Schultz Party of Four

Letters to your younger self are all the rage on the interweb at the moment (see Elise and Andrea did it, too). And you know how I love rage. I decided to share some insight with all the newlyweds in my life that I wish I'd known back then. So, here goes.

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To the newlywed Katie. (seven years ago Monday).

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- You've just married an amazing guy, never take that for granted. And encourage him in his photography 'stuff' - he's got mad skills about to blossom. Just wait.

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- That tiny apartment you live in is adorable, enjoy it. Dishwashers are over-rated, and so is home-ownership, keep with the $425 a month rent and invest your saving in Apple. Trust me.

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- Cut people slack. They're doing the best that they can. So are you, slack for yourself isn't a bad idea either.

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- When your first baby is born you're going to cry for days because you'll think your life is over. It is. But your new life is going to be ten-times better and you'll soon wonder how you ever lived without that little ball of tears and spit-up.

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- A place called Lakeland is going to teach you about Grace, and your heart will be forever healed because of it. Embrace, enjoy and be grateful.

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- Your siblings are going to become your best friends, even the ones who used to pull your hair (be real, you pulled their hair, who are we kidding).

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- On a Tuesday in November you're going to run by Grandma Allen's house and she's going to ask you to stay to visit. Don't think you're too busy. It's the last time you'll ever see her, and you'll regret not staying. Stay late, ask questions, say "I love you" over and over, and give her lots of hugs. You'll miss those.

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- Blog. It's good for you. And mom likes to know what's new.

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- When you see other children doing anything (anything!) never say "My child will never do that", because they will. Without a doubt.

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- Bills are going to pile up, and jobs are going to get rocky, and health stuff will totally suck. But his arm will be around your shoulder and he'll pop you some popcorn and get you a $0.49 QT Dr. Pepper and you've got to trust him when he says everything's going to be alright.

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- More than anything... as the poster says "Don't Give Up"!
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the newlyweds, my brother and his bride from the Parsons