"When You Thought I Wasn't Looking"

Ava's preschool sent home a poem today (see below) and I thought it served as a great reminder that our kids are watching our every move, and how important it is to teach them not only with words, but through our actions and attitude. This was a nice reminder to me and kind of kicked me in my toosh as I have days where I let work stress and my need to have things in order (clean house, schedule, etc.) get the best of me...which ultimately affects my attitude around the girls. Grumpy days are no good...and definitely not worth it!

This little poem also reminded me of my parents and the great example they set for Rob, Pat & I as we grew up. They followed through on everything, worked hard, taught us how important our faith is, made things fun, always put others first and we always, always, always knew how very much they loved us. And I pray with all my heart that Doug and I can set the same sort of loving example for our three munchkins!

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When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say, Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.