About Me

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I am a retired English teacher and department head, the mother of three grand mother of four, and have been married to the same man for 52 years. I subscribe to Dr. PM Forni's concept of Civility. I was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in the 'burbs. I love soft pretzels and cheesesteaks, the Phillies, the Eagles, and San Diego. I love being Mom, Aunt Kathy, Nona Kathy, and Teacher. I spend a lot of time in my gardens in the spring and summer, and in the winter I plan what I'm going to plant. I also am an avid reader and photographer.

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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

It's All Good

We all know that when we try to impart wisdom to our children, we're never really sure if and when it's absorbed.  I strongly believe that behavior is like language.  In order for a child to learn language, he or she needs to hear the particulars at least 25 times.  So when Melissa was a teenager, we would practice affirmations such as "I work very hard to achieve my goals,"  "I frequently am kind to others", et cetera.  I figured it couldn't hurt and it also helped me in dealing with her teenage self.


While bathing three-year old Ariana tonight, Melissa thought it a good time to start with a positive litany -- one like that in The Help when the maid tries to improve the self-esteem of her charge.  And so Melissa said to her, "You're kind, gentle and..."  and before Melissa could finish, Ariana added, "And I don't hug people's privates."  Stifling her laughter as best she could, Melissa said, "Well, yes, there's that, too."

17 comments:

Lena said...

OMG, What a riot! Thanks for sharing, best laugh of the day!

Linda said...

Out of the mouths of babes! People's privates are in the news a lot these days. I wish a lot of other people didn't hug people's privates.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Oh My Goodness, Kathy.... "Out of the mouths of BABES".... ha ha... Gotta love her!!!!

Merry Christmas.
Hugs,
Betsy

Sally Wessely said...

That is very, very funny. The things kids say!

Anonymous said...

HaHa... out of the mouth of babes..

Merry Christmas Kathy, to you and your family!!! I'm sorry,(ashamed really), that this is my Christmas Card to you. But please accept it in the spirit of the love in which it was sent.

Much love to you this Holiday week, this Christmas Season and in this coming new year! I wish for you all of the magnificance that you can see for yourself, and even more than you were able to imagine.

Forsythia said...

So funny! What a dull world it would be without little kids and the surprising things they say.

Kimberly said...

Sounds like she has the basics down! Go Ariana!

happyone said...

You never know what is going to come out of their mouths. Makes life interesting!! : )

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

So cute! I hope you are writing down all her words of wisdom so you can present her with them when she is older.

Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas! The kitties send their love.

Anonymous said...

This is just one blessing of having children (and grandchildren)children! They will always make us smile. Love it :)

Deb from WhatsInMyAttic said...

Well now...I guess that about sums it up! I buckeled at the knees reading this. What a hoot; thanks for sharing.

Tracy said...

Oh that is hilarious!!! thank you for the grat fit of laughter!
Merry CHRISTmas...

Cheryl said...

Out of the mouths of babes! Where did that come from? Thank goodness for kids...so much enjoyment.

Gilly said...

Oh I love it! How ever did Melissa stop laughing?!

Rick Rockhill said...

LOL what will they say next!

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas kathy, all the best

Rick

Kay said...

Oh my goodness! I'm surprised Melissa could keep a straight face. That would have undone me.

Grand Crapaud said...

A great laugh. I really enjoyed your blog!