Why Didn't They Tell Me Part...I've lost track

Before we talk about me, let me just say that I think every single one of my brothers looks SO cute in this picture. Seriously. And Willie--you are totally working the head tilt.

I have to tell you that I am extremely fond of this picture. I'm not sure how old any of us are, but DANG, aren't we cute?! I'm supposing you're wondering why I'm including this picture in my "Why Didn't They Tell Me" segment. Well--upon closer examination, you will notice that my bangs (and every thing else) need some help. You know, this is such an awkward stage of life and you can tell that I didn't feel comfortable in my own skin. I was still trying to figure out who I was, what I looked and felt cute in, and how the heck to do my poor hair. I have naturally curly hair and there is this wave that runs right through where my bangs were. Even with the current trend being to have bangs--I have run the other direction. I know my limits, people. I also found that I wasn't loving the fact that I had freckles. I adore freckles now...I just wish I would have realized that it was OK to embrace something that made me different. But that's the last thing a typical tween wants.

There is a song called FRECKLES by Natasha Bedingfield that pretty much sums up EXACTLY what I think when I look at this picture.

Freckles - Natasha Bedingfield

I used to care so much about what others think about
Almost didn’t have a thought of my own
The slightest remark would make me embark

On a journey of self doubt
But that was a while ago
This girl has got stronger
If I knew then what I know now
I would have told myself don’t worry any longer its okay

Cause a face without freckles is like a sky without the stars
Why waste a second not loving who you are?
Those little imperfections make you beautiful, lovable, valuable,
They show your personality inside your heart
Reflecting who you are

(Who you are)
(Who you are)
(Who you are)

I wondered if I could trade my body with somebody else in magazines
With the whole world full at my feet
A phantom worthy and would blame my failures on the ugliness I could see
When the mirror looked at me
Sometimes I still feel like the little girl who doesn’t belong in her own world
But I'm getting better
I'm reminding myself

That a face without freckles is like a sky without the stars
Why waste a second not loving who you are?
Those little imperfections make you beautiful, lovable, valuable,
They show your personality inside your heart
Reflecting who you are

Reflecting who you are
Reflecting who you are
Hmmm
Whoooooo whoa hmmmm oooooo

Cause a face without freckles is like a sky without the stars
Why waste a second not loving who you are?
Those little imperfections make you beautiful, lovable, valuable,
They show your personality inside your heart
Reflecting who you are