I figured it was time to get that heavy post off there... SO, I thought I would ask if anyone has seen the new Spiderwick Chronicles with their kids yet? I gave Lora a coupon for a mother-daughter date for Valentines and she really wants to use it tonight. She wants to see that movie. Just wondering how it is...if anyone has seen it, let me know.
Sorry, if I shocked some of you with my last DESCRIPTIVE post. Hope I don't get into any trouble with blogger!
Well, today I am actually leaving my house a total mess and I am taking Emma to an open gym play for 2 hours with a friend. She is so excited about it. My house will be here waiting when I get back right? Maybe a little fairy will come in and clean it for me while I am gone....too bad you are all too far away. Hey, Christine, you live close by....ha ha
Abe gets to pass the sacrament for his first time Sunday. He used some of his birthday money to help buy a suit. He has tried it on ten times! He is so excited about it!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Standing for Something
Ok, I am going to open myself up here and voice my opinion. I think I have a reputation for that...I am interested to know what others think, because at the moment, I am feeling rather alone in this and I would like to know if anyone out there agrees with me. And if you don't.....that's ok, just don't tell me! ha ha
So here is the issue at hand:
Last week Abe's 6th grade teachers sent home a letter announcing that "Maturation Week" is coming up and there would be a parent meeting to preview the material that would be taught. The letter stated that they would be covering topics such as puberty and the birth process.
Ok, so I wasn't about to miss this meeting. Although, I had already pretty much made up my mind that I was going to not have Abe participate in this program, I wanted to be responsible and at least go and see firsthand what the material was going to be like.
I thought I would go a few minutes early so as to get a good seat in what I thought would be a crowded classroom right? WRONG! The "crowd" consisted of me and one other couple! Does that shock anyone but me??? What is wrong with people??? I asked the teachers what the feedback had been so far and they said that most of the forms had already been turned in and all had checked YES, that their child could participate. Without even knowing the material??!! I am sorry but that shocks me. OK, so I get over that and move onto view the video.
I am not a prude or naive, and yes, I know kids need to eventually learn this stuff....but I can say that I was very uncomfortable with this material. While I am sure most people would say it is well done, I felt really uncomfortable sitting there having pictures of penises and vaginas and pubic hair flashing in front of my eyes! Granted, they weren't actual photographs, but very detailed drawings. They discussed things such as erections and ejaculation with detailed pictures. I don't think that 11 and 12 year olds should have this put in front of them with their peers sitting there. Yes, they do separate the boys and girls, but still...and then the teachers tell them that if they walk out of the room and utter one word about it on the playground, they will be sent home for the day. Isn't that a mixed message? Get them all stirred up inside and expect them to have the maturity to not say anything about it! The hope is that they will go home and talk to their parents about it, but chances are that will only happen in a small percentage of families.
I just have such a problem with once again, the government stepping in and hiding behind the facade that they are putting the child first and looking out for them by teaching this at school because it won't be taught in the home. IT is not that I really have a problem with the information being presented. I just don't agree that it should be taught IN SCHOOL. I suggested the idea afterward that it would be great if they could have the video available for parents to check out and take home and view it with their child at home where it was in a comfortable setting. I think they were rolling their eyes inside their heads at me. THe woman teacher was very nice and respectful of how I felt, but the man was not saying much at all. THe other couple thought the video was great and they left shortly after saying they were happy it was being taught in school.
This is my thought...I know this is too ideal, but wouldn't it be so awesome if they could instead, take a week and teach things such as respecting your body, boys respecting girls, modest dress, clean language, appropriate media and entertainment....in fact, all the stuff in the "For the Strength of Youth" handbook. I think that is much more age appropriate and so much more beneficial.
They always say that they have to teach this because kids don't learn it at home. You know what? Many many generations of kids grew up not being taught this in school and they did just fine. IN fact, it was a much more wholesome world back when it wasn't talked about so much! Yes, I agree that many kids will not learn this at home, but don't jeopardize those kids who have parents who actually are having these discussions at home. To me, it is something that has to be taught with the spirit and will that be present in school? NO.
I would like to see a study done showing me that even one kid abstained from premarital sex because they saw this great video in the 6th grade.
I think all this does is embarrass them and raise their curiosity so that many of them will probably want to go home and search out some real photos on the internet!
I know, I know, I am really charged up about this. I am not saying that every 6th grader is going to go home and look at porn, but you get my point.
It is not that I think seeing any of this would really hurt Abe,we have already had several discussions with him on these topics, so it will not be anything new to him. It is just the principle of it for me that as long as EVERYONE does it, then the school system thinks that no one has a problem with it and that all parents want it.
I don't have a problem with them talking about acne and the need for deodorant etc...but let's leave the nakedness and bodily fluid parts out of it.
Abe will probably be the only one that will go with the other teacher and be taught the "alternative program", where they will learn insignificant things such as how to deal with peer pressure, the danger of gang violence and how to make healthy eating choices. (of course I am kidding about the insignificant part)
Yes, he may feel a little dumb about being the only one, but maybe the best lesson in all of this for him will be that it won't be the last time he will have to be the only one doing something different and he will know that his parents aren't afraid to take a stand on something.
I left the meeting and went to Becky's house to get on the elliptical machine and burn off my frustration...but I didn't quite get it all out, so I thought I would finish venting on my blog.
Thanks for "listening"
So here is the issue at hand:
Last week Abe's 6th grade teachers sent home a letter announcing that "Maturation Week" is coming up and there would be a parent meeting to preview the material that would be taught. The letter stated that they would be covering topics such as puberty and the birth process.
Ok, so I wasn't about to miss this meeting. Although, I had already pretty much made up my mind that I was going to not have Abe participate in this program, I wanted to be responsible and at least go and see firsthand what the material was going to be like.
I thought I would go a few minutes early so as to get a good seat in what I thought would be a crowded classroom right? WRONG! The "crowd" consisted of me and one other couple! Does that shock anyone but me??? What is wrong with people??? I asked the teachers what the feedback had been so far and they said that most of the forms had already been turned in and all had checked YES, that their child could participate. Without even knowing the material??!! I am sorry but that shocks me. OK, so I get over that and move onto view the video.
I am not a prude or naive, and yes, I know kids need to eventually learn this stuff....but I can say that I was very uncomfortable with this material. While I am sure most people would say it is well done, I felt really uncomfortable sitting there having pictures of penises and vaginas and pubic hair flashing in front of my eyes! Granted, they weren't actual photographs, but very detailed drawings. They discussed things such as erections and ejaculation with detailed pictures. I don't think that 11 and 12 year olds should have this put in front of them with their peers sitting there. Yes, they do separate the boys and girls, but still...and then the teachers tell them that if they walk out of the room and utter one word about it on the playground, they will be sent home for the day. Isn't that a mixed message? Get them all stirred up inside and expect them to have the maturity to not say anything about it! The hope is that they will go home and talk to their parents about it, but chances are that will only happen in a small percentage of families.
I just have such a problem with once again, the government stepping in and hiding behind the facade that they are putting the child first and looking out for them by teaching this at school because it won't be taught in the home. IT is not that I really have a problem with the information being presented. I just don't agree that it should be taught IN SCHOOL. I suggested the idea afterward that it would be great if they could have the video available for parents to check out and take home and view it with their child at home where it was in a comfortable setting. I think they were rolling their eyes inside their heads at me. THe woman teacher was very nice and respectful of how I felt, but the man was not saying much at all. THe other couple thought the video was great and they left shortly after saying they were happy it was being taught in school.
This is my thought...I know this is too ideal, but wouldn't it be so awesome if they could instead, take a week and teach things such as respecting your body, boys respecting girls, modest dress, clean language, appropriate media and entertainment....in fact, all the stuff in the "For the Strength of Youth" handbook. I think that is much more age appropriate and so much more beneficial.
They always say that they have to teach this because kids don't learn it at home. You know what? Many many generations of kids grew up not being taught this in school and they did just fine. IN fact, it was a much more wholesome world back when it wasn't talked about so much! Yes, I agree that many kids will not learn this at home, but don't jeopardize those kids who have parents who actually are having these discussions at home. To me, it is something that has to be taught with the spirit and will that be present in school? NO.
I would like to see a study done showing me that even one kid abstained from premarital sex because they saw this great video in the 6th grade.
I think all this does is embarrass them and raise their curiosity so that many of them will probably want to go home and search out some real photos on the internet!
I know, I know, I am really charged up about this. I am not saying that every 6th grader is going to go home and look at porn, but you get my point.
It is not that I think seeing any of this would really hurt Abe,we have already had several discussions with him on these topics, so it will not be anything new to him. It is just the principle of it for me that as long as EVERYONE does it, then the school system thinks that no one has a problem with it and that all parents want it.
I don't have a problem with them talking about acne and the need for deodorant etc...but let's leave the nakedness and bodily fluid parts out of it.
Abe will probably be the only one that will go with the other teacher and be taught the "alternative program", where they will learn insignificant things such as how to deal with peer pressure, the danger of gang violence and how to make healthy eating choices. (of course I am kidding about the insignificant part)
Yes, he may feel a little dumb about being the only one, but maybe the best lesson in all of this for him will be that it won't be the last time he will have to be the only one doing something different and he will know that his parents aren't afraid to take a stand on something.
I left the meeting and went to Becky's house to get on the elliptical machine and burn off my frustration...but I didn't quite get it all out, so I thought I would finish venting on my blog.
Thanks for "listening"
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Abe The Babe turns 12!
Well,another birthday post to do....Abram turned 12 today! So hard to believe. For as stubborn as he can be and for as much as i get frustrated with him....I have to say that the thing I love the very most about Abe is that he is so appreciative and thankful for every little thing. He can't say enough thank you's for any gift or act of service done for him.
For example, our Valentine tradition is that I always make a nice dinner for the family and I set the table really pretty and festive and have a small gift for everyone on their dinner plates. You wonder how much it really means and if it is worth all the effort. Late on Valentine's night, as I was making the rounds tucking kids into bed, I came into Abe's room and he was just finishing up writing in his journal. He let me read his entry. He took up two whole pages describing our dinner and every single thing that we ate..even the color of the kool-aid, exactly what was in the salad, and that he thought the chocolate cake was the moistest ever! He described how the table was set and explained that we had red "charger" plates under the white china ones. It was so funny and so sweet! I really love that about him. He has hugged me a hundred times today and told me that this has been the best day ever, even though it was fairly ordinary. Tomorrow I am taking him and 4 of his buddies bowling. Should be fun.
He is turning out to be a great young man. He was ordained a deacon today. It was a really special experience for him and for all of us.
I love you Abe!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Happy Birthday Muk-Rut!!!
Sorry Amy, but your nickname is now exposed to all the blogging world! You will always be Muk-Rut to me. Even though I have no idea where that name actually came from??? mom, do you know??
As a little tribute to Amy on her special day, I thought I would list a few of my favorite memories with my little sis.
In the really early days....
1. You always wanted to sleep with me.
2. You sucked your thumb and it was always green and wrinkly, but you said it just tasted so good, you couldn't give it up.
3. Sometimes you would wet the bed and I would blowdry the sheets for you so mom wouldn't get mad (sorry mom, but you were a little uptight in those days! :)
4. You saw me get mad at mom once and give her a little finger gesture....(I can't believe I did that!!) and you copied me innocently only to have mom turn around and see YOU...and you got in trouble. sorry about that one!
5. Your two favorite toys were your black motorcycle and your green incredible hulk doll!
6. Even though you were only about 2 feet tall and weighed about 15 pounds....you would boss the entire family around and even tell us what to wear!
In your teen years....
1. You were a bridesmaid at my wedding
2. You got a boyfriend named Kelly
3. You cried when he left on a mission
4. You lived in a Tuff Shed behind Lane and I's duplex
5. You were Alex's favorite babysitter
6. We discovered "Dollar Days" together and laughed our heads off on the way home talking about ALL the things we bought for $1.00!!! (why was that funny???)
7. We tried to be "RockStars" together!
In your adult years....
1. You cried when Kelly came home from his mission
2. You were a beautiful bride a few months later
3. You turned an old trailer look into a darling newlywed palace!
4. You were still my kids' favorite babysitter
5. You became a mother yourself
6. You became one of my best friends
7. You came to visit me in Georgia when I thought I was actually dying from homesickness
8. THat whole week, we hung out at the pool, and sang to Cheryl Crow's "Soak up the Sun."
9. I never cried so hard in my life as I did when you left me in Georgia!!
10. I moved to AZ and you came to visit me
11. We traumatized Taylor and Mariah by skinny dipping in my pool with them!! (sorry Taylor, I just had to let that secret out!)
12. We laughed our heads off that night too....did you pee in the pool??
13. We have had some great late night feet picking parties
14. We almost wet our pants getting our eyebrows threaded...we laughed so hard!
oh Amy, we have laughed and cried so much together over the years! THese are just a few of my memories, but I have many more. Some that are too embarrassing to blog about.
THank you for being not only my sister, but also one of my very best friends. THank you for loving me and for loving my kids so much. You have such a unique ability to truly love other people. You are my example of charity. I love you so much and am so proud of the person that you are.
I wish I was there to celebrate your day with you!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
More pics of 18 year old Alex
So, I decided to add a few more pics....I thought these candybar posters turned out so cute that the kids made him....see if you can read what they say. Also a couple pictures of Alex and Cate. Yes, he has a girlfriend. She is adorable and we love her. It was fun night taking them out.
Happy Birthday Alex!
It was a strange thing to wake up this morning and realize that I am the mother of an ADULT! How is that even possible?? I need to take some cute pictures tonight to post later so that I can show him off a little....but since it is his birthday, I am giving myself permission to brag/blog a little about him!
I don't even know where to start....I love this kid so much that it seriously hurts! He is such a bright spot in our family and things are always so much more fun when he is around. He has a certain charm and charisma that is rare in a teenage boy. I feel so blessed that I get to be his mother. He is a giant of a man in my eyes and I am excited to see what he does with his life.
He has never outgrown the need for daily bear hugs from his mom and never ever goes a day without expressing his love and appreciation for me.He will often text me from school just to say he loves me and to have a great day. That means so much to me.
Now, the countdown starts...as this is his last year at home. I am a sobbing idiot about it, even though nothing will be greater for him than to serve a mission.
Last night was FHE and we were all singing this goofy song that Abe wanted us to sing and Alex was just in the corner laughing his head off and then we all started laughing....and I just started to cry, thinking of our house without him here. In fact, the tears have started again, so I better just quit....but for all of you who are struggling through the days with your kids...please take it from me that it goes so fast! Before you know it, they are MEN and WOMEN! There were many days when Alex made me cry (they were not tears of joy!) and I wondered how I was going to raise this miniature lawyer!! He had a stubborn streak that would make your head spin. I try to keep that in mind these days as I am raising my true "ticket to Heaven" AKA...???
My advice to every mom is to try to look at your kids, not for who they are being at the moment, but for who they have the potential to become. Can I do this all the time? NO. I just keep plugging along just like all of you. But it sure is a nice little bonus when you wake up and realize that you have an 18 year old son who loves his parents, loves his siblings and most importantly, loves his Heavenly Father with all of his heart. It makes it all worth it! I love you Alex.
I don't even know where to start....I love this kid so much that it seriously hurts! He is such a bright spot in our family and things are always so much more fun when he is around. He has a certain charm and charisma that is rare in a teenage boy. I feel so blessed that I get to be his mother. He is a giant of a man in my eyes and I am excited to see what he does with his life.
He has never outgrown the need for daily bear hugs from his mom and never ever goes a day without expressing his love and appreciation for me.He will often text me from school just to say he loves me and to have a great day. That means so much to me.
Now, the countdown starts...as this is his last year at home. I am a sobbing idiot about it, even though nothing will be greater for him than to serve a mission.
Last night was FHE and we were all singing this goofy song that Abe wanted us to sing and Alex was just in the corner laughing his head off and then we all started laughing....and I just started to cry, thinking of our house without him here. In fact, the tears have started again, so I better just quit....but for all of you who are struggling through the days with your kids...please take it from me that it goes so fast! Before you know it, they are MEN and WOMEN! There were many days when Alex made me cry (they were not tears of joy!) and I wondered how I was going to raise this miniature lawyer!! He had a stubborn streak that would make your head spin. I try to keep that in mind these days as I am raising my true "ticket to Heaven" AKA...???
My advice to every mom is to try to look at your kids, not for who they are being at the moment, but for who they have the potential to become. Can I do this all the time? NO. I just keep plugging along just like all of you. But it sure is a nice little bonus when you wake up and realize that you have an 18 year old son who loves his parents, loves his siblings and most importantly, loves his Heavenly Father with all of his heart. It makes it all worth it! I love you Alex.
Friday, February 1, 2008
San Antonio Trip
I just got back from a weekend trip to San Antonio, so I finally have something new to blog about! Becky and I went for a business training conference and we had a blast! San Antonio is a really unique city and we did have some time to hang out on the Riverwalk and site see as well. We visited the Alamo, and we did alot of shopping and eating. Lane flew in for about 24 hours(probably to check up on us after we told him we got serenaded at a Mexican Restaurant!).
The weather was a little cool, but still nice. We actually ran along the Riverwalk one morning and it was the best "runner's high" I have ever felt! Brooke, you would have loved it!
It was so much fun to have some girlfriend time with Becky (even though Lane honed in for a day) just kidding...it was awesome having Lane there. He kept us focused on our purpose, which was business. But we managed to have alot of fun as well.
I have been away from blogging for so long that I can't seem to get any text under my pics, so I will just tell you that the 2 cheesy smiling business men are the ones that kept forking out money to have the Mexican guys serenade us! Until we finally told them to GIVE UP....WE ARE MARRIED! SO, thought I would post their pics. It was pretty funny. Beck was laughing so hard I thought she was going to choke and I would have to do the heimlich!
I gained so much from the conference, not only business info, but alot of personal development and many new friends from around the world. I really love it! It is very rewarding in many ways for me to be a part of Usana.
By the way, still no word from my neighbor down the street, but I will take everyone's advice and take some cookies down one of these days.
The weather was a little cool, but still nice. We actually ran along the Riverwalk one morning and it was the best "runner's high" I have ever felt! Brooke, you would have loved it!
It was so much fun to have some girlfriend time with Becky (even though Lane honed in for a day) just kidding...it was awesome having Lane there. He kept us focused on our purpose, which was business. But we managed to have alot of fun as well.
I have been away from blogging for so long that I can't seem to get any text under my pics, so I will just tell you that the 2 cheesy smiling business men are the ones that kept forking out money to have the Mexican guys serenade us! Until we finally told them to GIVE UP....WE ARE MARRIED! SO, thought I would post their pics. It was pretty funny. Beck was laughing so hard I thought she was going to choke and I would have to do the heimlich!
I gained so much from the conference, not only business info, but alot of personal development and many new friends from around the world. I really love it! It is very rewarding in many ways for me to be a part of Usana.
By the way, still no word from my neighbor down the street, but I will take everyone's advice and take some cookies down one of these days.
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