Ruby turned 3 yesterday & it was a fun day filled with her favorite things. She was so excited over every little thing we did which made it even more fun. I took her to get donuts in the morning & as she carried the box inside the house she said, "That was so awesome, mom!" The day was filled with cute one-liners like that. We spent the afternoon at the aquarium which is definitely Ruby's happy place & then came home for dinner & a little birthday party. She now has quite the collection of princess dresses & I loved watching her open her dinosaur toys while wearing a big sparkly dress. That girl is the best of both worlds & I hope I never forget her reaction when she opened the boxes of dinosaurs & her eyes got as wide as her smile & she just started screaming & then roaring. It was a great day. There's nothing quite like seeing your child as happy as can be and surrounded by people who love them. It kind of helps balance all of this nostalgia that seems to creep up anytime I realize my kids are growing up too fast.
And this is for you sweet Ruby. Some of the things your mama would like you to remember:
1. Believe in 'Happily Ever After'. You live in a world that will try to tell you marriage is old-fashioned, monogamy isn't realistic, & staying at home to raise your children isn't worthwhile. It is. Nobody reaches their 'Happily Ever After' without earning it, but I promise you that it's there & it's yours for the taking.
2. Love your brother. Brothers are one of the best kinds of friends & you'll forever remember the good times the two of you have together. Make your time together count.
3. Get a good education. Be prepared to hear this from me for your entire life. You'll not only make yourself more intelligent & well-rounded by doing this, but you'll also provide a way to be self-sufficient & independent. And that is a beautiful thing, my dear.
4. Follow your heart, but take your brain with you. Enough said.
5. Pray, pray, pray. Don't forget that you're a daughter of God. He loves you perfectly & you are never alone. Tell Him how you're feeling, express thanks, tell Him what's going on in your life, talk to Him when you're scared or lonely or happy. And then rest assured that He hears your every word & He cares deeply for you.
