My kids are so beautiful to me, not because of their appearance, but because of the essence they present from inside them.

Naturally, when both my girls were born, as I first laid eyes upon them, I could not hold back the tears from their complete and utter beauty. The innocence of holding the life you just brought into this world for the first time is absolutely overwhelming. Looking in those little eyes as they grip onto your finger with the tightest of clinches, it's in that exact moment you know you never want to let anything hurt this sweet little child. That moment is beautiful and priceless and you wish time would just stand still.

As I've had the honor of watching my children grow, I've found myself countless times stopping what I'm doing and just soaking up every minute of watching them. Watching them learn, explore, and achieve one mountain after the next. When they are babies they take in so much, their wondering little eyes soak up every bit of life they possibly can. As my oldest is now a toddler, I am struck with so much admiration for her heart. Not even 2 years old and she expresses more empathy, kindness, and love than most adults. I remember the first time she ever saw me cry; between her new baby sister, housework, and a mountain of stress building up, I had finally reached a breaking point, and I sat on the floor and prayed as tears ran down my cheeks. I never wished to let my daughter see me this way, but her reaction was all too worth it and I needed it. She brought me a tissue and climbed into my lap just watching me until she felt the time was fitting to give me a kiss. Of course, this made me cry worse, but the cause had changed from an overwhelming of life to an overwhelming of love. How could someone so young have so much love in her heart? My daughters are so beautiful.

I catch myself in a trance every once in a while watching my daughters. It's funny because while they are learning, I find myself relearning from them. How to enjoy the little things in life, how to help others who need a helping hand, and how to love the people and things in your life like tomorrow may never come. My girls give my life so much purpose, and that is a beautiful thing.

Although I may feel my kids are the most beautiful things on this earth by appearance, their inside is what truly counts, and with that I am truly blessed with beautiful girls. You don't have to teach your kids how to be caring and loving, in fact, I truly believe that is not something that can be taught in any other way than by example. Lead your life the way you wish to see your children lead theirs. Be fearless, loving, caring, strong, and giving. Your children soak up everything from their surroundings, so surround them with the beautiful things. Wear your heart on your sleeve and thrive to do great things, chances are your kids will do the same and reach mountains even higher.