Sunday, August 23, 2009

THE FACE WASH

When the three oldest children were little--the oldest about ten or eleven--the youngest about five--I noticed one of them was getting some blackheads on the nose area. I didn't want to make them self-conscious nor did I want to make them feel they weren't doing a good job taking care of themselves, so I instituted the "Face Wash."

I took a clean washcloth and got it wet with the hottest water I could run. I rung it out and called the kids. I said something like, "Come for your free face wash."

They came, just out of curiosity, I think. I may have demo'd it on myself, sighing at the wondrous hot cloth, soothing my tiredness away. I can't remember for sure but I do know I got their attention and one volunteered to be first. After that child was done I gave the next one the "face wash." When the last child was done I looked and the first and second one were lined up behind, waiting for another turn. The continued to line up until my hands couldn't wring another drop of water. They learned that a Face Wash was a wonderful thing.

Every night, when I get ready for bed and I've cleaned my face I give myself three "Face Washes." It's a great way to end the day.

Yesterday, Hillary and her two kiddies and Hillary's friend, Shan (who is also now my friend) were here. (Technically, Shan didn't come until later--just to set the record straight. For some reason that is important to Shan, setting the record straight.) We had talked and sat on the lawn swings--even in the 99 degree heat--for hours. It was a lazy day.

We finally decided to go to dinner at 7:00. The girls were so good, never complaining but almost fall asleep in their food.

When we got home Hillary had them change into jammies and then, low and behold, she gave them each "Face Washes!" Who knew?
You can see how tired the littlest one was. Phil wasn't much more lively. He looks like he has "become one" with the chair. He didn't get a face wash.
Hillary has taken the experience to a whole new level. They also got "Foot Washes." I hate it when someone takes my traditions and makes them better. I really only hate it because I don't live at her house and will have to do my own foot washes. Bah.
One of the good things in life: Face Washes and now Foot Washes, too.



PS Hillary did give me a foot rub so I guess I'll forgive her for one upping me. She probably should give me a foot rub about a hundred more times, just to make sure .

9 comments:

Shawn said...

Oh, heavenly face washes....I do look forward to mine every night....


Sorry again that I have been lax in coming around---I will get back on track in Sept! Hopefully!

Laura ~Peach~ said...

i so want all your secrets and ideas you are such a good mom and grandma :)

Lorraine said...

What a fantastic idea, you are wonderful!!! I'm giving you a 'virtual' hour foot rub, after I wash them :)

Annette said...

That is a wonderful tradition. Just thinking about it makes me feel comforted. I hope you get lots more foot rubs.

Hillary said...

I am a pleasure, arn't I?

I am not that great. I told the girls I would "face wash" them last night and Ruby just reminded me this morning that we forgot. Plus also, I didn't say prayers either. I should repent super quick.

Me said...

Now that's dedication. I just throw mine in the tub, no way am I scrubbing their feet when they're old enough too. Of course, we only have boys left at home and their feet are rather scary.

Shan said...

Apparently I left your house too early because I had to wash my own face that night. Next time I'll not leave until I get my turn.

Unknown said...

How beautiful the top picture is of Maddy getting her face washed, and what a good idea the foot wash is. It probably helps keep the sheets clean!

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