This week our sweet girl leaves us for a month! She’s going on the trip of a lifetime with her Grandpa (my dad). They’re going to Japan to visit my sister, brother in law and niece & nephew. Brookelyn turned 13 a few weeks ago and I’ve spent the past few weeks thinking about how quickly she’s growing up, how little time we have left before she’s off to college and how much I miss the days when she was toddling around with her fuzzy pink blanket. At the same time though, I’m thoroughly enjoying the teen she is becoming.
I’m teaming up with Yoplait Go Big to share all about how amazing teens are! And in doing so, I encourage you to write a letter to your teen. Sure, you probably tell them how awesome they are and how much you love them and are inspired by them all the time. Why not take the time though, to sit down and put your thoughts and feelings on paper? Today I’m sharing my letter to Brookelyn with you and hope that it’ll inspire you to do the same.
Dear Brookelyn,
In less than 72 hours you hop on a plane and will be away from our family for a full month. I don’t know what life is like without you around because the longest I’ve been away from you is one short week. The past couple of weeks have been hard, preparing for you to leave has left me in tears so many times. You’re going to have the time of your life and this is the first of hopefully many amazing experiences you’re going to have in life, but man am I going to miss you!! We all are.
Just a few weeks ago you turned 13 and broke my heart. 
You’re growing up so quickly and time seems to be flying by. I wish there was a way to slow down the days, weeks, months and years. But I also know that you’re growing into this amazing and beautiful (inside & out) teenager. You’ve reminded me more than once that you’re no longer a little kid, but a teen. Don’t I know it! The moodiness, your attitude, your love for fashion and shoes, the desire to always look and be your best… those are all things I remember saying, doing and feeling at your age. Being a teen isn’t necessarily the easiest time in your life, but you’ll learn so many lessons, make lifelong friends and have thousands of memories when you’re through these years.
Dad and I think you are such an amazing kid and we’re so lucky to have you in our lives. Every day you inspire me to be a better mom and person. Your positive outlook on life draws people to you. Teachers and friends parents always have the nicest things to say about you and that makes dad and I feel like we’re doing something right as your parents. You’ve always had great groups of friends and attracted girls who are so kind, smart and funny, just like yourself. Always remember to surround yourself with people who make you want to be a better person, people who will love you and inspire you and want what’s best for you.
Since the day we told you that I was pregnant with your brother, you’ve been an amazing big sister. From learning to make your own lunch and help take care of me (when you were just 4 and I had awful morning sickness), to jumping right in and helping with Cohen when he was born, continuing to help as he’s growing, you’ve always been there for him. When he’s upset, he often goes to you before me, when he wants to play, it’s you he seeks out first over anyone else. You are such an influence in his life and I couldn’t have picked a better sister for him if I’d had the choice to. Thank you for being so wonderful to him and loving him despite the fact that he can be the annoying little brother. Thank you for teaching him to be a kind and helpful person. Thank you for being the perfect sister to him, we love you even more for that.
While saying “see ya later” on Wednesday morning is going to be terrbily hard and I know I’ll do it through tears, just know how proud we are of you. And that we’ll miss you tremendously, but are so excited that you’re getting to experience Japan with Grandpa, Auntie, Uncle, Olyvia and Ethan. We already can’t wait to hear all about your time there and the adventures that you’ll go on. You’ll come home with memories that will last your entire life and that’s so exciting. Take it all in, take lots of pictures and don’t forget to journal (because it’s your homework too!). We’ll miss you and can’t wait to have you back at home in a few weeks.
We love you and are so proud of you for always putting your heart and soul into everything you do.
Love,
Mom
How does your teen inspire you?
I bet your teen is amazing too! Why not let Go Big spotlight that amazingness? For a chance to win the spotlight for your teen, go to the Go Big Facebook page and share how amazing your teen is and how & why he/she inspires you. Go Big will choose three teens with amazing stories & give them a platform to show the world! For more information, full contest rules can be found on the Go Big Facebook Page.
Go Big is a new, large yogurt pouch designed specifically with teens and tweens in mind. The yogurt is made with real fruit & just the right amount of sweetness. Brookelyn has been loving the pouches for in her school lunches and after school snacks. And the easy grip & rip opening makes it easy to eat while she’s on the go! We found our Go Big Pouches at Metcalfes, but they can also be found at Target and other grocery stores nationwide. Yoplait Go Big pouches have no artificial colors, no high-fructose corn syrup and are a good source of calcium.
Now head to the Yoplait Go Big Facebook page and share all about your amazing teen!
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