March 26, 2015

Thursday Thoughts

Today I am thinking about...


How very much our children learn from us. Not necessarily about the things we consciously teach them... but rather about the things they learn from us by simply watching. Children learn how to live through direct observation of their parents and caregivers on a daily basis. They learn how to be...how to love...how to work...how to play...how to laugh...how to interact. They learn how to become wives and husbands and fathers and mothers...through our own actions. What a tremendous responsibility! But what an honor as well. What made my mind go to this profound place today? Well, I was reminded how much our little ones learn by our example just yesterday when Flynn asked me to help her with this...


The past few days, Flynn has been playing with her baby doll. She has been playing Mommy. Yesterday she brought me a piece of paper and a pen, and asked me to write the words she said. Then she proceeded to dictate her To Do list for today. You see, she was going to be the Mommy today. And she wanted to compile a list of things to accomplish. As she spoke and as I wrote, I realized that these are the things she sees me doing on a daily basis. Today, when she woke, she asked me what time it was. Nine o'clock was her baby's bath time. And at nine sharp we gave her baby a (pretend) bath. I watched in amazement as she recreated every step I complete as I bathe and help her dress. Then we got breakfast. And she made me coffee in her kitchen center. And we checked off her list. At first glance, it seems like a simple game of playing house. But beyond that, I believe it is actually an opportunity for a little girl to learn how to love and care for others and acquire the skills and foster the emotions necessary for her later in life. I am grateful for days like these. I am thankful I can play dolls again with my daughter. But I am also thankful to Flynn for the reminder...My children learn from me. Even when I don't know I'm teaching. : )


This is Baby. And she is well cared for. : )


Here are some photos of the past week in our cozy home...


Flynn was invited by her Bestie...and cousin...Cambree to see Cinderella! They had the best time, and I am so thankful to my niece Audra for taking Flynn. : )


We also went to the dentist. Yes...we do that as a family too. Here we are before...as I am reassuring her it isn't really that bad. And in fact it wasn't! Eighteen years...four children...no cavities! What's the secret you may wonder...I have NO idea!!! Other than we don't drink soda or juice. : )


I gave the mudroom a good scrubbing...but I didn't pack away these yet. I am well aware of March weather in Pennsylvania!


It may finally be sunny...And we may finally be able to see the driveway...but it is still freezing outside!


This has nothing to do with anything...except I really love pancakes on Sunday mornings.


We had a busy week...We also went to a Lenten Penance Service. This little lady was so well behaved as she waited for all of us...she had ice cream for dinner! My treat? A clean soul, of course? OK...and a Cappuccino Crunch cone too. : )




Have a wonderful weekend, my friends!
The days are getting longer...Enjoy!







17 comments:

  1. Such sweet pictures and memories. Flynn reminds me a lot of myself when I was little, I was the youngest too. My brothers were quite a bit older than me... 10 and 13 years older and sometimes when they had a date they (the girlfriends I'm sure) would ask me to come along. I loved that so much. I hope Flynn enjoys being the 'baby' of the family!

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  2. What a sweet young Lady - growing up fast. Such a wonderful "little mama" already. ;)

    What a great job on the no cavities!! So far so good with my kiddos too.

    I so want pancakes after seeing that photo! I think I know what I'm going to make this weekend. Lol

    Ice cream treat looked so yummy too. What a beautiful family!! xoxo

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  3. You have a beautiful family, loving the look of the pancakes with the berries, definitely my kind of breakfast.

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  4. That is so sweet and great to have another list-maker in the house! And now I think I need some ice cream! Love reading your Thursday Thoughts!

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  5. You guys have a fabulous record at the dentist!!! That's awesome!

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  6. Hi Billie Jo - I love this post. It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes "everything you do matters - everything teaches something." I love to take a peek inside your home and your days. Have a good weekend.

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  7. We enjoyed seeing Cinderella also! So true how much our children learn from watching us. I've always felt blessed to be at home raising my girls. The pictures are great and yes I'm keeping our boots nearby as well...apparently it has been known to snow in Ohio in April.. oh joy, lol :-) Have a fabulous weekend!
    Blessings,
    Jill

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  8. So glad she was able to see the movie! Exciting! We have yet to do that. You MUST get her the Little Golden Book, Little Mommy. Miss C LOVES it because it describes exactly what you wrote up above. (and the illustrations are priceless :)

    Okay. So I'm desperately behind in blogs. I'm not sure I'll make it past this one on yours. I just cleared the list the other day and now there's 75 I'm behind (overall). Ack.

    Have a wonderful Friday tomorrow!

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  9. Beautiful. Thank you for sharing...I think that cone is just as big as Flynn, smiling. Blessings

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  10. I love watching kids play house!! I need to play with them, how fun!! Thanks for the idea.

    You are right, kids learn what they see. Well, most of them anyway! ;)

    We have no cavities yet either, but I'm afraid to go this next time...I have a couple that have been skipping brushing! We don't do soda pop or sugary treats that often...only sugar free gum and Crystal light...we do juice in the morning for breakfast, but only one glass is allowed. (I'm so mean)

    Love the ice cream treat, my mouth is watering. We all did Confession last Saturday too...feels so good.

    Blessings on your holy week!

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  11. You are such a good example to your family in all you say and do. They will learn and become good examples to their loved ones some day. The pictures are precious.

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  12. I love you friend. Just love you

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  13. How absolutely precious is this?! Your Flynn sounds like such an adorable little girl. And she is so blest to have you as a mother.

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  14. That is simply precious! What a joy to see your little one following in your footsteps :) You are a delight, Billie Jo! Hugs!

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  15. Aww such a sweet post. Flynn is looking so much older.

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  16. I bit send too soon. I was going to say I love the picture of the uggs boots all lined up.
    Hope you are having a good week my friend!

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  17. 16 degrees this morning in Minnesota! Keeping winter coats around until May. We even freeze on Memorial Weekend. It really doesnt get warm until June. SO lots of boots and coats still hanging around here also.

    Kids do what their parents do. Your children are blessed to have a loving parent like yourself.

    Yum Yum to the food photos!

    Happy Weekend bloggy friend!

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Thanks so much for saying hello!

Billie Jo