To my children,

When I look at the four of you I know I did something right!

Life is hard work.  It is an ever-winding road with twists and turns, bumps and scrapes.  I want you to be prepared. I want you to be sure that you have everything that you need in life. I am doing my best to provide you with that, but there will be things that you will have to tackle yourself.

Remember I love you. I want you to work hard, so you have as many options later in life as possible. I want you to be strong, independent and confident. I want you to be better and bolder than I ever could have been, handle your problems with courage and decency.  I want that for you.

Remember I love you. Whatever inspires you in life, go for it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot reach your stars and your goals.  If they were unreachable, they would not be yours.  Your dreams are not going to fall into your lap.  You will have to work hard to achieve them, but don’t give up. Never, ever give up.

Remember I love you. When you are old enough to find that special someone in life that you want to share all of your hopes and dreams, failures and successes, and laughter and tears with, hold on to them.

Remember, I love you. There will always be someone in life that will treat you wrong.  Don’t let anger and hatred take you to places that you don’t want to go.  If you fill yourself with these negative emotions, then you leave little or no room for anything positive.

Remember I love you, wherever you go and whatever you do, remember that. Never let anyone force you into being someone that you are not.  Be who you are.  Be individual. See through materialism and value the things that are truly important in life – good relationships, true love, amazing experiences and wonderful adventures.

Although you may not yet understand, when you are older and wiser you will understand the choices I have made and the things I have asked of you:

• I may not be able to give you everything you want all of the time but in the long run that will make you a better, more grateful person.
• The fact that I ask you to keep the playroom tidy does not make me mean…when you are older and have your own place you will be grateful for that lesson…and so will your partners!
• When I say it is time for bed, I do that out of kindness for you, your teachers and myself…lack of sleep = grumpy children who cannot learn effectively, late nights are for the holidays!
• When I tell you I love you, I do not say it out of habit, I say it because I mean it. I have loved you since the beginning of your journey and that love gets stronger every day.
• All the times I insisted you brush your teeth and wash your hands after going to the toilet really were for your own good.
• My need to photograph you all constantly is important – I am preserving my beautiful memories, memories that you can look back on in years to come and show to your children…and grandchildren.
• Know that you saved me – that your love, laughter and humour helped me survive the darkest times; you will always be my heros.
• Know that you four are my greatest achievements in life, I am proud to call myself your mummy.

Above all, remember I love you xxxx (one each)

P.S I am truly sorry that I binned the tin foil animals, mistaking them for rubbish!

P.P.S Anyone who tells you Father Christmas is not real is a fool and won’t get any presents!