What I've Learned

I'm 45. I'm good with that. It's actually a great age. I've learned some really great stuff so far, faced some tragedy, disappointment, and incredible joy. Pretty much blessed beyond belief. Here are the few things I know for certain:
1) Always flirt with your spouse
2) Listen and pause before you ever respond. Once it leaves your lips you can never take it back
3) Apologize....and mean it.
4) Always make your bed ...
5) Say thank you....especially to your family members.
6) 3/4 of my kids are adults--I have never ever wished I had worked more, had them involved in more activities, or bought them more stuff
7) Stay home. really. you don't need to always be doing stuff. It makes everyone tired
8) No, you don't need more shoes....now socks, yes! in fun prints
9) Don't ever give a pet as a gift unless it's a fish. fish are cool gifts
10) Play lots of games...make up your own rules.
11) Routine is not boring, it's good.
12) When you feel overwhelmed, stop, and just so the next thing
13) Talk about Jesus--a lot. devotional time with your family is good. A life of honest and true devotion is better
14) You're not fooling your kids, practice what you preach and when you screw up...admit it.
15) Cupcakes make an ordinary day a celebration
16) A big family live with 1 bathroom.
17) If you make more money, give more away
18) Call your parents. one day they will be gone
19) Practice forgiveness
20) When you feel blah, get new nail polish
21) Laugh a lot...every single day
22) It's ok to say no
23) no, your kid doesn't "need" a better life than you. kids need safety, love, food, shelter and clothing. not an iPhone
24) be brave. Do the hard thing....
25) life isn't a TV show or a movie. you don't need to perform