Thoughts from today

So tonight at dinner we were discussing nicknames. Lu Lu; Lu Badoo; Balou, which Lexie does not like being called. She informs me I can call her that on her next birthday. Andrew chimed in with,

"Call me sugar."

Me: "Can I call you brown sugar?"

Andrew "yeah, I'll pull your earrings, white sugar." in a teasing tone.

It was funny we all laughed.

The other darling interaction from dinner went something like this. We were playing the game "best part of your day" and idea we got from a family in our old ward. Each family member tells an event which was the BEST from the day. We were all going around sharing, and when it was my turn I said," the best part of my day was.." and Andrew finished it for me with, "picking me up from school."

I must say he is such a delight. We had parent teacher conference today and I'm happy to report he is doing well. On his testing his teacher said he did very well. He struggles staying on task, but we are working on this. I'm grateful he has a teacher who is so good. I can tell she genuinely enjoys having him in her class and I am thankful for this. I feel so lucky his first year of school is shaping up to be a positive experience. Some of the positive things he has picked up at school are: "Happy to do it," "Yes Ma'am", and "Yes, Sir." I think this is great and if there is one thing we can take home from the Texans is their great manners, I hope to continue to incorporate this into our family. School has been so good for Andrew. He has been more obedient and he is learning lots. It has been a big adjustment, some days he comes home and crashes on the couch. The other morning when I woke him up, he said, "Mom I'm tired, Miss Pemberton won't let me take a nap." He is always starving when he gets home, today he polished off a 1 and a half tuna sandwiches (with apples and diced onions in it. I got this idea form my friend Amy and work, thank you by the way. May sound gross or maybe it doesn't, but it was the best tuna sandwich I've ever had.) We are grateful for a great kindergarten teacher, family dinners together, and fun interactions with the kiddos. It really is the little things which mean the most. Although I don't always remember this. Thank you Andrew for the darling sweet boy you are and for the sweet spirit you take with you to school each day. You are a positive influence on those around you keep up the good work!

Southern Manners

So it is true, southern hospitality is alive and well. The other day we were at the swimming pool and one of the moms there corrected her son, he immediately said, "Yes Ma'am." I made a comment about it to her and she said it was drilled into them since they were six months old. On another occasion, a store clerk was helping me out with groceries, he called me Ma'am. I told him I wasn't use to that and he replied,"it was just habit." It seems all who are southern bred, have these excellent manners. All, acknowledge you driving through any neighborhood. People always wave; when you leave a store, or anywhere for that matter, they always wish you well, have a nice day, be careful, drive safe and so forth. It all very genuine, and I have been impressed with the southern hospitality. I hope to instill a little of it in my children, and acquire a little of it myself.

Manners

For a Child of 1918

My grandfather said to me as we sat on the wagon seat, "Be sure to remember to always speak to everyone you meet. "We met a stranger on foot. My grandfather's whip tapped his hat. "Good day, sir. Good day. A fine day ." And I said it and bowed where I sat. Then we overtook a boy we knew with his big pet crow on his shoulder. "Always offer everyone a ride; don't forget that when you get older," my grandfather said. So Willy climbed up with us, but the crow gave a "Caw!" and flew off. I was worried. How would he know where to go?But he flew a little way at a time from fence post to fence post, ahead; and when Willy whistled he answered. "A fine bird," my grandfather said," and he's well brought up. See, he answers nicely when he's spoken to. Man or beast, that's good manners. Be sure that you both always do. "When automobiles went by, the dust hid the people's faces,but we shouted "Good day! Good day! Fine day!" at the top of our voices. When we came to Hustler Hill, he said that the mare was tired, so we all got down and walked, as our good manners required.

Elizabeth Bishop

Manners count. I think good manners will take one further than a first class education. So on that note I wish y'all a good night, and sleep tight.

P.S Check out the children's story, What Do You Say Dear? A Book Of Manners For All Occasions by, Sesyle Joslin