This very old story is one of my favorites and I’ve kept it and re-read it from time to time to help me remember to see life through my children’s eyes, and to never forget the power of a mother in the home. —Diane
Tommy began to get the feeling even before Billy punched him in the ribs. It was afternoon, and Miss Deering was putting number work on the blackboard.
Nothing can compare in beauty, and wonder, and admirableness, and divinity itself,
to the silent work
in obscure dwellings
of faithful women
bringing their children to honor and virtue and piety.
Some houses try to hide the fact
That children shelter there—
Ours boasts of it quite openly,
The signs are everywhere
For smears are on the windows,
Little smudges on the doors;
I should apologize, I guess,
For toys strewn on the floor.
by May Morgan Potter
Fred ate his breakfast dutifully and then slipped down from his chair.
“Now can I go over to Jimmy’s, mother?” he asked.
“But Fred,” I said, “you were over there yesterday and the day before. Why not have Jimmy come here today?”
Blessings on the hand of women!
Angels guard its strength and grace,
In the palace, cottage, hovel,
Oh, no matter where the place;
Would that never storms assailed it,
Rainbows ever gently curled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.
Daniel Webster
If we work on marble, it will perish. If we work upon brass, time will efface it. If we rear temples, they will crumble into dust, but if we work upon immortal minds, and instill into them just principles, we are then engraving upon that tablet that which no time will efface but will brighten and brighten to all eternity.
—Daniel Webster
Louisa at Silver Falls, Oregon
The problem with being a mom is that you are always and ever being watched and copied. From what you read in the bathroom to how you act when a car cuts in front of you in traffic, your behavior is all being carefully recorded in the minds and hearts of your children.
When we spend $$ for that colorful, wonderful new toy, we are hoping, wishing, and dreaming that we can delight baby or keep our toddler busy “for hours” like the package says. But it turns out that toys are just toys—and not Mommy. No surprise. Mommy is what children really need and want!
The usefulness of reading charts and library games has always escaped me. “You get a prize for reading 6 books” sounds about the same to me as getting a prize for every 6 brownies I eat. Who needs motivation? Reading is delicious!
