So I don't remember if I ever posted the article anywhere on anchor memories but building forts on the bunk bed is one of mine. (as are red licorice and windmills...our back yard...mom always making good food...canyon vista swimming pool...byu football...scavenger hunts for breakfast on the 4th of July...sneaking a peak at the Christmas presents through the Jesus picture in the hallway...weeding the garden...the smell of soccer...to name a few)...
Anchor memories are the memories that you make as a child when the whole world is right and life doesn't get any better. They are the kind of memories that you look back on and say wow I had a pretty cool childhood and wow my family kicked bum. They are the kind of memory that you can look back on when your life seriously stinks and nothing is going you way and it helps you get off the pity party train and back on the it's all good train. Anyway that is the basic idea. I realized that this is the time for my kids to be forming memories like that and I want them to have plenty to call on when the going gets rough for them.
Rebekah and I spent hours pinning blankets to our ceiling creating awesome forts. I don't ever remember my mom getting annoyed with the mess. I remember lots of planning and building and fun. Rebekah and I liked each other more inside a fort. Now looking back the idea makes me cringe just a little...the thought of the mess you can't get rid of for a few days because they worked so hard to build it and you know they had so much fun that they will beg to do it again soon. It is the kind of thing I normally say no way to because once you give in you can't go back-they will always remember it and always want to do it again. And tacks and pins in the ceiling? Wow my mom was really patient!
A few weeks ago Cami came to me and wanted to build a fort in her room. I had an inward groan but tried to put on a nice face and said," Cami I promise before school starts you can build one in your room for a few days." I half hoped she would forget but last week she asked for it again and remembering my promise and my anchor memory I said OK and I even helped by suggesting a good way to secure the sheet without pinning it to the ceiling.
It was so exciting that all three girls got to sleep in it the first night and Cami and Taryn got to sleep in it two more nights before it came down. They also spent every waking hour reading, chatting, planning, and giggling inside. I was really glad I allowed them the memory and I really hope next time I am flexible enough to allow it again-I mean they are only kids once and the opportunity to be so free is very fleeting...
This is the fort of memories-I helped them later make the roof tighter so no one asphyxiated in their sleep...
Three girls who I hope remember their sleep over in the fort for a long time...I love these girls more than I love a clean house for sure!
No comments:
Post a Comment