What I Learned #2: My Second Mom

1. Stand up for what you think is right.


2. There's no such thing as too much cheese on top.


3. It's okay if you know every word to every Disney movie in the world. Blame it on the babies.


4. Beer is good.


5. So is a husband that runs to get you some when you're out of it.


6. Marry someone who does just that.


7. Be honest with yourself, always.


8. When you're faced with a moment where you can either burst into tears or laugh, choose the latter.


9. That being said, it's okay to cry.


10. When you have a daughter, make her feel beautiful every single day.


11. Make her feel beautiful, and smart, and powerful - because Allyson, this is what you did for me.


12. When all hell breaks loose, break out the bottles. No exceptions.


13. Goldfish thrown all over the floor: does this count as snack time? Yes, yes it does.


14. You can never have too many baby snuggles


15. and the soundtrack played in the car when surrounded by two teenage boys on the way to a basketball tournament is really stupid and obnoxious but it's okay, because those teenage boys are the kindest teenage boys you'll ever meet, even if they make mistakes sometimes.


16. Speaking of mistakes, it's okay to make a lot of them, but just say you're sorry.


17. School is important. Duh.


18. Surround yourself with people who make your heart full


19. and shut out the people who don't.


20. Never stop saying "I love you," because you don't know when you'll have the chance to say it next.


21. Pick and choose your battles.


22. Hug your mom.


23. Hug your dad.


24. Hold hands with the guy you like a lot.


25. Don't run out of beer.


26. Especially don't run out of good beer.


27. Always close the laundry room door.


28. And the bathroom door, because the nuggets always try to escape.


29. Always.