Things My Mom Has Taught Me

A friend of mine recently shared a blog about things the author planned to teach her daughter. It got me thinking about everything that my mother has taught me, both in what I've observed and what she has told me.

I think this would be a very good topic for my first blog post. :)

So 40 things that I learned from my mother:

1. You can eat anything for breakfast. Spaghetti, pizza, pie, cookies, ice cream, bacon (the whole pack if you want), or a cold soda- especially if it's Pepsi.


2. Laugh at yourself. Loudly.


3. You don't have to say "Yes" to everything. Something she still has to remind me often.


4. Do not say the phrase "It's not fair." Unless you want your ears pulled and spit in your face. Haha, I think that's how it goes.


5. If someone is being mean to your friend, it's okay to push them down on the playground- Just kidding. I think the point of that story was that one should always stand up for others.


6. Reading a book is never a waste of time.


7. Ask forgiveness when you do something wrong. Even if it's a few days later and you have to stand up in front of your class to do it.


8. Living your life in a way that honors God can impact people more than any words you could speak.


9. "You've Got Mail" is the best movie to watch over and over and over again.


10. Go ahead and sit at the dinner table for as long as the conversation and laughter keep coming.


11. If it's wrinkly, throw it in the dryer. It'll be grand.


12. Some friends aren't gonna be "forever friends." Be thankful for the ones that will be.


13. Do not worry about what others think about you, but don't do something that could cause someone else to stumble.


14. Why cuss, when there are so many better words in the English language? Or just make up your own words! Goooble-watchyaaa-mopplinkey-aaauurgh!


15. Blue eyes must be a requirement for the future husband.


16. Moms can be best friends too.


17. It's okay to go and have a good cry. Your mother and truest friends will sit and listen why. They'll sit and hold you even if you don't tell them the reason. But usually, the mother knows without you telling her.


18. Never turn down a chance to go to the beach.


19. The book is always better than the movie.


20. You will get older and have more responsibilities, but you don't have to grow up.


21. Enjoy being single. You can hang out with whoever, eat whatever, and go wherever.


22. Talk to strangers. When I was little my mom always struck up a conversation with people at the grocery store or the park or movies or waiting room. Everywhere. I find myself doing the same thing now.


23. Only wear really short shorts at home.


24. South Africa is the best place to view the stars.


25. If someone asks for your opinion about something and you can't think of anything nice, just say it's very unique.


26. Wear your hair down and natural. It took me a long time to take this advice.


27. God knows who you're gonna marry. She tells me this a lot. Like when I'm sure my prince charming has been hit by a bus or something.


28. Don't stress when you lose your keys. Just ask everyone to help you find them.


29. Put cheese on broccoli and asparagus.


30. Dick Van Dyke is the funniest.


31. Wear make-up in a way so that it looks like you're not wearing very much make-up.


32.  Read this book: When the Pieces Don't Fit... God Makes the Difference.


33. If you plant a garden, give away a lot of zucchini to your friends.


34. I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be.


35. The Bible has fun facts that people sometimes overlook. Solomon imported monkeys! Rebecca had a nose ring! Goliath's brothers had 6 fingers on each hand!


36. I have my grandmother's shoulders.


37. Pray.


38. If possible, make a task into a game. We would always race to see who could pack a suitcase the fastest before a long trip.


39. Ask people to tell their story. Especially your grandparents.


40. Going to a party? Make an apple pie or corn stuff. People need to know you by the dish you bring. ;)



There are definitely more lessons than the ones I've written here. And I know I will learn more from her. And discover the things I never noticed I learned from her. 

Thanks, Mom. :)

~Em