Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Mrs. Joyce Whitt

This post is very special to me.

Let me begin 30 years ago. When I came to live with my grandparents at the age of 5, there was a very special lady at church that began loving me like I was her granddaughter. (She and my grandmother were great friends.) She would bring me “special” things to church. She always had a big smile on her face and she made you feel like you were the only person in the world. To tell you how special she was-- her and her husband sit where my grandparents would have sit at my wedding. She has been sick along time. Last summer, she was in rehab and I took my boys to see her. She was tickled to death to see them. On April 22, 2011 on my way home from school, I called my grandmother to check in and she told me that Mrs. Joyce Whitt had died. I was in total shock. That whole weekend was an emotional roller coaster. On Easter Sunday, I went to her funeral. What a sad day!


I will miss her so much.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

25 Manners

I found this article and I wanted to share. (If my children do this).

25 Manners Every Kid Should Know By Age 9Helping your child master these simple rules of etiquette will get him noticed -- for all the right reasons.
By David Lowry, Ph.D.
Your child's rude attitude isn't always intentional. Sometimes kids just don't realize it's impolite to interrupt, pick their nose, or loudly observe that the lady walking in front of them has a large behind. And in the hustle and bustle of daily life, busy moms and dads don't always have the time to focus on etiquette. But if you reinforce these 25 must-do manners, you'll raise a polite, kind, well-liked child.


Manner #1~ When asking for something, say "Please." Always
Manner #2~ When receiving something, say "Thank you." Always
Manner #3~ Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking. Sometimes
Manner #4~ If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation. Sometimes
Manner #5~ When you have any doubt about doing something, asks permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later. Never
Manner #6~ The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults. Sometimes
Manner #7~ Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome. Sometimes
Manner #8~ When people ask you how you are, tells them and then asks them how they are. Always
Manner #9~ When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had. Sometimes
Manner #10~ Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering. Never
Manner #11~ When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling. Never-Mine do not talk on the phone.
Manner #12~ Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect. Always
Manner #13~ Never uses foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant. Always
Manner #14~ Don't call people mean names. Sometimes
Manner #15~ Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel. Sometimes
Manner #16~ Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sits through it quietly and pretends that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best. Never
Manner #17~ If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me." Sometimes
Manner #18~ Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public. Sometimes
Manner #19~ As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else. Sometimes
Manner #20~ If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, asks if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new. Never
Manners #21~ When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile. Sometimes
Manner #22~ When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers! Sometimes
Manner #23~ Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do. Sometimes
Manner #24~ Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary. Never...
Manner #25~ Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed. Sometimes

It looks like I have a lot of things to work on this summer.