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31 Things You Learn By The Time You're 40

Exercising is essential, but so is eating a bag of kettle corn popcorn occasionally. It's all about balance.
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Mother of three, wife, writer, photographer and blogger since 2007. Co-Producer of the Listen To Your Mother show in Southeast, TX.

Mother of three, wife, writer, photographer and blogger since 2007. Co-Producer of the Listen To Your Mother show in Southeast, TX.
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  1. Being tired and ready for bed at 9 p.m. is more than OK.

  • The days are long but the years are short -- and any time in the doctor's office with kids feels like years and days.

  • A well-fitting bra is important, and should be off your body no later than 9 p.m.

  • Actually, 5 p.m. is good, too.

  • When in doubt, don't buy -- especially when it comes to shoes and lipstick.

  • Sometimes you take your kid to "Disney on Ice" because you know he or she will really love it, not because you will. And certainly not because you like paying $7.50 for that souvenir mug of tepid hot chocolate.

  • Stale popcorn is also very expensive at "Disney on Ice."

  • You can totally do your own pedicure, but it's much more relaxing to have someone else do it.

  • Chores for kids are a really good idea.

  • Exercising is essential, but so is eating a bag of kettle corn popcorn occasionally. It's all about balance.

  • According to your kids, the "good old days" are any of the days that were pre-Internet.

  • Red paint takes three to four coats.

  • Mirrors are kinda dumb, but good for convincing children that you have eyes in the back of your head.

  • Cookies are not dumb at all.

  • However, laundry is the dumbest.

  • The size of your house does not matter, but the size of the love inside its walls does (cheesy, but true).

  • Marriage is no piece of cake. But it is worth it to get to taste the anniversary cake.

  • You are old enough to be the mother of the cute lifeguards at the pool.

  • Having babies is a big deal, but raising them to be adults you admire and respect is a much bigger deal.

  • The term "low-rise" on clothing can be translated to "no buy."

  • Mom jeans (my version is jeggings) have their merits.

  • Eating an entire pint of cookie dough ice cream on the first day of your period is totally acceptable. And if it isn't, TOO DAMN BAD!

  • Your period can sometimes feel like the devil.

  • Being yourself is the best person to want to be and to actually be.

  • Drop-off birthday parties are the best.

  • It's better to have your husband talk to your pre-teen son about the "hair down there."

  • Writing your thoughts down right away is a really good idea, because otherwise, they could be gone in less than the blink of an eye.

  • Wrinkles are sneaky.

  • A good hairdresser is key.

  • Quality time spent really listening to your loved ones is priceless.

    • And...

  • 40 is just a number.

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