seven years of wisdom

lessons from my Caleb who turned seven at 6:58 am today.

always wake up cheerful
you will never estimate how much cereal you need in the morning - you'll always have too much
utilize the phrase this is the best day ever everyday
find joy in things like cotton candy, swing rides, playing games, and tomatoes
check the garden every single day and pick things that are ripe immediately
never grow tired of giving your mom hugs
embrace climbing trees

teach your siblings to pick flowers for mom
don't give up
love your family
learn how to open the fridge very quietly
know what your name means - his means "brave" - and learn from that
be proud of your freckles
ponder things of life

walking down the stairs is such a thing of the past - always run - and then do it again
clothes don't need to match
shorts can be worn in the winter
be friendly
help people out just because you care about them
like a clean room, but don't complain too much when it's not
be creative and ask for a picture to document what you make

always tell your mom when you really like dinner
be proud of your nicknames
have an awesome laugh
it's okay to be just a bit silly
ask to go to the store with mom when she leaves
where a baseball cap whenever you can
enjoy spending time with your family

say things like great job and that's cool and more
work hard at what ever you do
answer what loudly and boldly when you're needed
think of others and share
and never ever ever get tired of saying love you mom.

Happy 7th Birthday to my very wise son, Caleb Daniel
You are cool fabulous awesome amazing funny smart creative and oh so loved.

And weren't you just born? It feels like yesterday.

what my children have taught me...

...have you ever thought about how your children have helped you grow? How they bring to attention parts of you that need to be fixed or polished? How they help you to seek joy? How they inspire you?

I have.

And here is what I've found.


My children have taught me...

...that it is important to laugh.

...that prayer is part of every single day. Every moment.

...to set my mind to accomplish my goals.

...to embrace my creativity.

...to slow down and listen.

...to not take life always so seriously.

...that time moves first - birthdays keep coming.

...to never give up.

...that sometimes pancakes for dinner are okay.

...that spending time with them is more important than the perfect home.

...to embrace being a mother.

...that the little things matter.

...to always buy them new crayons without dull tips.

...to take moments alone with them.

...to not take life for granted.

...that their hearts are more important than stuff.

...to want to learn more about what they love. They value.

...to remember their little voices

...that being a mother is a gift.

...that each of them is unique and I get to help them discover their gifts.

...to love. Deeply.

...to praise them for for their work and effort and creativity.

...to read my Bible. Every single day.

...to find little ways to surprise those I love every day.

...to say, "I love you..." even on the hard days.

...that sometimes it's good to stop for ice cream as a surprise.

...that I need to fight for them.

...that family is ultimate of importance.

...that I love being called "momma"

...and that childhood -- every stage -- is a beautiful gift.

*****


what have you learned?
I'm linking up with my in real life and super dear friend, Carissa, today.