Top Ten

First, let me just say how proud I am of my boys! They can be so sweet sometimes. Watching them over the different Christmas celebrations, I have seen how grateful they are for every little item given to them. They are so sweet and I couldn't wish for any better kids. I know one of these days that the teenager will emerge its ugly head (I've seen peeks of it), but for now they seem to be contented so easily. They aren't into name brands, fads, and prices; it makes my heart swell with pride.

Almost everyone makes at least one New Year's resolution, right? I've been thinking about that, but I've decided that I would do something different. Instead of writing about the ten resolutions that I have, I decided to reflect on the past year and write about the ten things that irk me the most. I guess this is sort of a way to vent, but these are actions I will avoid at all costs this year. So, this is a way of preparing for my resolutions and 2011.

1) Materialism. I am not one who cares too much about prices, brands, etc. It bothers me when people do care about these things, especially those people who can't really afford to want name brands. Do you know that many brands are made in the same factories, but with different labels? Kids follow a parents lead too. Don't be materialistic and your kids have much less chance of being materialistic.

2) Favoritism. So many people play favorites. It happens in sports, school, and even in families. Occasionally it happens subconsciously, but trust me when I say it isn't subconscious to those around you! Children have such fragile little egos that it is difficult for them to forget feeling inferior. Do what you can to be fair and ignore those urges to play favorites and look deep inside yourself to determine if you are playing favorites.

3) Self-pity. Don't feel sorry for yourself; it is not very becoming. The "woe as me" and "no one loves me" attitude makes people not want to be around you. Life is what you make it, so do your best to make it great! Other people have their own lives and probably don't owe you anything. Just because I am your (aunt, uncle, cousin, daughter, son, boss, etc.), doesn't mean I have to jump when you ask or coddle you. The most important thing in my life is God, my boys, and my husband. Everything else comes second.

4) Fake people. Spotting a fake personality is sometimes tricky. Sometimes it is very easy. No matter if your true self is revealed in time or if it is revealed in two seconds, it takes away all credibility. No one likes fake people and I think it must come from a feeling of inferiority somewhere deep inside you. Be yourself.

5) Laziness. This is one that I just cannot deal with. It is more than just taking it easy from time to time. It is genuine lack of ambition and drive. It is saying that you will do something and not following through. It is complaining that you have no money, but you do nothing to alter your situation, change your living habits, or scrimp and save. America is the greatest nation on Earth and people have enormous opportunity if they will WORK HARD.

6) Being late. I realize that things happen and sometimes you just cannot help it. Life happens. On the other hand, I know entirely too many people that are always late. Always. After twenty or thirty times you should not expect people to wait on you. It is a sign that you don't respect the other people in your life when you cannot ever be on time, so why should they continue to be put out by your actions?

7) Disrespect. It is unbelievable how disrespectful people are nowadays. I see it getting worse and worse in the classroom and in other aspects of life. All of those things above show disrespect, lying show disrespect, and being rude shows disrespect. Teach your kids to say yes ma'am and yes sir. Teach them to respect their elders. Teach them not to have an attitude of entitlement.

Okay, so right now I can't come up with ten. I'm sure things will come to me later and I can write about it then. For now, I will think about these things and let them guide my resolutions. If I follow each one of them I can achieve my biggest resolution. My biggest resolution from year to year never changes: I want to be the best mother and wife that I can be. With Jameson on the way, I look forward to working even harder on these things!