***Saute some onion and garlic in a little butter (or olive oil or bacon fat). Add in some frozen okra, frozen corn, and a can of tomatoes. Let it simmer until it's all slippery and gooey and perfect. Make it tonight. Buy 4 bags of okra while you're at the store - I wish I had. Thanks, Amanda, you always have tasty ideas.***
As I was calling this dish succotash with such confidence and certainty, it made me think of all the other things I blatantly guess about. In the last month-ish I have been very mindful to be talking to the girls as much as possible during the day. It develops their little brains, increases their language skills, etc. It's HARD. I run out of things to talk about. Sure, we read books, but let's face it, most children's books are dumb. I always tell them the plan for the day, just in case they're like me and like to have a plan. But then I start grasping at things to talk about. Since Seiling Music Festival (my NW OK friends know, the rest of you, think grade school, It's a Small World After All, fun, traditions), I have been singing my songs. I tell them about American and Oklahoma history. I teach them about anatomy and how the body works. On really dull days, I tell them the names of all the articles of clothing that I'm folding and sometimes even spell (socks - S-O-C-K-S). I make up a LOT of stuff. If I can't think of the name, I make one up. If I back myself into a corner in our walk into history, I incorporate what I've learned from documentaries or Disney movies (watched and loved "The Kennedy's" this week and Pocahontas must be somewhat true!).
I vow to stop. What if they retain some of this and argue with their teachers someday when the stories are more factual!! I'll stick to things I know. I'll sing "John Jacob Jinglehimer Schmitt" more often...it's one of their faves, and I know all the words! I will NOT keep telling them semi-factual stories.
Here's some random pics that have nothing to do with this blog!!
An example of Lauren's hereditary bed head.
This makes me misty. I wish I would have sucked in my tummy, but really, I don't care.
My favorite view. I sometimes chew on their "back of the knee roll".
Peace out.
E
Oh My Gosh.....Kate looks so BIG in your arms. I just can't believe how much they have changed. Be sure and tell them Dodie is coming and show them pictures of us so they won't be afraid!!!
ReplyDeletei totally love that picture of you and kate! also, you are a great mom! i never tell my kids about history or spell words while i am folding. you are amazing!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see them again. So cuddly! We must plan something soon ish. Even if it is just a one night thing!
ReplyDelete