Don't grow up

The longer I've lived away from home, the more grateful I am for my wonderful parents and all they've done for me.

I remember many, many years, however, when I didn't feel like this. At all. I remember resenting my parents wishes and regulations, and kicking against the pricks.

The more I've thought about this over the last few months, the more I've been reminded of my many younger siblings, specifically my sisters. They're going through the same things that I went through. So, this post is dedicated to my younger sisters, so they don't make the same mistakes that I did.

1. Love our parents.
Take a moment and just revel in the love our parents have for you. Not every kid has it as lucky as us, with parents who are so understanding and accepting, and so full of love. The love they have for us is equal and unconditional. Let them know that you're grateful for that love.

2. Listen to our parents.
I know that a lot of the things our parents say don't make sense. Or they do make sense, but we feel like we know better than them. Please trust me when I say that they know better than we do. if they advise you not to date a boy, listen to them. If they enforce curfew, keep up your end. If they ask you to stay in one night, please, PLEASE listen to them. They have years of experience, and insights that you don't. Take advantage of those, because you no longer have the close guidance once you move out.

3. Respect our parents.
Last one of these, I promise. Even if you obey our parents to the letter, it won't mean much if you don't respect them and their decisions. One of the best ways to show love is through respect. Let them know that, even though you might not understand all of their desires and decisions, you at least trust and respect their judgment. They were once your age. They get it. I promise.

4. Squeeze the kiddos.
You have roughly a thousand siblings. ;) But seriously, we were so lucky to get so many wonderful siblings. And I know it's sometimes hard to appreciate them when you're living with them, but remind each other that you love each other. Give hugs and kisses openly to each other.

5. Your words mean a lot.
Use your words wisely. They can have so much weight. Pick your words carefully, and speak like you would like to be spoken to.

6. Learn.
Once you move out, you'll be working, you'll have an enormous school work load, and the time to learn whatever your heart desires will be over much too quickly. Take advantage of this time. Soak up knowledge and experience. Cook lots. Learn how to clean(seriously). Snuggle with mom and read books together. Go on walks around the neighborhood. Go rock hunting. Take pictures of the sunset. Make mudpies(in a contained area, so mom doesn't kill me ;) ). Draw pictures and hang them on the wall(but please don't draw pictures ON the wall, this isn't Croods). Spend time just enjoying the presence of your siblings and parents. Don't hide in your rooms on Sunday. Lay on the floor with Dad and the puppy, listen as he falls asleep reading "Work and the Glory" to you. Pay attention when you all watch "17 Miracles". Soak everything up.

7. Be creative.
In every way possible. Learn what you love doing, explore everything.

8. Your family are the best friends you could have.
Friend. Boyfriend. Girlfriend. All of the above include the word "end". But family doesn't. We all want to get to the Celestial Kingdom together, and you won't be going with the cute boy from Sunday School(probably), or the friend down the street. I'm not saying that those aren't relationships worth cultivating, but the most important relationships are those within the home.

9. Talk to our parents.
When something is wrong, please tell them. This is seriously one of the things I regret the most, now that I've moved out. Things are so much harder to deal with when you're dealing with them alone. Talk to mom about all of your feelings. Have debates with add about health and fitness ideas. Cry in their arms when something goes wrong, and feel no shame. Because they will always love and support you, no matter your problem.

10. Keep your eyes on the Lord.
This is so important. It's very easy to lose sight of this, and it just gets harder once you move away from home. Solidify your standards now, so there will be no questions later. I know you've heard this a thousand times in Sunday School, but this is so important. Be steadfast, and never have any doubt in the Lord.

I miss each of you every single day. I miss your goofy smiles, the way you'd use my legs as a jungle gym, and how you can't pronounce your "r's" yet. The pictures mom and dad send of you melt my heart. You will never know the degree of love everyone has for you.

Ya'll are adorable. I love you. Keep dancing to Enya and Jack Johnson. I'll see you in a month and a half!

Love, your big sister <3