Tuesday, February 9, 2010

All it Takes is a Little Imagination

My daughters reminded me that I fit into the category of a mommy that loved when her kids used their imaginations. I applauded their creativity. I applauded when they wanted to go outside and play or play inside with toys and not watch tv or play video games.

I wasn't the kind of mommy that didn't want them to get dirty. In fact, they had play clothes for that very reason. Being that our yard was a 1/2 an acre, there was plenty of dirt to stick to them.

One day, they dug a hole and filled it up with water. Not knowing what they intended to do, I watched as they literally splashed around in it like little pigs. To them, the elation on their face let me know that they could care less what anyone else thought...it was FUN!

Another time, as they "cooked" with their sticks and dandelion flowers, I gave them each an egg to complete their "recipe". The joy on their faces that I was willing to give them each an egg to "waste" I mean, crack was just priceless.

When they were 6 and 7, they went through an "ice skating" stage. Although we didn't own an ice rink, they put on their slippery socks, turned on the Nutcracker Suite and slid and twirled around for hours. Finally, when they felt that they had perfected their routine, they did an actual performance for me and their dad.

Another time, when the youngest was learning how to vault in gymnastics, she took on the role of showing her sister how to vault as well. But that meant, the sofa was the vault and she would start by the front door and with a running leap, vault over the couch, onto cushions.

Other times, being that I homeschooled them for almost 12 years, we would go thing finding. We would take long walks while they each carried a small bag to collect some things that they found interesting. I remember one of them found a broken hot wheel. Their assignment was to write about who the hot wheel possibly belonged to and how it got where it was found.

I cherish those memories. More than anything, I'm blessed that they used their imaginations to really enjoy being kids.

22 comments:

Mari said...

You were a great Mom! I'm sure they have a lot of good memories of those times.

The Peach Tart said...

They are blessed to have such a loving and encouraging mom.

Ina in Alaska said...

Thing Finding! I do that every day while walking the dogs! Once we found a $10 bill!!! Jackpot!! xoxo

Anonymous said...

You are so amazing! Your creativity is out of this world!

mrscoopermedia said...

Thanks for letting them be kids. My mom thinks I'm crazy with what I let my kids do around the house but you're only a kid once, right?

Deidra said...

A mom who encourages imagination is a true gift!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

A child with a vivid imagination and a mother who encourages it is a blessing.

You have a fun~filled day stirred up and shaken down with blessings!!!

lagirl/Sweet Tea said...

You are obviously one fantastic Mom! Homeschooling is not for Sissies (like me). I salute you!! The kids obviously get their creativity from you!

Buckeroomama said...

Oh, Simone, your girls are so lucky to have you for their mom. :)

Momto5 RachelJoy Photography said...

ok i think im doing the going for a walk thing this after noon!!! yeah!!

Queen "B" said...

Aloha,
that was so enjoyable to be back in the moment of pure innocent childhood.
I hope my children have good memories of their childhood? sometimes I think they only remember the moments of being in trouble? I brought out pictures and we enjoyed remembering when they were little!!
time rushes so quickly...
thanks for the smile and the stroll

f8hasit said...

My daughter likes to quote me. "Mommy, what's your two favorite words?!"

"Ummm. What?"

"Machine Washable!"

And it is. They are. And that's what being a mom, to me, is all about. No frills...just git in there with it!
:-)

Veronica Lee said...

I agree with the rest. You're an awesome mom!

Chapters From My Life said...

You rock as a Mom.... you kids are very lucky. I have been something like all my life because I knew I wanted it as a kid. At times I join my kids in the fun and enjoy what I missed in the childhood. Cherish those lovely memories ....

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

What wonderful memories, Simone!! And you know, those simple things will be among their favorite memories always.

I think parents today have forgotten that the best things don't come from a store!!

Mary@Holy Mackerel said...

I SO agree with you. When I was young, we were ALWAYS outside, always using our imaginations.

Things are not good in today's society, with all the reliance on television, video, computers, and parents who feel guilty not spending time with their children, and trying to make up for it by buying them crap.

Your memories are so special. Feel proud that you did it right!

Suz said...

Simone - Your words brought back memories of my childhood where we played in the woods in a stream and imagined all sorts of stories.

It's too bad that kids today are so "scheduled." I look back on those free unscheduled days with warmth.

Thank you.

JB's Cookinglady said...

I really enjoyed this post and it took me back in time when I sat and watched my son and daughter play and did crazy things but to them it was fun and they always made me play with them.

These are memories that we cherish. Now they are grown and have children of their own so, they get to experience it to.

Have a good one

Menopausal New Mom said...

Wow! You home schooled!!! What a woman you are and always full of surprises!

Yes, allowing your children to get dirty and explore sure beats the heck out of the activities of today's kids which usually includes sitting either at the computer or in front of the TV.

Ev`Yan | apricot tea. said...

Reading this -- if I weren't your daughter -- I would have thought the the kids were dropped on their head far too many times as children. We DID have a lot of fun, though. I'll never, ever forget those times.

:]

Robin Antar said...

I got a google alert that you did a story about me in your blog, Robin Antar I carve candy and cookies out of stone, www.rantar.com. Could you tell me where you found me and where is the link, I could not find it on your blog

Robin Antar said...

I got a google alert that you did a story about me in your blog, Robin Antar I carve candy and cookies out of stone, www.rantar.com. Could you tell me where you found me and where is the link, I could not find it on your blog

 

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