Category Archives: Letter to my girls

Looking Ahead to Your Teenage Years {Halloween}

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Dear Rylee,

We had so much fun the other night. It was so amazing to watch you be so brave and walk up the steps of those houses that were dimly lit with eerie music playing. You have grown so much since last year yet; you are still filled with the wonder of it all and still so innocent.

There will come a time when you’ll want to venture out and trick-or-treat with your friends. Believe me when I say that I’m ok with that…but convincing your father may be a different story. I’m guessing that day will come sooner than we’d like, but when it does, I want you to remember a few things…

If you’re going to go out trick-or-treating, no matter how old you are, you will be dressing up. End of story. It doesn’t have to be some big fancy, expensive costume, but seriously…put a little bit of effort into it.

Contrary to popular belief, Halloween is not just an excuse for girls to dress likes hoochies and get away with it. Seriously. Plus, it’s the end of October…it’s going to be cold out…bring a sweater! If you must, at least save that for your college years when you’re over 18 and out of the house.

If you’re going to go out trick-or-treating, you better not think you’re “too cool” to actually say “trick-or-treat”. None of this knocking on the door and just holding out your bag business…that’s not gonna fly.

After you knock on the door, in your costume, say “trick-or-treat” and get your candy? The words “thank you” {or some variation of} better come out of your mouth. I don’t care how much of a hurry you’re in to get to the next house, those people didn’t have to spend who-knows-how-much-money to buy candy for total strangers and you need to appreciate it.

Be mindful of the little kids, because it’s really for them, not you. Be mindful of the adults taking the little kids around from house to house. If they’re trying to drive down the road, just get out of the way, you are not “holier than though” or owed anything. Be respectful. Watch your language.

I sum all this up with 3 words: don’t be an asshole. 

Hugs & Kisses,

Mama

P.S. These words of wisdom, go right along with the first “looking ahead to your teenage years” letter I wrote you. Trust me, as you grow, there will be more.

What it’s really about…

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Dear Rylee,

I’m not normally one for writing you letters, but I wanted this to be about me sharing a special memory with you and not just documenting it for the sake of sharing it with others.

Last week, you asked me if you could go hunting with me. You see, ever since I got my deer last year, you have been so curious about it.

So, last Saturday, your grandad and I took you out on your very first hunting trip.  The days leading up to the hunt, we talked about it a lot. You asked me if you could shoot my gun. I told you maybe next summer when you were bigger. Your eyes twinkled. You were shocked to hear that you already had your very own gun. We talked a lot about safety after that. What you can and cannot shoot. Where you always point your gun. What colors we wear when we’re out hunting. Things like that. We want you to be safe, my love.

When the day finally came, you were so excited. You got to drive the gravel roads with Grandad. You glassed clear cuts with binoculars right alongside Grandad and me. You carried your ear protection with you…just in case. For the most part, you were quiet. At one point, as I was walking ahead of you and grandad, all I could hear were your little boots pounding on the gravel road and you whisper-yelling “wait up!, wait up!”. I turned around and squatted down and you ran to me with a big smile. We’ll continue to work on that as you get older. :) After a while, you were ready to be done, but you were such a good sport when we kept going.

We kicked up a few doe that day…but like you said, “no antlyers”. You know what though? That’s ok. As you grow, you’ll learn that going hunting isn’t just about killing something…

It’s about getting outside. It’s about breathing in the crisp fall air after a rain. It’s about seeing the sun rise. It’s about being a responsible hunter and practicing your shots. It’s about respecting nature and all of God’s creations. It’s about respecting your quarry enough to only take a clean shot – no matter how big the antlers are. It’s about keeping as much meat as possible to help provide for your family. It’s about spending time with those you love – even if it is in silence. It’s about passing on traditions and passions. It’s about realizing what a blessing it is to have the ability to enjoy all of these things.

Some of these things you’ve already learned…some of it will come with time. I’m looking forward to teaching you and showing you more. I hope your excitement never fades and that the twinkle in your eyes never dims.

I am so proud of the person you’re becoming.

I love you so much, sweet girl.

Love,

Mom

Dear Rylee: Looking ahead to your teenage years

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My Dear Miss Rylee,

I know you only recently turned 3, and that your teenage years seem so far off, but I’ve been thinking lately and I wanted to go over a few things about what you can and cannot expect when you hit those dreaded wonderful teen years. And while I’m at it, I’ll also throw in a few tips that’ll make the whole world a happier place.

I don’t even know where to start…

I guess since it’s Summer break and I’ve been running into this a lot lately (no pun intended) we’ll start here…

When you’re a teenager and you cross a street or parking lot or anywhere else you could potentially hold up traffic, DON’T BE AN ASSHOLE! You need to be considerate of other people my dear. That means I want you to run that sweet little behind across the road so that the car doesn’t have to stop just because you’ve got the “pedestrians have the right of way” mentality. And also? If you’re on a road with a sidewalk, for the love of all things holy, use.the.sidewalk.

I want you to be mindful of others. That means when you’re walking through the mall (or football game or where ever) with your little pack of girlfriends, don’t take up the entire walkway. People may want to go around you you know. And people also don’t want to hear about “how drunk you were at so-n-so’s party last week” or that those shorts that girl had on made her look like such a skank…or whatever mean term you crazy kids will use by that point.

I happen to think that last little bit also ties in with not being hateful or judgmental or rude.

Back to being mindful of others, and considerate for that matter, if you notice someone close-ish behind you as you are walking into a building, wait and hold the door for them. Then smile at them too. It’ll brighten their day. This rule also applies to any pregnant lady, mom with babies/toddlers, any older person and anyone with their hands full. Don’t question it, it’s just the right thing to do.

Never, ever underestimate the power of a solid handshake and eye contact. I know you might think it’s silly, but trust me on this one. Oh, and you’d be smart to mention that to any boy you plan on dating too.

Honey I am going to tell you right now, you are not going to get paid for good grades…ever. I don’t care if all of your friends get paid for every A they get. You need to try your hardest, that’s all your dad and I ask. If you don’t get straight A’s, that’s fine as long as you put forth your very best effort.
As long as you are busy in school with sports, or some other extra curricular activity like 4H or FFA or DECA or whatever you choose, your father and I will provide you with a vehicle to drive and pay for your gas and insurance. The minute you stop participating in sports or your chosen activity for whatever reason? You better plan on getting a job. Period.
Well, baby girl, I think that’s all I’ve got for now but don’t be surprised if I add to this list someday.
I want you to love your teenage years, but I also want you to be a well rounded kid that has some common courtesies that are no longer so common.
If you want me to teach you a proper handshake, just let me know.
I love you more than life itself,
Your Mama
Photo Credit
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Have anything to add to my list? Leave me a comment…I want to hear!