Something about myself is I am a people watcher at times. I love to observe people and try to understand where they are coming from. Some of life's experiences has helped me understand things from a perspective I may not have looked at before. I am not claiming to know everything, and I am not always correct, and I have yet a lot to learn.
My daughter has been in swim lessons the past two weeks. She has come quite a ways, I am proud of her accomplishments. She is in a class where one of the parents need to be accompanying her in the pool. I have been the lucky one to see her progress.
There is another child in the class whose parent is always yelling at him and the other kids who join them. The parent also has a foul mouth. Everyone has a right or reason for their own behavior. I try not to judge, for it could be he way this person was raised, it could be a factor of many things.
Many times when I see a parent like this I wonder how the children are treated behind closed doors. I know this parent cares for the child, otherwise the child would not be in swimming lessons. But I wonder if this parent knows how other parents perceive the out word appearance that is being presented.
People who don't use foul language most times have a higher education and/or opinion of themselves. People who take the time to listen usually don't have to yell, because the same courtesy is returned towards them. When they aren't yelling all of the time, the children will know more when a situation is more serious.
Now, I know this isn't always the case, my three year old is constantly testing if I am paying attention. I myself have resorted to yelling more than once. it seems when this is the case it becomes a power of the wills rather than the positive out come it could be otherwise. When I take the time to listen or explain 'why', the out come is more often than not in my favor. Then I have a child who is more willing to listen rather than one who has already tuned me out.
I have been observing this parent and sharing some thoughts with my 17 year old. Feeling like this parent has so much more potential for herself and children than is being recognized. When I expressed this, I commented how Heavenly Father must look down on us many times and think we have more potential than we are showing. My son said "the only difference is he knows it."
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
It is a blessing to watch children grow and learn. I am learning this over and over again. I have seen the children in my stewardship sprout almost like weeds! I have a priviledge that many parent don't have. I have began with children, teens and young adults.
The eldest is discovering again and again who she is. Each time she shines a little more. She welcomes everyone and makes any one and everone comfortable. She would do anything for any of her friends or family. She loves to help others. She is sensitive to others and the spirit. Often times she wears herself on her sleeve. I admire this, because it can be hard to do. She confronts things, she doesnt let them get in the way or cause problems.
My red headed step child is very good with caring for those most would give up on. She does it every day in her day to day work. She puts on a hard outer shell, but I think she has to so she wont be eaten alive, for any of you who know her, she is a softy inside.
Both girls have high standards and are good examples to their younger siblings.
Our 21 year old is brilliant. Any who know him can't deni it. He is setting a comendable example for his younger siblings as well. He has never been afraid to stand up for what he believes. Nor ashamed. He has a good attitude and is a hard worker He takes what ever he does seriously and knows how to make it fun at the same time. He doesn't let others push him around.
My 17 year old, once awkward and a bit gangly has become quit a handsome young man. He takes the gospel seriously and lives life the best he can. He has an intelect beyond his years. Sometimes he blows me away with aconcept he shares. He continually amazes me. I couldn't trade him for any other teenager. I watch some and am reminded of how lucky I really am.
Our 11 year old is becoming quite the young man too! This past year he over came a fear of change and realized it can actually be quite fun. He has over come most of his fears regaurding water. He is diving and swimming like he never thought possible for himself. He has a tender spirit, he cares about those around him. He is a loyal friend to those who need a great friend and is sensitive to his younger siblings.
My 3 year old over came her fear of water today. Instead of clinging to me for dear life, she trusted me and tried to do some things on her own. I was looking at pictures today and it seems like just a month or two ago we were bringing her home.
My 1 year old is becoming more confident each day in his walking. Before I know it he will be chasing around with his older siblings, getting into mischief and tending to his curiosity, I will be in trouble then.
It ceases to amaze me at how time flies. I am sure I have said this before. In my barber chair I used to have older gentlemen always tell me that is was only going to pass more quickly. I hope with all hope that I will make the most of that time. My children are going to be small only once. They will be teens only once, each in their own modified version.
Sometimes in the day to day I forget how precious each moment can be and let it pass with out enjoying it. I hope I look back with more memories of them than not. I enjoy being included when they give me the chance. The moments the older ones share with me are cherished.
I know there are more times than not that they wish they had their mother instead, I hope they know that she is often by their side. She is still alive, only in spirit in stead. This makes her lucky in my book, it is easier for her to be there for everything important. She is a good mother, I see her teachings in her children. I see her love, her stubbornness, her desire to do good and make others feel of worth. All of her goodness is reflected through her children, old and young. I am so blessed to be a part of it. I just cant say it enough.
The eldest is discovering again and again who she is. Each time she shines a little more. She welcomes everyone and makes any one and everone comfortable. She would do anything for any of her friends or family. She loves to help others. She is sensitive to others and the spirit. Often times she wears herself on her sleeve. I admire this, because it can be hard to do. She confronts things, she doesnt let them get in the way or cause problems.
My red headed step child is very good with caring for those most would give up on. She does it every day in her day to day work. She puts on a hard outer shell, but I think she has to so she wont be eaten alive, for any of you who know her, she is a softy inside.
Both girls have high standards and are good examples to their younger siblings.
Our 21 year old is brilliant. Any who know him can't deni it. He is setting a comendable example for his younger siblings as well. He has never been afraid to stand up for what he believes. Nor ashamed. He has a good attitude and is a hard worker He takes what ever he does seriously and knows how to make it fun at the same time. He doesn't let others push him around.
My 17 year old, once awkward and a bit gangly has become quit a handsome young man. He takes the gospel seriously and lives life the best he can. He has an intelect beyond his years. Sometimes he blows me away with aconcept he shares. He continually amazes me. I couldn't trade him for any other teenager. I watch some and am reminded of how lucky I really am.
Our 11 year old is becoming quite the young man too! This past year he over came a fear of change and realized it can actually be quite fun. He has over come most of his fears regaurding water. He is diving and swimming like he never thought possible for himself. He has a tender spirit, he cares about those around him. He is a loyal friend to those who need a great friend and is sensitive to his younger siblings.
My 3 year old over came her fear of water today. Instead of clinging to me for dear life, she trusted me and tried to do some things on her own. I was looking at pictures today and it seems like just a month or two ago we were bringing her home.
My 1 year old is becoming more confident each day in his walking. Before I know it he will be chasing around with his older siblings, getting into mischief and tending to his curiosity, I will be in trouble then.
It ceases to amaze me at how time flies. I am sure I have said this before. In my barber chair I used to have older gentlemen always tell me that is was only going to pass more quickly. I hope with all hope that I will make the most of that time. My children are going to be small only once. They will be teens only once, each in their own modified version.
Sometimes in the day to day I forget how precious each moment can be and let it pass with out enjoying it. I hope I look back with more memories of them than not. I enjoy being included when they give me the chance. The moments the older ones share with me are cherished.
I know there are more times than not that they wish they had their mother instead, I hope they know that she is often by their side. She is still alive, only in spirit in stead. This makes her lucky in my book, it is easier for her to be there for everything important. She is a good mother, I see her teachings in her children. I see her love, her stubbornness, her desire to do good and make others feel of worth. All of her goodness is reflected through her children, old and young. I am so blessed to be a part of it. I just cant say it enough.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
From the Mouths of 3 year olds
My three year old has been on a role the past couple of days, thought you might enjoy this. Here are two conversations I overheard, and thought she expressed herself quite well...
"you are a car!" My 11 yr old
"Oh yeah, you are a ear." My 3 yr old
"you are a nose."
......
I have to give you this quick back ground, my 11 year old was 1 upping her on everything and acting quite cocky about the whole thing when out of no where she retorts:
"well, you are a princess!" Man she is good!
Later this evening I had finished baking some cookies and the children wanted to make sure they were edible so, my 11 year old sat on his sisters stool to eat his and this was the conversation I over heard:
"Did you know you are sitting on my stool?" 3 yr old
"Yes, I sure am." 11 yr old and continues to sit and eat his cookie.
She thinks about this and says "You know what?"
"What?"
"I Love you, but your full of crap!"
It took my all to not double over laughing and tell her that was not nice to say to her brother.
"you are a car!" My 11 yr old
"Oh yeah, you are a ear." My 3 yr old
"you are a nose."
......
I have to give you this quick back ground, my 11 year old was 1 upping her on everything and acting quite cocky about the whole thing when out of no where she retorts:
"well, you are a princess!" Man she is good!
Later this evening I had finished baking some cookies and the children wanted to make sure they were edible so, my 11 year old sat on his sisters stool to eat his and this was the conversation I over heard:
"Did you know you are sitting on my stool?" 3 yr old
"Yes, I sure am." 11 yr old and continues to sit and eat his cookie.
She thinks about this and says "You know what?"
"What?"
"I Love you, but your full of crap!"
It took my all to not double over laughing and tell her that was not nice to say to her brother.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
New Obsession? I think not.
For a while now I have had this desire to scrapbook, and it is beginning to take over! I have so much to do! Two years ago I though it might be something fun to do. The purchasing of books and paper began. It was like a new obsession for me. Then reality hit, I had a little one with another little one on the way. What was I to do. Scrapbooking was placed on the far back, back, back burner. Nearly forgotten.
About two years ago I found myself at a meeting discussing Genealogy. This subject always makes me feel guilty. It is a passion my father keeps trying to share with me. I realize the importance, I am not trying to minimize it. I just feel like I don't have a lot of time for it. Then I have a friend who breaks it to me kindly that it is getting advanced enough I can do it in the comfort of my home...dang. Still I haven't done much. To say the least.
So back to the meeting I had been attending. They talked about the importance, how our ancestors are depending on us. Both past and future. More guilt. Then they said when we have young children at home we can keep journals. When we take pictures make sure to date them and put full names on the pictures. Now this is something I can do right? Yes. But still I didn't do much.
Now, I know there are a lot of you scrapbookers out there. Some of you guys can be very intimidating to me. Mainly because I see the great and amazing work you put into your projects, and get a block with my own ideas.
This past weekend I was invited to a scrapbooking party and seriously thought twice about going. I didn't want to be sold all of these stamp, stickers, etc. ideas. Humbly I will admit that I am glad I went. It was nothing like I imagined it would be. The girl throwing the party had a vision of scrapbooking I could grab by the horns and run with!
She showed me basic pages with journaling on them! I loved it! She did use stickers and punches. She did crazy things with paper. However, what she did was simple and didn't intimidate me...at all! A major plus! I am now on the band wagon of scrappers! Whole heartidly. There, I have that off my chest, moving on.
About two years ago I found myself at a meeting discussing Genealogy. This subject always makes me feel guilty. It is a passion my father keeps trying to share with me. I realize the importance, I am not trying to minimize it. I just feel like I don't have a lot of time for it. Then I have a friend who breaks it to me kindly that it is getting advanced enough I can do it in the comfort of my home...dang. Still I haven't done much. To say the least.
So back to the meeting I had been attending. They talked about the importance, how our ancestors are depending on us. Both past and future. More guilt. Then they said when we have young children at home we can keep journals. When we take pictures make sure to date them and put full names on the pictures. Now this is something I can do right? Yes. But still I didn't do much.
Now, I know there are a lot of you scrapbookers out there. Some of you guys can be very intimidating to me. Mainly because I see the great and amazing work you put into your projects, and get a block with my own ideas.
This past weekend I was invited to a scrapbooking party and seriously thought twice about going. I didn't want to be sold all of these stamp, stickers, etc. ideas. Humbly I will admit that I am glad I went. It was nothing like I imagined it would be. The girl throwing the party had a vision of scrapbooking I could grab by the horns and run with!
She showed me basic pages with journaling on them! I loved it! She did use stickers and punches. She did crazy things with paper. However, what she did was simple and didn't intimidate me...at all! A major plus! I am now on the band wagon of scrappers! Whole heartidly. There, I have that off my chest, moving on.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Hmmm...just some ramblings in the brain of mine
Well, Summer is here! I haven't been able to get into the groove of this summer as of yet. We haven't missed swim lessons, that is a plus. The schedule thing is just not happening for me and it is driving me absolutely crazy!
The two little ones are going to bed between 8pm or 11pm and its killing me and them. I look at other people who tell me I should just make a bedtime and stick to it. They absolutely amaze me! How do they do it? The older two at home don't really have a bed time during the summer, so it is hard to stick one to the little ones. The tykes just know they are going to miss something just great and fantastic, and that might well be the case, but we have yet to experience that.
This is the time of year to get organized, and I am trying so hard. Half of the time however I am feeling like I am in one of those dreams where I know I need to run, but cant. Its like being stuck in putty or something, my limbs are growing heavy. I feel like there are a lot of things I would like to do, but don't have the tools maybe?
I can't figure out what the tools are though, I have a great husband who is willing to help where ever I feel I need it. My children even want to help. I just don't know where to begin. People who know me know I am not organized, unfortunately this an obvious flaw of mine. Admittedly I could find better ways to spend my time as precious as it is, and cut things out of the unnecessary stuff, like my addiction to TLC's What not to Wear. Its getting easier for me to cut back on Facebook, doesn't seem to be having a lot going on lately.
I am just feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment, It is all good. I just need to pull my head out of the whole I have dug and climb out...should I use a spoon, pick or shocel, this is my dilemma.
The two little ones are going to bed between 8pm or 11pm and its killing me and them. I look at other people who tell me I should just make a bedtime and stick to it. They absolutely amaze me! How do they do it? The older two at home don't really have a bed time during the summer, so it is hard to stick one to the little ones. The tykes just know they are going to miss something just great and fantastic, and that might well be the case, but we have yet to experience that.
This is the time of year to get organized, and I am trying so hard. Half of the time however I am feeling like I am in one of those dreams where I know I need to run, but cant. Its like being stuck in putty or something, my limbs are growing heavy. I feel like there are a lot of things I would like to do, but don't have the tools maybe?
I can't figure out what the tools are though, I have a great husband who is willing to help where ever I feel I need it. My children even want to help. I just don't know where to begin. People who know me know I am not organized, unfortunately this an obvious flaw of mine. Admittedly I could find better ways to spend my time as precious as it is, and cut things out of the unnecessary stuff, like my addiction to TLC's What not to Wear. Its getting easier for me to cut back on Facebook, doesn't seem to be having a lot going on lately.
I am just feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment, It is all good. I just need to pull my head out of the whole I have dug and climb out...should I use a spoon, pick or shocel, this is my dilemma.
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