Mama said…

All Mama’s have wisdom she bestows to her children like, make sure you have clean underwear on in case you’re in an accident. I never fooled with telling my kids this, because how dirty can their undies be??? My tip for accidents is, make sure your legs are shaved. Or, nap when the baby naps. My personal favorite that my Mama always said, a person that says they aren’t hungry, will eat you out of house & home. Over the years, I have made a little booklet of personal wisdom tips/life lessons for our children. I keep a running notebook of these tips on my dresser so when I think of one, I can jot it down. The tips range from cooking, to men, women, friends, strangers, & so much more. I have highlighted the most important ones (in my humble opinion). I think it’s a really good idea to do this for your children in case something ever happens to you, they will know your values.

Pictured below is my Mama’s hand. She’s getting onto Ava & Jack during a beach trip. This is a perfect “Mama Said” picture!

The list is called “Mama’s Do’s & Don’t’s”.

1. Never trust a man with long fingernails. This is the first rule I taught our children. If you’re a man & reading this & have long nails, cut them-it’s creepy.

8. Playing sports is some of the best times of your life. Play when you’re grown if you’re able.

10. Carry scissors in your car at all times. You never know what they may come in handy for. I’ve used mine countless times, especially when riding down the road & I can’t get a pack of tater chips open!

11. And carry a pair in your purse.

14. Always send handwritten thank you notes for gifts, surprise food drop-ins, & nice gestures.

19. Do not buy any food items (includes candy) that is not made or grown in the United States.

24. Change toothbrush on the first day of each new season. It’s easy to remember this day & is the perfect three month cycle as recommended by the American Dental Association.

30. If what you’re eating or drinking isn’t absolutely delicious, don’t eat it-not worth the calories.

31. Do not trust other people’s turn signals. Some forget they have them on & some put them on to make you wreck into them.

36. Floss everyday & Waterpik, too.

39. Stay away from people that have torn up blinds in their house.

40. Do not heat food in plastic containers or plastic bags.

49. Never use a wire brush to clean a grill. The bristles can come off, get on your food, & cause serious intestinal damage.

51. Eye cream is your friend! I’ve used it since I was a teen & don’t have crows feet…yet.

52. Always be kind & generous to others, say thank you & open doors for others.

53. Offer to help the elderly or disabled load their groceries & return their buggy for them.

54. Sleep on your back, it helps to prevent wrinkles.

55. Read! It makes you smarter.

56. Ava, get your mammogram. It does not hurt at all. A piece of cake!

60. Check bathroom stalls before using public restrooms. Crazy people could be hiding in them.

67. A lot of this will be repeated, just deal with it as I am mildly crazy.

75. Alligators are everywhere, if one attacks you, punch it in the nose.

79. When you are in a scary situation or in fear, DO NOT be nice! That is the time to show out & act a fool-might save your life.

85. Never accept drinks from strangers.

86. When children tell you something is good & they want you to try it, that means it’s awful!

87. When making tacos or spaghetti, make sure you have a special spoon for those two items. If not, all your spoons will taste like tacos & spaghetti.

88. Never use a generator inside the house-you will die.

89. The key to success is to be yourself in every situation.

90. Teach your children as you have been taught to do life’s basics: pump gas, cook, wash clothes, write a check, iron, grocery shop.

91. Take vitamin K2, it helps prevent osteoporosis.

Many of the tips I have jotted down for our kids are private & I wish to keep them that way, but I feel these are instrumental for everyone. Whether our kids listen to “Mama’s Do’s & Don’t’s” is totally up to them, but Mama tried!