Very Importaint Things My Three Year Old Has Taught Me Recently...

#1: It is entirely possible to exist on a diet that consist solely of toast and candy:

(actually, I already knew that one... did it myself for years.)

#2: You can make almost any animal into a loyal companion simply by lugging it around relentlessly:

Endurance is the key here people. You can not give up when the creature struggles, kicks, scratches, bites or pecks at your eyes. Just push through it and eventually you'll have a life long friend.

#3: Remember everything that has ever happened to you. Ever:

This is a vital skill for when you need to find your stuff:

The Attack: "Where's my truck?"

Me: "Ash, you have a billion trucks, which one are you looking for?"

The Attack: "The white one with the red roof."

Me: "Off the top of my head I can think of 6 white trucks with red roofs, can you tell me anything else about it?"

The Attack: "It's a big one, and I can fit lots of my little cars in it 'cause it's got gaps for them, and it drives really good down hills, and it's still got some dirt stuck on the tyres from when I drove it in the dirt patch. Oh, and I jammed Cinnamon's head in it one time and she died."

Me: "Oh, that truck. Yeah, ummm, I banished that one to the top of your closet."

#4: Scaring people is funny:

This can be accomplished simply by jumping out from behind a door while growling like a rabid monkey, or by strategically placing a giant inflatable Tyrannosaurus-Rex just inside a doorway so people pack themselves when they come around the corner. Either way: Funny.

#5: Be very specific when asking for what you want:

Use as many words as necessary. If you want a small grey possum with white on the ends of its ears and a black nose that has a basket with a green bow on it so you can carry it around and it can sleep in there, ask for that. It doesn't necessarily mean you're going to get it, but if you're not specific enough, you'll end up with a stuffed possum teddy in a box and you will throw a tantrum. Seriously, you will.

#6: Jump, spin and balance on random objects just for fun:

Even when you're supposed to be sleeping. Especially when you're supposed to be sleeping.

#7: Pick flowers to give to those you love:

This makes people happy.

#8: Underwear is overrated:

Declare your underwear wet or uncomfortable at 7am, ceremoniously discard it, and gleefully go commando for the rest of the day.

#9: Playing on other peoples competitiveness can get you what you want without upsetting anyone.

The Attack: *after looking longingly at Connah's cookie* "Can I play on the computer when I'm finished?"

Connah: *jumping up so fast he chokes a little bit* "I'm finished first! Can I play now?!"

The Attack: *Slyly shifting over to Connah's place* "Connah doesn't want his cookie, can I have it?"

#10: Get excited:

About pretty much everything. Going to the pet store? Found a ladybug? Time to take a bath? Celebrate by breaking into an impromptu dance. Squealing is optional.

#11: Look around:

Seriously, there is stuff everywhere that is worth seeing. Have you ever noticed how children have no concept of hurrying? It's because they are (usually) living completely in the moment. What possible reason is there to hurry when the most important thing in the world is what's happening right now? So stop and watch the sun rise. Literally smell the flowers. Take notice of what's around you and start actually living the life you have right now instead of constantly looking forward and just being dragged along for the ride.

There you go, the keys to happiness according to my three year old. Go forth and incorporate them into your life.

At the very least you'll up your awesome level by several degrees.

xox