Lessons I've Learned

Lessons I've learned since being a mom...
- Only take advice from parents who have kids that turned out the way you hope yours will be
- I can drive, talk on the phone and hand Cheerios to hungry little people in the backseat all at the same time
- Sippy cups leak
- Glitter and sand are very, very messy
- I can handle a lot of kids shows, but the Wiggles and the Doodlebops drive me nuts
- The oldest child isn't always at fault
- The child who was caught isn't usually the one who started it
- If it's entertaining them, sometimes the mess is worth it
- Raisins, corn and kidney beans come out whole
- It won't hurt anyone if they play in the rain
- Kids have amazing memories
- Building confidence is critical
- Everyone in the family benefits from routines
- Sometimes correction is better received from others
- Kids are capable of more than we give them credit for
- They listen to more than we think
- Everything doesn't need to be done quickly
- Kids need space, too
- Letting kids "help" isn't always help for you, it's to help them learn, feel included and build confidence
- It's good to have daily, weekly and monthly traditions
- Sometimes it's easier for them to learn the lesson the hard way

Lessons I've learned in general...
- The days are long, but the years are short
- Sometimes it's better to keep your thoughts to yourself
- I can't stand the phrase, "You just wait..."
- I love feeling organized and productive
- Laundry left in the washer overnight in Phoenix smells sour by morning
- Don't judge others; you don't know their situation
- We all look back at pictures of ourselves wishing we "still looked that thin." And we'll look back in a few years at pictures of us today wishing the same thing
- Burned, overcooked cookies have the same calories as gooey, soft cookies fresh from the oven...eating the hard, crunchy cookies just isn't worth it
- Be intentional about making memories
- Slow down and enjoy the moments
- Things don't need to be perfect
- It's better to count to 5 before reacting
- If someone randomly pops into your head, take a moment to pray for them and give them a call when you get a chance
- Be purposeful
- Be a person of integrity
- Edify your family in front of others
- Pray daily, alone and as a family
- You'll be much less stressed if you just hand it all over to God...he's in control anyway!