So here we are, in our new home and I should be ecstatic. And I am. But I'm also not. We have discovered that when we moved in our oven doesn't get hot, our garbage disposal doesn't dispose of garbage, and our dishwasher doesn't run. Well, I take that back...it runs. and runs, and runs, and runs, and never advances beyond where you set the dial. It literally ran all night long the other night. And I was too exhausted to realize it until I got up the following morning and it was STILL "washing" my dishes. Add to that the fact that when we first got here, our fridge went kaput and we had to buy a new one, and now our dryer has decided to die. I hesitate to even say "what next" because there are still other major appliances that could say "oooh, me, me, me!!" So, I hold my breath and pray nobody decides to help us fill the Fort Worth City Dump with more broken down appliances.
In addition, the DR has me concerned. She said she doesn't want me going past 38 weeks of pregnancy, which would mean a scheduled c-section sometime around the 17th of October. 2 weeks early, and only 4 weeks away. That just doesn't give me enough time. But here's the kicker : she'd like to take her at 37 weeks (meaning sometime the week of October 10) but the problem there is manifold : 1) I'd have to have an amnio to determine if Zoe's lungs are fully formed, 2) Michael's show in Irving doesn't close until the 15th of October so I'd be completely alone at the hospital after the birth, and 3) that puts her arriving here really, really early....and I'm still not prepared for her arrival. Yes, she has a bed, and a room, and it's pretty much "ready" for her, but there is so much more to it than that.....mentally and emotionally I'm not ready for her arrival. I need some more time to prepare. But I suppose, like all things, it's God's timing and not mine. Just so hard to accept sometimes.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Saturday, September 17, 2005
how
how do you prepare yourself for the arrival of another child? how do you open your heart to the possibility that yes, you can love another child as much as your first? how do you look at yourself in the mirror, without hating yourself for even thinking that in the first place? how do you reconcile looking into your child's eyes and thinking "soon, little one, your world is going to turn upside down" with the inescapable joy that has somehow wormed its way into your heart? how do you know life will be changed for the better after the arrival of the new baby? how do you afford two children? how do you take care of two children under the age of 2? how do you do these things and maintain your sanity?
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Wow it's been a long time.
We're finally in our new home. And just as soon as I can find the cord to lift photos from our digital camera, I will post pictures. Until that time...here is a quick update.
We moved in on the 7th of September. Michael got a gig in Irving doing a show at the last minute. So he leaves the house at 6:30 and returns at midnight. It's fabulous for him, not so fabulous for us but we're OK. We make special time during the week for Daddy time with Daniel.
My due date is rapidly approaching. October 31 is the due date. Guess what, my DR doesn't want me going past 38 weeks (that's October 17th) and she wants to do an amniocentesis at 36.5 weeks to determine if the baby could come on October 10th. Good thing her room is almost ready, huh?
We registered at Target and we're going to Babies R Us tomorrow. Registering for a baby with a toddler along is interesting....Daniel wants to handle everything and he kept trying to get the scan gun. Like Father, like son!
I'll update more later, but right now I'm exhausted. I go back to the DR on the 23rd.
We moved in on the 7th of September. Michael got a gig in Irving doing a show at the last minute. So he leaves the house at 6:30 and returns at midnight. It's fabulous for him, not so fabulous for us but we're OK. We make special time during the week for Daddy time with Daniel.
My due date is rapidly approaching. October 31 is the due date. Guess what, my DR doesn't want me going past 38 weeks (that's October 17th) and she wants to do an amniocentesis at 36.5 weeks to determine if the baby could come on October 10th. Good thing her room is almost ready, huh?
We registered at Target and we're going to Babies R Us tomorrow. Registering for a baby with a toddler along is interesting....Daniel wants to handle everything and he kept trying to get the scan gun. Like Father, like son!
I'll update more later, but right now I'm exhausted. I go back to the DR on the 23rd.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Moving....UGH
Well we've just about gotten our house packed (which is more than I can say for any of the other moves we've ever made!!). We have to be out of here Monday....and we're moving in with my Grandmother for 15 days until we are able to move into our new home!
Exciting? Yep.
But we've got to rent a UHaul to get our stuff to UHaul storage...then rent a UHaul from the storage to the new house. It's MUCH MUCH MUCH cheaper than hiring movers....but the catch is finding a bunch of suckers, er, I mean FRIENDS who are willing to help move! We've got help in the form of STUDENT LABOR Monday to move the stuff to storage...we're still working on lining up the help for the 30th....so far, it's just me, myself and I.....since Michael is in school already....but hopefully we'll get some answers back soon.
My back hurts from the packing, but Thank GOD it's almost over. Then two weeks of relaxation before moving again. This time, though, I'll have lots of help unpacking. Michael has been tremendous help packing, and we hope to finish tomorrow and spend Sunday sparkling up our house.
Now if only the yard guys had kept their appointment today....we'd be all set. I am so angry. I called them and he assured me they'd be here today around 4. Here it is, 10 pm, and he hasn't called. I guess I just have to scramble to find someone who can do it on such short notice tomorrow...or at the very latest, MONDAY, which is cutting it SOOOO close!!
Ah well, it'll all work out....:) It always does...
Exciting? Yep.
But we've got to rent a UHaul to get our stuff to UHaul storage...then rent a UHaul from the storage to the new house. It's MUCH MUCH MUCH cheaper than hiring movers....but the catch is finding a bunch of suckers, er, I mean FRIENDS who are willing to help move! We've got help in the form of STUDENT LABOR Monday to move the stuff to storage...we're still working on lining up the help for the 30th....so far, it's just me, myself and I.....since Michael is in school already....but hopefully we'll get some answers back soon.
My back hurts from the packing, but Thank GOD it's almost over. Then two weeks of relaxation before moving again. This time, though, I'll have lots of help unpacking. Michael has been tremendous help packing, and we hope to finish tomorrow and spend Sunday sparkling up our house.
Now if only the yard guys had kept their appointment today....we'd be all set. I am so angry. I called them and he assured me they'd be here today around 4. Here it is, 10 pm, and he hasn't called. I guess I just have to scramble to find someone who can do it on such short notice tomorrow...or at the very latest, MONDAY, which is cutting it SOOOO close!!
Ah well, it'll all work out....:) It always does...
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Pregnancy Ills
Went to the DR today. My blood pressure was up. 124/86. She's not happy about that (*she being Dr Motley*), NOR was she at all thrilled with the ENORMOUS weight gain in two weeks (or one day, if the scales at 24 hour fitness can be trusted). I'm swollen in my legs/feet and hands.
All of this to say : she is afraid I am developing pre-eclampsia. Which means if I do have it, then I will be put on bed rest (YUCK) until the baby is mature enough to have a c-section and deliver her. However, if I have it and bed rest doesn't work she'll put me in the hospital (Harris Downtown) and they'll monitor the baby for 2 weeks and then do a c-section, giving her as much time on the inside as possible, and pumping her full of steroids.
I've just been praying that I don't have it. That I'm just getting fat. That I'm just stressed about the move and the baby. I don't think I am one of those women who is strong enough to survive bed rest and a premature infant.
All of this to say : she is afraid I am developing pre-eclampsia. Which means if I do have it, then I will be put on bed rest (YUCK) until the baby is mature enough to have a c-section and deliver her. However, if I have it and bed rest doesn't work she'll put me in the hospital (Harris Downtown) and they'll monitor the baby for 2 weeks and then do a c-section, giving her as much time on the inside as possible, and pumping her full of steroids.
I've just been praying that I don't have it. That I'm just getting fat. That I'm just stressed about the move and the baby. I don't think I am one of those women who is strong enough to survive bed rest and a premature infant.
Wednesday, August 3, 2005
The Great Mouse Chase...
So, Michael and I spent 2 hours cleaning our bedroom and master bathroom and packing those two rooms up....in the master bathroom we run across a little grey field mouse who has taken up residency in our closet. (S)he has made quite a little nest in there, shredding things and pooping.
Well, we scared the little mouse out and it ran into the bedroom....where we chased it for roughly half an hour before we gave up, locked the dogs in there with it and headed to the store to get some traps. I feel badly for it, because I know it's scared to death. But I don't understand how it's still even here! We have peppermint oil, traps, and even one of those electronic pest repellants that plug into an outlet. Nothing. Zip. Nada. The poor mouse is still trapped in our closet, and now devices of death await its every move.
Plus it's put holes in the closet walls. Not the cartoon-ish holes like you see when you watch "Tom & Jerry," but real mouse holes...tiny and close to the ground. I'm just glad we're moving. It destroyed some antique quilts which upset me more than any of the other things it destroyed.
*SHUDDER* ick!
Well, we scared the little mouse out and it ran into the bedroom....where we chased it for roughly half an hour before we gave up, locked the dogs in there with it and headed to the store to get some traps. I feel badly for it, because I know it's scared to death. But I don't understand how it's still even here! We have peppermint oil, traps, and even one of those electronic pest repellants that plug into an outlet. Nothing. Zip. Nada. The poor mouse is still trapped in our closet, and now devices of death await its every move.
Plus it's put holes in the closet walls. Not the cartoon-ish holes like you see when you watch "Tom & Jerry," but real mouse holes...tiny and close to the ground. I'm just glad we're moving. It destroyed some antique quilts which upset me more than any of the other things it destroyed.
*SHUDDER* ick!
Tuesday, August 2, 2005
Questions...
I've always been inquisitive by nature. I think my first word MUST have been "Why?" I've always wanted to know how things work, where they come from, why they exist, etc. The same is true of my relationship with God.
I have always questioned God, in what I feel is a healthy way. I know it's healthy, because my questioning always leads me closer to God, rather than further away from Him. I study His word, I study other peoples' words about His Word, and I deduce using my own God-given brain power what must surely have been meant by those words. I listen to men and women who are wiser than me. I ask questions of people who are different than me. I listen to honest responses from people who do not believe there even is a God. I do my best to live my life by example, rather than cramming Christianity down the throats of those who do not believe. I've always been taught, and have always believed, that it is better to live by example than by mere words. After all, how many times have we been told that our "Actions speak louder than words?"
My most recent inquisitive streak has led me straight into the heart of something fearful. Something horrible. Something dark, and mysterious. And I cannot seem to find an answer. Let me rephrase that, I cannot seem to find a CLEAR answer. Anywhere. And I'm at a loss.
This search is : HELL. Does it exist? Who goes there? Why does Hell exist? If Jesus came to bring Salvation to the World because God wants all of His children to return to Him, then why is there such a place as Hell? Is Satan real? And by this, I mean : is Satan some little red demon with a pitchfork and spiky tail? Or does Satan simply refer to the bad things in this world, the "evil" that does exist?
I've run across an interesting branch of Christian Theology, which has been deemed "Unorthodox" by a number of mainline Christians. This is known as Universalism. And you know what, when I began reading more about Universalism and talking to people who consider themselves Universalist Christians, I realized that this philosophy is in direct line with what I have always believed.
But you know what, I'm not sure where my Denomination lies on the subject of Hell. I have never once, in almost 10 years, heard a "hellfire and brimstone" sermon from the Pulpit. I heard plenty growing up, and know that the Churches I visited and grew up in throughout my childhood believed there sure is such a place as Hell and I was gonna go there if I didn't do ___________.
I've searched the Bible. I find passages which relate to Hell, or some sort of place like Hell. But I also find passages that state how much God loves us, and how much He wants us to be with Him. The greatest verse of all, John 3:16, sums it up quite nicely. "For God so loved THE WORLD...." not a little group of people, but the WORLD. This tells me He wants everyone to come to Him.
Where my confusion lies is : does He want everyone to come to Him NOW? Or does He know that (as the writer of Revelation states) "every knee will bow, every tongue confess..." eventually, everyone WILL know Him. So, does Hell exist? Or does everyone get a second chance, even after they die, to believe wholly in Jesus Christ?
Don't get me wrong, I've searched and searched and searched my whole life, and I have never (nor will I ever) turn from God. I have some pretty wacky ideas, which I would be happy to share with you if you ask, but I KNOW Jesus was the Son of God, I KNOW He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I just don't know if there is a Hell or not. And I'm confused because part of me wants there to NOT be a Hell, or if there is then it is a temporary one and eventually all the people who are there now will be resurrected into Heaven. But part of me thinks there really ought to be a Hell, reserved only for the most vile of people. Adolf Hitler comes to mind, in fact. Perhaps there is a Hell, reserved only for those who reject Him even in death. Perhaps those who are so offended by His Goodness, that they would rather be tortured for Eternity than confess His name. Satan and his minions, for starters.
I just don't know that this search will ever be complete while I'm still on the earth. It's just too deep, and we haven't enough information from the BIG GUY to make a call ourselves. Perhaps it's a bit altruistic of me to believe that everyone gets the chance to go to Heaven....but I don't care. There are people who are innately good people, they are just a bit misguided.
Or how about Jewish people? There are some of the Jewish Faith that I cannot imagine NOT seeing in Heaven. Or what about Ghandi? Surely a man as good as he was is in Heaven, even if he wasn't a Christian?
I have always questioned God, in what I feel is a healthy way. I know it's healthy, because my questioning always leads me closer to God, rather than further away from Him. I study His word, I study other peoples' words about His Word, and I deduce using my own God-given brain power what must surely have been meant by those words. I listen to men and women who are wiser than me. I ask questions of people who are different than me. I listen to honest responses from people who do not believe there even is a God. I do my best to live my life by example, rather than cramming Christianity down the throats of those who do not believe. I've always been taught, and have always believed, that it is better to live by example than by mere words. After all, how many times have we been told that our "Actions speak louder than words?"
My most recent inquisitive streak has led me straight into the heart of something fearful. Something horrible. Something dark, and mysterious. And I cannot seem to find an answer. Let me rephrase that, I cannot seem to find a CLEAR answer. Anywhere. And I'm at a loss.
This search is : HELL. Does it exist? Who goes there? Why does Hell exist? If Jesus came to bring Salvation to the World because God wants all of His children to return to Him, then why is there such a place as Hell? Is Satan real? And by this, I mean : is Satan some little red demon with a pitchfork and spiky tail? Or does Satan simply refer to the bad things in this world, the "evil" that does exist?
I've run across an interesting branch of Christian Theology, which has been deemed "Unorthodox" by a number of mainline Christians. This is known as Universalism. And you know what, when I began reading more about Universalism and talking to people who consider themselves Universalist Christians, I realized that this philosophy is in direct line with what I have always believed.
But you know what, I'm not sure where my Denomination lies on the subject of Hell. I have never once, in almost 10 years, heard a "hellfire and brimstone" sermon from the Pulpit. I heard plenty growing up, and know that the Churches I visited and grew up in throughout my childhood believed there sure is such a place as Hell and I was gonna go there if I didn't do ___________.
I've searched the Bible. I find passages which relate to Hell, or some sort of place like Hell. But I also find passages that state how much God loves us, and how much He wants us to be with Him. The greatest verse of all, John 3:16, sums it up quite nicely. "For God so loved THE WORLD...." not a little group of people, but the WORLD. This tells me He wants everyone to come to Him.
Where my confusion lies is : does He want everyone to come to Him NOW? Or does He know that (as the writer of Revelation states) "every knee will bow, every tongue confess..." eventually, everyone WILL know Him. So, does Hell exist? Or does everyone get a second chance, even after they die, to believe wholly in Jesus Christ?
Don't get me wrong, I've searched and searched and searched my whole life, and I have never (nor will I ever) turn from God. I have some pretty wacky ideas, which I would be happy to share with you if you ask, but I KNOW Jesus was the Son of God, I KNOW He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I just don't know if there is a Hell or not. And I'm confused because part of me wants there to NOT be a Hell, or if there is then it is a temporary one and eventually all the people who are there now will be resurrected into Heaven. But part of me thinks there really ought to be a Hell, reserved only for the most vile of people. Adolf Hitler comes to mind, in fact. Perhaps there is a Hell, reserved only for those who reject Him even in death. Perhaps those who are so offended by His Goodness, that they would rather be tortured for Eternity than confess His name. Satan and his minions, for starters.
I just don't know that this search will ever be complete while I'm still on the earth. It's just too deep, and we haven't enough information from the BIG GUY to make a call ourselves. Perhaps it's a bit altruistic of me to believe that everyone gets the chance to go to Heaven....but I don't care. There are people who are innately good people, they are just a bit misguided.
Or how about Jewish people? There are some of the Jewish Faith that I cannot imagine NOT seeing in Heaven. Or what about Ghandi? Surely a man as good as he was is in Heaven, even if he wasn't a Christian?
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Heat....
It is so hot. I don't know why it gets to me, but it does. And I NEVER wanted to be pregnant in Texas in the summer....but here I am! Starting my 7th month and it's nearly August. UGH.
Daniel doesn't seem to be bothered by the heat. I guess that's because the only time he's outside is when he is playing in one of his kiddie pools. He has so much fun! Although, he's started trying to put his face under the water, and he comes up spluttering. So, he gets to play and splash in cool water in the dead of this heat (late afternoons and in the shade). I'm guaranteeing you I'll be getting in with him next time!
Daniel doesn't seem to be bothered by the heat. I guess that's because the only time he's outside is when he is playing in one of his kiddie pools. He has so much fun! Although, he's started trying to put his face under the water, and he comes up spluttering. So, he gets to play and splash in cool water in the dead of this heat (late afternoons and in the shade). I'm guaranteeing you I'll be getting in with him next time!
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Well, it's official.....
WE'RE HOMEOWNERS!!!
We closed today and that means it's all over.....YAY!! Well, almost all over.
Actually, it's just begun.....now we have to PACK. YUCK!!
Taking volunteers for the move -- we have to be out of here August 15 and won't move into our home until August 30.
Kidding about the volunteers....but we are excited! Thanks for the good thoughts!
We closed today and that means it's all over.....YAY!! Well, almost all over.
Actually, it's just begun.....now we have to PACK. YUCK!!
Taking volunteers for the move -- we have to be out of here August 15 and won't move into our home until August 30.
Kidding about the volunteers....but we are excited! Thanks for the good thoughts!
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
At some point in time tomorrow.....
We will become homeowners!!
Exciting? You bet
Scary? Absolutely
Thrilling? Most definitely
Are we ready? Nope
Now the reality has set in that I have to clean, pack, and throw away a lot of junk we've accumulated in the past two years....anyone wanna help? ;)
But, on the plus side I get to start decorating Zoe's room!!! AND I get to start making a HOME instead of a HOUSE.
I cannot wait.....and I can't wait to go baby shopping!! She already has some clothes *sheepish look* because I couldn't wait.....and her bedding set is already here, too. Now we just need a crib, a glider for her room *Daniel still loves to be rocked at night* and a few infant basics, I guess.
But I have to hold off on major all out spending....we ARE raising our monthly house payment significantly :)
I cannot wait!! Expect photos of the closing....
Exciting? You bet
Scary? Absolutely
Thrilling? Most definitely
Are we ready? Nope
Now the reality has set in that I have to clean, pack, and throw away a lot of junk we've accumulated in the past two years....anyone wanna help? ;)
But, on the plus side I get to start decorating Zoe's room!!! AND I get to start making a HOME instead of a HOUSE.
I cannot wait.....and I can't wait to go baby shopping!! She already has some clothes *sheepish look* because I couldn't wait.....and her bedding set is already here, too. Now we just need a crib, a glider for her room *Daniel still loves to be rocked at night* and a few infant basics, I guess.
But I have to hold off on major all out spending....we ARE raising our monthly house payment significantly :)
I cannot wait!! Expect photos of the closing....
Sunday, July 24, 2005
We chose a name....
Our little girl, who is due October 31, will be
ZOE ELIZABETH
Zoe = Greek; "Life"
Elizabeth = English, Hebrew; "Consecrated to God"
We are so excited to meet her!!!
ZOE ELIZABETH
Zoe = Greek; "Life"
Elizabeth = English, Hebrew; "Consecrated to God"
We are so excited to meet her!!!
Friday, July 22, 2005
Daniel....
He knows almost 20 animal sounds!
cow
horse
duck
chicken
piggy
dog
cat
lion
elephant
whale
to name a few :)
AND he knows the color "yellow" and can recognize it!
When he wants something he says "mamamamamamamama" and points (or bangs on the closed door) to what he wants.
He cracks me up!
Here's a cute photo of him
cow
horse
duck
chicken
piggy
dog
cat
lion
elephant
whale
to name a few :)
AND he knows the color "yellow" and can recognize it!
When he wants something he says "mamamamamamamama" and points (or bangs on the closed door) to what he wants.
He cracks me up!
Here's a cute photo of him
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
The LORD reigns...He is a Mighty God....
That song has been in my head all night. Not sure why.
I've been conversing on christianforums.com with a 15 year old girl who selected ME out of the hundreds of thousands of people on that website. She picked me out and has been asking me questions. She is a disgruntled Catholic. She lives in a home with two very staunch Catholic parents...and she has been on a search for Religion. She has issues with the Catholic Church. Issues I can't even begin to understand....but I'm trying my best to be open, honest, and show her there IS another "side" to Christianity.
Which brings me to : Christianity is NOT a one-size-fits-all Religion. At least, not for me. God is omnipresent, omnipotent, and supreme. That much is true. But I do not believe He is inflexible. I do not believe He is some being that sits upon a crystal throne and never involves Himself with His creations. I believe He is a LIVING GOD, a PRESENT GOD, a God who loves us, despite our shortcomings. I believe He is a God who wants us to recognize Him in the "little things." Sunsets. Thunderstorms. Babies. Puppies.
I do not believe in the theory of Original Sin, as I understand it. I do not believe that someone must be sprinkled with water at birth to prevent them going to Hell if they should die as an infant. To me, the idea is absurd. To a large portion of Christians, this idea is one of the foundations of their beliefs. It confuses me.
I will continue to be in prayer for my little friend. I pray that God will guide my heart, my hands, and my mind when I "speak" with her. Please pray for me, that I will help Jesus foster this little lost sheep back into His fold.
I've been conversing on christianforums.com with a 15 year old girl who selected ME out of the hundreds of thousands of people on that website. She picked me out and has been asking me questions. She is a disgruntled Catholic. She lives in a home with two very staunch Catholic parents...and she has been on a search for Religion. She has issues with the Catholic Church. Issues I can't even begin to understand....but I'm trying my best to be open, honest, and show her there IS another "side" to Christianity.
Which brings me to : Christianity is NOT a one-size-fits-all Religion. At least, not for me. God is omnipresent, omnipotent, and supreme. That much is true. But I do not believe He is inflexible. I do not believe He is some being that sits upon a crystal throne and never involves Himself with His creations. I believe He is a LIVING GOD, a PRESENT GOD, a God who loves us, despite our shortcomings. I believe He is a God who wants us to recognize Him in the "little things." Sunsets. Thunderstorms. Babies. Puppies.
I do not believe in the theory of Original Sin, as I understand it. I do not believe that someone must be sprinkled with water at birth to prevent them going to Hell if they should die as an infant. To me, the idea is absurd. To a large portion of Christians, this idea is one of the foundations of their beliefs. It confuses me.
I will continue to be in prayer for my little friend. I pray that God will guide my heart, my hands, and my mind when I "speak" with her. Please pray for me, that I will help Jesus foster this little lost sheep back into His fold.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Chef Michael
Michael has a newfound hobby....cooking. I bought him a grill, the necessary accoutrements, a Bobby Flay grilling book, and this silly apron for his birthday.
Here he is making a tasty cheesy casserole. Photos to come later of him grilling.
Can you say "BAM?"
Sunday, July 17, 2005
An evaporation of innocence??
A disturbing article was written in the Fort Worth Star Telegram today. It actually made me afraid for the future of our children. It also made me want to cry, home school my children, and sequester my son away until he is 40. What was this article? It was on the subject of "Are girls the new sexual aggressors?" They interviewed girls from the age of 14 to the age of 16 and they were talking about how sexually intense girls have become.
12 year olds are "coming on" to other 12 year olds. Girls are making guys their conquests. Girls are treating sex as a bargaining tool, they treat it as a way to become popular. They whisper promises of sexual favors into the ears of pre-pubescent boys. They wear ridiculously short skirts with little or no underwear under them, and they do this at SCHOOL!
I told Michael tonight that all kids should be required to wear uniforms to school, the skirts must be ankle length, and they can't show any skin at all. Expect arms and face. And it scares me to think that we're having a little girl. I just pray that the trend reverses itself. Plus, it doesn't really seem to matter how involved the girl's parents are, these girls do what they want, wear what they want, and behave however they want. It makes me sick. Parents are trying to be their teens' "friends" rather than their mentors and parents. They allow their children to wear clothes with suggestive sayings on them, they BUY their children $200 pairs of jeans with holes placed strategically near private areas, and exposing their bottoms.
I am afraid. I am afraid for the future of my children. No matter what we teach them at home, what will they learn at School? What will they see at their friends' houses? What will they hear from their friends? What will they see on TV, even if we don't let them watch the "bad" shows?
And while we're on the subject, I learned that the "cause bracelets" (that's what I call the "Livestrong" bracelets and all the others like them) have taken on a separate meaning altogether for some High School kids....the different colors have taken on different "sexual favors" that the person will perform willingly. This is, perhaps, as disturbing as the suggestive dress that the girls wear.
When I was in High School, I didn't even know what half of what today's 6th graders know (about the "world"). I didn't learn much about "adult" topics until I was one....actually, until I was well into College. And I wasn't sheltered. Or so I thought. I went to a Private school, but I had friends who went to Public School. I graduated 9 years ago. Have things really changed that much in so little time?
Why do girls have so little self value today? Why is their worth wrapped up in what other people can do to them? Why is sex treated as a commodity among our young people? Why isn't sex sacred anymore? Why do Middle and High School students think so little of themselves that they are willing to possibly contract God only knows what kinds of diseases?
Where did it all come from? How can we stop the madness? Is there any hope for the baby inside of me? Is there any hope that my precious son will never come home saying "Mom, some girl said she wanted to ...." I pray continually that this will never happen. But if it does happen, I pray that we will have such an awesome, open, honest relationship with our children that they will tell us. That they will know we will not judge them, but give them true and good advice.
Now, more than ever, it is important that parents take an active role in their childrens' lives. Christian parents, as well as non-Christian parents must stand together and realize that only we have the power to reverse this trend.
12 year olds are "coming on" to other 12 year olds. Girls are making guys their conquests. Girls are treating sex as a bargaining tool, they treat it as a way to become popular. They whisper promises of sexual favors into the ears of pre-pubescent boys. They wear ridiculously short skirts with little or no underwear under them, and they do this at SCHOOL!
I told Michael tonight that all kids should be required to wear uniforms to school, the skirts must be ankle length, and they can't show any skin at all. Expect arms and face. And it scares me to think that we're having a little girl. I just pray that the trend reverses itself. Plus, it doesn't really seem to matter how involved the girl's parents are, these girls do what they want, wear what they want, and behave however they want. It makes me sick. Parents are trying to be their teens' "friends" rather than their mentors and parents. They allow their children to wear clothes with suggestive sayings on them, they BUY their children $200 pairs of jeans with holes placed strategically near private areas, and exposing their bottoms.
I am afraid. I am afraid for the future of my children. No matter what we teach them at home, what will they learn at School? What will they see at their friends' houses? What will they hear from their friends? What will they see on TV, even if we don't let them watch the "bad" shows?
And while we're on the subject, I learned that the "cause bracelets" (that's what I call the "Livestrong" bracelets and all the others like them) have taken on a separate meaning altogether for some High School kids....the different colors have taken on different "sexual favors" that the person will perform willingly. This is, perhaps, as disturbing as the suggestive dress that the girls wear.
When I was in High School, I didn't even know what half of what today's 6th graders know (about the "world"). I didn't learn much about "adult" topics until I was one....actually, until I was well into College. And I wasn't sheltered. Or so I thought. I went to a Private school, but I had friends who went to Public School. I graduated 9 years ago. Have things really changed that much in so little time?
Why do girls have so little self value today? Why is their worth wrapped up in what other people can do to them? Why is sex treated as a commodity among our young people? Why isn't sex sacred anymore? Why do Middle and High School students think so little of themselves that they are willing to possibly contract God only knows what kinds of diseases?
Where did it all come from? How can we stop the madness? Is there any hope for the baby inside of me? Is there any hope that my precious son will never come home saying "Mom, some girl said she wanted to ...." I pray continually that this will never happen. But if it does happen, I pray that we will have such an awesome, open, honest relationship with our children that they will tell us. That they will know we will not judge them, but give them true and good advice.
Now, more than ever, it is important that parents take an active role in their childrens' lives. Christian parents, as well as non-Christian parents must stand together and realize that only we have the power to reverse this trend.
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