Friday, December 9, 2011

Not To Be Confusing..

Not to be confusing but you can now find me here...

http://causemomsays.wordpress.com/

I love it and plan on being there indefinitely.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

#26 Learn A Lesson From Santa

I have no intention of you reading this before your innocence regarding the magic that is Christmas morning has dwindled some. However I truly hope you believe in Santa Claus way beyond your childhood. Santa has something to teach us.

Santa gives without any regard to what he will receive in return. He does it because he is a happy merry man who wants to reward goodness and happens to have a surplus of elves to do his work. When you give to others please do it as Santa does. Give with a merry heart, give without concern for what someone will hand you in return, give your best. I truly believe that if you give to others in this fashion you will be given something in return. In the case of Santa everyone gives back by telling their children about him, by not minding his intrusion through their chimneys and reindeer poop on the lawn. People smile at Santa, they want to leave him cookies and treats, they want their photo with him...because who wouldn't love someone who when he gives to others (even if it is just one day of the year) does do without any thought of himself and only thoughts of the needs to those he gives.

Give lovingly, give thoughtfully, give with a merry heart. The return will take care of itself.

Oh and as a side note: We took you to meet Santa Claus today and you weren't a huge fan of the man in red yet. You weren't screaming for the picture but your lip was definitely quivering!


Sunday, November 20, 2011

#25 Remember What Counts

It is very easy to get wrapped up in material things. Trust me -- I love coats and tennis shoes--they make me happy, they bring me a level of joy, but in the end that joy never compares to the happiness I get from things not easily seen.

Learn to take joy in friendship. My shoes will get holes in them and I will have to get a new pair. A good friend, I never have to replace so long as I take care in my relationship.

Learn to love kind words. It is EASY to be critical and rude--much harder to be kind. Appreciate the kind words others give to you and use kind words with others. The smile that spreads across someone's face can keep you warmer than the heaviest of coats.

Find comfort in hugs, excitement in the count down to your last days of school, happy anticipation of reading your favorite bed time story. Live every day knowing that you have tons of people who love you. Place your glory in heaven and not on earth.

Yes, darling I want you to enjoy your favorite pair of jeans or your latest amazing toy. I just always want you to remember that things of value often can not be touched--only felt with the heart.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

#24 Try New Foods

As a baby you are starting to eat so many different things. Yesterday I gave you black beans. I don't like them but you tried them fearlessly...and loved them.

I hope you always try new foods as you continue to grow. Eating a variety of foods is good for you. Also, trying new foods is generally a safe way to let yourself live "on the wild side" for a bit. You can use food to learn about different cultures and spark conversation. The next time someone offers you escargot or a SuperDawg in Ames go ahead and taste it.. You might just find your new favorite dish.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

#23 Unplug

Yes I know it is a bit ironic that I am typing this blog post to you on a computer and telling you to unplug. I'm serious though, do it. At the very minimum pick two weekends a year where you turn off all of your electronics. That is right, unplug all of your electronic "extras". You need to realize that while these things can make life easier or more entertaining (sometimes), it still goes on without them.

Use your unplugged weekend to:
- Go for a walk--listening to nature not your music.
- Sing a song--a camp song that doesn't require a booming base.
- Have a conversation -- in person instead of over the phone.
- Send a letter -- in the real mail instead of speedy un-personal electronic mail.
- Play a board game -- as opposed to a video game.
- See a play -- did you know that actors can perform RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU? Not just on a screen?
- Take a nap -- You probably don't get enough sleep anyways.


These are obviously just a few ideas. I just always want you to take time away from this buzzing electric world of ours and simplify, prioritize, and enjoy the things that are quickly becoming beautiful reminders of lives once lived to the maximum.


Thursday, October 20, 2011

#22 Let Your Dad Be Protective

I know, in a few short years a protective father will be HIGH on your list of reasons you hate life and your parents, why you aren't "cool", why no boys will come within ten feet of you (which if you ask me is a good thing), and a million other things. I still say -- LET HIM GUARD YOU.

I can tell you this RIGHT now..your father has your best interest in mind always. I can also tell you that he is a great judge of character. He wants you to be happy--he also wants you to be safe. He will want to know where you are when you are out with friends, he will give you a curfew, he won't let you date boys who he doesn't know and who don't show you respect. Naturally you will think this is the worst thing ever but I promise it is not.

In case you haven't figured it out your life is a precious gift not only to you, but also to us as parents. We want you to have friends, have fun, heck at some point in time I even want you to get married (if you want to as well). However none of that will change that you are your father's little girl. His eyes light up when he sees you, his smile gets bigger than I have ever seen it, he cherishes you and when you are older he will want you to be with a man who does the same.

He wants you to be with someone you love (See: #4 Marry For Love) and who loves you back. That means that he might be polishing his guns when Johnny knocks at the door. Trust me, if the guy is worth your time he won't have to even worry about what your dad is up to when he arrives. It also means he will expect boys to pick you up at the door when they come to the house--not the driveway. Also, he probably won't let you out the door if he can see the young man's underwear or even a segment of your midsection.

If you promise to let your dad guide and protect you as his little girl who he loves so much..I promise to support you if he gets out of hand. ;-)





Thursday, October 13, 2011

#21 Call your Grammy and your Nana

You are one lucky duck girl. You have a Grammy and a Nana who love you so very much! Do me a favor, when you are older and you think your mom is a crazy batty fool--call them. They will guide you when my advice isn't so hot. Sometimes they will agree with me, other times they might ACTUALLY have a better idea.

Other times you need to call them:
-When you are lonely
-When they are lonely
-When you are happy
-When you do something really fun
-When you are sad or disappointed
-When you want to laugh
-When you want to make someone else laugh
-ANY TIME that you think of them--because they are most likely thinking of you too.

The awesome thing about these ladies is that they are actually MOMS too! They love you and have your best interest at heart. They get the joy of spoiling you and sending you home--so they naturally come with an extra dose of fun and exciting. They have advice that I don't have. Love them, have fun with them, learn from them--AND DO NOT FORGET TO CALL THEM!!!