Our little sister is 20....

On May 11th our baby sister left her teens and entered what I think are some great years ahead. Her big brother Matt decorated this fruit pizza.


Before I pass on my wisdom in this post I have to share this story; Nick went to find birthday candles and for those of you who knew Nancy, she always had A LOT of supplies for every holiday and birthday but when Nick went to look where the birthday stuff was these were the only candles sitting right at the top of that box... talk about some tears. We are always missing Nancy but we feel her presence everywhere.


So Birthday girl, as you "sister" who is ten years your senior I feel I have to pass on some advice for your 20's, so I compiled a list of "20 things I learned in my 20's"

1. Lots of change will occur in your 20's, roll with it. It won't always be easy but it will be worth it!

2.Travel as much as possible, experiencing new things and people will provide you with an education you can not receive in college.

3.Its hard not to compare yourself to others, but your life path is your own, walk it with your head held high.

4. Life experiences will mold you in different ways, just remember you can always go home to your family to find the little girl you once were.

5. Spend time with those you love, especially grandparents. There is so much you can learn from them and you will miss them dearly when they are gone.

6. Never settle in love, as a wise woman once told me "You have to feel the butterflies."

7. Its okay to stay home on a Friday night alone.

8. Its okay to get angry. Its never okay to be cruel.

9. You can press forward long after you think you can't. Its just a matter of wanting it bad enough.

10.Independence and loneliness are two different things. Its okay to feel both.

11. Hangovers are far worse as you approach 30.

12. Your 20's are some of the best times, make stupid decisions every once in a while.

13. True friendship will survive distance and time, no matter what.

14. Lots of friendships are formed in your twenties; some are short lived where others will last a lifetime. Take from them the good things but don't focus on the doors that close, your life paths weren't meant to intertwine. Same goes for boyfriends.

15. There is a big difference in knowing and doing. Knowledge is basically useless without action.

16. Even when you feel like you have nothing, someone else likely has far less. Find them and help them, you will see why.

17. In work and business , the "perfect job" doesn't exist. However your mental outlook can make it a "good" job. Ask questions, be humble but know that you have what it takes to get the job done.

18. You can find your high school figure in your prom pictures, don't focus on being that size just be healthy. A confident woman is far sexier than an insecure one.

19. Boyfriends and eventually a husband (if you choose that route) are wonderful but always make time for women in your life, they can refresh your spirit in ways a guy is not capable of.

20. Find time to be thankful and live each day in god's graces.

You are beautiful, smart, kind, and fun. We can't wait to see what your 20's hold.....