Remember when you were a teenager?  I know I do.  It’s in bits and pieces, but I remember.  I remember craving independence, high school dances, dance competitions, friends, laughs, musicals, teachers, my first car…a Monte Carlo,  the first time I could wear make up, the clothes, and the list goes on…I have to say that having regrets is just something that I don’t do, but if I could tell my teenage self one thing, it would be this:  “Remember that you have 2 eyes looking up at you at all times and which ever path you choose, you will be that little girl’s example of what to do …or what not to do.”

You see, I know the weight that one statement can have on a teenager and some will say that the teenage years are the years to be selfish or that you didn’t ask for siblings, but I say that regardless of whether or not you asked for them, they are there…and they are watching.  My sister is 3 years younger than me and although we are complete opposites in so many ways, she is one of the best of friends I have.  My husband’s aunt taught me, by example, before we had children the importance of a sibling bond…and I always promised myself that no matter what we teach our children in our home, we will teach them that their sibling is their best friend from day one.  Will they argue? yes. Will they disagree? definitely  Will they hurt each others feelings? unfortunately.  However, I pray that in years to come, that they will always know, beyond their differences, beyond their disagreements, and beyond their hurts, they have each other…and nothing can break their bond.

So, when my teenager asks me to take photos in the snow…and her little sister asked to go, too…aaaand my oldest agrees…I stop what I’m doing and make it happen.  It may have been freezing out, but these moments just warmed my heart.  Besides, the cold never bothered us, anyway 😉

Enjoy!