I wish I had done this

Below is a post from a blog I love. I just had to share because I so wish I had done this...and since my kids are all grown and gone, I can't. But if you can, you might be interested. 


Read on...

 

 

"quotes

Growing up we memorized quotes.

Lots and lots of quotes.

If we memorized them, we could earn more "points" toward getting our money doubled for our allowance at the end of the week (learn more about the money system here). And because I was a "saver" boy you can bet I wanted that money doubled. So I slaved away to learn those quotes.

Man alive am I ever glad.

They come to my mind all the time and they are powerful.

So after much contemplation on what in the world to put in the alcove at the top of my stairs (I'm very particular about what I put on my walls as I explained here) I came across this chalkboard at Pottery Barn I HAD to have. (It helped that my dear sis-in-law worked there so I could get myself a hefty discount on it...thanks Kara!)

You see, I envisioned it filled with those quotes I memorized growing up, and new ones too.

And each time we climb the stairs we can think about something uplifting and empowering.

Each week I write something new up there.

And the kids have declared that they should have "turns" too.


I REALLY like how she said:
"They come to my mind all the time and they are powerful."



This blog writer has LOTS of great ideas, and she's all about sharing them.
You can check it all out at 71 Toes 


An After thought: 4 years ago Den and I took my parents to the funeral of Dr. Havenhill. He delivered 7 of her 8 babies. Which means I got to attend the funeral of the man how helped bring me into the world. Anyway, during the service a woman was singing an old time gospel hymn...one I had never heard. Here was my Alzheimer's mother sitting next to me, who couldn't even remember why we were there that day, singing all those words, very quietly to herself. I turned to watch her and sure enough, she knew every single word. It was obviously from her childhood learning. 


My mom had told me many times while I was raising my sons, "Teach them to memorize things in their childhood and they will never forget them." She was right! I wish I had listened to her more.

16 comments:

Karen Mortensen said...

I love that idea. You know Robin does that a lot. I don't see why you or I couldn't do it. Those good quotes like that would never hurt. Thanks for sharing this Jill.

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

Just an idea...instead of buying a chalkboard you could paint the inside of that alcove with chalkboard paint and save some money. I love the quotes...they are powerful.

Grandma Honey said...

Kathy~ My daughter in law Erin did that to a door in her kitchen...painted it with chalkboard paint and it is stunning! I love it, and she writes all sorts of greetings on it.

threelittlebackseatdrivers.blogspot.com said...

"Every day in every way, I'll make the most of the gifts I've been given."

(This is from Dee Dee Pauline in YW...she gave us this quote in her beautiful handwriting in a picture frame, matted and all...it's been hanging up since I was 14)

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change those things I can and wisdom to know the difference."

(This is a quote my mom did in needlepoint on our wall, I can't remember a time it wasn't up in our house, so it must have been made before I was born...the colors date it, so I'm guessing the 70's :)

grandmapeg said...

What a great idea!!! I wished lots of times now that I had done something like this when our children were young. They have certain Primary songs and church hymns memorized but doing something like this at home would have been great! I think I will suggest this to my children so they can do it for their children. Thanks for sharing!

Susan Anderson said...

Wow. Just wow.

I LOVE those words at the head of the stairs. I am all over this one...

=)

Heather said...

What a great idea! I will have to go check out her blog.

I have seen the chalkboard paint idea on several blogs now and I love it. I can't wait to own a house so I can try it. I think it would be great for writing menu plans, shopping lists, love notes, the ideas are endless!

cristie said...

this world of sharing is a marvel. xox

Robin said...

"Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors." African Proverb

"We can't direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails."

Scrapally said...

I don't think it is ever too late to start memorizing quotes...I write them down all the time...I need a good place to post them like that and have them inspire me more than they do in my little quote book...Shawni's blog is delightful, I spent a lot of time there this afternoon. Thanks for sharing! Do you know the Eyres?

Susan Rozier said...

Thanks Jill for another thought provoking blog with practical ideas. One of my daughters uses Mormon Ads on her bulletin board. Another used a sheet of paper with quotes typed on them--in fact they have been up for years. The black boards are a creative touch, but other ways can send the same message. Love, Susan

darlene said...

Memorizing poetry was part of our children's homeschooling curriculum.I wish we had done the quotes as well.
Is this blog by Linda Eyre's daughter? I loved Linda's books when I was a young mother.
(JOYFUL MOTHER OF CHILDREN) (the original, not the revised)

Grandma Honey said...

Darlene ... YES she is the daughter of the Eyres. I didn't even know there was a relation until a few days ago. Amazing to think those kids are all grown up now! And I do remember you reading Joyful Mother of Children.

Scrapally and Karen~~ I could memorize quotes, but a week later I would have forgotten them. It's just different when we are older. If we learn them while we are young, they are with us forever.

And to all of you who sent quotes, I love them!!

Kris said...

Jill, this reminds me of what you've done with the bathroom your boys had growing up! I've never forgotten that and in fact now have a frame in my kids' bathroom to hang quotes, music, scriptures, etc on it! ;)

Lisa said...

You want to know something funny? I was thinking..."Gosh Jill, I don't need a new blog to love, what if that takes me away from yours?!!" My time is so crazy with no time at all anymore these days!

Anyways...I'm happy to report, your blog is STILL MY FAVORITE! Maybe it's because I don't know that girl & my kids are grown, but I LOVE YOUR BLOG! But I did find that the quote board was a great idea. I might used that for my Kitchen Wall since it's BLANK & always thought something 'written' should go there!

Mar~ said...

I really enjoyed this idea. I have wanted to do something like this in my home. But it seems we always are moving, have the house on the market, etc., and such personalized things are frowned upon... :(
Perhaps, just ONE framed chalkboard would be alright...instead of the entire wall I was planning to use...hmmm....

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