Lessons I want my kids to know:

Always choose kindness over popularity or having the last word.

Open the door for people. Small acts of kindness can make a great impact.

Notice when someone isn’t responsive — something is probably up. Make it a priority to check on them and connect with them.

Don’t always talk about other people when you are with someone. Connect with THAT person.

Your kids will never be too old for check-ins from mom and dad. It actually might mean even more as they grow older and have a family of their own.

Always find ways to show your children you love them all equally.

Marriage isn’t just ooey gooey stuff. It’s being able to hold hands through the muddy waters of life. It’s sleepless nights and guzzling coffee together. It’s wiping tears and dreaming big together.

Never underestimate the healing power of laughter and dance parties.

You can disagree with people and have different personalities and still have a good conversation and relationship.

Going to church with your littles can be hard, but it’s worth it.

You can’t kiss your babies too much.

You can’t snuggle your babies too much.

You can’t read to your babies too much.

You can’t say “I love you” too much.

Nature is one of the best classrooms.

Manners are so underrated — use them and teach them.

Hard work > Seeing your name in lights.

Sometimes it’s better to be quiet when you are fighting the urge to be rude or trying to be right. It’s not worth it.

If you don’t know how to brighten someone’s day — you can never go wrong with coffee and gooey chocolate chip cookies.

If you don’t know how to proceed in life, a relationship, or you are just craving peace — never underestimate the power of prayer.

Don’t be too quick to judge people’s decisions — you probably only know a small part of their story.

Have a big or small family if you want to — just love them with every fiber of your being.

Embrace who God created you to be — quirks and all.

❤️❤️