A National Ethos

“The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States,
the set of ideals (democracy, rights, liberty, opportunity and equality) in which freedom
includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, as well as an upward social mobility for
the family and children, achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers.”

~ Wikipedia,
The Free Encyclopedia

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A Chance to Read a Lot

“I really had a lot of dreams when I was a kid, and I think
a great deal of that grew out of the fact that I had a chance to read a lot.”

~ Bill Gates,
a.k.a. William Henry Gates III
Business Magnate, Entrepreneur, Investor, Author,
Co-Founder –  Microsoft & Philanthropist

Precious, Valuable Treasures

“Our relationships are precious, valuable treasures from Heaven,
and we should handle them carefully, always looking for ways to build bridges to each others’ hearts.”

~ Victoria Osteen,
Co-Pastor – Lakewood Church, Author, Philanthropist &
Founder – Lakewood Church Women’s Ministry

Advancing an Ideology

“Murdering the innocent
to advance an ideology
is wrong every time everywhere.”

~ George W. Bush,
Politician, Businessman, 46th Governor of Texas (1995-2000) & 43rd President of the United States (2001-2009)

Honesty & Truth Are…

“I used to be ashamed by the way that I grew up. I tried to lie my way through better times,
but when you think that honesty and truth is really your best weapon you embrace it and put it behind you.
In the end, it drives you and motivates you to do good work.
No one should be ashamed about where they come from
as long as you desire to be a compassionate and decent person.”

~ George Lopez,
Comedian, Actor, Talk Show Host, Imagen Vision Award (2003),
Latino Spirit Award for Excellence in Television (2003),
National Hispanic Media Coalition Impact Award,
& One of “The Top 25 Hispanics in America” by Time (2005)

All Things Glittery & Sticky

“I don’t know about other mamas out there, but my children love all things glittery and sticky!
I made the mistake of buying an expensive rug once…it was destroyed in 6 months.
So the idea of having a washable rug is genius to me!”

~ Tamara Day,
Interior Designer, Actress & Co-Founder – Growing Days

Be the Father, First

“Be a father first. Don’t put a priority on being … … … a friend with your kids first.”

~ Hulk Hogan,
a.k.a Terry Gene Bollea,
Professional Wrestler, Actor, Television Personality,
Entrepreneur & Rock Bassist.

Reminding the Kids

“You have to remind kids to stay connected to the meaning of Christmas.
Sometimes it takes a little bit of effort, but it’s so worth it.”

~ Caroline Kennedy,
Author, Attorney, Diplomat &
United States Ambassador to Japan

A Part Remains a Child

“There’s a part of you that always remains a child,
no matter how mature you get, how sophisticated or weary.”

~ Barbra Streisand,
Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Filmmaker & Philanthropist

Being an Asset

“We all have a gift; we all have a passion – it’s just about finding it
and going into it. Being an asset to your family and community.”

~ Angela Bassett,
Actress, Author, Saturn Award, Image Awards (5x),
Golden Globe Award & Black Reel Award

A Great Teacher

“Research shows that there is only half as much variation in student achievement between schools
as there is among classrooms in the same school. If you want your child to get the best education possible,
it is actually more important to get him assigned to a great teacher than to a great school.”

~ Bill Gates,
a.k.a. William Henry Gates III
Business Magnate, Entrepreneur, Investor, Author,
Co-Founder of Microsoft & Philanthropist

No Substitutes

“There’s no substitute for a full-time dad.
Dads who are fully engaged with their kids
overwhelmingly tend to produce children who believe in themselves and live full lives.”

~ Tony Dungy,
Analyst – NBC Football Night in America, National Spokesman – All Pro Dad, Pro Football Hall of Fame (2016),
NFL Head Coach – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1996-2001), NFL Head Coach – Indianapolis Colts (2002-2008)
Amos Alonzo Stagg Coaching Award (2007), IWU’s Society of World Changers (2008),
President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation (2007)

No Ice Cream

“You can’t be the dad who takes your kid out
after your wife has said, ‘No ice cream,’
buys the ice cream, and says, ‘Don’t tell your mother.’
You teach the child to lie – and to disrespect the other parent.”

~ Howie Mandel,
Comedian, Actor, Television Host, Creator & Star – Bobby’s World,
Author, Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (2008) & Canada’s Walk of Fame Star (2009)

Her Da Da’s Admiration

“She’s so wonderful. Just seeing her evolve into a little person
has definitely been one of the highlights of my life. She’s just really fun.”

~ Carter Oosterhouse,
Carpenter, Television Host, Model, Author, Founder – Carter’s Kids,
Co-Founder – Bonobo Winery, Co-Founder – SmartHouse

Teaching Kids to Be Safe Online, Too

“My new passion is to get Internet education mandated in all schools.
We’ve got to start teaching our kids how to be safe in the 40,000 plus chat rooms
that are out there. Because they’re being had.
These sexual predators groom the kids. I know, I’ve arrested enough of them.”

~ Henry Enrique “Erik” Estrada,
Actor, Voice Actor, Deputy Sheriff, Police Officer, Author & Activist

Single-Focus Time for Family

“There are certain things in a family life that I think are sacred and that, as adults, we can take for granted—that time alone with your child when you’re not focused on any other individual and you’re just focused on your child. We multi-task in life but I think there are certain things and certain people that deserve that single-focus time and being with your children is one of them. I don’t think mixing dating and family fun time if you’re not in a marriage or a serious relationship is appropriate.”

~ Lauren Lake,
Lawyer, Author, Interior Designer, Real Estate Developer,
Singer, Legal-Relationship-Life Consultant, & TV Talk Show Host

Dad Wrote Me a Letter

“I used to be a calligrapher for weddings and events – that was my side job while I was auditioning.
I think handwritten notes are a lost art form.
When I booked my first pilot, my dad wrote me a letter that I still have.
The idea of someone taking the time to put pen to paper is really special.”

~ Meghan Markle,
Duchess of Sussex,
Actress, Model, Calligrapher,
Founder & Editor-in-Chief – The Tig (2014-2017)
& Humanitarian

A Lifetime Investment in Overall Health

“I’m a huge proponent of health for your whole family, starting with your children.
If you’re not healthy and not living a healthy lifestyle you’re not going to be good for anyone else.
If you treat your body right you have the energy and stamina to do it all.
Helping kids understand the importance of proper nutrition and exercise
is a lifetime investment in overall health.”

~ Cristina Ferrare,
Supermodel, Designer, Chef, Author, Actress & TV Talk-Show Host

One of the Biggest Blessings: Mom & Dad

“One of the greatest titles in the world is parent,
and one of the biggest blessings in the world
is to have parents to call Mom and Dad.”

~ Jim DeMint,
Author, Writer, Politician, United States Senator (2005-2013)
& United States Representative (1999-2005)

Does That Not Sound Odd to You?

“”When a plane crashes and some die while others live,
a skeptic calls into question God’s moral character,
saying that he has chosen some to live and others to die on a whim;
yet you say it is your moral right to choose whether the child
within you should live or die.
Does that not sound odd to you?
When God decides who should live or die, he is immoral.
When you decide who should live or die, it’s your moral right.””

~ Ravi Zacharias,
Christian Apologist, Author, Radio Host, Scholar &
Founder & Chairman of the Board of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries

Motherhood is Absolutely Amazing

“Motherhood is a dream. It really is absolutely amazing.”

~ Jessica Simpson,
Singer, Actress & Philanthropist

Love’s Call

“Love calls on you to do things you don’t want to do sometimes.
It calls on you to care for people you wouldn’t typically want to care for.
It causes you to go fishing with folks you don’t want to be around.”

~ Larnelle Harris,
Singer, Songwriter, Grammy Awards (5X) & Dove Awards (11X)

The Future of Generations to Come

“Our choices are going to determine the future for our children,
our children’s children, and their children. I take that responsibility very seriously.”

~ Maggie Q,
a.k.a. Margaret Denise Quigley
Actress, Model, Health Advocate
& Animal Rights Activist

Glorious Messes

“One of the most glorious messes in the world
is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day.
Don’t clean it up too quickly.”

~ Andy Rooney,
Author, Radio and Television Writer, Writers Guild Award (3X),
Emmy Award (5X) & Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism (2003)