This is Shameful.

A hastily thrown-together
because I just realized Thursday is almost over.

(It looks like every post is going to be a Thankful Thursday. Hey at least I'm blogging once a week...)

I am thankful for "lifelong learning." (One of the "Aims of a BYU Education." Yes I can recite them. I am a thoroughly brainwashed well-trained retired Y-group leader.) Here is a summary of my top 10 recent lessons:

1. It is difficult - nay, impossible - to teach a 2-year-old to play hide-and-seek. Even after she seemed to understand my detailed explanation, as soon as I disappeared while her eyes were closed, the panic set in. And no she did not trouble herself to, I don't know, peek into the next room to look for me (sitting on the floor in plain sight). She stood there and desperately called my name. When I tried knocking softly to give her a hint, she called, "Come in!"
2. If you absent-mindedly say "mm-hmm" to a toddler and she responds with a cheerful "Thanks, Mommy!" you better think really fast about what it was you just agreed to.
3. Baby cereal and warm yogurt don't mix.
4. 10-month-olds and goldfish don't mix.
5. Ditto for the afore-mentioned 10-month-old and the following items: stickers, dirt, glass Christmas ornaments, black paint, junk mail, Travis's important phone numbers and addresses jotted on scraps of paper, silverware, and 2-year-olds.
6. Don't panic when the scale suddenly says you've gained 6 lbs. Some little fingers probably adjusted it to read 6 lbs. heavier. (Probably.)
7. Sometimes Pop-tarts and fruit snacks count as a full two meals. Really.
8. When your 2-year-old says warningly, out of the blue, "Mommy, don't get mad!" ...look out, man.
   
9. Every single one of these lessons I've learned is related to being a parent. Coincidence? I think not.
10. Being Kate & Brooklyn's mommy is the best job I've ever EVER had. Ever. Ever.