I would say that we are pretty out of control at our house. We all seem to be too short and irritated with each other. Everyone is bossy and there is way too much fighting, arguing, etc. It is driving me crazy. But, the truth is that I have probably added to that. Yesterday was especially bad. We went from laughing to crying to yelling in the matter of minutes - over and over and over.
So, when we finally sat down for dinner I decided to tell the kids about the funeral that I went to on Saturday. My cute great-aunt Nadine Cook (sister to my grandma Elaine Cannon) passed away and the funeral was held Saturday. I have always loved her and felt loved by her.
She has a large family full of beautiful, good people. I was always impressed that she even remembered who I was. She always had a smile and used the words darling, wonderful, or great. Always positive.
At the funeral, each of her children and a couple of grandchildren, spoke so lovingly of her. She was a great mother and grandmother. They talked about their family motto -
So, when we finally sat down for dinner I decided to tell the kids about the funeral that I went to on Saturday. My cute great-aunt Nadine Cook (sister to my grandma Elaine Cannon) passed away and the funeral was held Saturday. I have always loved her and felt loved by her.
She has a large family full of beautiful, good people. I was always impressed that she even remembered who I was. She always had a smile and used the words darling, wonderful, or great. Always positive.
At the funeral, each of her children and a couple of grandchildren, spoke so lovingly of her. She was a great mother and grandmother. They talked about their family motto -
The Cook Family Has The Most Fun.
They described loving all their family activities and that the goal was always to have the most fun. I love that and I keep thinking about it. I don't think that is true in our house. I know it isn't. I hear about how NOT FUN we are every time I suggest a chore, homework, bedtime, or some other responsibility.
I told the kids about this motto. They got excited about the idea of a family motto but they also knew that this one did not yet apply to us. Teague quickly came up with:
Porters Always Fight.
I told the kids about this motto. They got excited about the idea of a family motto but they also knew that this one did not yet apply to us. Teague quickly came up with:
Porters Always Fight.
That might be the current motto but I would like to come up with something that we can work towards. However, it did create a good laugh at dinner.
Do you have a family motto?
8 comments:
Porters always fight -- that is hilarious! We go through those ups and downs too. One week I'm thinking I have the best kids ever and the next week I'm ready to sell them all to the circus. We don't have a family motto, but, I think that is a great idea. You have had more than your fair share of stress for awhile now and I'm really impressed by how well you've kept it all together with FOUR kids, a new baby and a sick husband. You are amazing.
You have so much going on and I'm sure (speaking from personal experience) that because you are the mom, everyone can feel your stress. It is ok for kids to have chores and homework. Responsibility is one of the main things that we need to teach our kids. Sure kids will complain about it, I know I did when I was a kid (and probably still do). Your kids will be better for what they are having to deal with right now. You are an amazing mother!! Keep your chin up, better days are sure to come.
We don't have a family motto, but thanks for the idea. I'll let you know if we come up with one.
Sorry to hear of your aunts passing, I'm sure she was a great woman just like you and all of the other women in your family that I have met. I'm sure she is cheering you on from the other side.
I know that your kids love each other, they are just in a stage of life that they are having a hard time expressing it. One suggestion is to have them name one way that each sibling has served or helped them each day before they go to bed. Soon they will be wanting to do kind things for each other because they know that they will hear someone else say it out loud at night.
I love you and your wonderful family!!
One family had the motto of "I can do hard things." Sister Dalton suggested a variation on that last conference, which is scriptural. I think it was Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." And you can't go wrong with "Love One Another."
And when the complaining over chores begins, just quietly and ever so sweetly add one more chore.
hahaha that's so cute! our family motto was "Work Hard, Play Hard." We did a lot of work together in the yard and around the house, but there was always a reward of some fun activity together afterward. My dad would take us for treats, or something. And the motto was especially true of family vacations involving camping or boating. It was a ton of work to get everything together for something like that, but we made it count once we were there by playing hard!
I have been reading "The Parenting Breakthrough" by Merilee Boyack. She suggests a family motto, so I have been rethinking ours. Up till now it has been "Enjoy the Journey"- but I want something more funny. That way the kids will actually remember.
Haa! I love it! I almost included our family motto in our Valentines card...Only to have to cut it for lack of space...
"You get what you get, and you don't throw a fit."
Annie, I enjoyed this post! And am also glad to hear that Kenyon is back home feeling better.
As for a family motto, between our two autistic boys who's strengths lie in making messes and/or getting lost in record breaking time, and a our high-octane, emotionally charged 6-going-on-16-year-old daughter, my wife and I decided a few months back to make a sign to hang on our front door - "Welcome to the Garrard House, Where Anything Is Possible." :)
we don't have a family motto but, i have been told by my two oldest that our house is the most unfair. i then replied to them, "well that must mean i am doing my job RIGHT". hahahaha, i remember thinking "unfair" as a kid too.
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