A Continuation of Parenting-101
In my determination to be a godly mother, I have prescribed a daily dose of “Leave it to Beaver” for the children. In my opinion, there is no better show on television with the number of ‘teachable moments’ as this one. And June? She rocks. Can you even imagine vacuuming in a dress and high heels? Or making pot roast with all the trimmings on a Tuesday night? Yes, ma’am. June had it together and Ward was the better man for it.
Now I know ‘ole Beaver could get himself in some messes and he and Wally could get in some huge fights, but underlying it all was a love and devotion I am trying so hard to instill in my boys. Every person on the planet needs to know at the end of the day there is one person who is on their side, will have their back, and loves them in spite of their faults. That’s the kind of love Beaver and Wally have. *sigh*
Now yesterday’s episode was a perfect example. Beaver had forgotten about a birthday party. Wally searched the neighborhood until he found a very muddy Beaver and brought him home to get ready. Ward dashed Beaver to the tub while June ran out to buy a gift. Beaver put on a suit and went to the birthday. (A suit to a birthday party? Are my boys the only ones who have never in their lives worn a suit?)
The show closed with an evening scene where Beaver had to scrub the tub from all the mud he had left while taking his bath. And here is the good part. Wally didn’t want him to have to do it alone so he got down beside him and helped him. Be still my heart! Firstly, a boy scrubbing the tub? Secondly, another boy helping him without compulsion….?? I immediately turned to my oldest, Einstein and said:
Me: Einstein, that is what I was trying to get across to you in the car the other day. See how Beaver is scrubbing that tub? See how the older brother jumped in to help him even when he didn’t have to? See how great friends and brothers they are? Don’t you think you guys could try some of that?
Einstein: Yeah, right mom. Don’t get your hopes up. This show was like, in the 50’s, and from what I’ve heard, everything was PERFECT in the 50’s..
As opposed to the millenium when moms do not cook and clean in heels. Or have matching aprons with every dress. Or yell to get their kids to clean their rooms.
A lot.
And you know, I’ve decided that is okay…..We may have some clutter. I may clean in my sweaty running clothes and not shower until lunch. The kids may beat the daylights out of each other. Though our household is not “50’s Perfect”, I know it is a home filled with love for God and one another.
Maybe not a scrubbing the bathtub together kind of love, but it is love nonetheless.
update on the kid with the purse…some 12 years later…sad girl was checking the oil on her first car. After dad loving told her to be sure and read the manually. The annoying 2 year older brother drove in and saw what she was doing. She had been checking the transmission fluid for over a month. The annoying brother took her to get oil since the car was dry. And did not tell dad till much later. So be patient. Wait on the Lord. This too will pass. They will surprise you someday! Oh and one more thing.I bet they do take up for each other when no one is looking.
golly, gee, Lisa, what a sweet post!
Your posts always brings a smile to my face. My brother who is nearest to me in age, and I fought like cats and dogs (my mom’s words not mine) growing up. However it was us against the world if any one looked at either of us the wrong way.
Two wonderful posts! When I read the post from yesterday, I just had to laugh! Thanks for sharing these.
From a fellow Mom of 2 boys…I do relate!!! I “make” the boys hug, kiss on cheek, and apologize! They cringe at the thought of having to do that in public!! Actions speak louder than words…
Thanks for sharing your stories!! Makes me feel better…Ha Ha Ha Ha
From a mom who had eleven of them fighting, competing and arguing with each other, I have every confidence that your boys will grow up to care for and about each other. I wasn’t so sure when my kids were little, but now? Yeah, they’re going to be all right!
Keep doing what you’re doing. Keep telling them. Keep making them apologize and help each other–cast the vision, you know? :)
They do hear you. It will sink in. They just don’t want you to know that!
I love reading your posts-thanks for sharing!
Aw gee, Lisa. You’re all mushy. But it’s Ok, I guess, ’cause you’re a mom, and moms are kinda sorta like girls, and girls like mushy junk, huh Wally?
Golly, Lisa. I thunk this was just a swell post. :)
Great post. I’ve tried to get my daughter into Little House for the same reason…good family values, and a great work ethic. We could all use more of that!
Great posts! All of this sounds pretty familiar! :)
Oh, what I wouldn’t give to visit your family! You all sound just like us! Woo-hoo, I’m not the only one who’s kids drive me nuts with their bickering at times!! Loved that last post.
By the way, my highschool picture is up!
;)
What a sweet post Lisa :) I love my visits here and so happy I have been able to catch up with your posts. The one below made me laugh so much!!!
I also wanted to thank you for your sweet comment on my blog. It is amazing how God works and His ways are unknown to us. I am thankful for the healing God brought our way. Happy 4th of July to you and your family! Enjoy some American home-cooking for us ;)
You always have me in fits of laughter, Lisa I have 3 that think love is not talking to one another and then saying but mom we are not fighting. but as you say in the end they know they are loved and have God’s love in their home
I bet after the show ended Wally and The Beave were beatin the daylights out of each other in the tub!
We WILL make it through these “wonder years”. We will. Perhaps 45,000 Diet Cokes an 25 million Reeses Peanut Butter Cups (okay, kit kat for you) later, but with Jesus’ love and a good dose of caffeine and sugar, it’ll be almost as good as the Beav had it. :P What a sweet post, Lisa.
What an uplifting site! I am going to have to add you to my ‘blog role’ so I can check in with my morning cup of joe.
Ok, I love the idea of making them watch the Beaver!! I wonder how we can help IT SINK IN! haha I recently watched the Beaver and it was the episode where Beave and his buddy played hookie and ended up on tv. Such innocence!
YOU KNOW…we don’t get the beave on TV where we live. BUMMER! It’s too wierd how the events in my life connects with some of the “stuff” in your life too! It’s a God thang! :) Thank you for sharing!