Dear future children,

No, this is not the story of how I met your father. By now, I probably have already told that story, and if I haven't, there is probably a good reason for it... There are few things I want you to know, though.

I have not been a perfect angel. I made mistakes, and I continue to make mistakes. You might have to remind me every now and again of this. (Don't over due it.)

I will mess up. There will be times when I forget to do something for you, like bake cookies for you to take to school on your birthday or take you to a friend's house for a sleepover. Please understand that I'm human (even though you might think I'm superwoman) and I can't remember absolutely everything.

For you, I will drop anything I am working on to help you if you need it, to listen to you if you want to talk, to hug you if you need one, to let you cry if you need to. Please don't bottle up your feelings. Let's talk about it. Let's do something.

I. Love. You. I will get into the habit of saying that so much that I don't even realize I'm doing it. If you need me to tone it down around your friends, just let me know.

You will probably hate me at times. You might think I'm being unfair or mean. I understand that. Please remember I will have a reason for what I do and say. You might not see it at the time, but you will at some point.

There will be times when you aren't going to get everything you want when you want it. If you want something I couldn't give you, save up your birthday money to buy it. By chance you fall short, let's talk about it and I will help you out the best I can.

You won't get a phone until you're 16. This is not debatable, unless I see that you might need one earlier than that. Also, there is no cell phone use during supper. This will include myself.

We will have weekly family time. Everyone will take turns picking what to do, because I want us to spend at least an hour together to take a break from life.

I'm proud of you. Yes, there will be times when I'll be disappointed in you, but know that doesn't make you a disappointment in my eyes.

I will support you. If you want to try something, I will support you. If you want to go to an out-of-state college, I will support you. I can give you my opinion, but the decision ultimately will be up to you to make. There will be times when it will be hard for me to support you, but I will always come around.

With love always and forever,

Your future mother