The family I grew up in was difficult to say the least. Being a child of divorced parents and a sister ten years older than me was not the way I would have preferred growing up. Having no one to share my nine-year-old secrets with while mom and dad were arguing in the kitchen made for some pretty lonely moments. The friends I had around the block kept me an active and fun-loving child, but when it was time to go home and eat dinner with our own families, I had never felt more alone. Ever since my parents divorced and my sister left, I always promised myself I would have a solid foundation for my future family. Don't get me wrong, I love my family. I may not have grown up in the most functional family, but I am still so blessed to have the one that I do. Over the years I gained an almost entire new family, and I really can't imagine life without them now.

To my future husband

I may not have found you yet, but I know you're out there somewhere. Whether you're five minutes or five thousand miles away, I know you're somewhere doing great things. First off, I'll admit, I won't be easy to deal with. I'm stubborn, annoying, loud and above all dramatic. You'll find yourself frustrated with me many times. We'll have our days when our tolerance levels are very low for each other, but I promise I will be worth every second of every day you spend with me.

I will love you like you can't imagine. I will be there for you everyday. If you need space and quiet, that's what I will give with no questions asked. If you need to be loved, I will be happy to do it with no hesitation. Wherever and whenever you need me, I will be there for you every step of the way. I will be your greatest supporter on the nights you find yourself frustrated at your work desk because you have so much on your plate, and the nights you spend celebrating because you know you have accomplished great things.

I will tell you when you have messed up and have done wrong, but instead of battling each other, I will work together with you to help you become a better man. I promise to be the person you want to spend your best and your worst moments with. I promise to love you forever, even when things feel as if they are too hard to handle. Above all, I promise to be your best friend. I pray that you not only make me a better person, but I will do the same for you. I pray you correct me when I'm wrong, and help guide me along the path to our bright future. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it.

To my future children

It's odd to say, but I know that I already love you with all of my heart, and I don't even know who you are or who you will be. Children are such a blessing, and if I am lucky enough to have my own I will forever be thankful. I do not know this feeling due to the fact that I do not have my own children, but I pray that one day I will be able to know that feeling first hand. I know that I may screw up sometimes as a mom, but I will never stop trying my hardest to make sure I never let you down.

As I am human, I will make mistakes. Sometimes they may be mistakes that are out of my control, but I pray that you forgive me that we will grow together in this adventure that we call life. I will tell you when you are wrong, but will not punish you for your mistakes. Some of your choices will come with consequences, but if you choose to grow and learn from them, you will not make the same mistake twice. I will be tough and I may be scary sometimes, but it is only to help you become the best person you can be. I will always help you see the brighter side of things.

When you are down and blue, I will help bring you up so you can be positive and shine through the negativity that comes your way. You will face the most challenging ups and downs, but you will get through it and I will make sure you do. I will always be your number one fan. You may think I am crazy and embarrassing because of how involved I will be, but one day I promise you will thank me for being there for everything. Whether that be sporting events, musicals, or academic assemblies, I will be there for every stepping stone. I promise to love you and be a shoulder to cry on when life gets tough. I might not be supermom, but I will try my hardest to be the best one I can be.