When I started this list I thought I should do 25 things that Mom has taught me. But then I started going and I just couldn't stop. I'd be about to publish this and then I'd think of something else.
This post is not only for my own mother but for all women who play important roles in raising children, from moms to grandmothers to aunts to friends to whoever. You are important and do make a difference. On behalf of strong-willed, some-how-turned-out-okay children everywhere; thank you!
Here are 100 things that my mother taught me, either purposefully or by example.
1. Laugh
2. Share stories (except dreams. No one wants to hear what you dreamed last night unless it's exceptionally hilarious, which it probably isn't and you won't remember half of it anyway so you should keep it to yourself as a general rule)
3. Comb your hair
4. Be clean and smell good when you go out
5. Hugs make hurts feel better
6. The great outdoors is a wonderful place
7. Read good books
8. Persevere even when things get hard (from piano lessons to friendships to learning how to milk that dumb cow. thanks)
9. Good and bad actions both have consequences
10. How to read a recipe
11. The amount of time a recipe says it will take your cookies to bake is often a lie, check them sooner
12. Clean the bathroom at least once a week
13. A messy house is not an excuse to reject company
14. Children make messes, which is okay, but they need to clean up after themselves
15. Say please and thank you and excuse me
16. Make some kind of polite conversation with the cashier. She's had a long day inside with lots of unpleasant people. Be the sunshine she needs.
17. Every one is of equal worth; children, adults, elderly, mentally handicapped, physically handicapped, etc.
18. Assume you call an older person Mr. or Mrs. until they give you permission to use their first name
19. How to make the best casserole in the world
20. Have a container of cookies in your freezer just in case someone stops by or there are visitors at church
21. Don't stick things in your ear
22. Dirt washes off
23. Smile. Everyone needs another smile.
24. How to fold socks
25. Sit on the floor, it's a good place and someone else can use your chair...besides you might get a back massage
26. The long icicles from the roof are probably dirty but you only live once and it's fun, so lick them anyway
27. When reading books to children use different voices for different characters
28. Never fight with your husband in front of the children
29. Every once and a while you need to purge your closet
30. Plastic bags should never go over anyone's head
31. If your brother steals your toy just ignore him...he'll give it back when he realizes you won't give him the reaction he was looking for
32. Forts made out of blankets and pillows contain many secret adventures
33. Eating breakfast in your pajamas is totally okay
34. But eventually you do need to get dressed for the day because you'll get more done
35. When someone needs help you help them
36. When people go through something difficult (whether good or bad from babies' being born to grandparents passing away) you bring the family a meal because they probably need one and it's the kind thing to do
37. When you have leftovers put them on a paper plate and bring them over to a widow. Cooking for one is hard and often not enjoyable
38. You can make ANYTHING with a box
39. Dandelions are beautiful
40. Old banana's make the best banana bread
41. Be ready for Sunday
42. Try something new
43. Boys should never hit girls and girls should never give boys a reason to hit them
44. Respect your brother but help him out sometimes, guys tend to be clueless about girls
45. Boys, protect your sister. She is weaker than you physically and emotionally and tends to be clueless about guys
46. Pack snacks
47. Snow is dangerous. Drive slow. Really slow.
48. Go where God leads you
49. Work hard
50. Pull over for emergency vehicles
51. Towels out of the drier are warm and wonderful and should be wrapped around yourself and anyone else who happens to be close by
52. Enjoy every sunset, sunrise, and rainbow you see
53. The kitchen is the most important place in the house because that's where we all tend to gather to share our company, laugh, and hash out answers to hard questions
54. Dad is a man worthy of respect and trust
55. Make reasonable, God honoring goals after seeking the advice of wise people and then fulfill them
56. Talk others about God and what He's teaching you
57. Ask good questions when making conversation
58. Have good friends
59. Be friends with lots of different kinds of people
60. Pray often
61. Be creative
62. Go for walks, alone and with others
63. Laundry
64. Read the Bible daily
65. Pick up what someone else dropped and give it back
66. Don't make promises unless you know you can keep them
67. Sometimes you need a break
68. Fun doesn't need to be expensive. Fun can mean painting rocks from the driveway.
69. Enjoy other people's gifts even if you don't share them (thanks for listening to and loving all the music we've made...even the Christmas songs in July)
70. Ask when you need help
71. Finish what you started. Unless it comes to vegetable gardens. In that case admit defeat and move on
72. Being a woman is beautiful
73. Being a wife and mother is not something to be ashamed of but something to take delight in and be proud of
74. Crying can be good...just don't do it too often
75. Text or call if you're going to be late
76. Five minutes early is on time
77. Men will treat you more like a lady if you look and act like one
78. Knowing your kids means also knowing their friends
79. The easiest way to get a boiled egg out of its shell is to cut it in half and dig it out with a tea spoon
80. Don't interrupt a conversation, just stand by and wait, unless the conversationalist are talking about something serious, then assume it's none of your business, walk away, and look for a later opportunity
81. Playdough does not taste good
82. Black is slimming
83. How to use the bread maker
84. Stay after church and talk to people for mutual encouragement
85. Which shoes go on which feet
86. Flour and corn starch make gravies and soups thicker
87. Mice and rats are scary creatures
88. Cover your ears in the wind
89. Send cards either in the mail or deliver them personally. Cards are a quick and easy way to encourage someone
90. How to peel potatoes and end strawberries
91. People are more important than things
92. When in doubt, ask
93. Any reason to celebrate is a good one
94. Food is important, not just for nourishment but also because it makes people comfortable
95. Have a hobby
96. Give things away
97. Traveling and adventures are good but home is also good
98. If you pack the sand into your bucket as you go when you tip the bucket over its more likely to keep its shape once you lift the bucket up again
99. Tell someone if they have something in their teeth or on their face
100. Love. Keeping loving when you get no reward. Thanks for loving me, Mom, even though I know I've made you cry and pushed you to the edge. And thanks for all the lessons. This list is just the tip of the iceberg.
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