Gambling is designed to be seductive- Everything about casinos and online gambling sites is about getting you to hand over your cash. It’s a scam. Don’t fall for it!


15, 18



“You will encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” -Maya Angelou


17



Don’t take criticism from people you wouldn’t take advice from.


16



Go as a family to local high school musical productions.


9-13



1

Check in on your friends. Even the ones that seem fine.


14-21



1

Be mindful of privilege. Discuss the concept, point it out where you see it.


11-18



1

To paraphrase Chris Rock, “You don’t get points for NOT beating your wife.” Meaning, you’re EXPECTED to do the right thing. So do the right thing, without any expectation of praise.


14, 18



When someone gets upset for seemingly no reason maybe it’s not something you did or said but something you simply triggered. Try not to get defensive. Either gently remove yourself from the situation or if you want to engage with them just ask “what did I trigger?” Or “what story are you telling yourself right now?” Then, just listen.


20



Kitchen Commandment: She who cooks the dinner shall not clean up from dinner. I don't want to raise any of you to take housework for granted. It's hard. It's unfair and not cool to expect anyone (parent, spouse, roommate, etc. )to wait on you.


7-18



Look for examples of people who have dealt with loss without giving in to bitterness. What do they have in common?


17



Check out First Stage and Wolftrap performances


15



If it costs you your peace it’s too expensive.


19



Bring Christmas cookies to local fire station and police station. (Annually)


6



1

Always remember - cheesecake is the best cake.


21



Keep difficult conversations brief. Under ten minutes then table it so everyone can process.


13, 14, 16. 19, 21



Anger is the bodyguard of sadness.


12-15, 21



Bottom line bible quote: Psalm 37:3 “Trust in the LORD and do good.” That pretty much covers everything.


13, 21



Never take friendships for granted. Show up. Reach out. Be there when they need you. Friends are gifts; tend to those relationships with love.


15, 20



Go as a family to local high school musical productions.


9-13



1

Make a pound of ground beef go further by adding chopped cabbage or mushrooms.


19



Alcoholism and gambling addiction run in our family. Be very, very careful around booze and gambling.


14,16, 18, 21



Sometimes the only thing you can do is to show up. Be there.


13, 15, 17, 21



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



It’s possible (even common) to feel conflicting emotions simultaneously. You can be glad you’re not with a girl and still be jealous if she finds a new love. You can be glad you’ve moved on and still miss what once was. You can be sad that something happened and grateful for something that came of it. Humans are complex. Two or more conflicting thoughts can exist in our heads at once. It’s not a betrayal or a character flaw.


17



“Don’t chase your dreams


14, 17, 20, 21



Alka-Seltzer is great for a hangover or even better, take it before you go to bed after partying. Disclaimer I’m talking about a few drinks. For the love of everything holy, please don’t ingest insane amounts of alcohol at a time. Buzzed is fun, drunk is stupid. And dangerous. Never drive once you’ve had a drink or weed.


18



Read up about the National Parks. Pick one to plan a trip to.


9



When disciplining remember: First acknowledge the emotion, then address the behavior.


2-4, 13, 15



1

Philippians 4: 11-13


12



You have to learn how to not start, and how to stop abruptly when you’re turned on. Doesn’t matter how much you want it, nothing happens unless she gives enthusiastic consent, and nothing continues if she were to withdraw consent for any reason or at any time. Look up the making tea analogy for consent. It’s perfect.


14, 15, 16, 17, 18