Flunking Mommy 101
by Beth Duewel
The day started out delirious enough.
"Mom, I forgot my lunch can you please bring it to school, and can you bring some medicine?-I have a bad head ache."
Hmm, that means no time for a shower, I thought as I glanced in the mirror and affirmed that my hair had definitely had a party the night before and forgot to invite me. And here I had rationalized that doing a morning of laundry didn't require that I be squeaky clean.
In a rush and half-way to the school, I realized that I too had forgotten the very purpose of my trip and left the infamous paper bag on the counter... right by my keys, where I would be sure to see it while whizzing out the door! Oh well, I'll run through fast food and treat her to her favorite fruit parfait, I thought as I fished through the ashtray for change. I even scraped up enough quarters to treat her friends to apple pies.
However, ...[read more]
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Surviving Summer
Dear Friends,
Where does the time go anyway? Now that summer is knocking on the door, with squirt gun fights and lots (I mean lots!) of quality time to spend with the children, I thought it would be fun to send a few "rules of summer" to post on the fridge. I mean, we moms have to stick together, right?
I’ve kept the rules simple; I don’t want to overwhelm our youngsters little minds after a season of learning. And if your children are all grown up, I know that the memory of past summers can warm the heart. So from the Duewel home to yours—enjoy!!!
- No fighting, please- that includes any body contact that does not involve kisses and hugs. Also includes mean words or name calling.
- Share- yes, sharing is required. Including sharing toys, the TV, and your space with each other. Please feel free to share dreams and laughter as well.
- Make your beds- at least attempt it. Just a reminder-the bedspread half on the floor and the sheet wadded up at the end of the bed, does not count as a make. Also, if I find a lump under the covers, which happens to be the missing cat, this too does not count as a make.
- Feed the animals-Please be sure the hungry bellies that depend on you, get their fill. I wouldn’t let you go without your whole grain breakfast of Pop Tarts and high sugar cereal. What kind of mom would I be anyway? Oh, and they do need fresh water. They get a little thirsty pleading for food.
- Clean up after self-The cleaning fairy has taken the summer off. I begged her to stay—but she’s flown the coop. If you do your part I am sure I won’t miss her. Please don’t put empty milk cartons back in the fridge. And to keep crumb mess at a minimum, we have those things in the cupboard called plates. I think they catch crumbs better than the counter.
- Love each other as often as you can-Any sign of love is good. Notes are nice. Kind words are better. A back rub for mom at the end of the day is best of all.
- We are not on a perpetual feeding frenzy- the kitchen will close after each meal. Unless it’s for a healthy snack. No, pudding is not healthy. And fruit snacks are not the same as eating an apple.
- While the kitchen is closed, the clinic stays open-If you get a scrape on the knee, let me clean it for you. Please don’t wash it off with the pond water. I’ll try to have Band-Aids to fit every hurt. If the bandage won’t cover it—my hugs will.
- Have lots and lots of fun! As long as the fun includes keeping the water balloons outside, along with the big green beetle, slimy toad, or the twelve-inch earth worm that you just had to show me. All God’s creatures like to stay outside.
Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mothers teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. (Proverbs 1:8-9, NIV)
Happy Summer,
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Life Savors for Women by Jeanette Gardner Littleton.
This book is a must for women on the go providing short devotionals full of God's love and laughter. And I’m in the book. It’s a good one!!!
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Life Is Just Better with Jesus by Anne Graham Lotz.
Each devotional reminds of the characteristics of Jesus. And the sweetness of walking with Him.
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Meet Beth -
Speaking- July 22nd 2008- Berean Baptist Church, Mansfield Ohio
For more about this and other popular speaking topics, click here. |
“I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full.”
- John 10:10 NIV
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