Tuesday, June 23, 2009

One Less

Water Parks................... I. Love. Them. I! Love! Them! On the way to church camp (which we attended last week) we pass a water park. I went to said park many times as a kid. On the camp trip, we also pass a resort that used to have a year-round, indoor ice skating rink (it wasn't very good) which has been renovated into a year-round, indoor water park (sweet!)
Unfortunately, my children will probably never know the relaxation (and skin blistering sun exposure) of The Lazy River; the adreneline rush from zooming and spinning down the tallest water slide (though they'll be spared the inevitable wedgie at the end --- you know, from plunging into the water so hard......... maybe only girls' swimsuits cause that.....anyway...); the confidence of finally surviving the deep end of the Wave Pool. When we drive past, it makes me sad that we will never take our children to a place like that, because it really is a good time.
But I am confident that, as we raise up this family of ours, God has turned our hearts toward a higher standard. When you go to a water park, there's a whole lot of nakedness. This is according to the biblical standard of bearing the thigh = naked (Exodus 28:42, Isaiah 47:1-3) . And if thighs are to be kept private, I'm pretty sure midriffs, cleavage, cracks, and backs should be covered, too. This standard is fairly opposite of the general standard in our society, but God calls Christians to purity of thought and conversation (lifestyle). We cannot honestly teach our children to cover themselves daily, but then pick one day to run naked at the water park. We cannot honestly shield their eyes from sexy ads, but then take them out for a day of skin watching.
There will be plenty of opportunities in our children's lives for each of them to walk the tightrope of temptation; to see things they shouldn't -- accidentally or on the sly; to choose between covered and uncovered...
We choose to provide one less stumbling block in their journey.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Big Bubba

I have been asked on a few occasions now, "What is the baby's nickname?" Well, we do have a definite nickname for him, but with it being such a close variation of his name, and my vow to "protect the innocent" :) I won't reveal it here. However, many many times a day, I say to him "Are you some kind of big bubba?" This could be for burping loud, pushing off of my legs with his legs, rolling over.......... just anything that impresses me. Since the question is always accompanied by flashy-eyed, mommy smiles, I always get a big, dimpled smile in response. It's great! :) He also has this thing of raising one eyebrow and smiling. It makes me think of something Joey (from Friends) would do......... or any guy who thinks he's all that, actually (and presuming he is "all that" AND has the ability to raise one eyebrow at a time). OK, now everybody who has tried to raise one eyebrow at a time while reading this post, raise your hand. :)

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Spaghetti Berries

Ever heard of 'em? Maybe they are only found in my house. :)
One day last week, Apple suggested that we have leftover spaghetti for lunch. Since we happened to have had some in the fridge, it was a go. Otherwise we would have had to make some spaghetti, refrigerate it, and wait until the next day's lunch to have leftover spaghetti for lunch. Phew! glad we didn't have to do that. :)
Anyway, while the spaghetti was heating, I gave each child a bowl of blueberries. Speep and Apple gobbled their blueberries on the double, while Peach saved hers to eat along with the main course. When we all sat down to eat -- thanks were given, napkins were tucked into collars, noodles were cut into bite-sized bits........... and peach dumped her bowl of blueberries on top of her spaghetti. (insert the sound of loudly squealing car breaks) Yes, she did this intentionally. There was much forethought involved. I usually don't bat an eye at the foods my children mix together or sop up with ketchup or ranch dressing. I want them to appreciate food, and realize all of the wonderful textures, tastes, colors, and aromas. But, this got a long stare, and an audible "That's disgusting" from Mama. Two of the world's perfect foods, but together........ a tragedy.
At least that's my opinion. Peach, however, ate every bite on her plate with a smile of satisfaction.