100 Things I Learned the Hard Way

First Installment:

1) Never put concentrated liquid dish detergent in the dishwasher. (Seriously. Don't do it.)

2) Raising your own food and dairy is not less expensive than buying from the store, but the benefits for the whole family pretty much outweigh the trouble and expense (most of the time).

3) Never plant dill or horehound unless you plan to harvest every scrap of it before seeds set.

4) If the recipe says line the pan with parchment paper, line the pan with parchment paper.

5) Some children learn to read at the age of 3, some aren't ready until they're 7. It all evens out in the end, and more harm than good will come of worrying and obsessing about the late bloomer.

6) Never cut your teenage son's hair (esp. if the clipper is in your hand and set down to shave) if you're tired and giddy and inclined to giggle.

7) You're not saving money at the thrift store if you buy things there that you don't really need.

8) "New and Improved" isn't necessarily.

9) Don't underestimate the importance of that permanent basket in the car containing: extra clothes for everyone under the age of six, diapers, wet wipes, a blanket, sweaters (in winter), drink boxes and toilet paper. Always have a basket of amusements, like books, paper, toys, and a fold up stroller and portacrib. Resupply regularly, because the day you run out of diapers and wetwipes, is the day you'll esp need them!

10) Know what the small stuff is ~ and don't sweat it!

To be continued...

Help me out and tell me your Things I Learned the Hard Way ~ I'm anxious to learn!! You could save my 10 practice pancakes some pain and heartache ~ or at least save me from being laughed at by them...