Ah, family! They are (ostensibly) the reason that we scrapbook, right? I scrap lots of pics of my crazy little wee ones hoping that someday they will look back at those pages and remember a happy childhood instead of running screaming towards therapy. No matter what we do as parents, for me at least, there's always that lingering doubt that I-am-royally-screwing-them-up-for-life... but really, no matter what we do as parents, children are resilient. They bounce back, they forgive our mistakes, and they love us. Just like I love my parents, and (I hope) you love yours.
So here's a list of 10 Things My Parents Did Right, thanks to Stasha over at The Good Life. As ever, she's got a fab topic, and there are a plethora of awesome lists over there, so grab yourself a nice hot cuppa and some chocolate (and maybe some tissues) and check them out!
1. My parents taught me manners. Sometimes as I'm trying to do the same for my boys I despair and wonder how in the world they got four children all just about a YEAR apart to do anything politely. Or just anything...
2. They scraped to give us opportunities. Like the flute they miraculously managed to afford so a super shy 4th grader could start lessons in school, even though our family is not musically inclined...nor should they have been able to afford looking back with clearer hindsight.
3. My parents taught us to appreciate what we have. We weren't well off, and we often didn't have the coolest, latest thing. But we had plenty, and we appreciated it, a lot. Maybe not so much as we were whining about wanting whatever we wanted at the moment, but even now I find myself counting my blessings and knowing that we are so lucky, even when times are tough and there's not enough sleep/coffee/silence to think straight.
4. My parents respected me. When I said I wanted to be a music teacher, my dad talked to me about why I was choosing that path and respected what I was deciding to do. Was he worried that say, five years after graduating I'd find that being a specialist teacher in a time when schools are struggling and budgets are being cut repeatedly that I might find myself pondering a shiny new nothing-to-do-with-music-education career path? Sure...and he was right. But he say my passion and let me pursue it. Where I am today - my husband, my life, my littles - all came from that decision to pass up the full ride for anything but music to UCLA and work it out to go to the private college and study music instead. And that's something I can't regret. Music Theory Class...well, that's best forgotten.
5. They taught us to share. Everything. Shoes. Clothes. Toys. Beds. I need the secret, so we no longer need three Leapsters in one household to keep the peace, so everyone can hold one while they crowd around and watch Ben play Batman, the one cartridge they all agree is the best.
6. They gave me siblings. Fabulous, awesome siblings who I love dearly with all my heart, no matter how much we fought as kiddos. I'm desperately hoping every day that my boys will be close when they grow up, as close as me and my sister Heidi, who I talk to almost every day even though we live thousands of miles apart.
7. They made us walk. OK - maybe that's cause we couldn't afford to drive sometimes, but whatever. We walked everywhere. We walked a lot. Sometimes my dad made all four of us hold hands - embarrassing, right? sometimes we walked into the woods and didn't come back fro a while...a long while. But now I say those are some of my favorite memories. And I need to take my littles for more walks.
8. They encouraged me to read. I was a voracious reader. I was the kid who checked out three books from the school library in the morning before school so I could bring some back at afternoon recess and bring more home for the evening. I'm passing that love of book on to my boys.
9. They helped us take care of ourselves. I was making french toast by the time I was in 4th grade. I left home knowing how to cook, how to do laundry, how to make a bed (even though you'd never guess that since it's pretty much never made now), how to take care of myself. Self reliance is a pretty cool thing!
10. They told us that they loved us everyday, no matter what. And that's something I'm making sure I do every day with my littles. We end each day with "Favorite Things", a quiet minute or two with each boy getting full attention while they make a list of the things that were awesome that day. Then while they know I am completely paying attention and I know they are listening, I tell them that I love them to the moon and back, no matter what, even when they have time-outs, or bite their brother. I know my parents loved me - and I want mine to know the same thing, without a doubt.
Thanks, Stasha, for another awesome topic...and the journaling done for a page I should make and send to my parents. I love Monday Listicles!
OK, scrappers - I missed posting the new Friday Favorite Things Giveaway last night because I was literally stamping until 2 a.m.working on the new workshops and the bloghop for tomorrow night. So here it is...
I know, I need a pic of the Layout Kit I'm giving away, and I promise to post it tomorrow. The rafflecopter will stay open through Thursday at midnight EST, and the winner will be posted Friday. Now I'm off to love on my kiddos! Thanks for stopping by to read my novel listicle!
6 comments:
Awe. That was a sweet story, and I'm feeling a little sentimental for my childhood after reading it. :) I hope you will post your layout after you print that journaling. Very sweet.
That was a beautiful list! All very important lessons and foundations in life. Your parents sound wonderful!
Wendy - you are a fabulous creative writer as well. I'm guessing it was part of that music teaching degree, but what do I know... I really love reading your stories and feel the energy, love and thankfulness for all you have, most important your young family and loving partner! You are sooo blessed!
Wait a minute! Do we have the same Parents?! Haha! Great stories!
A lot of the things your parents did right, I am also hoping to do with our children. I'm glad you had such great parents and you learned so much from them. Great list!
You know as I read these lists it is confirming my belief that it is strong basics and foundations, knowing when to be firm and when to set them free that make a childhood happy. But much like you I sometimes wonder how our parents did it.
I like walks, people we're given legs for a reason. Let me know what your boys think of you making them hold hands ;)
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