy. Townes is very, very important to you right now. Remember that when he is bugging you later on.
16. When you wake up Townes, about 99% of the time the first word you say is either "Mommy" or "Daddy." We are very important to you right now. Remember that when we're bugging you later on. 
17. Did I mention that you need to eat your green vegetables? I did? Well, I’m mentioning it again because that’s an important one. 

Love, Mom