Children are a gift from God ~ They are his reward.

I recently read this on another blog about what one mom would want to teach her children.

1. You are special.
2. There is no one else exactly like you in the whole world. Cherish your unique self.
3. You deserve love, admiration, honesty, respect, and second chances.
4. You have the right to use your voice – any time, any place, on any topic.
5. You are beautiful.
6. Beauty is as beauty does and while physical beauty is fleeting, a beautiful soul lasts forever.
7. True friends make you laugh and feel good about yourself.
8. True love makes you want to be a better person.
9. Girls can do anything boys can do … and some things boys can’t.
10. Magic is real – you just have to know where to look for it.
11. Taking time for yourself is important – be your own best friend.
12. You can always come home. Always.
13. You can tell me anything.
14. You don’t always have to follow the rules, but …
15. … always follow your heart.
16. You are a creative genius and your creations are your gift to the world. Give them freely and joyfully.
17. There’s no such thing as failure. Learn from every experience.
18. You are loved more than you will know until you have your own child.
19. Anything is possible if you believe.
20. There are few things a hot mug of tea and a good book won’t fix.
21. Go after your passion with a vengeance, but …
22. … remember to slow down and savor the journey along the way.
23. Sometimes it’s okay to eat dessert first.
24. Don’t wait for things to be “perfect” before you do something.
25. Keep your eye on the Big Picture, but revel in the details.
26. Trust yourself. You are smart enough, strong enough, and brave enough.
27. When in doubt, grow something.
28. It’s okay if you don’t know the answers. Sometimes it’s a better place to start from.
29. The Golden Rule is the easiest standard by which to measure any choice.
30. Travel is the best teacher, but always be safe and be wise. The world is a beautiful place, but it is not without its sharp edges.
31. Never compromise your beliefs – not for stature, approval, or anything else.
32. Manners count.
33. Learn to laugh at yourself and life will suddenly seem much easier.
34. It’s okay to be fragile sometimes. Life can be like that.
35. I am always so proud of you.
36. I will always be with you. Even when I’m gone I will be holding you in my heart and wrapping my love around you.

That got me to thinking what else would I want Brady & Brooks to know.   Here's what I would add:

1.  You can't change anyone but yourself so don't try.
2.  Marry Your best friend!
3.  Say yes to your children as often as possible because there are so many times you have to    say no.
4.   Say "I love you" as often as possible to your loved ones.
5.  Live a life of  "Simple Abundance" ~ everything you need you already have!
6.  Be grateful in everything.
7.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart ~ Proverbs 3:5
8.  Happiness is a choice!


So what would you like your children to know?

                              My beautiful, amazing children!!