Dear Children,

I love that Zach and Elizabeth love school.  You both get so excited for Gingerbread and Kindergarten.  It is so great!  We are busy, as your schedules are opposite- we have a few minutes to pick up Zach then drop off Elizabeth- but it gives us some good almost one-on-one time (with Jared of course).

PS- Thanks Zach, for asking me in the car ride home how my day is.  I appreciate it.

Dear Children,

Don't listen to other people too much.  People will tell you you're doing it wrong.  Think for yourself.  Even as an adult, they will tell you if you're doing life wrong.  Be your own person and don't worry about them.

You are very smart children.  You wear what you want to wear.  You are good listeners, especially in public.  You like things, other things you don't like.  But you always decide.  Sometimes you think about it and change your mind.  I hope you always see your value.  That you understand that you can pick what you like.  It's something I am still working on myself.  There are a lot of society standards that I have to accept that it's okay if I don't like a popular TV show or a style trend or an activity that my friends like to do.  Those don't make up things that I like, and that's ok!

Don't fall into pressure, whether that be by strangers making comments or dirty looks, friends, or media norms.  Be you!