Yet?

Dear Ellie,

Part of every adults life is about knowing what you like and what you don't like...telling people things you do or don't do. For example, I am frequently telling people that "I don't drink coffee" or that "I don't ski."

There isn't any reason why I don't do these things...I just never started, so, that pretty much means I just don't do them.

On the contrary, right now, everyday you are still learning new things, even though you are at the age where you have a great understanding of the world around you. The beauty of this is that there isn't anything that you "don't do", but rather it is just something that you don't do yet.

It may seem like a trivial difference, but it is not. Typical adults have a dismissive attitude, things they haven't done are just not part of their lives and almost certainly never will. You have the opposite attitude, things you haven't done are just new opportunities to learn or try new things.

A perfect example was tonight at dinner. After seeing me eat with chopsticks tonight, you did your best to do the same no matter how difficult it was :-)

As I watch you and learn from you, I aspire to have an attitude more like yours. In fact, I think we all should take this attitude more often. Imagine how interesting and fun you life would be if you always answered questions like "No, I don't do that...yet"

Love,
Daddy

10 Commandments

Mommy's 10 Commandments that I made for myself...I need to remember these!!

1. Be content in the moment
2. Be grateful
3. Remember the big picture
4. Pray
5. Work toward your goals/don't just want them
6. Say no when it blocks your priorities
7. Accept who you are and where you are
8. Do what you are passionate about
9. Remember you cant always make everyone happy.
10. Don't forget to have fun.

I think it's important to get back to basics sometimes and focus on what you stand for and if what you are doing aligns with those beliefs. 

Proud of You

I don’t really have a lesson for you...I just have to tell you how proud I am of you Ellie. This weekend we went to Old Chicago for dinner. It was not that long ago that we couldn’t take you out to eat because you would cry and cry....We had a wonderful dinner with you. You said “please and thank you” to our waitress....said “pass” when you wanted some food on the table and said “scuse pease” when you were finished. Then sat nicely and colored until we were done eating. You are turning into such an amazing little girl. You already care about others so much....especially animals. You LOVE having fun...playing chase and running around. I look at how happy you are at this age and I pray that you can be this happy and find the little things in life as enjoyable as you do now.

I’m so proud of you honey and don’t ever forget that. LOVE YOU more than you'll ever know!

Attempting to Fit In...

This post is meant for when you are 12.  The hardest battle you’re ever going to fight is the battle to be you, just the way you are in this moment. We cannot find ourselves if we are always searching for, or morphing into, someone else. In this crazy world that’s trying to make you like everyone else, find the courage to keep being your awesome self. Be your own kind of beautiful right now, in the way only you know how.

Right now you know exactly who you are.  And you are 2 years old.  You know when you are hungry, when you are in trouble, when you are tired, what you want to do and how you want to do it.  It really is so beautiful.  You never think about what others think about what you are doing.  You do what you want when you want to (unless mommy or daddy say otherwise).

I wish I could live more like this. I have gotten better but continue to struggle with this one.  The truth is we get wrapped up in being concerned with what others and what the world thinks about what we are doing and how we are doing it.

It's amazing to see you play with other kids.  You are so confident and fearless. If you want to swing you go and swing.  If you want to wear a purple shirt with bright pink pants....well that is what you wear.

When you are older and comparing yourself to others...whether it be looks, grades, accomplishments etc...just remember God made you exactly how you are supposed to be.  Go with your instincts and never look back.

For now I am learning from you on how to do exactly what you want to do while still being compassionate and not self centered :)  It is a balance to find but one that is rewarding if you do.

For now enjoy every second of playing on your playground the way you want to.

Accepting Criticism

I believe learning to accept constructive criticism is such an important part in growing as a person.  With being a dancer and now coaching, it was ingrained in me how important it is to not take constructive criticism personally, but to take the advice and grow with it.  This took me a long time to learn and I am still learning it.  In my professional life I now see how some (women especially) take criticism so personally.  This knee jerk response, to any type of suggestion, inhibits them from doing better work and possibly even becoming a better person.  It is easy to keep blinders on and believe that your way is the right way ( I often like to believe this) but  never forget it most likely isn't the only way.  A beautiful thing about the world we live in is that we are all made differently.  God made it that way for a reason.  Opening yourself up for suggestions or criticism isn't always easy, but it is essential for growth.  I find the more centered and confident I am with myself and my life, the more open I am to peoples suggestions and thoughts.  If you know your beliefs and values, it is easier to listen to someone else's perspective and opinions.  Always take time to reflect on how you can become a better you and what that path looks like and feels like to get there.  Love you Miss Ellie....XOXO

To bear defeat with dignity, to accept criticism with poise, to receive honors with humility -- these are marks of maturity and graciousness.”

Love, Mommy

It's ok to cry...

It was a sad weekend at our house.  We had to send one of your best friends to kitty heaven on Friday.  Gussy had been sick for a long time and it we new it was time to let him move on to a better place.  Daddy took you upstairs to say goodbye to him.  You gave him a looonnnnggg hug and kiss...it's like you knew you were saying goodbye.  Then yesterday, you were asking about him and we said "Elliana remember gussy had to go buh bye."  You looked at us and it registered.  You put your hands up to your eyes and cried hard.  We sat on the couch as a family for about 15 minutes why you laid on daddy's chest and cried.  You knew Gus was gone.  You couldn't fully understand, but you knew.  You can hardly put a sentance together and can't sing your ABC's yet, but you already have so much compassion and love for others, especially your animals.  I was so proud of how you handled this.  You let yourself cry in a way we knew you were mourning him.  There are times where you won't always be happy, and that perfectly ok. 
When you lose a pet, or someone close, it helps me focus on what is important in life and to make every second count.  Sometimes the hard things in life help make the good things brighter.

Thank you Gus for always being so patient, loving and kind with Elliana. We will sure miss you.

Your Best Friend

There is no doubt Charlie Brown is your best friend.  You ask for him almost right when you get up and when you are going to bed.  He is your resting place when you are relaxing and your play buddy when you want to play.  He is always there for you....no matter what....no matter how tired he is (or annoyed :).  He is loyal...always happy to see you...compassionate....and so patient.  There are so many aspects about Charlie Brown that we could all learn from.  Today is his 5th birthday.

  There are many days where he is just in the background of life.  Always there, always faithful and always ready to give everyone a kiss.  His constant love and affection is often taken for granted.  Everyone that meets him says "he is so big!!"  All I can think of is that God made him that big, because he is so full of love.  He is part of the family, and your best friend.  I don't know if he will ever know how much you love him, or if you will remember your first best friend, when you are older.  But for now, we are so grateful to have him in our lives.  I think he is the first thing you truly loved (besides your dad and I :).  The saying "All Dogs go to Heaven" has to be true because he hold every positive attribute that every human being should strive to be.

Happy 5th Birthday Char, We love you.

I talk to him when I'm lonesome like; and I'm sure he understands.  When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands; then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat.  For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that.  ~W. Dayton Wedgefarth