things i want you to know

my sisters are the greatest girls i have ever had the blessing of knowing! since two of them (i have three total) are at such malleable and curious ages i decided they need to know a couple of things from their awesome and slightly-more-learned older sister (ehem, me). this one is for you, jordan and carly.

• remember to do one thing everyday that scares you; and i know what you're thinking, jordan- no not like that one time we snuck out of the house at midnight on my birthday and we were scared we would get caught and punished! do something that forces you to leave your comfort zone, something that will make you a more confident woman at the end of it.
• if you ever feel homesick, just eat something italian and nona's love will fill your heart.
• don't put yourself in a position to have regrets. always ask yourself, "is this something that i MAY regret later?" if there is even a slight possibility that you may, it's not worth the risk.
• despite what mom, dad and the national food organization may tell you, still eat the cake and brownie batter.
• learn to forgive; not doing so will only cultivate bitterness in your heart (you have seen this firsthand.)
• dancing in your room by yourself is a great source of therapy. do it, and do it often.
• remember that natural is always better. 
• never overpluck those thick, beautiful eyebrows that we were genetically given. you two are far too gorgeous to look like you are constantly angry.
• choose your friends wisely. plain and simple.
• challenge your body by partaking in physical activity as often as possible. your bodies are such precious, intricate gifts. respect them by keeping them in great shape.
• keep a journal and write in it every night. you're going to want to look back on this magical life of yours!
• wait for the man that God has for you... i know that i must sound like a broken record, but once you find him you will understand why i repeated this. you will be so proud to give him the gift of your purity.

remember this story that i shared with you:

"a teenage girl was ridiculed by two of her peers for maintaing her purity. her reply: "i can be what you are any day, but if you live a hundred years, you could never be what i am."

• make sure you laugh everyday. the sound of your laughter is quite possibly one of my favorite sounds on this earth, remember that :)
• always take your time when shaving, if you don't the effects are painful! your legs will thank you later!
• try not to get offended really easily. when you realize who's opinion truly matters (God), you won't care so much what the rest may say.
• when dad breaks out into his crazy, dancing jig, just join him. these will be some of the most precious memories that will flood your mind when you go off to school!
• master the classic cutillo car dance move (you know, the one where the hands look like they are going through orchestrated seizures.)
• first kisses will always be a little awkward, trust me! so don't be let down if they aren't as perfect as you are imagining they will be. since we're related, the chances of you being as awkward in this special situations as me is extremely likely... hahaha.
• embrace your brain. never dumb yourself down for anyone! you guys have such great potential in those noggins of yours, harness it.
• don't live your life worrying (i'm still working on this one!) come to the realization that as long as you are doing things that are right in His eyes, He will not let anything happen to you that is not in accordance in His plan.
• make sure not to bury your feelings inside. they will come out, and when they do it won't be pretty... trust me!
• pester jack and sam when they are old enough to have girlfriends. they might hate you, but i will be so glad you guys budged in.
• wash your face every morning and night. the dermatologist isn't just saying that to say it!
• eat ice cream at midnight as often as possible.
• lay out on the grass while the stars are out. i promise you'll see the world with different eyes.
• text a boy first every once in a while, despite what our girly magazines might say. be brave! who knows, he just might like the brave ones.

and lastly.

• you will have moments where you might feel unloved and lonely in this life. remind yourself ALL the time how much God loves you and how much your family loves you. if you keep that inside your mind at all times those moments won't come as often!

i love you guys, to the moon and back.