“I don’t know what I think until I write about it.” - Joan Didion


15



“Your life unfolds in proportion to your courage.” -Danielle Le Port


15, 18



“Be brave. Be resilient. Be kind. Be grateful.” -Hillary Rodham Clinton


12



I hope you find a partner with who are your most authentic self, and who you love for who they genuinely are.


15, 21



Toddler years: Tater tots make everything better. The smaller ones cook faster and you don't have to turn them.


2



Make sure you always have Uber gift cards on hand for friends, emergencies or whatever.


15-18



Anyone who asks you to violate your values doesn’t deserve your allegiance.


16, 21



Girls: does he put in the effort even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable for him?


16, 20, 21



Keep going. Push yourself. The struggle makes it all the more worth it.


17, 21



Read J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit together


11



Practice sitting still and quiet. Make it a game. Helps with focus and impulsivity.


4-7



Watch the documentary Kelce (2023)


12



Bring Christmas cookies to local fire station and police station. (Annually)


7-14



Plan out first concert.


11



Sometimes it feels really good to say “no.” (Or “no thank you.” Or “$@!#% no!”)


14, 20



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



Anger is the bodyguard of sadness.


14



Read the Hobbit aloud with him. Afterward, encourage him to read The Lord of the Rings by himself.


9



One of the most difficult things in life will be to embrace difficult and unfamiliar ways in order to grow or heal. But doing so is the only way we can grow or heal. You can do hard things. Breathe deep and take it by moment if you have to.


18, 21



When something is upsetting you...Name it...Take a deep breath...Imagine holding it gently in your hands. (This is a reminder to use this visualization myself and to teach it to you. I want to give you as many tools as I can to help you learn to cope with negative emotions in a healthy way.)


11



1

Remember the hymn we used to sing at bedtime when you were little? “What Does the Lord Require of You?” To seek justice. To love kindness. To walk humbly with your God. (Walk humbly means to remember God is so very good. That he loves you and is for you and wants you to talk to him, listen for him, love him, serve him.) No matter what religion you practice (or don’t practice) I hope you’ll remember that.


17



A person is only as good as how they treat you when they are angry with you.


17



True masculinity is vulnerable, compassionate and confident. Vulnerability takes courage. Kindness/compassion takes strength. Confidence: when you’re not really interested in what others think about you. It’s a natural byproduct of living in line with your own values and priorities.


11, 14, 16, 19, 21



You may end up being a big shot, Good for you! But check yourself. The good lord wasn't above washing his friends' dirty feet so please don't feel like you're above any task that needs to be done. Enjoy your success but stay humble.


20



Write your own job description. When you've been around long enough to know what you're good at and can identify what needs in the company you can help with.


21



One of my favorite scenes in a movie is James Bond with Pierce Brosnan. Bullets are whizzing by him and he just so of gives a mildly annoyed look while focusing on what he’s doing. It’s quintessential cool.


15, 21



Keep screen time to a minimum.


2-8



On marriage: Your spouse will change. You will change. Some for the better, some parts for the worse. Tastes, plans, health, body shape, education, needs, beliefs... all change throughout our lives. It’s growth. (It’s also decay!) Support each other through both. Encourage each other to be true to yourselves. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Be kind. Pray for each other. Have fun together. Keep learning about each other. Be your partner’s biggest fan.


21



Toddlers fall... a lot. Most falls are harmless but sometimes bad accidents happen. Head injuries are scary because they bleed and swell. If bleeding doesn't stop within a few minutes or you can see it's a big gash, head to the urgent care. And remember if the swelling goes out (“goose egg”) that’s a good thing: Better out than in.


2



Human creativity is nature manifest in us.


15, 21