It’s best not to cuss but writing bad words is even worse than speaking them. Even in casual texting, etc. Always an asterisk in place of a vowel to avoid being rude.


16



Water park for fifth birthday


10



I hope you become more of yourself with every passing year. I love you so.


21



For a bad cut / gash, use a rolled up washcloth or hand towel to apply pressure until you can get to an ER. If you have to drive yourself or need your hands free, secure the towel in place with duct tape.


18



Have somebody take him skiing. I never learned to ski but I hope he learns to ski or snowboard.


6-11



It's natural to avoid change. Try to learn to accept change, embrace it if you can! Change is good. :)


15



People always say “Be yourself.” That’s good advice but really what does it mean? I think it’s easier to explain what it DOESN’T mean: When you’re being yourself you’re not pretending to be interested in something or someone you’re not. You’re not doing something just to please someone else (or just to tick them off.) You’re not wearing anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. You’re not pretending to have fun when you’re not having fun. You’re not trying to impress anyone. You’re not trying to fade into the background. You’re not trying to change anything about yourself or someone else. I think that’s a good start. What does “being yourself” mean to you?


11-14, 18, 21



Make sure you always have Uber gift cards on hand for friends, emergencies or whatever.


15-18



Be willing to say “I don’t know” if you don’t know! Don’t just make stuff up.


15, 20



If you’re unable to help someone, help someone else. Throw some goodness or beauty in the bucket of humanity.


16



Check out the Jesuit Volunteer Corp. A short but deeply meaningful immersion into service, faith in action, selflessness and living on a lot less than you think you need.


19



Practice real-life mental math: Calculate time / age: If someone was born in 1994 how old are they today? Make change in your head: Cost is 14.27, how much change do you have if you give the cashier 20 bucks? Calculate percentages: tips, tax brackets, sales!!


12, 14, 20



On marriage: Your spouse will change. You will change. Some for the better, some parts for the worse. Tastes, plans, health, body shape, education, needs, beliefs... all change throughout our lives. It’s growth. (It’s also decay!) Support each other through both. Encourage each other to be true to yourselves. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Be kind. Pray for each other. Have fun together. Keep learning about each other. Be your partner’s biggest fan.


21



“Your life unfolds in proportion to your courage.” -Danielle Le Port


15, 18



Challenge yourself to excel at something. You’ll be astonished how good you can get by practicing consistently. There’s nothing magical about high school quarterbacks or drummers. Girls like boys who have something going on.


13, 14, 17



“Be brave. Be resilient. Be kind. Be grateful.” -Hillary Rodham Clinton


12



When the poop hits the fan, that's when real discipleship begins.


15-18



Always stand up to shake someone’s hand. (NEVER shake a person’s hand while sitting.) Always get up out of your seat to greet a guest and walk them to the door when they leave.


13



There is so much darkness in the world - keep pushing back against it every way you can. Be a force for good.


14, 16, 21



“The Greatest Generation” by Tom Brokaw Listen to audio or read together


14



Love then when they least deserve it because that’s when the need it the most.


3, 13, 17



Jumper cables 101


14



My favorite version of myself is when I’m not worried about what others think of me. I


11, 13, 15, 17, 21



When I say I want you to be happy I’m not talking about pleasure and ease. I mean purpose and pride you in yourself, meaningful work, and a solid group of friends and family who loves you for who you are, so you don’t ever have to pretend to be something you’re not.


21



Adopting a “do it right now” mentality has done wonders for my organization


10, 12, 16



Human creativity is nature manifest in us.


15, 21



Read “Raising a Screen Smart Kid” by Julianna Miner before you consider giving him a phone.


10



"The only way to work through sh*tty feelings is to walk through sh*tty feelings." - Psychologist Kristen Howe Hard lesson, but big truth.


15



Wipe your kids’ tears when they’re sad. Smile with them when they are happy. Hold them close when they are scared. And let them see your tears, smiles, and fears too. This is how you teach them to be a human in this world.


6



Knowing something is right and application of it are two different things. To apply yourself takes discipline. Practice it.


15