My oldest is turning ten on Sunday. Double digits! We’re all making a big deal out of it. Well, everyone except him. My son said, “It’s just another number.” Mind you, this is the same son who at the age of four decided for himself that Santa Claus couldn’t possibly exist. What a party pooper. He gets that from his Dad. I’m still going to celebrate. It’s a milestone for me too. I’ve officially been a parent for a whole decade! 2003 seems just like yesterday…where does the time go? Anyhow I’ve compiled a list of what I’ve learned as a parent:

1. Messes are inevitable.
2. One takes pride in waking up early to make awesome school lunches, even if the kids may not appreciate it.
3. The kids actually do appreciate it.
4. The most valuable artwork is that which you can hang on a fridge
5. No matter how angry or sad they make you, you always forgive them
6. Your husband is your sidekick
7. When you think you are so exhausted you will die, some how you are able to still make dinner
8. The more you yell, the less they will take yelling seriously
9. Kids say the darndest things
10. Holding babies makes your arms stronger
11. I have learned to anything with one arm
12. Don’t make your own Halloween costumes to save money, do it because it’s fun
13. Nothing beats arts and crafts with your children
14. Well, maybe baking something does
15. You will be hit with poop, pee, puke, snot, and blood at some point in your parenting career
16. Kids copy your eating habits
17. Kids copy your speaking habits
18. If a kid does a chore without being asked to, be very cautious
19. Yes, babies do sleep 14 hours a day, it’s just broken up into 20 minute intervals
20. Moms really are invincible