Simple and sweet.

Sitting in the car, halfway through the 8 hour drive from Carlsbad to Phoenix, and I just received the best text ever.

My 6 year old niece got an iPod for Christmas and is now able to communicate via iMessage. From the basic see you there text, “See you at mamaw’s. This is Miley” to random info texts “I’m sleeping in my sleeping bag” I’ve already been enjoying hearing from her. Seriously, so cute.

Just now I saw “Miley Mo” pop up on my screen and opened it to find this…

I love you and I miss you.

I mean, come on. If that isn’t the sweetest thing ever, I don’t know what is? I got so choked up and then after I responded she told me I was the best Eri in the world. If I had been by myself I would have most certainly burst into tears. Not only does that make my heart sing, it makes me realize how important it is to say those things to people.

I always say I love you to my friends and family when leaving or hanging up, but how wonderful to just randomly tell someone how much they mean to you. My relationships are what I value most in this life, and I am blessed beyond measure to have so many people that I truly love and enjoy having in my world. Especially that little lady, who just reminded me what’s really important and how simple it is to just say it.

I was actually thinking about how kids are so honest while watching Miley and my cousin Allison (she’s 5 and verrrrrry blunt) playing over Thanksgiving. They hold nothing back! Sometimes it’s maybe not so good or what you really want to hear, but there’s something pretty awesome about their ability to just share what they’re thinking. I love it. And as much as I try, I don’t think I do it enough. Whether it’s telling someone you miss them or telling someone to F off, sometimes you just need to say what you’re feeling. Taking a lesson from these two littles! And, maybe even some style tips. How cute are they in their fancy pants?!