Patience
|
Ever since my girls were little, I've tried to teach them patience. I well remember getting them to count to ten when we had to wait for something. I would tell them, "Count real slow." If they counted "too fast" because I knew they would be finished before whatever we were waiting for was, I would say, "No, that's too fast. You have to start over."
It was a game, and it worked. It gave them something to think about other than what they so desperately wanted. By the time they got to ten, it was ready.
This Christmas I found out that those early lessons with my girls are paying off. My girls, now 9 and 5, were at Grandma's house Christmas morning. They awoke, as most children do on Christmas morning, very early.
When Grandma got up at 8:30 after a late night of playing games and visiting, she found the two of them in the living room looking at the wrapped presents and whispering. Not a box had been touched.
Grandpa got up at nine, and they ate some breakfast. Daddy got up about ten. By that time, the girls had sorted the boxes into Stefani's stack, Kayla's stack, Andrew's stack, etc. and still they were sitting patiently ? examining, shaking, holding, discussing, but never opening.
Daddy, being the teasing guy that he is, tried to talk them into opening "just one." But they flatly refused until Mommy and Andrew could be there.
At 10:45, their baby brother woke up, and after a short discussion they decided they'd better wake Mom up because there was no telling how long she might sleep if they didn't.
The first I knew of any of this was when the four of them appeared at my bedside saying, "Mom, wake up. We just can't wait anymore."
I don't know how long my mother will be alive, but I can guarantee she will forever marvel about those few hours on a bright Christmas morn when her two young granddaughters showed her the meaning of real patience.
Copyright 2005, Staci Stallings
|
|
|
Sonya Rykiel Perfume Shop online for Sonya Rykiel Perfume at low internet prices and fast delivery from perfume | healthboutiques.eu
Dental Insurance | Health Insurance | Home Owner Insurance | Life Insurance QuoteTis The Season
I was listening to one of my favorite radio talk programs today. The topic of the hour was "do you feel burdened by Christmas?" Much to my amazement the host, and the majority of his guests, spent the better part of an hour whining and moaning about the burdensome nature of the holiday season. "I hate being with my relatives." "Why do I have to spend all this money on presents for people I don't like?" "There's too much pressure!" "The traffic in the stores is ridiculous." It went on and on and on!It's a well known fact that people tend to be more depressed during the holiday season....(related: Holidays)
The Bloated Bar Mitzvah Celebration: 6 Ways To Take It Back
Bar Mitzvah celebrations have grown exponentially in size and scope in the past twenty years.That's great news for me; I derive much ...(related: Holidays)
The History And Origin Of Valentines Day
The oldest Valentine card still in existence was sent in 1415 by Charles Duke of Orleans, at the time a prisoner in the Tower of London, to his ...(related: Holidays)
Practical Ways To Keep Your Add Under Control During The Holiday Season
Do November's Thanksgiving experiences have you dreading the December holidays? The idea of gifts, family, and days off sounds great?but we all know that holidays are some of the most stressful times of the year. When an ADDer starts to become immersed in the shopping, cooking, traveling, and family interactions, their ADD can complicate matters. You...(related: Holidays)
Ten Ways To Make The Holidays Easier Next Year
What does your holiday season usually look like -- a lot of rushing around at the last minute? The holidays really don't have to require so much effort -- if you plan ahead and spread the work out thro...(related: Holidays)
Bust Holiday Stress!
The holidays will be here before you know it. Clear the way for greater joy, love and meaning this year by "busting" these sources of holiday stress:1. TOO MUCH TO DO IN TOO LITTLE TIMEThis week, set holiday priorities with your family. Discuss what traditions to keep, which to discard, and which new traditions to try.Make a holiday to-do list NOW and create a realistic schedule for when to accomplish each item.Avoid overscheduling.Ask family members for help with holiday tasks.2. LONG LINES IN STORESShop via catalog or Internet, and avoid stores on weekends.If you're shopping with small children, take along snacks, books, toys or other items to make waiting in line more pleasant. Or, if you're sufficiently uninhibited, sing a holiday song with your ch...(related: Holidays)
30th Birthday Gift Ideas
Choosing a birthday gift for a friend about to turn thirty years old can be a challenging task. You want to honor the special day with a unique gift, but not necessarily draw attention to their age. After all, thirty is the pivo...(related: Holidays)
Children?s Birthday Party Locations And Ideas
While most children's birthday parties are held at home, you may want to consider an offsite location.For starters, you won't have to be concerned about the current state of order and tidiness of your house. Plus using the cultural and recreational resources of the community will broaden your child's horizons and introduce him or her to some wonderful experiences.Ask your child what she would like. Usually the party theme will reflect her interests, hobbies or sports.Here are some ideas to jumpstart your creativity.
How To Have The ?perfect? Christmas
"This year will be different. I vow I won't get stressed out over presents, parties, cards, Christmas plays, putting up the tree and decorating, and all the many other tasks of the season. I will remember the true meaning of Christmas."Do you find that all the Christmas chores steal your joy?"For unto us a child is born" - Aahh the mi...(related: Holidays)
site-map - Copyright © 2006 | Contact Webmaster | All Rights Reserved. | Holidays