Moms Are Good

Me, Mom, Bryan, and Ben some time in the 90s when Mom almost had a mullet.

Moms are good.  I'm pretty partial to the one I have.  Probably because she gave birth to me and changed my diapers for a while and fed me and all.  I have three brothers (BJay is not pictured above, because he wasn't born yet when that picture was taken), she also gave birth to them, changed their diapers, and fed them for a while too.

My mom is really cute:

Especially in a sombrero.

She has also taught me things.  Directly and indirectly.  This morning I was reflecting on some of the mom wisdom I've gained over these past twenty-five years, and I thought I would pass some of it on...

1. A lady doesn't spit.  Brushing your teeth is different.  It's okay to spit then.  But generally speaking, a lady doesn't spit.  
2. A lady also doesn't say the 'F' word.  I'm not talking fart here, I'm talking the big 'F' word.  (I admittedly, completely failed at this for about three years from 18-21ish, but I'm back on the train now)
3. Wear nude color underthings with white blouses and bottoms.  White shows through white and you look silly.
4. Live simply, live within your means, balance your checkbook and know what a budget is.
5. She taught me how to make a good meatloaf.  I honestly crave meatloaf sometimes because she made it so well....yum...I might want that for dinner now.
6. It doesn't have to be hard to have four kids.  Raising children is what you make of it.
7. Playing outside is fun.  Don't know what to do out there?  You'll figure it out.
8. Homeschooling can result in perfectly normal and likable people i.e. my brothers and I.
9. You don't have to wear makeup everyday; you're pretty enough without it.
10. Open windows in the house whenever you can, let the fresh air in
11. Be nice to your husband, he works hard for the family
12. Take care of your neighbors, especially the elderly
13. Mixing vinegar with milk makes buttermilk
14. Separate your laundry by color and weight of the cloth (really, she does this, and really, I do too)
15. Planting things in dirt doesn't have to be complicated or intimidating, just do it.  If it fails the first time, try again with something different.  Do a little homework, but don't tell yourself you can't do it.
16. Take a jacket.  You might need it later.
17. Always pack extra underwear, because you never know...
18. Try hard to use correct grammar in writing and speaking.
19. Look at art.  Appreciate it.  Think about it.  Talk about what you saw, felt, experienced.  But ultimately, just enjoy it for what it is.
20. Slow down, read the instructions.  Something I heard often in my early days of school, and it comes in handy to this day.  
21. How to make a "K" turn.  No, it wasn't the one I was supposed to know for my driving test (oops), but I still use that skill from time to time and think of her whenever I do!
22. It's okay to laugh at yourself.  You're not perfect and you never will be, and that's okay.
23. Love Jesus.  Read your Bible.  Pray. 

I could sit here all day adding to this list, but I'd like to hear about what your mom taught you!  Do share : )  Then we'll all be learning and growing together.  That's a grand idea.

Thanks for all the years of wisdom and love, Mom!  Happy Mother's Day!

~Wifey