Take it or leave it

Here are some things I think and wish I could tell people. So, since this is my blog where I can do whatever the heck I want, I will use this space to share some of my very limited knowledge.

1. Never tell your kids, "do as I say, not as I do." Act like the kind of person you want your kids to be. You are the best example they have.
2. For extra dry hands/feet and cracked cuticles- lather them in petroleum jelly and cover with socks overnight. After a few nights, you'll be able to notice a difference.
3. A capful of vinegar in your wash will help get odors out of clothes. No more nasty pits! (Thanks Angie)
4. Save time and the circulation to your fingertips and use floss picks. Keep some in your car too.
5. For those of us that have issues cooking, shop at Costco. Having a lot of something requires you to do something with it. Necessity is a very helpful motivator.
6. If your child has an issue doing something, do it with them first, walk them through it the second time, and then have them do it on their own. It helps them build confidence in their ability to do it.
7. Give your kids age appropriate responsibilities, they can handle it.
8. If you're constantly dealing with the same issue, pray about it. Instead of complaining to/arguing with/crying to/yelling at someone, PRAY ABOUT IT! God is the only one capable of changing someone's thinking, attitude or perspective. There's no sense in rehashing the same things over and over. It's not worth it for you or the other person.
9. You cannot make things important to other people, so don't get all bent out of shape when they don't value the same things you do.
10. You are not responsible for the actions of other people. (Unless you're a parent. And then, please, be responsible for their actions!)
11. Parents: please do not assume that your child will be watched by someone else when you're in a group setting. Act as though you're the only one that cares for your child as much as you do, because you are. Everyone else is there to watch their own kid.
12. See your friends often. It can help on so many levels.
13. Get into a church that cares about you. It's God's desire that you connect with him and others.
14. Wives, submit to your husbands. It's not demeaning, or sexist. It's God's design. You are not equals. A husband is the head of the house. It doesn't mean you don't get to voice your opinion, he just gets the ultimate say.
15. Husbands, love your wives the way that Christ loved his church and gave his life for it. Men, give your lives to your wives. Love her, cherish, respect, and honor her more than on your anniversary, birthday and Mother's Day.
16. When someone is on your mind, say a little prayer for them and then, let them know. It makes them feel special.
17. Always carry an extra set of clothes for your kids in the car.
18. Carry extra diapers in case of emergencies. They soak up blood really well.
19. Whenever possible, say "yes" to your kids, even if it means you have to do something you don't feel like doing.
20. Tell your children that you're proud of them for things they do. Also, help them point out when they're proud of themselves.
21. Take lots of pictures. You may not remember moments as well as you hope to.
22. Let your kids see you reading your Bible, the actual book. Reading the Bible on your phone, iPad, or whatever is okay, but your kids won't be able to tell that you're reading it or checking your email.
23. Share your spiritual life with your kids. When you need prayer, have the chance to pray for someone, when prayers are answered, when you find something interesting in the Bible, lesson you've learned or just when God speaks to you, let your kids know and talk about it.
24. When your kid tells you, "You're not my friend!", think of it as a compliment. You're not supposed to be their friend. You're supposed to be their parent. You're there to teach, train, love, and correct them. Sometimes it's not fun for either one of you, but seeing your kid be a responsible grown-up will be worth it!
25. Obey God all day and it'll be a day well spent.
26. Do things as soon as you are able. Don't put stuff off. You never know what could come up and keep you from doing them.
27. Tell those you love how and why you care for them. Don't assume they know.
28. Know that men and women generally communicate in different ways. Make sure your spouse understands what you're saying, by simply asking, "what did you hear me say?" Get on the same page and you'll cut out a lot of arguments and misunderstandings.
29. Treat your family like you would treat a guest in your home. I know I often get frustrated with the constant cleaning up after those who live here, but I wouldn't necessarily if I were picking up after a guest.
30. Treat your family like you like them. Don't pick on each other. Build one another up, it's just nicer that way. -everyone wins!
31. When you don't like someone you have to be around, try to find likable qualities in them- even if it takes a while!
32. When someone offends you, remember Romans 12:20 "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
33. Exercise in whatever capacity because you are able to.
34. Even if you're not able to shower, put on clean underwear every day.
35. Use baby powder for greasy hair. It soaks up some of the grease. Not all of it, if it's really bad, just shower. Too much baby powder in super greasy hair turns into paste.
36. As often as you can, speak positively about your spouse to others. Build each other up, even when their not in the room.
37. Smore's aren't just for campfires. My family loves roasting the marshmallows over the stove, but the favorite is putting them in the microwave.
38. When you put on underwear or socks that you know should get thrown away, take them off that instant, throw them away, and get a new pair.
39. When someone is wearing a nametag, use their name. Example: say, "Thank you, Alice" to the cashier. It helps them feel like they are real people and not just what they do.
40. From the day your child is born, talk to them the way you want them to speak. Don't say, "baba" for bottle if you want them to call it a bottle.
41. Help your kids do things that are difficult because it's what's best. Also, make sure they know the difficult things you do. Life is going to be full of tough things, even things we think are impossible. The sooner we can get through that they can do all things through Christ, the better equipped they'll be to handle it.
42. Kids ask questions because they genuinely don't know something, not to annoy us. Take the time to answer them. And, "because" isn't an answer.
43. Love people the way God would. (The Bible is a good way to find out the details on that.)
44. If you're miserable with the way your life is, or unhappy with what you're doing, change it. You're the only one that can live your life. Don't expect others to do things for you.
45. You don't need to be perfect. Just do your best to obey what God says. That's all he wants!
46. It's never too late for someone to live the life God has for them. Don't count someone out.
47. Don't preach at people. Let the Holy Spirit do his job, and you do yours. When God says to speak to someone, do it. When he tells you to be quiet, do it.
48. God entrusted you with your life. Live it the best way you can. Seek him and obey what he says. He has a plan for you! He loves you unconditionally and knows what's best.
49. Don't blame your life on someone else. You can come from terrible circumstances and still make good choices. People do it all the time.
50. The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser works on most anything. However, it leaves a residue.
51. Cluttered surfaces make rooms feel small.
52. Nicholas Dunne Photography is my favorite. If you're looking for a photographer, I can hook you up.http://www.facebook.com/pages/Seattle-WA/Nicholas-Dunne-Photography/49430150562 (shameless plug, I know!)
53. If you're in Napa, please check out our church, Hillside Christian Center. http://hillsidechristiancenter.net/
54. No, police officers don't have a ticket writing quota. They get to write as many as they like!
55. Be nice to police officers. They signed up to serve your city and keep it safe. If you break the law, it's your fault. Don't blame them for enforcing the rule you chose to break.

And, here's the bonus, you didn't know you've been waiting for!

The Just-Because-You-Can,-Doesn't-Mean-You-Should list:

• Please, don't wear a dark colored bra with a light colored shirt.
• Take off nail polish once it begins to chip
• Avoid PDA- no make-out sessions in public. Groping, fondling, tongue-touching, etc. is not something I want my kids to see. And, it kinda makes me sick to my stomach.
• No one wants to know what kind of underwear you're wearing. Please wear pants that have an appropriate waistline to hide your chonies. This is applicable for men and women of all ages.
• If you have to constantly adjust yourself while wearing certain clothing items or shoes in order to remain either decent or comfortable, don't wear them. Go up, or down the size to avoid the discomfort or embarrassment.
• If you and your child are able to fit into the same size, don't share clothes. You shouldn't dress like an 11 year old, and your 11 year old shouldn't dress like a 30 year old.
• Unless you're under 2 years old, belly buttons aren't for showing.
• Don't use profanity in public. I don't want my kids repeating verbal garbage. Dropping the F-Bomb every other word does not emphasize your point. It just makes you look like you can't form a complete thought.

Okay, that's it. I should go exercise...

Oh, one more:

Hide yo' kids, hid yo' wives...