25th Birthday Advice

First, shall I begin by apologizing to those who did not want their advice made public but I thought all of the tips and pointers I was given was too thoughtful, fabulous, hilarious, and upfront honest to pass up posting it on my blog for me to remember. Thank you to all who took the time to share their "WISODOM" with me. I absolutely loved it.

Oh by the way, if you have something to add. Please feel free to leave a comment with your two cents!! Reed, my awesome hubby, tried to gather as many tid-bits as he could from everyone but the more the merrier. Don't forget to make me laugh! :o)

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"When everything goes wrong it's a good time to make a list of everything that is going right. Your blessings will always outweigh your trials. Always. Sometimes the best place to make your list is locked in the bathroom with a diet cherry coke, a good friend on the phone and the leftover stash of Halloween candy. Even if your kids are all yelling, screaming and trying to break down the door, you'll come out finding yourself refreshed, renewed and ready to take on the drama of life.

Always attempt to be an optimist in every situation. Optimism brings happiness. Pessimism brings unnecessary stress."

-Amiee Donohue

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"Who cares if your adding another year to your life, you can always lie. Its when you begin counting wrinkles that it matters; can't lie about that, so start stocking up on the wrinkle cream and make lying that much easier."

-Sonia Claudino

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"Love your family more than the day before, Hug your family more than the day before, Thank Heavenly Father more than the day before, for without him, you would not have the many blessings in your life. We love you and Happy 25th Birthday…"

-The Putnams

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"Love. Laugh. Dream.

Live like you're dying. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like no one is watching.

These are the things I remember everyday and the things that I think are most important in this life. Enjoy this birthday my friend, and the many more to come!"

-Amanda O'Hara

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"Dance like no one is watching"

-Tara Paddock

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"Life is hard! There are ups, downs, and in-betweens! Always remember to have FUN and LAUGH at all times in life! Don't take life too seriously & live with NO regrets!

(Disclaimer: this is my advice, not that I always do it, yet should)"

-Summer Weaver

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"Take lots of pictures because they help you remember life better than memories do. Life is easier when you are resilient, flexible with plans, and smiling."

-Beth Barnes

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Really, Tamara already has a super mature handle on life, so I don't think I, even though I am Captain Maturity, could offer much more. I love Tamara's spunky personality. She is kind and sensitive to others; she's always willing to serve, and she is super fun and knows how to have a party. I am continually amazed at how being such a good mother to Logan seems like it comes as the easiest thing in the world for her. I love that her example to her family makes such an impact. I have tons of good things I can say about her, but I'm headed out of town right now, so I must go. I am so grateful for Tamara's friendship and I love her guts. Thank you for being my friend Tamara! Happy Birthday.

-Lindsie Hazen

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"We think you have things pretty figured out, and as Bill Cosby said, 'A word to the wise ain't necessary, it's the stupid ones who need the advice.' But because Reed asked us, here goes:

Enjoy your kids while they are little because mothers of teenagers say they know why animals eat their young.

Keep up the good work with Logan. He sure does love his mom. If we asked him where home is, he would say where mom is.

For you birthday Jeff wants to tell you his big secret. "I am not a vegetarian because I love animals. I am a vegetarian because I hate plants.

Alice Roosevelt Longworth once said, "Fill what's empty. Empty what's full. Scratch where it itches." Pretty simple, but great.

Happy people know that you don't count the days but make the days count, and to do that you add what you can to life, not try to get what you can from it.

And finally, don't take life too seriously. You're not going to get out alive anyway.

Most of all, we hope you have a great 25th!"

-Jeff and Paula Barnes

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"Well, I am probably too late, but here is a few quotes that I like to live by. They aren't my words so I have to give credit where credit is due.

1. "The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache."

— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

2. "Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Thanks so much Reed for doing this for Tamara!! She is such an amazing person and you are such a great husband to think of such a thoughtful gift. You two definitely are a dynamic duo. Have a great New Years!!"

-Jacinthe Mitchell

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"Life is what you make of it. Be honest and happy with what you are given, your talents, your children and your surroundings. Be positive and firm with everything."

-Belmira Dutra