Compliment

A couple of weeks ago, I listened to Emily Watts give a great talk. One think that has stuck in my mind is that we can't judge others because we don't know the whole story. She told how her little girl one Sunday morning was upset because she had eaten all her pancakes and wanted her Mom's as well. Well, Sis. Watts had made everyone pancakes and then just made one big one for herself with the batter that was left, instead of making 2 little pancakes. This little sunbeam came into the room upset because she wanted a big pancake. After church, the Sunbeam teacher had heard all about how Sis. Watts wouldn't share her breakfast. She went on to say that nobody gives you credit for getting everyone ready for church and making breakfast, they just hear the part that you where selfish and didn't share your breakfast. I have thought about this alot. I sometimes think people see Jordan and wonder what I do as a Mom. Why his hair isn't combed before church or his shirt isn't tucked in. Or why he is wearing the shirt to school that he wore 2 days ago, or why his hair gets longer and longer. What they don't know is just how grateful I am that he came to church or actually got on the school bus. I choose to pick my battles carefully with Jordan. The fact that he is in sacrament meeting to take the sacrament is more important to me than the fact that he didn't wear a dress shirt to church. They also don't know the fights that ensue when its time for a hair cut. Ask the hairdresser about the time he walked out on her, in the snow with no shoes or coat cause he didn't want his hair cut. I am doing the best I can. Which is why I so appreciated this encouter.... In Jordan's 1st grade class, they have been working on earning Compliments. Each compliment they earn, they get a letter to help spell the word. When they spell the word Compliment, they get to have donuts. So, I wanted to share this Compliment with Jordan Last night, Nate and I were in the grocery store,and as we were bagging groceries, Jordan's teacher approached us. I love Ms. Sanders to death. She let me know that Jordan is doing great in class. She told me that he is so polite, kind and helps everyone. I was really surprised. That probably sounds awful for a Mom to say. She also reminded me that if your kids can go out into the world and know how to behave, then you as a parent are doing your job. It was so nice to be reminded that I am doing my job. I just wish that I could be a fly on the wall at school to see J open the door for people and say "thank you" to everything. I am glad others are reaping the benifits of the sweat and tears I put into him! When I got into the car, I wanted to cry. I was grateful to have learned that about Jordan, and I am glad Ms. Sanders took the time to tell me. At dinner we started talking about Ms. Sanders and 1st grade, since the other 2 kids have also been in her class, they are aware of her rules and routines. They started talking about how often each of them had to "turn a card". Turning a card means that you have had a warning, turning your card after that adds up to not so fun consequences. Everyday you start over (from what I understand) Jaxon admitted to turning a card 4 times in his 1st grade career. MyLeigh turned hers 3 times (little Miss Social). Jordan proudly exclaimed that he has yet to turn his card. This really surprised me. I almost choked on my dinner. I would have guessed that Jaxon never turned a card. I am thinking that I need to implement the card system in our home.