Things To Remember

I am laying in bed while my dear sweet husband is downstairs with THE Princess making something in the workshop. Our little King of the Jungle is nestled in next to me sleeping. It's dusk and our bedroom windows are opening with the cool breeze wafting in. I can hear faint sounds of people at the park down the street and the crickets are chirping. Giggling from downstairs. My baby breathing deeply in sleep.

I try to keep moments like these. Tuck them away in my memory for another day and time. When I need to remember. These times will change. My children will grow.

I try to keep a running list of some of the things I want my children to know. I found part of that list, written in the margin of a magazine and wadded at the bottom of my purse this week. (I am nothing if not organized.) My girl turns 4 tomorrow. 4. Where did the time go? My darling, I hope I am passing on some of this wit and wisdom to you.

Jesus loves you.

Smile. Everyone is more lovely when they smile.

If you don't know the words to a song, just sing the word "watermelon" over and over. It will make your mouth look right. (Trust me.)

Don't feel you have to change or be different to be acceptable. You are just right.

If there are no paper towels to dry your hands on, just fix your hair a bit. It works every time.

Learn the secret whistle and use it to find me when you can't see me. (Note to self: teach children to whistle.)

Put off plucking your eyebrows, shaving your legs, and coloring your hair for as long as possible. Once you start, you can never stop.

Choose your attitude when you wake up every morning. Fake it if you have to.

Always carry 2 hankies, one for show and one for blow.

Hold hands.

Learn how to make a "specialty dish." Something complicated that you can cook perfectly. (Trust me on this one, you'll use it more than you think.)

Knowing how to make a cup out of a piece of paper is a life skill.

You always have time to tell someone that you love them.

Tell stories.

Cut a pie in 7 pieces, thus creating the perfect-sized slice of pie.

If a member of the opposite sex is getting fresh and they don't understand the meaning of "no" then stick your finger down your throat and throw up on them. (This has never failed.)

Nothing you ever do will make me not love you.

Have people over, even if your house is messy and especially if it is dusty.

Sing songs. Silly, serious, off-tune. Sing loud. (And not only in the shower.)

Keep cut and serve cookies in your freezer for unexpected guests. (Plus, it makes it seem like you were just baking when they stopped by!)

It's always worth it to tell the truth. It's not always easy.

When you are a parent one day, remember that what your kids think of you is more important than what your friends think of you.

Life is hard. I am always on your side, even when you don't think so.

When you go to a new place to eat ask what their specialty is. Then try it. (Don't order sushi at a steakhouse.)

Stop, drop, and roll is for when YOU are on fire. 911 is for when someone else is.

If someone says something mean or hurtful, say "thank you." It works well to end a conversation. (Heaping coals of fire on their heads, I say.)

Kiss your husband on the lips, everyday. (Watch out, I'm wearing my business socks!)

Duck the brick is a fun game. (No one ever gets hit with the brick more than once!)

You can love someone deeply, and not marry (or have sex) with them. The longer you wait, the better you will like it. (I am gonna wait a few years on this one, girls.)

At any job, you can be replaced. You will never be replaced by your family.

Play tricks. A few or our family favorites are: plastic wrap over the toilet seat, salt in the sugar bowl (covered with a thin layer of sugar, in case anyone checks), fake dog poo in the bottom of the coffee cup, a spinner that shoots water at you when you lift the toilet lid, and toothpaste in oreos.

Especially when you are tired and worn out, do something nice for someone else. It's worth it.

You will always, always be my baby. Always.





What wisdom will you be passing along?