In an effort to understand "the mommy wars", I actually came to understand more about war. The wars within, amongst ourselves, across the globe, and of course the cola wars. BTW-I think we should all drink RC. They didn't participate, ergo they must be peace loving.
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| My husband got to be in this Stan Herd. So cool! He's the cute one in red. |
Sure, it may seem a little egocentric to think your way is best and that your ideas could potentially bring about world peace, but who hasn't started a sentence with, "If I were queen..." ?
Well friends, here is your opportunity. Espouse. Evangelize. Proselytize. I want to hear what choices you are most proud of. What behavior do you wish everyone would adopt? Here is a quick run down of my royal proclamations. You will be ready for the law of the land should we ever move to a monarchy and my bloodline leaves me in charge...
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| This is supposed to be me. When I am queen you all have to learn to draw it. And then doodle it lovingly. Yes, I AM wise and fair. |
2. Thrift it up, yo! We are a tried and true hand-me-down family. Though thrifting, consignment, garage sales, and cast-offs, we strive to reduce our consumption of brand-new items. This shrinks our carbon footprint and our participation in rampant commercialism, consumerism, and questionable manufacturing and labor practices.
3. Teach and model pro-social behaviors. Good manners, good social skills, and empathy are the other social lubricant.They help us all live together more peacefully. I will do my best to make sure my kids don't give yours a black eye, cover their coughs, and show compassion and respect to those around them.
That was AWESOME! My crown jewels are practically glowing. Your turn!
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Ohhhh, I like this :) Although I will admit some of mine are the same as yours. Off the top of my head, here are my ideas (in no particular order):
ReplyDelete1) Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer. I truly hope my daughter learns the importance of helping others. We have many blessings, and I want her to understand there are those less fortunate.
2) Donate your 'garage sale items' to your local Thrift Store, Salvation Army, or Goodwill. As a former board member for our local Thrift Store, I am amazed at the impact of those donated items. Our little store is run through our church, and has a mission of redistributing our assets and blessings.
I didn't really understand the full concept of this until I witnessed it. Our store is open just 16 hours a week, yet donates a minimum of $40,000 a year back to the community (the total income of the store is about $60,000/year). The largest part of that money goes to the local food pantry (approximately $2,000/month).
I figure the few hundred dollars I could make at a garage sale will help me far less than it will help those impacted by my donations to the Thrift Store.
3) Manners! Respect! I have said it before and I will say it again: social courtesy and manners will take you far in life--use them!
4) Tell the truth! This if of the utmost importance in our house. No matter what, tell the truth.
5) Trust your instincts. No matter what....your tummy won't let you down.
PS...I didn't know you were a shoe-free house. I'm sorry I didn't take mine off last time we were there. I'm used to be pretty good about that, but have become quite lax.
I loooove your list. All of it but especially love your volunteering part. I never did before I had the girls. My excuse was that I was in an emotionally exhausting and underpaid helping field so that was good enough. I was very wrong. The benefits of volunteering have amazed me and I also hope to pass it on. I had to almost get hit by car to start, but so much easier if you just learn it from your parents!
ReplyDeleteI don't always tell people to take their shoes off, it depends on where I am in my mopping/dog hair cycle so don't feel bad. I would feel ashamed if I asked my guests to remove their shoes and they came out coated in debris and detritus. BUT, since my last posts my floors are (pretty) clean.
Thanks!
Seriously, it happened again: Long post, navigated away to check spelling/meaning (pride!), lost all I'd typed. Okay, quick recap:
ReplyDelete1. Ditto on both previous lists!
2. Seek a greater Truth. Stay rooted in Truth. When feelings and emotions speak louder than Truth, put fingers in ears and say "La, la, la... I'm not listening."
3. Renew mind each day. Pause and refocus throughout day, should things start to head down tubes.
4. Thank God constantly. When focused on blessings, it's hard to wallow in self-junk. A thankful heart is a joyous heart. Even be thankful for difficulties and the fruit they will produce.
5. Do not let pride get a foothold. Counterintuitively, self-focus is not the path to joyful existence.
6. Have eyes and ears opened for ways to bless others... even a sincere smile to a stranger or a quick email to a friend can change someone's day.
7. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
Thank you so much, Lesa, for your wonderful posts! Your writing continues to make me smile and think (two faves!). I haven't had much time to comment (am still finding summer groove), but have been reading like a little barnacle.
Love, anj "aka Shoeless Joette"
ummm, have you been doing that thing where you look directly inside in my head and then write exactly what I (regretfully) NEED to hear? I'm not sure if I want to tell you stop doing that or keep doing that, but I need to reflect on your list. Per usual it is the perfect thing at the perfect time.
ReplyDeletegratefully (and shoe-lessly),
Lesa
I thought of another one....and this is paramount for those AROUND us, not really so much an issue in my home.
ReplyDeleteTeach your children law enforcement officers are your friends--don't threaten them that they will 'come and get you' if you don't clean your room, listen to your mom, or stop picking your nose! Kids need to know who they can go to in times of emergency, and they should not be afraid of police officers.
PS I've gotten in the habit of copying my post before hitting the post comment button because it ALWAYS loses my post and I get really frustrated. As you might be able to tell, I really like to share my thoughts ;)
I am going to have my tech guy (my husband) take a look at that. I SO love the comments, I can't have it be difficult for people. Thanks for letting me know.
ReplyDeleteOnce in McDonald's my dad told me that a police officer waiting in line would come get if I was bad. The police officer told my dad he should never say that and that they needed kids to not be afraid. My dad still talks about that and how glad he is that we had that interaction. So whether the infraction is nose picking or not listening, we should all heed the wise words. Thanks!
Yeah, we actually have had parents of our daughter's peers say, "you better behave, or 'insert daughter's name here's dad will come and get you. What the hell????
ReplyDeleteOh, we need to live closer so I can trade medical crises for computer crises. I have a nasty little virus on my pc that is kicking my butt. I have 99% cleaned up, but that 1% is annoying me :)
The thought of your daughter's dad coming to get me is actually not the least bit frightening. Next time I pick my nose I will have to conjure up a more menacing mental image.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your virus!
Funny you would say that...I just had a friend tell me the other day that her (teenage) children aren't the least bit afraid of my husband. She is amazed at what an open dialogue they have with him. Which, of course, we think is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite story about him is this one: before we had a child, we lived in a neighborhood with lots of children. They were all around the 4th-5th grade age. They would often knock on teh door and say, "can John (his name isn't really John, but easier to follow than my kid's dad) come out and play?" It always cracked me up. The day I will never forget, though, was the day I heard a knock on the door (and secretly hoped the kids wanted ME to come out and play), and found about 6 little kids with a GREAT BIG dog. They explained this dog was running around the neighborhood, was very friendly, but had an out-of-town tag on his collar. They brought him straight to our house because 'John' would know what to do. That's exactly the kind of relationship children should have with law enforcement!
Currently, he is establishing a rapport with even the very young--recently, he passed out popsicles at a children's softball game and told each of children to remember him when they were 16. I guess a sense of humor goes a long way when you are a cop :)
Wow, I actually started to comment on this when it first came out, but then i got distracted from my computer by my children.
ReplyDelete1. Be kind always.
2. Keep your word.
3. Don't judge!
I would also like to suggest adding a rule that "S" posted regarding cleaning in the last post. This person has changed my life! I have made my mantra "DO IT NOW!"
T
OH and my other rule is to READ THIS BLOG! It makes me a better and more thoughtful person. I'm not just saying this to earn brownie points for the next giveaway! HEEHEE!
ReplyDeleteOMG.
ReplyDelete1. Thank you! You reading this makes me a better person
2. I LOVE "Do it now". It is MY mantra. Would it be too much to get a tattoo?
No, Sister1, it wouldn't! As long as you put it on the side of a toaster. With salt & butter & a piece of toast. Sorry for the inside joke, I couldn't resist.
ReplyDeleteWow. Coming in late on this one, but better late than never. LOVE the lists above. I would add to them:
ReplyDelete1. Walk barefoot in the grass, feel the sunshine on your shoulders and smile.
2. Always make time for fingerpainting, bubbles, bike rides, and the like. These are the truly important things.
3. BE KIND.
4. There should be time set aside in the day for breathing, or yoga, or nothing.
5. There are MANY things more important than who is right and who is wrong.
6. Hug a dog. (or a cat, or whatever floats your boat...want to have real fun? Hug a cranky person!)
7. Never assume, always ask questions, and NEVER take people for granted.
I could do this all day! What fun!
Kay, your list is just like you...pretty and with a great vibe. I just love it. I love that it wasn't overly utilitarian, but still very functional. Thanks! :)
ReplyDelete