Building A Life

Sunday, October 09, 2011

Practice Makes Perfect

Sometimes as parents we are given the opportunity to teach our children valuable lessons through our own actions. Sometimes as parents, we get it right. Yesterday, I got it right.

This weekend I was in charge of making cupcakes for Lauren's baby shower. I decided to decorate some of the cupcakes as chrysanthemums and had a clear vision for what I wanted them to look like (just like the picture on the Martha Steward website, of course!) and was nervous about making that vision a reality. I made the frosting, and made the cupcakes and then it was time to decorate. Millie was home with me at the time and very interested in watching. Watching for a 4-year-old is not a quiet activity. I'm not going to lie, I was a bit stressed and worried about my ability to get the cupcakes done the way I wanted them and I really wanted to be able to concentrate in peace. I did my best to convey the importance of that to Millie in a kind way. Letting her know that this was really hard for me and that I needed to concentrate. She tried to sit still and be quiet ...

I was smart enough to practice on waxed paper first. This is why I was getting anxious and stressed ... those yellow streaks were supposed to be pretty flower petals that stood up. Um, yeah. That wasn't happening. I was frustrated and told Millie I might just have to do swirls on the cupcakes. Then I decided to practice with the piping tip a little more to see if I could get it. About that time Millie decided to go downstairs to play (whew!) and I finally got the knack and started making things that looked like flowers. Once I had a few cupcakes done, I called Millie up to show her. This was her response:

Oh, mommy, they are just perfect! You did it! You practiced and practiced and you got it! You must be so proud of yourself. I'm so proud of you! (This was followed by lots of hugs)

And you know what? I was quite proud. I was proud of my cupcakes, I was proud of Millie's kind and sweet and sincere response, but I think I was most proud of myself for, well, practicing what I preach. I was proud that Millie recognized that with practice and perseverance you can accomplish your goals. It's something I always tell her when she gets frustrated when she's trying to write or draw something or in her pursuit of reading or in learning to ride her scooter. I was proud that my actions could serve as a life lesson for her. I was proud that this time, I got it right.

Eckert's Apples and Cardinals

Two great St. Louis traditions -- and this year we get to enjoy both well into the fall season! Yesterday we took our annual family trip to Eckert's farm in Belleville, IL to pick apples. While the apple selection was a bit disappointing (only golden delicious were available for picking and they didn't quite live up to their name. I don't think the hot weather this summer did much for the local apples), the weather was beautiful, we got there early to beat the crowds, we got to spend quality time with people we love, and I got some great deals on plants for the yard at their nursery. Couldn't ask for a better fall day!