Mama Veldman, my wonderful mother in law, told me stories when we were alone. Henry was always out visiting his brothers and sisters.
One day she was going someplace special, couldn't remember what it was, but you will see why. She had all the children dressed. Pete was the oldest, all of 3 1/2 or 4, Wilhilmein was 2, and Dolly was 1. Riek was the baby. They were all supposed to sit on the bed and wait til she put on her dress and combed her hair. Seems simple enough. Riek being a baby decided to fill her pants. Remember, there were no pampers, plastic pants, or handy wipes. Since mama was in a hurry, the kids decided to help her out. They changed the diaper with pins and poop. Mama said they had poop on all four of them from head to foot. I asked her what she did. She said she just changed their clothes to ordinary clothes and sent them out to play. She only had one good set of clothes for each child.
Imagine cleaning this mess up. No automatic washer and dryer. No bathtub to throw them all in and give them a good soaping. Only one sink in the whole house and it had only cold water. Hot water was in the reserve tank of the stove.
I take my hat off to such a great lady who raised a wonderful brood of 12 chicks during a depression and war time. She did not complain or gripe. She just did the best she could with what was at hand. Food was simple and nourishing and everyone had their fill.
All of the children said how big the house was while they were growing up. Designers today would crack up. The stairss were steep and narrow, the hallway from front to back was narrow,
(that's where they played ping pong). Four boys slept in one room and four girls slept in the other room. The babies slept downstairs in Mama's room.
Toys were almost non existent. Imaginations were used to a very great extent. All grew up happy and loved. More stories to come.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
How much little ones have to learn
Oct. 27, 2008
I voted today. I went to get an absentee ballot, and you could vote right there and return it. So I did. I had to get a card for dad to sign for him to vote absentee. Two more trips to the city offices. Good thing they are only a half mile away. I am really tired of these elections. Way to much money has been spent by all parties involved. I really thing everyone who wants to run, must present his or her platform before their party's convention. Decide what the party wants to stand for and send it out to all voters to review once a month for 3 months prior to the election. No other ads or campaigning needed. If you cannot read, get someone to read it to you. Use plain English that everyone can understand, in a limited dialog or amount of space.
The money used to campaign could have been used to pay down the national debt. Or feed thousands of people. I do not need to hear the talking heads telling me what I just heard. Granted, it does boost the job market, which sorely needs jobs.
Now A. Greenspan had a very good reason why we are facing this economic mess: GREED.
Not a new concept. It's been around as long as people, and it has been the downfall of many nations. We don't just need a heart, jor a brain, but we do need the courage to follow our conscience. If all those lenders had followed their conscience when lending that money, and all the persons borrowing had used thier brains, we would have a safer financial market. But alas, we are human. Greed is winning out.
Back to where I started: how much little ones have to learn and what we can teach them.
As I have said before, I am teaching 7 year olds in preparation for making their First Communion. This week's unit covered the saints. What is a saint? A martyr? Why and what did they die for? Big concepts for little ones who have everything. It was cute when we had to explain to one little girl what a colored person was. You know, those brown kids in your class at school? That was refreshing, she didn't really see them as any different. Maybe we are making headway in some areas at least. Now if we can decrease poverty and raise the level of education for all children. My group of kids are little chatter boxes. I really love them, and they do want to learn, but listening is not a high priority in their lives. Each week, I seem to get a couple of new kids. They also didn't know about different Protestant religions. It is going to be a fun year.
And where do you start? The history of Religion is a long and harried one for such little persons.
How do you bring it down to their level so they understand and yet are not overwhelmed?
Something to ponder.
Until next time.
I voted today. I went to get an absentee ballot, and you could vote right there and return it. So I did. I had to get a card for dad to sign for him to vote absentee. Two more trips to the city offices. Good thing they are only a half mile away. I am really tired of these elections. Way to much money has been spent by all parties involved. I really thing everyone who wants to run, must present his or her platform before their party's convention. Decide what the party wants to stand for and send it out to all voters to review once a month for 3 months prior to the election. No other ads or campaigning needed. If you cannot read, get someone to read it to you. Use plain English that everyone can understand, in a limited dialog or amount of space.
The money used to campaign could have been used to pay down the national debt. Or feed thousands of people. I do not need to hear the talking heads telling me what I just heard. Granted, it does boost the job market, which sorely needs jobs.
Now A. Greenspan had a very good reason why we are facing this economic mess: GREED.
Not a new concept. It's been around as long as people, and it has been the downfall of many nations. We don't just need a heart, jor a brain, but we do need the courage to follow our conscience. If all those lenders had followed their conscience when lending that money, and all the persons borrowing had used thier brains, we would have a safer financial market. But alas, we are human. Greed is winning out.
Back to where I started: how much little ones have to learn and what we can teach them.
As I have said before, I am teaching 7 year olds in preparation for making their First Communion. This week's unit covered the saints. What is a saint? A martyr? Why and what did they die for? Big concepts for little ones who have everything. It was cute when we had to explain to one little girl what a colored person was. You know, those brown kids in your class at school? That was refreshing, she didn't really see them as any different. Maybe we are making headway in some areas at least. Now if we can decrease poverty and raise the level of education for all children. My group of kids are little chatter boxes. I really love them, and they do want to learn, but listening is not a high priority in their lives. Each week, I seem to get a couple of new kids. They also didn't know about different Protestant religions. It is going to be a fun year.
And where do you start? The history of Religion is a long and harried one for such little persons.
How do you bring it down to their level so they understand and yet are not overwhelmed?
Something to ponder.
Until next time.
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