100 things my mother taught me

happy Mother's Day, mom

1. there is nothing in this world more natural, boundless, truer than a mother’s love

2. run a fabric blood stain under cold water as soon as possible

3. a painter should always have with her a wet rag (I think her dad taught her that one)

4. don’t get a crown on your front tooth no matter what the dentist says. and if you do, demand it matches

5. undercook your cookies or you’ll burn them

6. cursing isn’t cute

7. the end of generosity is nowhere in sight

8. steal toilet paper from your house for as long as you need to (she told me I could until I’m 65 if I wanted)

9. ironing is completely necessary at all times. even when you think it isn’t

10. talk to the Jehovah’s Witnesses when they come to the door. or hide. no in-between

11. Xfinity will lower your monthly bill if you get on the phone and threaten

12. how to clean truly anything

13. to laugh when people are snide

14. a combination of Josh Groban, The Phantom of the Opera, Elton John, Andrea Bocelli and Billy Joel will raise cool kids

15. just ask for what you want. there usually isn’t too much to lose, just much to gain

16. it’s never too late to be picked up from the sleepover

17. teach your kids about money, Roth IRAs, and credit cards

18. staring is okay (apparently)

19. always welcome home your child with a hug. even if it’s just after one night away

20. don’t follow doctors blindly. only you will advocate enough for yourself

21. go ALL OUT for your kids’ birthday parties. they’ll look back fondly until the end of time

22. people should sometimes be given multiple chances

23. it’s good practice to call and apologize or ask for an apology

24. Hallmark movies soothe the soul in a really simple way. best enjoyed at night with the dog or alone

25. there is nothing better than bread with butter

26. always give a signed card

27. you must complain sometimes or it’ll eat you alive

28. the dollar store has a LOT to offer

29. you can’t always count on leftovers

30. she’s right about lipstick or gloss. just wear it

31. it’s okay if yelling makes you cry

32. have a look at the dessert menu

33. invite your cleaning lady (college kid*) to stay for dinner

34. The Sound Of Music should be played every Easter eve

35. talk to your sister every day

36. the first day of school every September is to be celebrated with a rice Krispy treat in the shape of a bus, decorated with m&ms and licorice on the wheels and windows

37. always give change at your lemonade stand even if it doesn’t seem like your 78 year old neighbor wants it back

38. cottage cheese is actually great

39. hating the grocery store is natural. so is hating cooking

40. you shouldn’t go to school crying but if you do it’s okay. mom’s at home waiting for you

41. never comment on family members in a bathing suit

42. there should always be a red apple at the bottom of your stocking. a cinnamon poptart too

43. dad takes out the trash

44. if your daughter has a high school boyfriend that she seems to really like, be as serious about it as she is and support her. it will go a long way

45. if you make waffles every Sunday morning it will smell like nostalgia

46. after school snacks demonstrate love every 3 pm (especially if it’s ants on a log or we’re having a play date)

47. if you let your child choose the color of paint and carpet in their room you’ll instill in them a sense of taste and ownership that can’t be undone

48. be wary of box hair dye but turn a blind eye if it makes its way from CVS to your kids’ bathroom sink

49. icecream AFTER the novena. not before

50. be proud to be creative and never cease

51. make your bed

52. try Tofurky once but don’t make it ever again

53. it’s okay to be quiet

54. cut carrots, celery and peppers go really well with takeout pizza

55. a candle should be lit during every day of every season

56. snow days should always be followed by hot chocolate. with marshmallows

57. sheets should be washed at least every two weeks

58. sunscreen!!!

59. dabbing a little bit of Clinique blue eyeshadow onto your five year old ballerina will change her life and make her feel beautiful

60. the ability to travel is a gift and if you need to dip into your savings to do it, then so be it

61. stealing lilacs off a tree every spring is allowed if you never see anyone near it and don’t get caught

62. it’s never too late to learn to ski (or do anything. at all)

63. you don’t have to always understand your kid to be there for them

64. the mother-daughter bond shakes when i’m sad. she knows and she checks in

65. listening is the gold standard

66. always call on someone’s birthday

67. Sundays are for manicures, coffee and church (in opposite order)

68. always be excited and in awe at the sight of a braid in your daughter’s hair, no matter the age

69. wash your hair more often

70. a Mary Cassatt print should be hung in a bathroom or bedroom

71. to love Paris

72. forcing your kids to the boardwalk once every 10 years is oddly good for them

73. be grateful

74. dummy is a really, really painful word

75. don’t forget to wait at the door when the bus goes by to wave at your ODC child. also follow them on the bust when it’s their first time in case they don’t get off where you avidly prompted them to

76. always bring your dog home a toy after shopping (or at least pretend you did)

77. blueberry crisp & ice cream make a perfect summer dinner if you’re lucky

78. wear the pants

79. accept help (or ask for it) before you grow resentful

80. give all your kids bowl cuts from ages 2-4

81. gifting is an art, a talent & a love language

82. remember to volunteer

83. skipping school is so okay a couple times

84. you make the rules

85. fresh flowers! AOAP! (as often as possible)

86. a plate and a napkin are necessary with every meal [I don’t necessarily follow this one but I know it’s true!]

87. talk to your kids’ friends when you’re around them. ask about their lives

88. there’s tension in the air at Starbucks

89. christmas cards are a dying art

90. no phone at the dinner table

91. crafts are good for the soul

92. it’s okay to bring your laundry home

93. it’s okay to get sad

94. a silver watch is timeless

95. question your daughter’s style as she’s forming it but not enough to make her change it. just enough to make her consider it and be proud

96. take your vitamins

97. always have a bowl of washed, cut fruit on the ready

98. vocalize your dreams. they’re not crazy

99. Santa still exists

100. if I could be half as great as a mother as she is I will be okay. i’ll be great.

❀ ⚘

I love you mom

xo, Abby