40. start a new tradition.

39. go the extra mile.

38. What makes something beautiful?

37. Take nothing for granted.

36. Be there when you're there.

35. Breathe deeply.

34. Cherish family.

33. Luke 2 1-14

32. Celebrate the differences.

31. How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?

30. Thank an EMT for the time they give, and the job they do.

29.what do you believe in?

28. If you don't think highly of yourself, who will?

27. Brush your teeth.

26. What difference does it make if the thing you're scared of is real or not?

25. watch the sunrise with someone you care about.

24. You will find your true strength when life tests you in unexpected ways.

23. " Whose life is better because you woke up today?" Will Smith

22. Are you living a life of action or reaction?

21. What is the one thing you think of that always makes you smile?

20. What do you want from life?

19. take a nap.

18. spend time with an elderly person...you both will benefit from the time.

17. once a year go someplace you have never been.

16. bake cookies often.

15. It's not what you know, but what you do with what you know.

14. always arrive early... being late is simply rude.

13. sometimes silence is the best answer.

12. watch the snow fall.

11. Be gentle with our earth. Recycle.

10. wear your seatbelt.

9. Pray

8. Dream it, believe it, do it.

7. pick one (at least) tradition from your childhood and continue it in your adult years.

6. Be Thankful. What are 5 things you are thankful for?

5. Don't rely on someone else to do something for you, it most likely won't get done.

4. Sing, even if you can't carry a tune.

3. Trust yourself.

2. Always do your best. A half effort is a poor reflection on you.

1. Be fair.

the beginning...

As a mom there always seems to be bits of advice, wisdom, or knowledge floating around in my head. Perhaps it's simply the nature of being mom. Often it has been shared with my kids (whether they wished to hear it or not) on a daily basis. Over time I have found there are moments when I wondered (worried) if I had simply taught them enough (the summer before Beckie left for college comes to mind) at other moments there are just things I wanted them to know, because they were important to me. For some time I have been compelled to write them down, those bits of info I just felt were important for my kids to know. A new blog seemed to be the best format for me to do this. Some are thought provoking (ok so really not too much) others just general life knowledge, but each is an important thing I simply want my kids to know.
will they read this? they will when the time is right for them.
will they follow each and every bit of advice? good grief I imagine not.
will it make a difference in their lives? time will tell.