To my four beautiful children,

Like a breath from God you were life; my precious gifts! As you each grew in my belly you grew in my heart! I found comfort in hearing your heart beat the first time and hoped you found comfort in hearing mine; an unbreakable bond with each of you from inception!

From the moment I knew of your existence I couldn't imagine life without you. I knew what an honor and a gift it was going to be becoming your mom, and it is! From your first breath my desire has been to guard you, protect you, and love you with every inch of my heart. As I can't be with you every day I rely on God and his gift of the Holy Spirit!

As I write to you I wonder where the time has gone. The daily noise of laughter, bickering, & friends that filled the house are now limited to holidays and occasional visits. The refrigerator that was impossible to keep full (with three teenage boys) now holds very little. I'll forever cherish the moments we've shared while living for the moments yet shared.

These next years hold unlimited opportunities for each of you and your future is there to be taken! As you prepare for the unknown blessings ahead also learn and grow through the challenges. Challenges for you as you learn about yourselves and for me as I learn to let go and let you grow into the men and woman, husbands and wife, dads and mom you have yet to become.

You're going to make mistakes along the way, but I will too. I'm going to hang on too tight, stay too long, become too involved and say too much at times; because I'm your mom and I love you!

As your lives take flight please remember these things I know to be truths.

Follow God! Putting God first and following Him will lead you on the journey He has planned specifically for you. A life ultimately full of success and blessings; sometimes when we want something (or someone) that isn't right for us, we try to justify or rationalize it, but God knows. Follow him in the good, great and difficult times and I promise love and blessings. Surround yourself with people that have the same values and love for our Lord and Savior; you will give to them as much as they will to you.

Stay Handsome & Beautiful Inside! While people will often first notice you for outward appearance, this is only a part of who you are. Outward beauty can fade with years but your heart, your character, and the kindness you show have the ability to outshine even the best of looks. Your intelligence and the inward gifts you have to share will come to mean more than how much your outfit cost or what car you drive. Realize that one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself and others is love! Alway let your light shine inside out!

Marry your Best Friend! The person you decide to spend your life with should think you rock; because, well, you do! They should believe in your dreams and believe in you! Marriage isn't 50/50 but 100/100; take the me out of your marriage and focus on the we. Forgive each other fully when needed; no good comes from keeping a tally of each others flaws. Never miss an opportunity to say "I'm sorry" and "I love you" as tomorrow isn't promised.

People First! Things are nice to have and some are necessary, but things do not make life worth living; people do! Material possessions can be replaced, as you know first hand people can't. Love till it hurts!

Make Mistakes! As parents we would love to shelter you from making mistakes, especially the same ones we have made but sometimes you have to make your own to "truly get it". Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are inevitable and will become life lessons.

Now live, each day to the fullest; knowing that I am immeasurability proud of you! Hold your head up high; while holding God and your values even higher, smile and know that you deserve all the blessings, opportunities, and wins your future holds. No matter where life takes you, know that I am blessed, grateful, and honored to be your mom and will always love you each to the moon and back!

Forever blessed & proud to be your,

Mom