The Gift Exchange

My mom taught me to put others first.

Only worry about the things that will impact you life enough that you will remember in 1 year or 10.
Life is too short to worry about the snall stuff.

My mother taught us to improve our survival skills…we learned to duck flying objects & keep our distance.

I learned to be true to myself always, never to compromise, and at the same time never to feel inferior. To have faith in God and then in my own power to overcome critical situations. Last, but not least, to give affection and good advice.

Do unto others as you would have then do unto you

I learned that it’s ok not to be perfect

When women are mean 90% of the time its because they are jealous

Never let a man define who you are

The weather is perfect in Chicago

My mom taught me several things very early on in my life that have carried me through almost every situation.
1- Get out of yourself and do something nice for someone else today!
2- Never be afraid to ask for help.
3- Do your best, that’s all you can do.
Pretty much any obstacle I have come up against has been put into perspective by one or more of these famous phrases from my mom.

Mom always advised us to not leave home without clean underwear on!

Never to tan in a tanning bed! She always told me it makes your skin look like leather.

My mom taught me the meaning of love.

My mom taught me to take pride in the things that make me unique and to be accepting of the individuality of others.

One of the things my mom taught me is no matter how little you have if you see some one who has less you share. She particularly stressed this out when i was in school with food. If i saw a kid who i knew was hungry I’d share, never mind how hungry i was. I admit the food tasted better. To this day I still can’t enjoy a meal if i see someone who i know is hungry without sharing some of my food.

she taught me that if i am ever having a hard time, home is the place to go

My Mom always said that I could acheive anything if I tried hard enough.

Mom told me to use olive oil in everything I cook and I’ll always be healthy….WOW!

My mom taught me patients. I’m still trying to perfect it.

Be honest

Never take life for granted

my mother taught us to be polite and kind and to be responsible for our actions

These days my mom can not stand on her feet long enough to cook but when she could, she was a marvelous cook and loved to entertain. She has passed that loveo f good food and good company to me. Thanks Mom for the cookies!

thanks

My Mom taught me that I could do whatever I set my mind to. She even sang “The Work Song” from Cinderella, but fit it to whatever situation I was in. So sometimes I’ll hum….”I can do it, I can do it, I know I can do it because there’s nothing really to it.” AS silly as that sounds it makes me feel better.

A mother’s job certainly doesn’t end when her child grows up. The job just evolves.

treat people of all races and religions equally and fairly.

Never make major decisions at night, because you don’t see clearly in the dark.

Never depend on others for your basic needs.

My mom always used to say the quote, “To thine own self be true,” and I’ve found a lot of comfort and strength in it. I learned to be confident and proud of my choices and place in this world!

Lifes not fair.

To give to others who need help when you are able.

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

always do your best

ALWAYS TAKE CARE OF YOUR KIDS. I AM THE BABY OF 10

Always Always stop and think before you speak.

My mom taught me to take time for myself every day, even if it is just a cup of tea and five minutes to rejuvenate myself.

My mother taught me how to be an unselfish mother daily by her example. I really miss her. Today, May 1st, is the anniversary of her passing.

So many lessons…..the biggest was to make sure regardless of my life situation that I always posessed the ability to take care of myself. She never wanted to see me stuck in a bad relationship just because I did not know how to survive on my own.

You can do anything you set your mind to!

my mom always said to me to treat others the way you would want to be treated

How to work hard and play hard.

I learned that life is short, live for today.

On a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is death most trying things that happen to you are really not that bad!

never volunteer information!

My mom’s best advice was to attend art school. At first, I was concerned about becoming a “starving artist”. After several years of life in corporate America and trying to pursue careers for which I am not a good fit, I finally followed her wise counsel. I am getting ready to graduate from art school, with honors, and have developed skills that are both creative and practical. I am looking forward to putting my true talents to work.

Always be positive and life will work itself out.

My mom taught me that the whole word is “give and take”, not just your relationships. That the more you give to the world around you the better you feel and you help the world to be a better place for your children. That if you just take then it will be like a relationship and end badly. If you give a helping hand and smile to everyone you meet then the environment around you will be a healthier, happier and better place to live. Your kids learn most by seeing what their parents do. So, teach your kids how to smile and lend a helping hand to strangers in their time of need.

I learned to be content no matter what the situation.

To exhibit good conservative values, and to be courteous to others!

My sister is 10 years older than me. She was married and had her first child by 20. She always remembers what mom told her:
“Now your worries are just beginning!” We talk about that statement a lot; especially, since we lost mom 8 years ago.
If I am fortunate enough to win this delightful prize package, I am giving it to my sister on Mother’s Day. Thanks for a great contest. Cindi

My mother taught me, before she died when I was 14, was that when things don’t work out the way I want them to and times get tough, to “pick myself up, dust myself off, and keep going.” She also always corrected my english and grammer, I wish I could thank her for that today!

My mom taught me alot, but I think the most important thing was to trust in yourself. If you’re not sure what to do, figure out what you think is the best solution and go with that. The worst that can happen is you find out you’re human by making a mistake and learning from it. Thank you for the contest!

From my mother I learned a mothers forgiveness, I never understood how she could foregive us the way she did. I just always found it amazing. Now having my own children I see how.

mcginnisfamily5(at)gmail(dot)com

You can only rely on yourself.

You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

My mom taught me to care for and respect all living things, and to appreciate the things I have and everything around me.

Mom always encouraged me to be myself. It’s advice that has served me well.

oh my goodness…she taught me so many things but I suppose the one I remind myself of frequently is that there is something good in everyone. everyone. even a murderer may be a good son, a good cook, etc…Look for the good in everyone.

I learned that material things are not the most important thing in life.

Live in the moment…….AND never forget your past

Always do your best. Failure is not an option!

I learned to treat yourself and others with respect.

My Mom always told me when you gossip it is like opening up a feather pillow try as you like you can never get all those feathers back once they are out.

She taught be that being generous is it’s own reward.

always be nice.

My mom had a saying whenever I complained, that I always remember when I am feeling sorry for myself: “I cried when I had no shoes, until I saw a man who had no feet”. I learned not to complain if I didn’t want to hear this.

Never offer advice unless it’s asked for.Just listen.

the golden rule.

Always be aware of your thoughts, b/c you eventually get what you think about most.

always smile

It’s very hard to choose just one. But she always told me that often times we cannot change some things (illness, other peoples actions etc) but only our reaction to them and it’s how we react that defines us not the things that h happen to us. Also that we learn somethign new everyday and to be aware of what we can learn from day to day…I miss Mom so much ,but I know she is in a better place and someday I will see her again

No matter how bad a situation or something was, she’d remind me: “And this too shall pass.” Very comforting words when I was upset.

My mother has taught me not to complain about life’s problems, but to deal with them as best as you can. That means to base decisions and actions on the information you have at the moment and not regret or brood over it.

She taught me that life is not always fair.

My Mom taught me that family is everything!

to have patience in the dreams

My mom taught me to treat others like you want to be treated!

She taught me that everyone, even moms, make mistakes. It is how we learn and grow from them that counts.

FAMILY COMES FIRST

My mom has taught me many things over the years, but the most meaningful is about unconditional love. She has always supported me no matter what, even if she doesn’t agree with me. Its such a gift, and I hope I can share that with my loved ones.

I learned how to cook!

stand up straight and always be gracious

Be kind to everyone.

Don’t bite off your nose to spite your face.

My mother taught me that love means sacrifice!

My mom always told me…”Just be yourself” With most trying to be something they aren’t, I feel this is lofty advice!

Count your blessings!!

Everything in moderation!
Best advice ever.
Thanks

“Don’t do things which I wouldn’t do!”

Enter me!

just be kind

To respect my elders! I have taught this to my children as well, it is very good advice.

My mother taught me independance.

My disabled wife of more than 38 years would just LOVE this. Thanks for all the great contests!

This is a difficult question for me as my mother was not a good one — but even in light of that, a mother can teach you what to do by what they do not. In light of that, I learned to be honest and real, I learned to love my children and take time for them. I learned to say I’m sorry when I’m wrong and to make it right. I’ve learned that love can be stronger than any kind of pain!

The most valuable lesson I learned from my mom was to be independent enough to not need someone to take care of me.

My mom taught me to not parent like her!!!

How to be a mom!

My mother taught me to NOT do what she did. She can be very rude to clerks, people waiting on us, etc. I have learned to look them in the eye, smile, and thank them for their help. A smile goes a long way. Especially after you have dealt with MY mom. Probably not the answer you were looking for. But it’s the truth.

Pick and choose your battles carefully

She always told me that good things come to those who are patient enough to wait for them. Usually she would tell me this after I had been complaining of something not going right in my life, then she would say things always get better with time.

My mom taught me to always, “mind your manners and be kind”.

Don’t count on anything ( like money) until you have it in your hand

not to be afraid to take chances in life to get ahead and try and try and try again

“Never buy (work) shoes that you can’t run across a Manhattan street in.”

Mom taught me that the curse of “I hope when you have kids they’re just like you” actually does come true. She tells me every day I call and ‘whine’ about my day with my 2 girls “They’re Just Like You, I told you”. She’s taught me now to appreciate tolerance and all your mom teaches and does for you as a child into your adult years.

Never give up.

Treat others as you wish to be treated

The most valuable lesson I gleaned from my mom is perseverance. My mom single-handedly raised my sister and me after my father left her. As a naturalized citizen from an Asian country who came to the U.S. on the heels of the Vietnam war, she faced rampant racism and prejudice from the family she had married into. In spite of the language barrier and the tough times, her life effort was to persevere…to work 2 jobs while taking some college classes so we could have food on the table, a roof over our heads, and a better life than she had. Her faith in God kept her strong…and she remained strong for us when everything seemed to be falling apart around us. Because of her fearless tenacity and determination, I knew I could push through any obstacle to achieve my dreams and purpose. I’m a wife to an amazing husband and a mom to the most adorable boy with sparkling eyes…and I attribute all my accomplishments and successes to God, in Whom she raised me to place my faith and to my mom–my lifelong hero and example of persevering womanhood.

I really have learned not to jump to judgement too quickly as things may not be as they first appear.

hahaha change your underwear before you go out as you never know when someone might see them.. (thats important.. thanks mom..LOL)

I added your contest to Prize-A-Tron!
http://www.prizeatron.com

I always had a problem with being too impulsive and my Mom told me ” If you’re up to your ears in alligators, it’s too late to drain the swamp” It taught me to think about my actions beforehand. I believe this simple and cute piece of advise has impacted my life more than all the others

To always be thankful for what I have.

think young
always wear a sun screen so you won’t only think young your skin will look young

being consistant is the best thing she could have ever taught me

If you can’t say something nice about someone don’t say anything at all.

Put one foot in front of the other

Always wear clean underwear!

If you don’t stand for something , you will fall for anything!

If you look at the big picture of life – everything is small – and don’t sweat the small things. Work before pleasure, but enjoy doing both.
Thank you.

everything in moderation

From my Mom I learned to treat everyone with respect and to treat everyone the same.

A valuable lesson that I learned from my mom is to have patience!
Thanks
palmersf(at)bellsouth(dot)net

The most important thing my mom taught me was to remember others for the good in them and try your hardest to forget the bad. Things happen that people can’t predict, expect or intend, but if you see the lighter side of everyone…there is hope for everyone.

“Success comes in can’s not can’ts.”

My mother taught me to “treat others the same way that you want to be treated.”

The absolute best thing my mother passed on to me was a love of reading!

THINK before you speak. which goes hand in hand with treat others how you would like to be treated.

My mother has taught me how to make every day count. She is in her 80′s and four years ago had her bladder removed because of cancer. There are many times I know she is not feeling well, but she just never complains. She will tell me that there are plenty of people that are worse off than her. She is just so amazing!

to be kind to others

“Love don’t pay the rent” LOL

My mom taught me to treat others the way I want to be treated. I learned the hard way that we reap what we sow.

When making decisions, don’t listen to anyone’s voice but your conscience.

Helping others is more rewarding than helping yourself. My mom is a huge giver and loves to help others in need.

Do your homework

she said that when you are married to never go to bed on an arguement. Make up first.

Take care of yourself, you are no good to your family if you are sick.

When you haven’t anything good to say, say nothing at all.

I learned to not always expect perfection

My mom taught me how to write a check after I opened my first checking account before I went off to college.

My mother always said you can love men but you can’t trust them. It seemed very cynical to me but unfortunately both from experience and observation over the years, I see now that she was right.

There are always two sides to every story.

Walk like you own half the world and are on your way to buy the rest.

Don’t date til you’re 30!! Ha!

she always tells me to shut up and sit down! it actually works

Don’t listen to what men say, look at what they do.

Never go to bed angry; solve your issues now.

My mother taught me not to stress about the things I cannot change and remember that everything always works out in the end! Thank you for the contest!

Parent your children first, be a friend to them second.

my mom told me to not worry what other people thought and just be myself

You have 2 ears and one mouth for a reason. It’s sometimes more important to listen than to speak

Everything happens for a reason.

Not to drink. She was a drunk so I saw the bad side of acohol.

Before you say no to your children, stop and think if no is really necessary.

My mom says “A woman needs three animals in her life. A mink, a jaguar, and a jacka** to pay for it all.” Of course, that is just a joke. She is a wonderful, strong woman, she took care of my father until he died, then dealt with the death of my sister, and was smart enough with money so that she can support herself alone and never has to work again. I love her and miss her (she lives 600 miles away).

my mom taught me many important things. She is a wonderful person. She taught me that you can’t change the ituation,but you can change your reaction to the situation and that you need to make the best of everything

You are capable of way more than you know!

My mom always taught me that if I didn’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. That still comes in very handy to this day!

The most valuable lesson my Mom taught me was to never give up on the ones you love, even if that means showing tough love. I suffered from heroin addiction for years (am now 5 1/2 yrs clean) and as a result was homeless and turned to criminal activities. My mother tracked me down and had me arrested. Thank God for her strength bc it ended up saving my life. Now I am not only more tolerant of others, but I also don’t look down on people in tough situations. I just offer my love and help. Thanks Mom!

My Mom taught me to always show respect, and by doing so, i would be respected by others. This has proven to be true throughout my life. Now I am trying to teach my son the same values that my wonderful Mother taught me!

marriage rich – needless to say – I didnt listen to her! smile – but thats ok!!!

My mom taught me to be giving and to always cherish the ones you love!

My mom told me to always remember when one of my children had a cranky day that it is as hard to be a child as it is a parent. This helped me to always have patience with them and to remember that when they make a mistake, don’t look at the mistake they made but instead how hard they tried.

my mother taught me it is better to give than receive, since she is gone i would love to give this to my daughter, a single mother of a 4 yr and a 3 yr old. she really needs it.

“You never know when your going to meet an Angel.” She would always say that when I was upset with someone at school or someone was rude. I always remembered that. What a difference, dealing with angry people with kindness truly went a long way. Especially working at a courthouse, people aren’t usually too happy to be there.

My mom once told me to always listen to her…. The truest thing she ever said.

my mom always said what doesnt kill you will only make you stronger and i never understood her saying that until I got out on my own NOW i understand and tell my own son the same thing

Now that I am a mother (and even before I became a mother) the advice that I most respected my mother for was: PICK YOUR BATTLES. When I was a teen my mom and I could’ve fought for hours about ANYTHING— the color of the sky, the color of my hair, etc.— She chose to “battle” what was important to her, what she thought to be teachable moments, and what values she wanted to instill in me. For this, I think that I am a better teacher, mother, and human being!

Thank you for the chance to win!!!

She taught me never to back down, (unless i was going to get badly hurt…)
Pleasant agressivness is a nice way to put it. It has gotten me where I am today, and that is a good place.

Don’t trust a ‘prince’-I didn’t listen.

A clean house is NOT the most important thing. It’s WAY more important to go outside and PLAY with the kids!

This too shall pass, the good and the bad, it all goes away.

Always put family first.

Treat others the way you would want to be treated.

I think my mother bit her tongue more often than any of her four girls realized, and that is probably a good lesson to learn. Whether it’s about a boyfriend I don’t like or a lesson that probably needs to be learned without adult intervention, it’ll be tough but necessary to do as she did.

Have compassion for others.

Remember the Golden Rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated

If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say nothing at all!

My mom taught me to live within my means. She lived through the depression and has told me many stories of how hard it was and how much easier you can breathe if you don’t owe everyone.

independence

Above all else, follow your instincts.

learn to be comfortable in your own skin

My mom taught me that life is not easy it is what you make of it, she taught me that you can survive being a mom and jut loving your kids for everything that they are

Honesty is the best policy

My mother taught me to love myself and to realize that I have a purpose here on Earth.

Stand by your family!

See the beauty in everyone.

The most important lesson I have learned from my mom is to learn from your mistakes. She’s made some bad decisions in her life and I am determined to not make the same ones.

Mom taught me lots — not the least of which was that housework will wait, time in the woods with your kids won’t.

“telling the children what the right thing is isn’t enough, you have to be the role model of your words”

the value of honesty

rely on no one but myself.

The most valuable lesson I have ever learned from is- “Never Settle”. I had been divorced for a couple of years and wanted to start dating again. I had been a stay at home mom to my daughter for 7 years and didn’t think I had much to offer to a man. Needless to say, I attracted the wrong kind of men. That is when my mom sat me down and told me all the wonderful qualities I had to offer to a man and the words that were so powerful to me were, “Never Settle”. After she said that, I met a wonderful man that I married and I have been married to for five years. We have a son together and he is a wonderful step-father to my teenage daughter. I will always be so grateful to my mom for these words of wisdom.

Be my own person

My mom told me that no matter what happens to always remembr, “It’s not the end of the world.” This advice has seen me through divorce, deaths, and bad grades of my child.

Always keep the icecube tray full and never run out of toilet paper.

Biggest lesson was how important family was and to always stay connected no matter how far we all were.

my mom taught me selflessness

no matter how bad you think you look in a photo, in 10 years you’ll think you looked great in that photo.

She always told me that I can’t please everyone, so just be myself. If they like me, great, if they don’t it is their loss.

Sit with your knees together.

to be respectful of others

Some of the best advice my mother ever gave me was to live, love, and laugh.

My mom is very patient and caring and fun to be with, and that is what I strive to be.

Her advice was simple: Always tell the truth, love your neighbor as yourself, live within your means, pay your bills, and your name is the only thing you will leave this earth with, so keep it clean. Happy Mother’s day to ALL and Many Thanks SW

they growup and write down the memories and lots of pictures

My mom taught me not let the bad things in life negate the good things that are happening.

My mother is a supremely wise person and has taught me so many great things over the years. The most important thing she taught me was to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This was her mantra AND she practiced what she was preaching.
Thank you for such a thoughtful giveaway.

My mother tried really hard to teach me to clean my room.

The best lesson I learned from my mom is
to treat others as I would like to be
treated.

Treat all with Respect and you will be respected too

My mother taught me always treat others as you would
have them treat you.It has always paid off many times
over

My Mom taught me to really listen when someone was trying to talk to you. Then comment with something that says you really heard them. Even if there is nothing you can do to help the othe person, at least they know you cared enough to hear them out.