4 and Her New Aqua Cast

I can't remember where I was when I first read Thoreau's famous quote "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the Life you've imagined."

I can't remember where I was, but I remember how I felt. I felt as if the World had, for just a moment, fallen completely off it's axis. I remember feeling hopeless. I remember wondering how the life I had imagined had gotten away from me. Where had that life gone? The one I had always planned on?

I certainly wasn't living it.

I did have my girls (or at least some of them). And they were wonderful and everything I could ever hope for. And I was trying to live the life, I really was. But I couldn't do it alone. I could try and try and wish and wish and hope and hope. But in order to live my dream life I needed a little help.

I needed The Husband.

And he came along, about 13 years or so after that lightening bolt moment.

And now I am living the life I always imagined. And it is awesome.

My girls will tell you that I am a little bit addicted to sayings. And it's true. But this saying? This one I knew had to be part of all of our lives. On a daily basis.
This exact phrase has been hanging in my home since about 1997. (when I created the first one ala 90's style with stencils galore)

I want it to permeate every single fiber of their beings. I want it to be whispering to them by their inner conscience every time they make a choice that will steer their lives, big or small.

So I will keep it up. As the styles change, so will it.

I'm outlandishly proud of this incarnation. It's big and colorful and eye-catching and perfect.

Dear 1:
I don't think you will ever know how proud I am of you for choosing to live the life you wanted. You wanted to be a stay-at-home Mom. So you found a husband who supported this dream, when not many Young Men his age really do now days, and you did it. You stay home with your baby, and you let your Husband provide. Oh how I wish I would have had that gumption when I was newly married. I'm so proud of you.
Love,
Mom

Dear 2, 3, and 4:
Don't ever take your eye off the prize. Whatever that prize is for you. Keep your eye on it. Make the choices that will take you there. You can do it. You can all do it.
Love,
Mom