One of my favorite pictures of the boys and I in days gone by.

Things I Have Learned as a Mom

1. You can never give or receive too many hugs. Never.
2. Fun bandaids make almost anything feel better.
3. Kids say the cutest things and it is important to write those down immediately.
4. Baby books don’t write themselves. I speak from experience about this one.
5. Choose your battles—some things just aren’t important to fight about.
6. It’s true–time passes very quickly.
7. It is important to be there–no matter what —even at 2 a.m. when the teenager finally makes it home.
8. You may not always like your child’s choices but it is important to always be supportive  if it is something that will not cause them or someone else harm. Realize that they are growing into their skin
9. Prayer changes things.
10. It’s okay to say no every now and then but don’t let the answer always be no.  Childhood is short. Let them live a little bit.  Ice cream for breakfast is okay once in awhile.
11. It is always good to be “the house” that their friends like to come to. Do everything in your power to make that happen.
12. You will hear your own mom’s words coming out of your mouth many times.
13. As your children get older they sometimes need you more rather than less. Be there.
14. Traditions are important.  Maintain those even after they leave the house.  Grown children still love to get Easter baskets and have overfilled stockings at Christmas.
15. Almost anything is funny 10 years later.  (Thanks to my sister, Paula, for this one!)
16. Distance does not diminish love.
17. Children come in all shapes and sizes. All are lovely. Are all special. Comparisons are not necessary because each one is a gift in and of itself.  Embrace each child’s uniqueness.
18. Encouragement is what every child needs on a daily basis.
19. Vitamins are not necessary. They will grow without them. Bricks on heads also do not work to keep them little.
20. Pictures bring back memories years later of moments frozen in time. Be THAT mom with the camera always ready.  Your kids will thank you years later that you could come up with the picture that was a reminder of a wonderful memory.
21. There will always be a part of you with your child.  No matter how far away they are in geographical distance from you.  They are who they are partly due to their mom.  That can be a very good thing. As long as the part is the best part of you.  🙂

Happy Mother’s Day to my own mother who continues to teach me every single day with her wisdom and her love.  I am blessed.

Paula, Helen, Beth Ann
June 2013