Top 12 Things I Want My Son to Know - #1

This is day 12 of a 12 part series to highlight the main things I want my son-to-be to know. Some will be silly, some will be serious. I just want to write it down for me and for him- and for your entertainment, of course.

#12, #11, #10, #9, #8, #7, #6, #5, #4, #3, #2

#1  We Love You More Than You Can Imagine

You may not understand this as a child; I don’t think most children do. But as an adult- and especially as a parent- you start to realize that your parents made great sacrifices for you. Most of the time they were happy to make them and probably didn’t consider them sacrifices, but others were made with a conscious effort of love, time and often money.

Your Mimi and Poppy sacrificed so much for me and my brothers and sisters. I am so thankful for the opportunities they gave us to experience the world. I have so many great memories and stories to tell all because my parents loved me more than I could have ever imagined.

Here’s the thing about being a parent: we only want the best for you. We will go to the ends of the earth for you. We do not want to make you a spoiled child or to give you everything you WANT, but we want to give you everything you need and allow you to earn some things you want because we love you more than you will ever know; at least not until you have children of your own. Your dad and I will make those sacrifices- whether or not you realize them- to help you realize your full potential and help you develop into a mature adult.

We want to help you grow, guide you to understand and give you all the love in the world. We were both fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of that love from wonderful parents and ultimately from God. Nothing will make us happier than to share it with you.

So when you “hate” us for not letting you go to a party, know that we still love you. And when you don’t get into the "short-leg club," you can blame us for your genes. And when you do win that state championship, gold medal or award for good grades, know that we would love you even if you didn’t- but we will always be proud of your accomplishments.

We’re here you for, sweet boy. We love you more than you will ever be able to fathom.

Top 12 Things I Want My Son to Know - #2

This is day 11 of a 12 part series (I hope!) to highlight the main things I want my son-to-be to know. Some will be silly, some will be serious. I just want to write it down for me and for him- and for your entertainment, of course.

#12, #11, #10, #9, #8, #7, #6, #5, #4, #3

#2  Live Life Abundantly!

Christ said, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." God did not give you all these rules to "tie" you down or to make you a slave to rules. These rules were designed to protect you and keep you on a righteous and content path in life. Follow God's laws and believe in His Son Jesus Christ and, you will have freedom in life! breaking the chains of our self-centered natures. You have the gift of life everlasting! That inner joy will help you to have a longview in life and realize you are here to make a contribution to mankind no matter how big or small you perceive it to be. Enjoy life, your traits and qualities, family, art, music, sports, education, food, drink, and all the other things that there are to experience in life! Remember, we all embody a piece of God's character when we are at our best. See the good in the bad and enjoy all the beauty in the world :)

Top 12 Things I Want My Son to Know - #3

This is day 10 of a 12 part series (I hope!) to highlight the main things I want my son-to-be to know. Some will be silly, some will be serious. I just want to write it down for me and for him- and for your entertainment, of course.

#12, #11, #10, #9, #8, #7, #6, #5, #4

#3  Love Your Mom (from Dad)

Your mom is the most caring, loving, and beautiful woman. She will raise you up with morals, standards, and character. She has derived all these traits from God and, her passion imparted from him in living a life striving for him. As you get older, and you take a look around the house, you will see her hand has touched every scenic nook and cranny. Enjoy the home your mother has made for you and try to keep the walls free from crayon and ink, k? Listen to your mother's advice; she is a very successful person in all facets of her life and, her advice is worth its weight in gold. Trust me, I've listened and benefitted. Your mother will always try to lead you down the right path. Show her what you are passionate about and let her make those lists for you (just like the one you're reading now)! You'll learn to appreciate the kind of organization she can bring into you life. Know your Mommy loves you with all her heart! And remember to tell her how much you love her, too!

Top 12 Things I Want My Son to Know - #4

This is day 9 of a 12 part series (I hope!) to highlight the main things I want my son-to-be to know. Some will be silly, some will be serious. I just want to write it down for me and for him- and for your entertainment, of course.

#12, #11, #10, #9, #8, #7, #6, #5

#4  I Love Your Daddy

Your daddy is my rock. I could not have dreamt of a more perfect man to be my husband. God placed us at just the right time and place to meet each other. I knew the minute I saw him I couldn't let him get away.

Your daddy is a perfect example of how the man of the household should be. He loves God and he loves me. He lets me know everyday how much he loves me. I never have to worry. Your daddy will do everything he can to be there for his family. He is so excited to have little JCrew's around. He talks to you every day in my tummy. He already loves you so much.

It is my dream that you grow up and become a man like your dad. You will make your future wife the happiest lady in the world if you are like him.

Top 12 Things I Want My Son to Know - #5

This is day 8 of a 12 part series (I hope!) to highlight the main things I want my son-to-be to know. Some will be silly, some will be serious. I just want to write it down for me and for him- and for your entertainment, of course.

#12, #11, #10, #9, #8, #7, #6

#5 Love God

God is a big reason why you are here. Your daddy and I have leaned on God for everything. He is the one thing you can turn to and get everything you need. Pray to God in time of need or in time of gratitude. He will hear your prayer and do what is best for you. It may not always be what you think is best, but God knows the future and will never let you experience anything you can't handle. He knows how strong you are.

Your dad and I will raise you in the church. It will be a good foundation for you and you will meet a lot of great friends there.

If you have any questions about religion or God, I'd ask your dad first. He is so knowledgable and sees the big picture. There are so many lessons to learn and stories to hear from the Bible. I will do my best to read you all the stories.

There are a lot of different opinions about God in this world. It is my hope that we will set you up on a firm foundation that you can stand firm in your beliefs.

Top 12 Things I Want My Son to Know - #6

This is day 7 of a 12 part series (I hope!) to highlight the main things I want my son-to-be to know. Some will be silly, some will be serious. I just want to write it down for me and for him- and for your entertainment, of course.

#12, #11, #10, #9, #8, #7 

#6 Be Content With What You Have

You're probably thinking, you just told me to DREAM BIG!?!? Isn't being content antithetical to dreaming big? Short answer is, absolutely not! God has given you a set of passions, talents, and traits in life that will direct you down the path you were meant to go. You should strive to maximize your passions and talents given from God! This is dreaming big! At the same time, be content with those passions and talents and where they will lead you in life. Don't try to be something you are not. Learning to develop your God-given traits while being content with those traits given to you will lead to a very fulfilling life!

Top 12 Things I Want My Son to Know - #7

This is day 6 of a 12 part series (I hope!) to highlight the main things I want my son-to-be to know. Some will be silly, some will be serious. I just want to write it down for me and for him- and for your entertainment, of course.

#12, #11, #10, #9, #8

#7 Dream Big

You are your own individual and will be free to do what you want (within parameters.) You have to go to school, so there is no room for negotiating there, but there are other areas you can be free in.

Your daddy and I will not make you do anything you don't want to. Unless it is for your own good. You still have to brush your teeth, comb your hair, take a bath, go to bed ON TIME, and eat decently. But if we want you to play soccer and you don't like it, you don't have to do it again. We will make you finish the season you committed to, but we will not make you sign back up. If you want to play tennis, you can. If you want to take music lessons, you can. We want you to experience everything! The more you see, the more you will know what you like and dislike. This will help you when you decide a career path. You can be anything you want to be. Pick something you are good at and enjoy. Being President is a good goal to have, but it's okay if you become a Senator instead. On your way to being a doctor, you'll discover you like being a nurse instead and stay put. That is okay with us. As long as you're happy and can provide for yourself, we will be happy parents. Dream big and do your best. Give everything your all and you'll turn out fine.

Top 12 Things I Want My Son to Know - #8

This is day 5 of a 12 part series (I hope!) to highlight the main things I want my son-to-be to know. Some will be silly, some will be serious. I just want to write it down for me and for him- and for your entertainment, of course.

#12, #11, #10, #9

#8 We Are From The South

Your Mimi and Poppy are from Jackson, Mississippi. They moved to Florida after they got married. Some people don't think Florida qualifies as a Southern state because it is such a mix of retired folk from all over the country, but your Mimi and Poppy kept the South alive in our family.

Below are a few Southern Etiquette tips I'll remind you of. You're not perfect, so I don't expect everything.

-          In the South, you respect your elders no matter if they are related or not. Call them Mr. or Mrs.

-          The boys ask girls out on dates.

-          Boys take their hats off indoors and while saying the Pledge to the American Flag or while praying.

-          Write "Thank You" notes. It's more of a girl thing to do, but at the bare minimum, we'll have you write your family.

-          Keep Your Word. If you commit to something, follow through. If you signed up for a season of baseball, finish the season. If you told someone you would be there for them, you have to follow up on what you promised.

-          Chewing gum makes you look like a cow chomping on grass. If you must chew gum, keep your mouth closed.

-          Chew with your mouth closed when eating meals or snacks. We don't want to see what your food looks like before you swallow. It will make us lose our appetite. Plus, your Aunt Logan HATES the sound chewing with a mouth open makes. Smacking your food is not a pleasant sound.

-          Everything is monogrammed in the South. You already have a lot of things with your name or initials on them. I couldn't help it!

-          Gentlemen will open doors for ladies, offer their seat to them, stand when a woman enters the room and offer their arm when going up or down steps.  A Gentleman will never use foul language in front of women and children, or discuss improper topics in front of them.

-          Do not interrupt someone that is talking or is on the telephone. If you need me or your dad and we are on the phone or talking, get our attention with eye contact or quietly. We will then ask to be excused while we tend to your need. If you yell at us, we just might ignore you!

-          Offer guests in your home something to drink.  Don’t keep insisting. Offer once and if they decline then they can ask if they change their mind later. Be hospitable, but not pushy.

-          Things move slow in the South. Let someone with fewer items at the grocery store to go in front of you. Don't be in a rush. Don't cut someone off entering or exiting a building because you were in too big of a hurry.

-          Family is important to Southerners, probably more so than to others. Stand by your family.  The bonds you have with family are such that no matter what, you will always have them.

Top 12 Things I Want My Son to Know - #9

This is day 4 of a 12 part series (I hope!) to highlight the main things I want my son-to-be to know. Some will be silly, some will be serious. I just want to write it down for me and for him- and for your entertainment, of course.

#12, #11, #10

#9 Don't Take Yourself Seriously

Life is funny; treat it that way. Make fun of yourself! Make your own flaws funny. No one is perfect, and many people will tell you what is wrong with you throughout your life. Take it with a grain of salt. Most people cut down others so that they feel good about themselves. If they can pick out something wrong with someone else, they feel better about not being perfect themselves.

When someone tells you about a flaw of yours, don't be sensitive. If you're sensitive, then people have to tip-toe around you and watch what they say. You want people to be comfortable when you're around. Being a boy, you're going to get a lot of hassling from other boys. I've learned this from your dad. He and his friends in the military would pick on each other. It makes you tougher. You don't want to be the kid that can't handle the truth. Watch how your dad and his friends interact with each other. They cut each other down and then laugh about it. I even laugh because it's funny. However, most guys are not used to a girl cracking jokes, so when I chime in, it takes a second before the laughter starts.

Just because I'm telling you that other people will tell you of your flaws and you have to take it, does not mean that you have the freedom to go attack everyone. There is a time and place for the bantering. Be sensitive to others' feelings. Some people may not be able to joke. Hopefully you can rub off on them and they will loosen up over time.

Top 12 Things I Want My Son to Know - #10

This is day 3 of a 12 part series (I hope!) to highlight the main things I want my son-to-be to know. Some will be silly, some will be serious. I just want to write it down for me and for him- and for your entertainment, of course.

#12, #11

#10 Mix Passion With Patience

I'm VERY interested to see how you turn out. Your daddy and I are both passionate people. This applies to everything. Along with our passion is a mix of perfection. When we are passionate about something, we want to give it our all and do our best.

My passion was dance and your daddy's passion is soccer. When I danced, I practiced as much as I could. I wanted to get better, but I also loved it. Dancing was a form of expression for me. I tend to be a quiet person and dancing on stage allowed me to be outgoing. I had to remember to be patient with myself. Passion is a good motivator, but it can cause impatience. Remember that most things don't reach perfection overnight. You have to put in the effort to get it there. Look how long it takes for a baby to develop in a mommy's tummy; nine months! And you most certainly will be perfect to us when we see you for the first time!

Top 12 Things I Want My Son to Know - #11

This is day 2 of a 12 part series (I hope!) to highlight the main things I want my son-to-be to know. Some will be silly, some will be serious. I just want to write it down for me and for him- and for your entertainment, of course.

In case you missed Day 1, #12.

#11 Remember Your "Please" and "Thank You's"

Kindness goes such a long way. Showing your gratitude is such a small guesture that makes a big difference to someone. Pay attention to the people in your life. Thank everyone for everything they do. You are not entitled to what you get. Everything you get (from things (toys) to help (service)) is at the sacrifice of someone else's time/effort. Make sure you show your appreciation. You will realize how important it is when you do something for someone else. Hopefully, they thank you and you will get a tingly feeling that makes you feel happy. You'll want to do more things for more people. It's a vicious, but good cycle.

Don't expect a "Thank You" everytime you do something. Not everyone does it. You shouldn't be doing things for the "Thank You" anyway. There are plenty of times I don't get a "Thank You." Just make sure you remember YOUR gratitude.

If you ever have to ask for help and someone agrees to help you, make sure you ask with a "Please" somewhere in the request. If you don't include that word, it will sound like you are telling someone what to do. Your daddy and I will most likely do anything for you when you say, "Please."

I can't wait to hear your little voice!

Top 12 Things I Want My Son to Know - #12

This is day 1 of a 12 part series (I hope!) to highlight the main things I want my son-to-be to know. Some will be silly, some will be serious. I just want to write it down for me and for him- and for your entertainment, of course.

#12 Love Your Puppies

Your puppies will become your best friends. You will have three puppies when you're born. They are all dachshunds. Dachshunds can be mean, but not yours. You only have to watch out for Anderson. Anderson is a momma's boy and I think he will be jealous of the attention I will be giving you. I've told him you will give him just as much attention as I give him when you come. Just don't pull his tail or ears. He'll let you do it, but that isn't nice.

Your puppies names are

Bailey Longfellow

Anderson LowRider

Colby Graham

Colby loves to play fetch. Throw his toys and he will go get them for you. He’s a very laid back puppy. He might be scared of you at first, but he’ll soon realize how great you are and he will be your best friend.

Bailey has bad breath, so I would stay clear of breathing the fumes. He can't help it. He's an old man. And he sneezes a lot. Unless you want to get sprayed, stay far away. Bailey can't see well or hear well. I'm sure he'll be able to hear you screaming when you begin to talk. He'll appreciate your volume and think you are being loud just so that he can hear you. How thoughtful.

Anderson will be your protector. He will never leave your side. He will hear you cry and be right there to comfort you. His comfort may be a tongue to the face, but he's a kisser and that's the way he shows affection. Don’t let him use the puppy-dog eyes on you. He’ll use them to beg you to drop food for him. Just don’t make eye-contact and it won’t affect you. Those eyes will make anyone melt and he gets his way a lot when he uses them.

Love your puppies. They are such great companions that will bring you so much joy. You’ll laugh at them and enjoy their company. They love to take naps, so I’m sure you’ll become nap buddies.