Hoffman's Hideaway: The Last and the First

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

The Last and the First

We just had to squeeeeze in the last few activities before summer vacation was "officially' over. I had hoped to go to the park, zoo or something fun outside, but it was heat index of over 100. That meant indoor activities. Cole's choice was to play Monopoly, Shelby wanted to cook and play Rock Band. I wanted to see Toy Story 3, so we caught the movie at 6:30 and ended summer vacation on a high note watching Andy in Toy Story drive away to college. Pretty fitting. Staying home this summer has been one of the best times of my life. Other than when Shelby was non-verbal, I have never had the opportunity to stay home with my kids and just enjoy them on a daily basis. I am so lucky that I have had this opportunity. Thank you to my wonderful husband for letting me do this. By far, I am probably the worst stay at home mom ever, my house is messier than when I worked, there are projects half finished everywhere, my kids eat candy, chocolate and all kinds of things that I would never think a day care or babysitter would feed them, but wow we have had fun. I have so enjoyed lying around in our pajamas in the morning while daddy goes off to work. I have enjoyed taking the time to listen to my kids talk to each other, ok ok, they argue more than they talk, but sometimes, if you listen closely, you hear the rumblings of what I hope will be brother sister talks for long to come. It's been a good summer. I look forward to what the school year will bring.

That backpack did not go to school that heavy!

Cole, please listen to her, she ran all the way out to meet you at the bus!!!

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A Prayer for Children

A Prayer For Children

We pray for the children who sneak popsicles before supper,who erase holes in math workbooks,who can never find their shoes.
And we pray for those who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire,who can't bound down the street in a new pair of sneakers,who never "counted potatoes,"who are born in places where we wouldn't be caught dead,who never go to the circus,who live in an X-rated world.
We pray for the children who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions,who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money.
And we pray for those who never get dessert,who have no safe blanket to drag behind them,who watch their parents watch them die,who can't find bread to steal,who don't have rooms to clean up,whose pictures aren't on anybody's dresser,whose monsters are real.
We Pray for the Children who spend their allowance before Tuesday,who throw tantrums in the grocery storeand pick at their food,who like ghost stories,who shove dirty clothes under the bed,who never rinse out the tub,who get visits from the tooth fairy,who don't like to be kissed in front of the carpool,who squirm in church and scream in the phone,whose tears we sometimes laugh at and whose smiles can make us cry.
And we pray for those whose nightmares come in the daytime,who will eat anything who have never seen dentist,who aren't spoiled by anybody,who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep,who live and move, but have no being
We pray for the children who want to be carried and for those who must,who we never give up on and for those who don't get a second chance.We pray for those we smother and for those who will grab the hand of anybody kind enough to offer it.

Our Pledge to our Children

The Parent's Pledge
I will set a good example for my child. I will show my children I love them every day through words and physical affection. I will listen to my children and let them know I value what they say. I will praise my child's accomplishments and efforts towards those accomplishments.I will have realistic expectations for my children. I will allow them to make their own mistakes and learn from those experiences. I will avoid being too critical or focusing on my child's shortcomings. I will encourage my child to meet new challenges and have new experiences. I will respect my children as individuals even if I don't always agree with them. I will enjoy my children and make time to share interests and appreciate one another. I will love my children unconditionally. I will let them know they are lovable, worthwhile and valuable human beings.