Our Busy Little World
Sep. 29, 2006 - Tomato Staking
Recently I found this great site, Raising Godly Tomatoes. I'm sure many of you know of it, since I think I found the link somewhere on HSB, but I hadn't seen it before. I didn't have too much time, but I thoroughly enjoyed perusing her wisdom, and gleaned much from it. One thing that stuck out to me was the concept of tomato staking. I had chatted with Corin about this same kind of thing a few weeks ago, and reading about it yesterday re-inspired me and also gave me some great practical ideas. It made perfect sense - usually the times I experience frustration with my girls, it's because I'm trying to get some dishes done and I have let them go play in the playroom. Within a few minutes I often hear them not being so kind with one another. So yesterday when Matt was coming home late (due to his sweet idea of doing the costco shopping for me this week), I put this idea to the test. Since we had sticky gooey rice for dinner, I didn't ask Isabelle to do her sweeping job (this has happened a lot lately with all the rice I'm making for Naomi's tummy; I figure if I have a hard time sweeping it up, it would probably exasperate my four year old to do so); instead Isabelle helped Hannah with the little garbage cans. Then I had each girl pick only one dolly, bear, book or toy (their choice, though they all picked a dolly to take care of) and I plopped them on the counter next to me. They all "nursed", fed, disciplined, and played with their dollies, then rocked them and sang them lullabies, telling me the dollies were tired. No bickering with one another, no mommy feeling like I was leaving my children to themselves, it worked well. They did ask to get down a few times, but I said I would be lonesome without them and it wasn't time to get down yet. I think I just need to get over my modern (often subconscious) notion that kids always need to be entertained, and I'm depriving them if I don't let them play freely. It's not a horrible thing for them (actually it's probably quite a good thing in learning contentment) to learn to be happy with one little toy for awhile. Anyway, that was our first official "tomato staking" experience, and I think I'll keep using this idea this for those after-meal clean-up times after the girls have finished "helping".
I had to take a few pictures, it was a funny progression of facial expressions, though unfortunately I think I erased my favorite one.
Comments
Sep. 29, 2006 - Cute girls!
Posted by genamayo
Hi Melissa,
I love these pictures. It is so wonderful to see your girls sharing these "mothering" experiences with each other.
I'm definitely going to check out the Tomatoes site. I've heard of it several times, but have never gone there.
Have a great day!
--Gena
Sep. 29, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Corin
Great job! They all look so adorable up there!
Sep. 29, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by kjfairch
You know, I always wondered if you were on the Raising Godly Tomatoes message board. So much of your parenting (from what I read here) seems right in line with the parenting philosophies of this board. I've really enjoyed talking with the other women on the RGT board- it's nice to share with others who have the same ideas on parenting as I do. I'm glad to hear that you found RGT and have enjoyed it so far.
As always- you're girls are cute as buttons.
If you ever need a topic to blog on- I'd love to hear your thoughts on Quiverfull.
Sep. 29, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Tiany
Great post! I started tomato staking my boys about 2.5 years ago when my youngest was 3. It really does work and it is worth every minute one puts into it.
I often think of how true this scripture is...
Proverbs 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
So glad you found the site and that you have been blessed by it!
Sep. 29, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by kjfairch
Melissa-
I was referring to the QuiverFull movement within fundamental, evangelical Christianity.
Basically, it says that children are a blessing from the Lord (I agree!) and that we should not use any birthcontrol whatsoever- we should have as many children as the Lord gives us.
Here's a good site that explains it better than I did: www.QuiverFull.com
Kelly
PS: Are you as bummed as I am that Reforming Mama will be no more???
Sep. 29, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Rebeca
That's a great webiste- I read a lot of it a long time ago, and just last week started re-reading some of it. We need to do some tomato staking, especially after the last month of Mama being on the couch so much and other family members caring for the kids. Thanks for the timely encouragement!
Rebeca
Sep. 29, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by TwaddleMeNot
I'm with you, Kelly, Reforming Mama's great. But I'm really impressed with her willingness to give up things she enjoys to serve God and her family better - that's the most important thing! And Rebeca, I totally understand the whole resting up and having lots of people help with the kids - lots to make up for :-) I hope you're feeling better!
Melissa
Sep. 30, 2006 - Hello there....
Posted by kampsplete
Oh these dear little girls....I don't know how you can refrain from kissing on them and squeezing them EVERY minute of the day. They are just so precious! I love the idea of having them sit on the counter. That is too cute. And how sweet they are with their little dollies....I loved all your pictures, but I think my favorite was from your family letter when the girls were excited that Matt was home after his week at school. What a sweet picture that is! And the "Daddy date" during family worship time is just too sweet. You have such a wonderful family. I really enjoyed my visit tonight, as always. Hope you're doing well.....
Love, Kathy
Oct. 6, 2006 - Great Post!
Posted by dawilli
What a great example of putting tomato staking into pratice!
adorable pictures as well,
have a good one,
ali
