Always Keep Your Eye on the Goal!

It's a new season, and this season comes with a lot of changes for you. Today you begin your career with the Chicago Fire Professional Soccer Team, and I cannot be more ecstatic for you! What a time to come on board with the excitement of the World Cup flowing through America right now. I am so incredibly proud of you as you embark on this new journey. I have so many hopes for you and have already prayed them into existence. I hope you gain new friendships that extend beyond the work walls. You have already met some of your best friends this way. I hope you continue to lead with grace and confidence. Some times you may be asked to take the "penalty shot" for the team.  Don't be afraid to do so because others have the confidence in you that I have always known. I hope you continue to learn and grow and become the best version of yourself.

There will be a lot of changes and some will not come without challenges. Remember to always be kind to yourself and give yourself the same grace that you give to others. Ask plenty of questions, embrace that you do not know everything yet, and never doubt the unique qualities that you bring to the team. Trust in your abilities! You are smart, you are capable, you are resilient! 

Take a deep breath and take it all in. (Also, stay away from the "yellow and red cards". They aren't a good look). Lol :)  As always, I am cheering you on from the sidelines, and I cannot wait to hear all about your first day! Always keep your eye on the goal. Younger Makenna would be so proud of you!!!

I love you...always and forever!

Mom

Stay golden, my girl!!!

24 laps around the sun! What an incredible journey we have been on celebrating you every step of the way. Each year I reflect back on your life, and it never ceases to amaze me all of the incredible feats you have accomplished. I love that you love celebrating life with a good party. Although I would expect nothing less since you attended your first Super Bowl party in the hospital at just 2 days old! Our room was filled with people who came to celebrate you and to watch the Super Bowl with us. (We got in trouble from the nurse's station for being too loud Lol). Uncle Huiz brought fajitas for everyone, although I didn't get any because I was stuck on a beef broth diet after my c-section. Haha! You know dad loves watching a good game, and I think this may have started your love for sports and watching games with him. :)

As you enter this next era of your life, I hope you continue to radiate joy in all that you do. Continue to navigate life with strength and grace and know that I will be standing by cheering you on every step of the way. It has been my greatest privilege being your mom. Thank you for including me in all of your life's adventures. You are truly surrounded by the most amazing group of friends! I hope you continue to be unapologetically you, shining brightly in every room you enter and in every path you choose to pursue. 

I am so proud of the compassionate, strong, and beautiful woman you have become. I hope this year brings you joy, peace, and new adventures.

Like 24K gold, you are one of life's greatest treasures!

Happy 24th birthday! Stay golden, my beautiful girl!!!

I love you! -Mom

When the Windy City whispers, listen to your dreams!

             

                          

Chicago, the Windy City; a place where bright lights shine on big dreams!  I was reminded of this when you took your dad and me along to ride the L, visit your favorite spots, and take in the incredible views. You never cease to amaze me. I love that we were able to catch a glimpse into the amazing life you are living! Thank you for showing us your city and some of your favorite local places.  It is evident to me that you have a heart full of ambition, passion, and potential. There is nothing too big for you to conquer.

Continue to dream big my girl! The world is full of possibilities, and Chicago is a city with so many opportunities for you to explore, grow, and find your path. Always live your passion and truth. Let that be your compass and follow your heart; everything else will fall into place. Don't be afraid to be bold and to take risks. You are deserving of every success that comes your way.

I love how fearless you are in everything you pursue. (I like to think that you get that from me! lol) Watching you grow and make your mark in the world fills me with so much joy. Keep trying new things. Every experience, no matter how big or small, teaches you something valuable. You have always been brave and strong, and I have no doubt that you will continue to face challenges with the same courage and grace that you've always done.

I am beyond proud of the woman you are becoming. I cannot wait to experience the next adventure through your eyes. You inspire me in ways I cannot even put into words. Keep chasing your dreams, keep exploring your passions, and above all, keep being you. And when the "Windy City" whispers, listen to your dreams! 

I love you so much!

Mom

"Blessed is she who believed, for what she was told by the Lord will be fulfilled". Luke 1:45

Chi-Town, You are Getting a Good One!

Friday is quickly approaching, which means you are one step closer to embarking on a new journey away from home. Although home has always been a place to me, your brother reminded me that home is not a house, rather something that you carry with you in your heart no matter how far away you may go.  Wise words from 18 year old Griff that made me look at life from a whole other perspective. I know your journey will come with all new adventures, and I am so excited to experience it through you. I have no doubt that you are prepared, and I cannot imagine the excitement mixed with a little bit of nervousness that you must feel. I admire your bravery and determination to follow your heart. You will definitely leave your mark on Chicago.

Share yourself and your talents with others. Give back and give often. You have so much to offer in this world. Let others lean on you for advice, but don't ever let anyone hold you down. It's okay to change your mind and walk a road that you hadn't envisioned. Life is full of twists and turns, and sometimes you find a better path. Trust your gut. Don't ignore the quiet voice that emanates from within you. It holds great power and will never let you down. Trust your intuition, and be courageous and listen to what it is saying.

It's time to explore! Go out and see the city. Catch a Cubs game and be ready to sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in the 7th inning. Enjoy a hotdog; although this would never be on my Chicago bucket list! ;) Indulge in a deep dish pizza. I heard Lou Malnati"s and Giordano's are really good! Shop the Magnificent Mile, but don't spend all your money in one place! Go to North Avenue Beach right in Lincoln Park and catch some sun while admiring the city view. Experience the Taste of Chicago in September. It is the world's largest food festival where you will get to try food from some of the best restaurants in Chicago. And don't forget about the Chicago museums! They hold some of the most famous exhibits and collections. There is so much more to explore in a city so grand. I can't wait to see you in pictures taking in all the wonders of your new city.

Know that I will always be on call. I will never be too busy for you. Call, text, and facetime often. It makes me feel like you aren't so far away. Look at yourself in the mirror every day, and smile at the person looking back at you. She is smart, she is beautiful she is confident, she is brave, she is amazing. I love you to heaven and back, Ms.T! Chi-Town, you are getting a good one! Take care of my girl!

Psalm 46:5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at the break of day.

 

What starts here, changes the world!

My beautiful Mak! Where as a mom do I begin when I have been gifted with the most precious gift, and the gift that keeps on giving. I will start off by revisiting my original wishes for you that I made as you headed off to the University of Texas. They were to never lose your sense of confidence, always believe in yourself, leave room to grow and learn and try new things, keep your sense of adventure, make new friends and keep in touch with your old friends too, share your smile with the world, live, love, and laugh often. You have far exceeded all that I dreamed for you! 

My new wish for you is that your life ahead is filled with deep loving connections, memory-making moments filled with laughter, and adventures that keep you wanting for more. May your life be filled with love, joy, and satisfaction in all of your endeavors. Stay true to yourself and trust your inner compass to guide you. Listen to your gut feelings and trust your intuition. It will steer you in the right direction. Continue to explore and travel the world with your friends. There is so much to see and do. Don't ever let fear paralyze you. Take risks and chances. I will always be here to catch you if you fall. Surround yourself by positive people that help grow you. Let the people go that suck the positive energy out of you. Don't save things for the perfect time because the perfect time may never come. Tell people you care about that you love them, send the text, and wear the dress. Now is always the time. Trust that God will always keep you safe and guide you in the right direction. 

Let me end by saying thank you. Thank you for remaining authentically you and never letting anyone or anything change you. Your life so far has been so exciting to watch. I have watched you blossom into a beautiful young woman who is courageous beyond belief. As you graduate college and approach this next chapter of your life, don’t be afraid. Everything that you have achieved, endured, and overcome has prepared you for this next step. Look for the beauty, seek out the kind, and remain steadfast in your faith. UT promised "what starts here, changes the world". I have no doubt that motto is true. UT gave you your start; now go change the world! Your contributions will make the world a better place for the people you encounter along the way. Graduation is not the end; it's a new beginning. Embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Chicago is so lucky to have you!

I love you always!

Mom

P.S. I am always only a phone call, text, or facetime away.

Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth well.

 

Live For Moments You Can't Put Into Words!

 After Mamoo passed away, I struggled thinking I had not taken enough pictures of you all with her. I never wanted you guys to forget how much she loved you or the special moments you shared with her. From that day forward. I vowed to always live in the moment and capture life's memories, even if you guys fought me on it. I am happy to see that you share my passion to freeze time through a photo and take me on adventures that I am not able to experience in person with you. I love that I am able to capture a glimpse into your life from the photos you send. Thank you for sharing your life with me and making me feel like you aren't so far away. I miss you every day but am comforted in knowing that you are living your best life! Make the memories, dance in the rain, feel the warmth of the sun on your face, cry the happy and sad tears, attend the darties, name your borg, and never live life with any regrets. You are smart, you are special, you are important, you are so loved! Live for the moments you can't put into words, but snap the picture to treasure the memory!

Makenna Sierra, I am forever proud of you! 

I love you, Mom

 

Hooked on Having Fun!

 Sophomore year did not disappoint! You started this year with a little more sense of normalcy than your freshman year of college. I was excited to watch you move in with some of your best friends, even if the stairs did almost kill us. :) I am amazed to see how much you all have grown as young women, but your maturity never ceases to amaze me. I often see the best parts of myself reflected in you, but you make all those qualities shine even brighter. You continue to rock the college life in grades and social experiences which makes me very proud. I am blessed to have shared in some of these experiences. Mom's weekend just may be one of my favorite times of the year.  This year's mom's weekend was packed with things to do. I don't know what my favorite part was...watching you put on your Longhorn ring for the first time or attending the different events and getting to meet some of your friends. I do know this, all of the weekend experiences reminded me to live life through your eyes. You take life by the horns and never look back. You work harder than most people I know which is why you were able to receive your college ring after only attending the University of Texas for 2 years. People flock to you. No matter where you go people's faces light up when they see you, and they can't wait to hug your neck or say a hello. This made me so proud to witness. You exuberate confidence, compassion, and an overall can do spirit. I hope you never let anyone extinguish this flame that burns within you.

As you head into summer this is what I want you to know. I believe in you always because you have already proven that you can and will accomplish anything you set your mind to do. You are beautiful, not only on the outside but on the inside as well. Your kindness to others does not go unnoticed. You are grounded in your faith, and with God on your side you can conquer any adversity that comes your way. Don't ever settle for second best. Your dad and I have provided the foundation for you to succeed so surround yourself with people who love you like we do and who push you to be great. Lastly, it is okay to be afraid sometimes. No matter what, I am only a phone call away no matter what time of day or night. Do not ever hesitate to call me to calm your fears or ease your doubts.

You are smart, you are special, you are my girl! Continue to be hooked on having fun! When I grow up, I want to be like you! :) I love you forever!