On our way to Memphis this morning from the back seat, "Mommy, why was Daddy impressed with me?" As I turned down the music to listen more intently to your question, I listened again for that word that wasn't quite clear---impressed!?! When I gathered enough from your question and I honed in what we've been involved in together as a family, I repeated your question to you---and you asked it again pronouncing the word impressed correctly. Thus, I explained to you that Daddy was really proud and surprised at how well you have learned to swim under water. When you showed him your new skill this past week at the pool as he arrived unexpectedly, he commented that he was impressed! Those words of encouragement beamed with love from Daddy and you engraved them right where they belong---on your heart and in your word of words! What a growing vocabulary! I love it!
It was only Friday afternoon when the two of us sat down at the kitchen table to eat an early dinner before dinner after your tumble and cheer class---we were starving. As we ate you said, "Mommy, someone told me I cheated today!" You looked puzzled about why someone would have said this to you. From the bleachers at the gym, I can only see your actions but I can't hear all directions and words exchanged-----except those of you saying, "Mommy, I love you!" And again, if you don't get an audible response from me again---"Mommy, I love you!"---as you blow me kisses from across the gym! However, I did notice that you'd tumble and then run to the next area assigned to you for balancing or tumbling but you'd "cut" in front of someone that was there before you rather than going to the end of the line and patiently waiting. I explained this to you and suggested that maybe the little girl said you cheated because you walked in front of her when it was her turn. You thought about this scenario for a minute and said, "But it was a long line, Mommy!" And I explained that you still had to wait and take turns........Then, your gym classmates wouldn't be able to say you cheated. I love, love, love having these conversations with you little one as you are continuing to learn about the world around you. Now if a coach was there on site at each station reinforcing where each of you were supposed to be, I know you would not have cut in front of you peers but it is hard when no one is correcting to do the right thing. That's why Mommy always reinforces behavior at home so that you choose to do the right thing even when an adult is not present or there to monitor your every move!
After arriving home from Memphis today, you helped Mommy unpack the truck and soon found more toys than you needed in the kitchen floor. You laid out your blanket and began playing with a doll Mary had given you today. As you were playing our vocabulary-conversation questions continued...."Mommy, what's a student?" Thus, I explained that when a teacher is present in a classroom, she/he is in charge of teaching and the students are the learners in their class. You soaked that up like a sponge and continued playing as I smiled and continued my chore of peeling and bagging peaches to freeze for smoothies.
Speaking of fresh fruit......The two of us stopped in at Whole Foods in Memphis for a few decadent organic plums, strawberries and more. When you woke up from your nap in the truck, I asked you if you wanted to try a plum. You did! You had two. Their juice dripped down your legs and arms------and of course, I quit buying wipes and have needed them every day ever since I stopped! But we were near Dairy Queen in Ripley. Thus, I stopped to wash you off assured that as we walked back into the restaurant, you'd ask for ice-cream! You didn't--------I was impressed (if I can borrow one of your new vocabulary words). You asked to see the cow in their grass. We inspected it and discussed where milk comes from before loading up to continue on our journey home.
When it was dinnertime, you were eager to help set the dining room table (which has a story of it's own from last Sunday when the dining room experiences started). Daddy finished cooking dinner as I fried fresh eggplant to enjoy for dinner and lunch tomorrow. When the three of us sat down at the dining room table you requested to say a special blessing......
"Dear Heavenly Father...thank you for letting us have a special dinner....."
Daddy's eyes met mine and he quickly pulled out your word---his word to you, "I'm impressed!"
You never cease to amaze us with your childlike faith.
Joel Osteen says, "Your children need your blessing. Make them a priority. It’s not an option. It’s a responsibility." I must say that I truly agree with his statements. Yet, I can even muster enough wisdom to know that God truly gave us a gift when He gave us you. He teaches me so much through you every day of my life.
I'm impressed. I'm not sure who the student is at times but I'm definitely soaking in gratitude as I make sure that I'm not cheated out of my all of these unexpected moments of joy with you!
It was only Friday afternoon when the two of us sat down at the kitchen table to eat an early dinner before dinner after your tumble and cheer class---we were starving. As we ate you said, "Mommy, someone told me I cheated today!" You looked puzzled about why someone would have said this to you. From the bleachers at the gym, I can only see your actions but I can't hear all directions and words exchanged-----except those of you saying, "Mommy, I love you!" And again, if you don't get an audible response from me again---"Mommy, I love you!"---as you blow me kisses from across the gym! However, I did notice that you'd tumble and then run to the next area assigned to you for balancing or tumbling but you'd "cut" in front of someone that was there before you rather than going to the end of the line and patiently waiting. I explained this to you and suggested that maybe the little girl said you cheated because you walked in front of her when it was her turn. You thought about this scenario for a minute and said, "But it was a long line, Mommy!" And I explained that you still had to wait and take turns........Then, your gym classmates wouldn't be able to say you cheated. I love, love, love having these conversations with you little one as you are continuing to learn about the world around you. Now if a coach was there on site at each station reinforcing where each of you were supposed to be, I know you would not have cut in front of you peers but it is hard when no one is correcting to do the right thing. That's why Mommy always reinforces behavior at home so that you choose to do the right thing even when an adult is not present or there to monitor your every move!
After arriving home from Memphis today, you helped Mommy unpack the truck and soon found more toys than you needed in the kitchen floor. You laid out your blanket and began playing with a doll Mary had given you today. As you were playing our vocabulary-conversation questions continued...."Mommy, what's a student?" Thus, I explained that when a teacher is present in a classroom, she/he is in charge of teaching and the students are the learners in their class. You soaked that up like a sponge and continued playing as I smiled and continued my chore of peeling and bagging peaches to freeze for smoothies.
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| Sophia playing with her new "used" toys from Mary's house today! |
When it was dinnertime, you were eager to help set the dining room table (which has a story of it's own from last Sunday when the dining room experiences started). Daddy finished cooking dinner as I fried fresh eggplant to enjoy for dinner and lunch tomorrow. When the three of us sat down at the dining room table you requested to say a special blessing......
"Dear Heavenly Father...thank you for letting us have a special dinner....."
Daddy's eyes met mine and he quickly pulled out your word---his word to you, "I'm impressed!"
You never cease to amaze us with your childlike faith.
Joel Osteen says, "Your children need your blessing. Make them a priority. It’s not an option. It’s a responsibility." I must say that I truly agree with his statements. Yet, I can even muster enough wisdom to know that God truly gave us a gift when He gave us you. He teaches me so much through you every day of my life.
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| Sophia: Mama's Little Preschool Student |
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