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Family Matters:  I had to laugh!  |
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momto6
True Blue Farmgirl
134 Posts
Valerie
Goltry
OK
USA
134 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 19 2006 : 07:08:33 AM
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Libby,
I was reading your post about the book I was talking about in the Reading Room. I totally agree with the moderation theme of house-keeping, but my kiddos think I am a clean freak.
What made me laugh, was that my son was never organized or neat when he lived at home, and made the usual comments about me being too clean...he is married now, and sadly, his dear wife wasn't taught anything at all about homekeeping, so they do struggle. She and I have a great relationship, but she is always honest, which I do appreciate. One day when she was here and I said something about the house not being picked up yet, she just gave me this look and her reply was something to this effect: Don't you know you are the perfect housekeeper and mother? Your son is always telling me that mom (me) managed to keep a house clean and cook and take her kids everywhere (6ofthem) with her...and I have to laugh my head off, because he never once has said anything to me about appreciating this! So, everytime I hear her say this, I laugh at her, she laughs, and I remind her that he doesn't remember the days when the kids were all little and my house was indeed messy, and probably not to clean!
I guess maybe I do clean alot, but I figure a one hour a day investment of time keeps things simpler all the rest of the day! With six kids, it was either get organized or lose them in the mess!!!
I hope all is going well for everyone this pre-Christmas week. All of us get so busy here...I have to stop and remember that this isn't about gifts, and commercialism, but about the birth of our Saviour, and about time...time for others.
Yesterday, I had to finish up in Wal-Mart, and it was horrible. I moved over to wait on a gentleman and his son at one point, and he asked if he was in my way. I replied that I was in no hurry, and he actually smiled and said that I was probably the only one who wasn't. Every time I met him again on another aisle, he had a smile. This year, one of my goals for the Christmas season was to smile at each person, or make eye contact, or be patient. And, you know I think when we do this, it does make a small difference in someone's day...they just expect everyone to be grumpy and rude this time of year.
Val |
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Bluewrenn
True Blue Farmgirl
1122 Posts
Erin
Texas
USA
1122 Posts |
Posted - Dec 19 2006 : 10:16:05 AM
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People do respond to small kindnesses and smiles, and I have found that you get much better treatment in the store when you are pleasant. One trick I have found is to say something nice to the cashier if she is being particularly unpleasant or bored and distant - like "You know, you have a really pretty smile."
My Homesteading Journal http://toomyvara.livejournal.com
My craft journal http://bluewrenn.livejournal.com
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celebrate2727
True Blue Farmgirl
989 Posts
Beth
MJF
Farmgirl
989 Posts |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Dec 19 2006 : 11:15:27 PM
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Oh, Val - that is so funny. I remember my mother's house as being spotless, too - and sometimes I have such a time living up to that! It's wonderful that you have a daughter-in-law who is so candid and such a fun person - I'll bet she'll pick up on your good housekeeping habits almost by osmosis as the years go by. I know that what I learned from my mother, I learned by watching and doing, not necessarily be being "told" how to do it. Lucky her!!!
I LOVE the holiday goal of genuinely smiling at everyone and being patient - count me in!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
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Beemoosie
True Blue Farmgirl
2077 Posts
Bonnie
New York
USA
2077 Posts |
Posted - Dec 21 2006 : 05:42:31 AM
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I am 34 now and my mom has to chuckle at me every once in a while. I guess it's her gratification to see that I paid more attention that she thought when I was a kid!
O, Come let us adore HIM! www.beequilting.blogspot.com |
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momto6
True Blue Farmgirl
134 Posts
Valerie
Goltry
OK
USA
134 Posts |
Posted - Dec 21 2006 : 06:38:19 AM
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O.K., ladies.
I have to confess. Yesterday I went to Wal-Mart (last stop after running all morning with a 13 year old son and 8 year old son, both hungry ). There were like 5 lines open, with over three people in each line and of course, all full baskets. So I went to the 20 items or less line (I only had 12 or so things), and this elderly, kind gentleman was working. I waited patiently, for about 10 minutes, while he continually tried to get a price to come up for one shirt, for one lady (sigh). I admit it. I got irritated. I left the line. I went to another line and checked out. I probably didn't smile very much either. My boys were bickering in line and I did, right there, tell them what I thought...quietly  , of course.
I love that people who are older are employed and are given a chance to work. That isn't my problem at all...my problem was that he didn't call for help after the 15th time of not getting a price....anyway, I guess confession is good for the soul.
When I was growing up, I hated how clean my mom was...I still will never live up to that standard, but I don't want to. But we each have to do what we are comfortable with, so I don't fault my mom!
I got most of my Christmas stuff done and delivered. All the home-baked stuff was such a hit!
Love to everyone!
Val |
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Family Matters: I had to laugh! |
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I had to laugh!
