Things for Cates to know..

I don’t read a lot of blogs. I hate to be the one who sounds like she is too busy and wonderful to sit around reading blogs, but the truth is.. I don’t have much time for it. I am the one who passes out right after the kids just to try to make it through the next day. Teaching 6 year olds all day and raising a one and two year old will do that you.

Anyway, all of that to say I have read lately a blog about what this lady wants her daughter to grow up knowing. So much of it I agreed with, but there were parts that I truly did not. So I thought I would start compiling a list of things I want my children to know as they grow up.

I will start with Cates’ list.

1. You are deeply and permanently loved by me.
2. You are going to make 100 mistakes. Just make sure you learn all 100 lessons they provided.
3. Love your brother. Make him your first and most important friend. He will be with you through life. He will show up on days no one else does.
4. Your daddy loved you from the day he knew you existed. Let him be your example of the right kind of man.
5. You are from a long line of strong willed, at times hard headed women. Stand up for yourself when you need to, but try to be more gentle than your mom.
6. Love yourself. Don’t spend your life wishing you had different hair, or a different figure. Embrace the beauty that God gave to you.
7. Surround yourself with people who see your beauty.
8. Realize that the beauty that really counts is in your heart.
9. Do something everyday for someone. And genuinely do no expect a thing back.
10. Don’t say everything that pops in your head.
11. Decide to be happy. I truly believe it is a daily decision.
12. Love everybody the same. Love every color. Love every status. Love everyone.
13. Really let it sink in GOD made everyone. So we should LOVE everyone.
14. Let love lead your life.
15. Be committed. Let your yes mean yes. Show up. Be there. Be counted on.
16. Learn to talk to people. To look them in the eye. Not just send them a text.
17. Be proud of your family. Take pride in the people who love you.
18. Make good friends. People that you can trust. People who will build you up.
19. Put God first in everything, everyday. There is truly no greater peace.
20. Don’t sleep your day away.
21. It’s okay to be really sad. Really deep down sad. Feel that way, and then let it go. Don’t spend your life with your feelings on your shoulders.
22. When there is something you feel like you cannot tell me, tell yaya or bop. They don’t judge, and they give really good advice.
23. Look for the good in people. Its harder to find in some than others, but it is always there.
24. Be a good tipper. And if you don’t have enough money to leave a good tip, go to McDonalds.
25. Forgive people the first time they ask, we are forgiven by God daily.
26. Ride with the windows down and the radio up every now and then no matter how old you are.
27. Always do your very best. Almost everyday you’re going to have a chance to cut a corner. Decide not to.
28. Win awards. Hit homeruns. Excel in whatever you can. Life is short and sometimes an old trophy can brighten up a tough day.
29. Be honest. Even when it means you’re going to be in trouble.
30. Laugh until you cry.
31. Listen in school. Learn all you can.
32. Be a really good friend.
33. Pray. And when you pray, don’t just ask for things. Praise God. Thank God. Talk to HIM.
34. Appreciate the differences in our family. Be proud of the love we share.
35. Know that our family was formed by deep unending love.
36. Smile.
37. Listen to people. Really listen.
38. When you find a man who loves you know he shows that by respecting you.
39. Be a good example.
40. Thank your daddy for working so hard for our family.
41. Always let the bible be your standard. People are going to change, it is not.
42. Know that you are named after two beautiful, strong women. And be proud of that.
43. Smile as I tell you the story of your birth repeatedly. Trust me, I earned that right.
44. Read.