Photos of Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico

http://blog.ted.com/2010/06/aerial_photos_o.php

spittoon

Joanna just gave Thomas a spittoon. She handed him a cookie tin without the lid and said, "Here you go. You can spit-up in here." We were hanging out in the office with toys in the floor and me working on the computer the best I could. It's hard to do stuff these days on the PC with two kids needing my attention regularly.

Reminded of the time...

I was recently reminded of:

1. Barb coming over the evening I went in to labor. She just knew she needed to come even though I said I was o.k. She had a kidney infection and was in pain. She played with Joanna on the slide at the park (we went on a walk) and she helped me get Joanna's overnight bag
ready and get her bathed and put in pajamas. At one point, I couldn't think.
Also, some goofball called to say their car was broken down and could Jason help? NO, I'M IN LABOR, SILLY!

2. Building a book out of unfamiliar, undated material for someone as a gift, pretty last-minute. Not a typical activity that one should do last minute, for future reference. It turned out o.k. but likely had some problems. Never heard anymore about it, like was is it a bust? Not a big deal, just doing a favor for someone and I was glad that I could help.

Happiness

I know that if you compare yourself to others you can never be happy. Life is not a contest, really. No matter what you do someone will always be better at it than you. I'm not being pessimistic here, but realistic. You have to be content with yourself.

I had a conversation with someone who would not stop talking about everyone else
and everyone else's business. I simply was exausted when it was all over from all the
dodging and redirecting I tired to do. If I mentioned anything positive, I was one-upped
with something. I think I give up.

Growing Child

http://growingchild.com

I really need to subscribe to these booklets. I've read a few and they seem great. I just need to order them! The articles are very encouraging.

The Running of the Mouth

My husband is wise. He has given me a few little sayings that I don't think I'll ever forget. Here are two big ones that come to my mind.

One is "No guy wants to be just friends." Basically, he was telling me that no matter what the friendly gentleman is saying, he wants to date the girl, not be "just friends." I have never found that to be untrue.

Another is not an exact quote, but two similar ideas: "Be careful of the running of the mouth." "When you are telling someone a secret you have to think 'Who does this person like better than me?'"

Growing Child: Grandma Says

Growing Child: Grandma Says <GrandmaSays@growingchild.com>

Articles that appear from Grandma Says are focused on general parenting practices and philosophy and are not as age-specific as articles that appear in Growing Child. "Grandma Says" is a feature of Growing Child and we encourage you to send your comments to: GrandmaSays@GrowingChild.com CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE I watched two young children, playing at a swimming pool. One child seemed a bit timid about jumping off the side, though she clearly wanted to join the fun. The other little girl stepped close to her, patted her arm, and said, "You can do it. I know you can." I smiled at hearing the grown-up tones and words, thinking how she had obviously benefited from some encouragement herself. Back when I was a young mother, this poem by Dorothy Law Nolte was posted everywhere--in doctors' offices, parenting magazines, and on school bulletin boards. Not having seen it in a while, I figured it was time that a new generation of parents received the words to ponder the amazing effects on children of the words and images they see every day. Whether those experiences are positive or negative, children absorb without judgment or evaluation all that they see and hear. Since parents provide most of the living examples that surround children, it is important to become fully aware of the messages we send. The question for every parent is, what are your children living with today? Children Learn What they Live is written by Dorothy Law Nolte, 1972. Find a full poster of this available for free download at http://www.empowermentresources.com/info2/childrenlearn-long_version.html CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn. If children live with hostility, they learn to fight. If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive. If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves. If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy. If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy. If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty. If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence. If children live with tolerance, they learn patience. If children live with praise, they learn appreciation. If children live with acceptance, they learn to love. If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves. If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal. If children live with sharing, they learn generosity. If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness. If children live with fairness, they learn justice. If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect. If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them. If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live. © Growing Child 2010 Please feel free to forward this article to a friend. Receive your free subscription of Grandma Says at www.GrowingChild.com/FreeGrandmaSays or contact Growing Child customer service at service@growingchild.com or call (800) 927-7289 To learn more about Growing Child, and obtain a sample of our products please visit: www.GrowingChild.com