Humble and Kind

This song is so special to me. I really wanted a video that showed the universality of the message of Humble and Kind. Thanks to Wes Edwards for executing this vision and to Oprah Winfrey for lending us scenes of Belief from all over the world. I hope you like it as much as I do.

Posted by Tim McGraw on Thursday, January 21, 2016

I love you, my babies! Mommy is so, so proud!!

I promise to be excited!

There is something to be said about sharing emotions, and joy is one of the most fun! I realize that there were times where my joy wasn't shared at milestones, and although I understand WHY, its absence makes me sad. I promise, my children, to be excited at your milestones!!

Be kind yet honest with me when you feel I am not supporting your joy because it is important to me that I do that. When you are going to get married, let's announce it with flair and uniqueness to YOU. Your first child is a blessing. Let's rejoice and not worry about the stresses or responsibilities it may bring. A new job, another baby, a high school graduation, first flight! All of these things that are special to you are special to me, and I want to magnify your joys! Let's celebrate life, shall we?


I love you, my babies! Mommy is so, so proud!!

All Things Equal

One of the world's biggest mistakes is to make everything of equal significance. There are rich; there are poor. There are beauties; there are uglies. There are ups; there are downs. The important thing is to not get caught up in that and to notice and appreciate all things for what they are to you, without any comparison to what others think. It is a huge challenge because I believe all humans just want to feel a connection, so we look for a way of connecting, using our "significants" and comparing them to find similarities. Be comfortable in just being, and let the natural flow of the universe, the holy of the spirit, bring what is meant to be yours right to you. Work with it, not at it.

I love you, my babies! Mommy is so, so proud!!

These are the people in your neighborhood...

Neighbors can be a challenge, and moving every two to three years with the military can give you lots of evidence to support that phrase.  This is what I want you to know:

1. DO be neighborly. DON'T lose yourself in that process.

2. DO enjoy the sounds of the neighborhood.  DON'T contribute with your own drama.

3. DO act kindly. DON'T act in kind.

4. DO invite neighbors over to talk and celebrate. DON'T make it a time to share your family's history.





I love you, my babies! Mommy is so, so proud!!

Tradition

Tradition helps you mold your life into what you want it to be. Family tradition continues a long line of beauty that just our family alone has contributed to the planet and society. So, celebrate. Celebrate our traditions.

Learn about your German and Native American cultures!

Go to Pow-Wows. Treasure and value Mother Earth; be good to her and keep her clean. She will provide all you need as long as you care for her. Stand for things you believe in because they are just and right, not because they are easy.

Listen to Kinderchor at Christmastime. Pick your Christmas trees with your family. Save your ornaments and but or make a new one each year. Memories build quickly and it's nice to see the history of your traditions! You don't have to do this, but Oma would be pleased if you ate ham and potatoes on Christmas Eve and a roast on Christmas day. ;) Don't forget St Nikolaus and Heilige Drei Koenige which is also known as Dia de Los Reyes and the Epiphany. Find those chocolates!

Speak German! Walk often and observe nature. Learn how to make your own Bretzen and teach your children!

Remember when there are thunder and lightning outside that "Der Himmie Papa schimpft!"

Take out your Easter Baskets the night before so the bunny can fill them, and grow grass in a basket for some eggs!

Keep Sunday's as a Family day. We aren't the best at that but I think it's something really special if you make it all about one another.

I know this sounds crazy but change out the air in your house every day!  Open your windows and turn off your heat for 30 minutes a day. It keeps you healthier.

Take pictures and not the ones where everyone is posing. Spontaneous moments are the best ones!

Don't hesitate to make your own traditions with your families or even personal traditions of which only you yourself are aware. Those can be the best ones! Whatever you chose, be traditional! It is what leaves your footprints on the planet long after you're gone.



I love you, my babies! Mommy is so, so proud!!

Family Connection

Family connection is so important! Work on it especially when it is hard. Do things that bring people together. Don't let family pull away from one another. Spend quality time. Limit technology. Turn off the TV and just TALK. Talk about memories. Talk about God's love. Talk about feelings. INVEST in your family and it's traditions, children. There's nothing on this Earth more important!


I love you, my babies! Mommy is so, so proud!!

Get lost!

Try new things! It's too easy to stick to things you're comfortable with or to do things only when you have the company. The problem with that is that you never discover YOU and who you are or even what you may become. God's given you an enormous world with endless possibilities.  Honor Him by looking at as much as you can!!! Your opportunities are limitless but you'll only know that if you get away from things that are familiar to you within your routine. If it makes you feel better t o stick to what you know most of the time then plan a time of day or an entire say to explore outside of that.  That way you're emotionally prepared and  more receptive to to new ideas, activities and life lessons. Your mind will be right there and ready instead of thinking about being at home or with friends. Don't learn this valuable point later in life. Master it when you are you. It's easier to adapt. I love you, my children. Be more than any box or comfort zone dictates!! Go out and get lost in something totally new and unfamiliar to you. DO more. BE more.


I love you, my babies! Mommy is so, so proud!!