I raise a hand painted mug to my chapped lips. A thin layer of snowfall begins to coat the lawn. The lights on the Douglas fir are reflecting off of the glistening ornaments. Sugar cookies and snickerdoodles are arranged delicately on a ceramic plate. I will awake to a crackling fireplace and neatly wrapped gifts under the tree. My core values are a result of these memories. Values that I will carry on to my family one day. It is important that children understand the abundance of life and have a welcoming environment that they call home. Although this is not a scientifically proven theory, it's simply a guide based on my experience. Each morning before school, when I stumble aboard my bus, my mom waves me goodbye. And after school I come home to the scent of seasonal candles and a Crock Pot meal. The work ethic that my dad has instilled in me has kept me driven to do my best and will forever push me to be a dreamer. My blush pink and brown polka dotted childhood bedroom still lives in my vivid imagination. My Dad and I take ski trips in winter and sip hot cocoa in the lodge. Then in summer we go tubing and swim in creeks. Having a good balance between adventure and danger is healthy for children at all stages of adolescence; it encourages them to advocate for themselves. Everynight, my family watches Jeopardy and plays Uno while eating caramel corn and Ben & Jerry’s. My Mom and I litter our dining room table with cardboard pieces and put together puzzles. Creating the foundation for your child’s future is crucial and will help them through their life. It will be a struggle at points, but the effectiveness of this plan may blindside you.