Wyandot Run News

I love May and Mother’s Day!  I love remembering my mom – who passed away some 14 years ago!  I’ll tell you – in my opinion – she was a GREAT woman!

I’ve been thinking back lately on my childhood and remembering all the little random things that my mom taught me.  When we were growing up, mom always had “pearls of wisdom” to share with us.  She hoped her knowledge would help us through life and she provided some rather good advice; some of which was really nothing more – now that I think about it – than common sense, and of course there were those that made no sense at all – but still make me smile!  We all knew better than to run with scissors, but mom never hesitated to remind us.  They were simple things really.

How I do miss her!  My mother’s words – her “words of wisdom” – those witty little quotes that sunk deep into our minds and bubble to the surface at decision-making times, are true gems that I find myself sometimes repeating.  I think maybe these “pearls” are a way that my mother – and perhaps all mothers – are forever at our sides!

These “words of wisdom” still make me shake my head and smile!

• What if everyone jumped off a bridge?  Would you do it, too?
• If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all!
• If something is worth doing… it’s worth doing right!
• Be careful or you’ll put your eye out with that!
• Don’t put that in your mouth; you don’t know where it’s been!
• Because I said so… that’s why!
• Say that again and I’ll wash your mouth out with soap!
• Put your jacket on or you’ll “catch your death!”
• Don’t go outside with wet hair or you’ll catch a cold!
• Eat everything on your plate!  Don’t you know that there are starving children all over the world who would be glad to trade places with you!
• Close that door!  Are we heating (or air-conditioning) the outside?
• I have told you so many times not to do that… when the lawn mower cuts off your toes – don’t come running to me!
• If you’re bored, I can always find something for you to do.
• No – we can’t afford that… Do you think money grows on trees?
• Don’t make that face or it’ll freeze in that position!
• One day you’ll have kids—and I hope they turn out just like you!  (Looking at that now… was that good? Or bad? Hum?)

 My mom also said “I love you” each and every day…  not only in words but also in how she took care of us! 

 Just a thought – outside of the obvious love and affection that you shower on your children –  what “pearls” have you shared with them?  Oh please - do keep sharing!  Know that years after you have gone… when your children are adults – your “gems” will make them smile when they hear themselves repeating them to THEIR children!

Thank you Mom for still making me smile!

When I was a college student at Ohio State University, I can remember looking for a summer job.  I then had the opportunity to attend a meeting on campus with a representative from the Southwestern Book Company.  Eventually, the representative came to my house, spoke with my mother, and after a discussion, she allowed me to go to Ponca City, Oklahoma (with other students from Ohio State and Michigan State) to sell books door to door for the summer!

It was truly a “life altering” experience for me (although at the time I didn’t realize it)!  The gift it gave me was the gift of positive thinking… as well as the gift of enthusiasm!  I learned that staying enthusiastic took work – but was well worth the effort.  It helped me to learn how to control my thoughts… It helped me to recognize that I could only control the things that were within my power.  Many might say it was “brainwashing” and I guess I am OK with that concept because – ya know – it was a GREAT way of thinking!  Here were some of the things they had us do…

*When you hear that alarm go off – JUMP OUT OF BED!  Go to the mirror and say out loud 10 times… “This is the best day I’ve ever had.  I can – I will – I am going to help 30 people a day live a richer, fuller, more meaningful life.  I can – I will – I am going to become – day by day – the greatest salesperson the Southwestern Company has ever had! 

*We were to read inspirational materials – from authors such as Og Mandino (who is probably still one of my favorite), Norman Vincent Peale, Vince Lombardi, etc. – before you leave for breakfast to knock on that first door!

*On the way to the territory – SING (Note:  Since I had a car… I was assigned to the farmlands of Oklahoma!  I had plenty of singing going on)!  Believe it or not… you can still – today – hear me singing on my way to work…  ”Zippity Do Dah!”

*TALK OUT LOUD.  In between houses – repeat positive phrases.  You see – the thought was – YOU CAN”T TALK POSITIVE AND THINK NEGATIVE AT THE SAME TIME!  We were to say, “This is the best day I have ever had” or I’m not important – but what I accomplish and how I develop myself as an individual IS extremely important.  And the people I have the opportunity to serve are of the utmost importance.”

What made me think of my life some thirty five years ago…  During this past spring break, I found a poster that I had up in the trailer home I stayed in during that summer with the other two girls I lived with… on it it said:  “THINK POSITIVE!  Say to yourself every morning:  Today is going to be a great day!  Things don’t get better by worrying about them!  I can be satisfied if I try to do my best.  There is always something to be happy about!  I’m going to make someone happy today! Life is great – make the most of it!  Be an optimist!”Why am I sharing this?  Think what we will be teaching our children if we live our lives in a positive manner.  Think how we can help our children by giving them a couple of positive statements that they can say over and over again in both good times and bad!  Those statements… thoughts… can help them be “lifted” in times of trouble because – truly – you can’t talk positive and think negatively at the same time!  What a concept to teach our children when they are young! 

Ya know… what a summer it was!  I truly had tons of fun!  Sold a lot of books… but I learned so much more than the “book selling” (and mom probably knew I would!).  I learned how to drive a tractor (remember – I was in the farmlands of Oklahoma)!  How to do some harvesting… painting a barn… how to talk to with different folks, and most importantly – I learned about who I was as a person and who I could be! 

Thanks Mom!

WOW!   The end of the third quarter is coming… Spring Break right around the corner… how fast it goes!

Most recently with all the warm weather, I took a moment outside as the sun was setting to start a fire in the fire pit – on top of the little hill I have – by my pond. You see – I had been so very busy – “rushing around living” – getting things done – that I was stunned in that moment by the quietness and the beauty before me. I was so very blessed because I was given this moment (of which I took) to sit and appreciate all the “gifts” before me. When was the last time you took some time for yourself?

You know, it is important to stop and appreciate and be thankful for all the gifts you have been given. It is also very important to teach our kids to do the same.

Later on, I came across a book, “50 Things That Really Matter” and started to read it. It started out by saying, “Big homes. Luxury cars. Digital TV’s… These days, we’re surrounded by such symbols of wealth… What matters most are the simple pleasures so abundant that we all can enjoy them; the plain values that define us as “good people;” the emotional connections with friends and family that fills our souls with a sense of purpose.”

It went on to rejoice and speak about some things that truly matter; friends, the smell of a new baby, companionship, old dogs, home, and butterflies, to mention a few. The book got me thinking a bit. What would my list look like? What really matters in my life? What things truly bring great joy to me? What would your list look like?

I want to offer something to you – both moms and dads. Begin a book of your own “50 Things That Really Matter” to YOU! List them. As you list each item, take some time to put your thoughts down regarding that item sharing why it is important to you. As you work on your list and your writings, do it knowing that this true gift of self will eventually be a gift you give to your children. Here’s another thought…

As you may have known, my father died when I was a young child, and my mother died a little over 14 years ago – I cannot even imagine what we – as “adult children” – would have done if we had found such a book from our mom and dad. It would have been the ultimate gift to the family… the true gift of a parent to their child!

So… as Spring Break is upon us – take some time and – BEGIN YOUR BOOK! 

February is the month of “love!”

You see cards and advertisements everywhere asking you to remember your loved ones and the special times together! Love and support truly seems to be the “theme” of the month!

Love and support – it sounds easy. We know we do it. Everyone does it – right? But giving your child consistent love and support can be tricky. How often does your child feel supported when you come home from an exhausting day and he or she wants to talk – but you want – and truly need – a break? What about when you’re struggling with a difficult personal issue and your child wants all of your attention?

Young people know our body language. They listen to what we say, and don’t say. They notice when our words and our actions don’t match.

Supporting and loving our children refers to the many ways we affirm, love and accept them – both verbally and non-verbally. When we hug them or say “I love you,” the expression is obvious. Paying attention to them, listening to them, and taking an interest in what they’re doing are less obvious ways of giving support – but they’re just as important.

The next time you’re exhausted – say so. If you’re upset or angry – let them know. If you don’t tell your child what you’re feeling, he or she will read one message from your body and hear the opposite. And children usually interpret inconsistent messages as meaning they have done something wrong. Just let them know that now is not a good time – but in 25 minutes (or whatever time period is needed), you will “be there” for them. By doing this, too, you are modeling for them a GREAT way of knowing how to handle their feelings and emotions when they are extremely tired or upset!

Some other ways of supporting your child:

• Have a weekly family fun night. Together decide what to do.
• This next suggestion is one of my favorites! Spend one hour a week with each child alone. Take a walk, go out for dinner, or just “hang out.” I can still – some 40 years later – remember “Tina (my nickname as a child) Time” with my mom where I had her undivided attention with none of my four siblings around! It was a very special time!
• Surprise your child by hiding a treat for him or her in their lunch bag with a note. Even the older kids like this!
• Find out one area where your child is struggling. Listen to your child’s concerns and help them think of ways to address the issue.

Love and support sounds easy – but honestly – I don’t think it always is that easy! As you know – it is time consuming and often “energy sapping” but in the long run – also as you know – it’s well worth it!

May you continue to be blessed in your endeavors to parent your children! You are doing a GREAT job!

Welcome to the New Year!  Welcome to 2012!

So many of us (and it’s a good thing!) stop at this time of the year and reflect on the past year – our successes, our setbacks, our hopes, and our dreams – as we look forward to a new year.  In reality, we can do the reflection at any time, and in fact, should do it more often!

I would like to share with you an “oldie but goodie” article from an Ohio author, Erma Bombeck.  I must have cut it out of the paper sometime ago, folded it up, and put it in one of my books.  I found this “gift” again this past week as I was going through some of my books.  Gosh, I can remember sitting down laughing and listening to her on “Good Morning America!”  I can also remember how sad it was when she passed away in the ‘90’s.  I’ll tell you though, in her short stay on earth (some 69 years), she made many of us laugh!

If you get a chance, buy one of her books (i.e. The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank, or If Life is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing In the Pits?).  She gives a different perspective on everyday life – and makes you laugh too!  This article is one of her more reflective articles.  It gives us something to think about as we start a new year!  Enjoy and ponder the “wisdom!”

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER

• I would have talked less and listen more.
• I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.
• I would have eaten the popcorn in the “good” living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
• I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
• I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
• I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
• I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.
• I would have cried and laughed less while watching television – and more while watching life.
• I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
• I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.
• I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
• Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
• When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later.  Now go get washed up for dinner.”
• There would have been more “I love you’s”… and more “I’m sorry’s”…
• But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute… look at it and really see it… live it… and never give it back!

 Truly… something to reflect on!  Have a GREAT start to the New Year!