A Letter to my Girls

Dear Ashlyn and Hayley,
Please learn from a few of my mistakes.  They are not worth repeating, so just take my advice on these and go forth and make your own, different mistakes.
I am not going to give you advice on money.  You both seem to have a handle on that.  Though you have approached college loans differently, I think you are both doing what is right for you. 
I am not going to give you advice on love, either.  If you did not learn by the example that your daddy and I set for you then so be it.  If you find a man that treats you the way your dad treats me, you will be fine.
I am not going to give you advice on friends.  I love your friends almost as much (ok, as much!!!) as I love you.
What I am going to preach to you now is what was preached to me years ago and obviously, I didn't listen.
Take care of yourself.  I have been in really good shape about three times in my life.  The first time was when I was in high school and was grounded for six weeks.  The only place I could go after school other than work was on a walk.  So I walked to Bever Park every day that I could.  I had amazing legs.  But, I also was smoking at the time, so there's that. 
The second time I got in great shape was when we lived in Vista and Denise Austin work outs were on every morning.  Ashlyn, you were little and Hayley, you were not yet.  Daddy was gone for a month and I worked out.  I was almost at a healthy weight and was in good shape.  Then I got pregnant with you Hayley and got to that healthy weight, just didn't keep exercising.
The last time I was in great shape and was eating well was when Daddy and I were doing FXB.  You saw the difference in me.  I had energy, my clothes fit and I was not bitching about my fat. 
Don't wait until you have to do something about your health.  Do something now and just keep doing it.  I don't mean going to some sort of extreme, just make the good choices now.  Don't rely on gimmicks or unhealthy options.  Be healthy now and just make it part of your life! 
The other thing I want to preach to you about is your skincare.  Please wear sunscreen, don't sleep with make up on, buy quality products and use them.  Wear sunglasses, don't squint and never, ever smoke.  You were given some incredible genes.  Make them proud.  If you start a love affair with your skin now, you will thank me and your good Irish genes for the rest of your life.  It is so much easier to prevent the wrinkles and age spots now then have to try and reduce them later. 
Lastly, as my mother said, "the most important thing a girl should wear is a nice smile".  Take great care of your teeth.   Visit the dentist, brush, floss, change your toothbrush often, wear your retainer nightly.  I know it sounds superficial, but people do judge you by your smile.  So, take care of those chompers and smile often.
There, I have said all that I have to say.  All my pearls of wisdom are distributed to you.  Well, not all, not even close.  I am so wise that I will be spouting pearls for years.  But when it comes to your fitness and skin, this is it.  Take care of you.  Be good to you.  Love you,
Mom