“There’s a part of me that’s a part of you” said a painter whose name I can’t remember. I don’t think he was talking to anyone in particular, or if he meant we’re all a part of each other. Either way, it’s a beautiful thought.


20



Start a tradition of asking them to memorize and recite a poem or famous speech for a gift for Mother’s Day, Christmas, etc. Start small with the little ones, expand as they get older.


8



Just because I forgive you, it doesn’t mean I trust you. Trust has to be earned.


15, 18, 21



vaccinate! Science is good.


0, 1, 2, 3, 5



Plan a trip to New York City to see Hamilton.


15



It’s hard to accept that the world can be so cruel and unfair, but sometimes accepting it and focusing on what part of it you CAN change is - I’ve learned - the key.


15



When the poop hits the fan, that's when real discipleship begins.


15-18



When you feel like you’re on fire with anger or fear, if you can’t shake it, put that fire to good use.


14



A mommy-friend of mine gave me some good advice: "Count the wins." So what if you didn't clean the house, you showered! So what if she's wearing 9 different colors - she dressed herself! Great advice. So remember, especially on the difficult days - and there will be many: Count the wins.


1



Buy life insurance when you're young.


21



Sadness means you need love. (From another person, a pet, yourself.) Someone whose presence brings you comfort. May be dead, living, fictional, historical figure, religious (god, saints, Buddha, etc.) Live and in person is best though. Let someone love you how you need to be loved.


19, 21



If you can afford to send flowers when a baby is born or when someone dies, do so.


21



Defending yourself from a bear: NEVER run from or turn your back on a bear. Remember the rhyme: “If it’s black, fight back. If it’s brown hit the ground, if it’s white like Similac, frozen bear gonna send u back.” - Mamadou Ndiaye


16



Never post a pic to social media that you wouldn't want Grandma to see. NEVER send or ask to receive naked pictures. It's tacky, gross, illegal and not worth it. Even if "everyone does it". It's rude and disrespectful.


11-13, 18



Set up a 529 plan. Virginia has a great plan if you don't want to do too much research https://www.savingforcollege.com/


birth-age 3



Grandpa used to keep a hundred dollar bill stashed discreetly in his wallet “for emergencies.”


17



What does it mean to grow up? Sacrifice- When you put someone else’s needs before your own. Responsibility- When you can be counted on to do what’s right and also to do what has to be done. Trustworthiness- You keep your word.Sincerity - You are true to yourself and don’t pretend in order to fit in. It’s about choices and actions and deciding what you value and then building a life around those values.


18



Better to be a little hungry than too full.


15, 21



Learn how to sail together


12-15



Talk to people like they belong and are valued exactly as they are in that moment.


12-14, 21



We’re born full of love. Life is about choosing where you want to put it. -xo


15, 19, 21



Have dinner guests sign the under side of the dining room table. Let the kids’ friends sign too - or have their own version of a guestbook - the inside of a cabinet or the basement door, etc.


5, 12-14



Use Shutterfly or something like it to make Christmas books and birthday books each year.


Infant-21



Read up on the adolescent brain.


11, 13



A simple trick to calm your nerves: Name 5 things you can hear right now.


5-15



When someone introduces themselves as transgender, it’s no big deal. Simply say “nice to meet you” or “cool.” Then politely ask “What are your pronouns?” And then you know how they prefer to be addressed.


13



Plan a trip someplace where we can see the Northern Lights.


15



Ask”How can I be a better parent to you?” Listen.


1Infant-18



Give him a copy of The Secret Lives of Great Composers by Elizabeth Lunday.


14



Read "A Wrinkle in Time" (me too.)


10