an observation

Today, my kids and I were out at one of those places that serve terrible food, but have fun playhouses. :-p I was watching Madi play in the area designated for toddlers, when I noticed she was keeping a keen eye on her brother, who was playing up above in the bigger kid area. She decided that was where she wanted to be, so with sheer determination (and a mommy very close by), she scaled the big kid steps and made it all the way to the top. Not really a big deal for a third child, I have learned, but what I found fascinating was her determination... And I watched her get scared, turn to call out for me, then change her mind, and PUSH THROUGH her fear, and make it up one more step, til she got to the top. She was so proud of herself, and the big kids were sure surprised to see her. She played up there for a long time, avoiding big kids and, every once in a while, stopping to see just how high up she was. When she had enough, she carefully and slowly made her way back down, gave me a big smile, and returned to her toddler area where she played contentedly until it was time to go. It was as if she just had to prove to herself she could do it.

I hope I can find some way to always foster this rare and extraordinary trait... I can only imagine what she will do with it!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Another month down...

Image
...and not full of too many surprises. We had some wonderful family times, Alex got up early last Saturday and she helped her brother make french toast for the family. :) I was able to get up and snap a few photos of the budding chefs before they were done. :) It was delicious! :) Great kids, I tell ya. :) Liam was a proud boy and loved donning his new chefs hat and apron he got for Christmas. :) Alex made Honor Roll this semester. That makes 3 in a row, and shes half way to the presidential award. :) She is doing a lot better in school these days, Although she does seem to be getting into trouble with the same kids... arg. We are making steady progress toward purchasing our home. We are at that point where we are getting calls every day or so about needing this and that from underwriters. I swear, we are starting to feel like criminals!! But, alas, it should all be over in a few short weeks. We are very excited and cant wait to have the keys and get working on making our house a home!
Read more

Frumpy to Fabulous continues...

Image
... slowly but surely. :) We are really starting to get settled in here, nearly a month after we moved in. :) Here are some photos of our front living room, after its much needed makeover. The colour chosen was Guacamole, and I LOVE the way it turned out. :)
Read more

How I enjoy teaching my kids the hard lessons: personal responsibility.

Image
It all started one frustrating day in mid December... December 15 to be exact. My sister in law had come to visit. When it was time to leave, she encouraged her son to help clean, while my kids watched. Nothing I was saying was improving their work ethic, so I told my sister in law her son had done enough and sent them on their way. After they left, a two hour battle ensued with my son about cleaning his room. "But I didn't make the mess, I need help to clean it up!" "Son, you had help, you didn't use it." "But, but, but..." So I did something CRAZY. Something desperate. Something I've only ever threatened him I'd do. I sent him down to eat dinner. I told him *I* was going to clean his room for him. He was happy, skipped down the stairs, probably thinking he just won the battle of the year. What he didn't know, was in the 20 minutes he was eating downstairs, I emptied EVERYTHING in his room. In hindsight, I should have taken a "
Read more