This morning I was sitting at my desk and thinking about my mom and dad and I could hear some of the things they used to tell me as I was talking to Charlie. The more I said the more I remembered sharing the same advice with Suzzane and even my nephew David M.
As time goes on, I find myself thinking about the things my mom used to tell me when I was growing up and I think about how its come to help me as a mom. She would sit and talk with me, sharing her advice and trying to teach me things she had learned along the way. And more times than not, a as teeenager I would roll my eyes because, honestly, I wasn’t interested in hearing what she had to say.
My grandparents were the same way they loved to share stories of times gone by because they thought the advice might be useful. They had advice, stories, and plenty of things they wanted me to know, but when you’re young, you don’t always appreciate those moments. The funny part is David says it was the same way in his home/
Now, fast-forward to today. My parents are gone, and I would give just about anything to sit down with them one more time and listen to their advice. I would probably even sit quietly without rolling my eyes! There are so many things I wish I could ask them, and so many conversations I would love to have again.
And now I see a little of that same story playing out with Charlie. As he gets older, I catch myself giving him advice, sharing one of my old sayings, or telling him something I hope he will remember someday. Sometimes I wonder if he’s listening, just like I wondered if I was listening to my own parents.
But every once in a while, I’ll hear him in his room talking to his friends, and something will make me stop what I’m doing. He’ll use an old-fashioned expression I’ve used for years, repeat a quote I’ve shared with him, or give one of his friends advice that sounds an awful lot like something I’ve told him.
And that’s when I realize he really has been listening! Maybe he doesn’t always want to hear Mom’s advice, or even dad’s but some of it is sticking. And that makes my heart smile more than he probably realizes. It also got me thinking this morning. Maybe I need to dedicate an entire wall in my office to funny sayings, old-fashioned expressions, and little pieces of advice that Charlie can share with his friends. After all, if he’s going to borrow my words, I might as well give him a few more to work with!
Things like “Not my first rodeo,” “Not my circus, not my monkeys,” and “Put on your big girl panties and deal with it.” You know the sayings I’m talking about. The ones that make you laugh, remind you of someone in your family, or somehow manage to say everything you need to hear in just a few words.
And, of course, we all know that Mom has her rules! Yes, Dad is in the picture, too, and dads have plenty of wisdom to share. But more often than not, Mom is the one keeping the household running, making sure everyone is taken care of, giving advice, and trying very hard not to wring somebody’s neck when the kids do something crazy. Sometimes a funny sign on the wall might be the perfect reminder to take a deep breath and pick your battles!
That’s why I thought it would be fun to share some signs and sayings I found on Amazon this morning. They took me back to my childhood, reminded me of the things my family used to say, and made me think about all the little pieces of wisdom we pass down without even realizing it.
Some of these sayings might make you laugh, some might remind you of your own mom or grandparents, and others might be exactly the words you need to hang in your office or somewhere the whole family can see them. Because one day, those funny little expressions we repeat without thinking may be the very things our children remember most about us.
I hope you enjoy the signs and sayings I’ve shared today. And if you have a favorite old-fashioned expression, something your mom or grandparents always said, or a funny quote that’s been passed down in your family, come share it with me! I’d love to hear your favorites. Who knows? I might just find a few more sayings to add to that wall in my office.
Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed.
GreatfulMoments.com
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
