What I Have Learned . . .

There are so many wonderful and endearing things my children have taught me.  Here is a sampling of a few gems:

*Any time is a good time to wear goggles.

*Puddles are made to be stomped in.

*If there is something on the ground that looks like chocolate, it's not.  It's pooh.

*If someone calls your name frantically, they are going to want you to stop doing something you are enjoying, so RUN!

*That I am someone's hero and most favorite person in the whole world.

*If there is any flaw that I have, my children will not only see it, but repeat it over, and over, and over.

*BRIBERY is indeed the best motivator. 

*There are so many things that I thought mattered, but don't.  And so many things that I never noticed, that are now of great importance.

*Ants, caterpillars, ladybugs, and "roly-polies" are absolutely fascinating to watch . . . and then smush.

*Popsicles are scrumptious year round, and should be considered their own food group.

*Church is WAY too long and is better enjoyed in the halls doing laps or talking to friends.

*When taking a bubble bath, bubbles are meant to be placed all over your head and face to amuse one's self instead of just laying in them and relaxing.

*Having pictures taken of you is awful and the best way to handle this is to look totally unnatural, to cry, or to run away.

*When having children, pride and dignity in yourself is best to be given up because they will yank it from you at the worst possible times, PUBLICLY.

*Children have mastered the delicate art of humility in the midst of very healthy self esteem.

*They are their own people and should never be forced to accomplish your agenda for their life.

*Teaching children never happens when it is planned, only when you least expect a teaching moment.  So always be ready.

*Yes, your children are smarter and cuter than everyone else's but SHHHHHHH, because everyone else thinks this about their children too and you don't want to burst their bubble.

*I need to be more teachable, because my children are.

*Everyday can be the BEST day of your life, if you find the good in it.

*Don't try to schedule anything for yourself in the day, because they will sense it and then thwart your efforts at every turn.  Life is all about them.

*Sometimes it's okay to make cookie dough and just eat it, and not cook it.

*It's great to be noticed when you're doing something amazing.  "Watch me!  Watch me!"

*Being called, "Mama" is the greatest, sweetest thing to ever be called . . . unless they're screaming it.

*Siblings make the best "buddies."

*Toots are hilarious and should always be laughed at, hysterically.

*Cuddles and nuzzles are the best, but only in their time frame.

*Lightening McQueen pajamas are awesome under church clothes.

*Cleaning is best accomplished by quickly stuffing things under the bed, in drawers, or behind things.

*Desserts taste WAY better than vegetables.

*It's okay to cry when someone hurts your feelings.

*Pure joy can be found in every day.

*I can make someone feel better if I share what I have with them.

*Saying "please" nicely will get you just about anything.

*LIVE in the moment.

*I LOVE being 5 little people's "Mama."