I feel passionately about the importance of children realizing that their mothers are more than just parents. I think it is part of my job as a mom to show my daughters that not only am I their mommy, but I am a whole person, too. It is essential for my own mental health, but I think it is necessary for them too. The martyr thing never really worked out for me, and I am much happier when I can incorporate things that I love into my daily life. For me that is writing.
As early as I can remember, I was writing. I think even when I wasn’t writing, when I was perhaps just thinking, my brain was narrating stories and practicing dialogue. When I was in 5th and 6th grade, I started writing poems and stories more diligently in my free time, and I had the most supportive teacher, Mrs. Noonan, who would patiently read everything I brought in for her. Not only that, she encouraged and complimented me as I brought in poem after poem, story after story. I’m sure the fruits of my labor would make me cringe if I could read them now, but back then I was so proud of myself.
It seems that my six and a half year old, Izzy, will be following in my footsteps. My post today is her very first personal narrative story, an assignment completed in her first grade classroom.
May I present:
A Sister For Me.
Translation: My sister was crying. It took 3 days to get out of the hospital. I was only in it for 2 days. (Not sure what this means, exactly. Also, we were not there for 3 days. Just sayin’. )
It’s a bio! And a dedication! Could this be any cuter?
Suffice it to say, Mommy is very proud. Izzy knows that I am a writer and blogger, and she has been so excited when she learns of one of my accomplishments, like being published in an anthology, or being chosen for Listen To Your Mother; I know that her desire to please me is strong, but when it comes to her interest in writing, I think it is actually innate. Perhaps my daughters’ talents will mirror my own- how fulfilling that would be to witness. But maybe they won’t- maybe my youngest will be a track star, a dancer, or something else that require a grace that I do not possess. No matter what paths they choose, I will celebrate their successes and acknowledge their dreams; I am setting that example for them in my own life as well.
Welcome Back to Finish the Sentence Friday!
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Me from Mommy, for Real!
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Next week’s sentence is: “If I were stuck on an island, I would like to have…”
Love, love, love this. Seriously, Izzy is too adorable and can see why you are a proud mama. I honestly think the way you finished this sentence was awesome and truly amazing!! 🙂
So sweet!
How awesome an author she is already? What a keepsake! I agree Stephanie, our kids need to see that we have interests outside of being moms. We need that too.
Thanks Jean, and yes, we have to keep it forever!
Oh my word, that is such a sweet book. I love her observation of her sister’s silky hair. I’ve seen plenty of books from school kids, but never have I seen an “about the author” section. Awesome.
I know, the author bio and dedication killed me! Thanks Christine!
I LOVE IT! How old is your Izzy?
She’s six and a half…first grade. Such a creative gal. 🙂
I love the snuggle part on the bio! One of our favorite pastimes for sure. Isn’t it so great how our children watch and learn and take life cues from us? Can be scary as well. What a blessing to be able to pass on your love of writing to your child! So glad to connect. I smile at your words.
Blessings,
Angie
Thanks for that lovely comment! You are so right- both a joy and scary at the same time!
This is so precious! I love the drawings and I do love that last page. Adorable. I like what you said about moms not being only moms. So often I feel guilty for perusing non-mom things. I’m beginning to get over that though.
I’m working on it, for sure, but the guilt is pretty deeply rooted, you know?
I love this story she wrote! It’s sweet and so well written. I’m amazed at how fast they become little people with all their own passions. Good job mom!
Thanks so much Janae, and glad you stopped by! 🙂
One of the reasons I started blogging is because I wanted my kids to see that I can be successful at something besides being a mom. So sweet to see that Izzy is taking after her mommy – and she is a fabulous illustrator to boot!
Thanks Dana- I think that is so important. I think Izzy really is proud of me, just as I am proud of her!
That was too precious. I loved her descriptions. And all active verbs. She’s a natural. Made me think of my very first memory. I was days before turning three. I peered over the back seat as mom got in the car holding my baby sister. (In the days — way before car seat laws.)
I love that comment Jamie- thanks! Loved your post, too, btw…
Izzy is just too cute for words! And great job teaching her that she has a brain and to use it. She’s going to grow up to be a bright, fun, and beautiful woman.
Thanks Terrye- I wholeheartedly agree!
What a lovely post! As an ex-active-teacher I can fully appreciate this, and your focus is just abut right too. A great read! Have a good day and I will see you soon!
I LOVE! LOVE!!! I am now passionate about reading more of Izzy’s work. I love the fact that there’s a bio attached just as much as I love the content thereof. I was making something similar, only very low tech, with Ben. Kind of like a comic strip. We cut and pasted some pictures from the local news paper and he told a story about the characters. Now that he’s drawing more, we should try what you did with Izzy. LOVE!!!
Oooh, a comic strip- another great idea! I am all about us doing projects together that we can both enjoy!
Looks like she’ll definitely be following you! Thanks for sharing the beautiful pics, Stephanie.
It’s so true! Mothers have to show their kids that they are humans! Not just machines that tend to every need. great post!
I love this! Especially the part where she described her sister’s hair. I really think you have a future author on your hands. Be proud mama, be proud!
Oh, I just love this so much. “When my sister came alive” was just the cutest way to put that. AW!!! (and her hair was like a baby bird….SO SWEET)
I adore her biography. How sweet. No wonder you are one proud mama!! What a doll!! — Lisa
So cute! Go Izzy! 🙂
I have always felt it is important to maintain an identity separate from motherhood. It keeps me a whole, sane person which makes me a better wife and mother, as well.
how cool is it to have talent as she does (not to mention her age)… tap lessons get left behind, piano lessons rely on 800 pound musical interments, but to be able to translate feelings into words (and pictures)… tres cool.
You. Love. You are setting the example. And you’re doing a great job of it. Izzy definitely takes after mommy and you should be so proud. “Izzy likes to read and sing and dance.” Perfect.
Wow Stephanie! That is so adorable! I used to love writing, and making up stories when I was that age too. I bet you’re having the best time nurturing that in her. Great post, thanks for sharing that with us.
So stinkin’ cute! I love that she was a “lonely” child and her sister’s hair looked like a baby bird’s!! Can’t wait ’til my kiddos are bringing home books like that. I’m sure to cry my eyes out. And then blog about it 🙂
I love this post. It’s such a perfect point of view. I try really hard to show my son the non-mommy side of me, which is hard because we are always together. But as he gets older he definitely notices more. AND that story made me laugh, and smile 🙂