Something Important

Recently I was told by a family member that they felt I should be doing something important, perhaps OUTSIDE the home. Thinking on this more led me to wonder should I volunteer somewhere, find some sort of job, become a birth activist, run for mayor (he he he.) If I did any of these things it would of course leave my kids in the care of someone else during the time I'm out doing "something important." Then I realized, what could possibly be more important than loving, caring for, and shaping my children as they are at such a critical age.
There was a big campaign when we lived in California about FIRST FIVE. The first five years are so important and it was big on promoting preschool. I have to disagree with the school of thought that preschool is the best place for my kids. I don't think it's a bad place, but it certainly doesn't top being with Mom. We play with other kids, we go to all kinds of places like science museums, dance, music, the playground. It's obvious to me that my almost 5yr old daughter is learning because she is now reading books herself and doing simple addition/subtraction.
I am not really interested in academics at this age anyway, that was just something that she reached for on her own and I embraced as I do anything she shows interest in (assuming it's not something like painting the wall with food.) The things they are soaking in right now are my values, my love, and the calm and security of home.
They will have plenty of years to explore the big world without me but I would like to think I will leave a little of me in them to help them on the journey. So for now I will continue this important job as they grow and need me less I am certain I will find other important things to do.

Mamasaysom

Last week I got some sad news, the site that I usually use as my springboard for posting announced they will be closing down. I loved it because if I felt like writing and had the time I would have a starting point once a week. I will miss it but my hopes are up. It seems lots of people really wanted it to stick around and so hopefully it will be coming back in some form at least.

The flu..oh joy

First it was Zionna showing me again what she had for dinner. Now she is better and Liam is a very warm and tired little guy needed lots of snuggles. This is the point I cave and throw all my "tv causes ADD" out the window and allow countless hours of flu numbing television. It's my favorite thing to do when I'm sick and I just want to zone out and not think about how I feel, or really think at all.
So far I am not sick! woo hoo! I hope I stay that way.
So here I sit, messy house, tv watching kids, pizza on the way, very tired, and who knows how many spelling and grammar errors this post has.
Why didn't we get the flu shot? Well, since you asked here is your answer
If you didn't feel like clicking, bottom line is: It is BAD for your health!
Make your own choice, but please educate yourself before you do.

cheers!

Just where is that Compass pointing?

The Golden Compass is coming out to theaters soon and I have seen lots of talk about how it was written by an Atheist and basically ends with the main character killing "god."
I am sure you have heard of this, but if not head on over to CNN

Here is what I am thinking, as a Christian and a Mother. I saw a preview and really had no idea what it was about but thought it seems like something Z would enjoy based solely on the preview. I was planning to look more into what it was rated (didn't catch that) when Ted told me what it was about. I immediately decided tha she will NOT be going to see it.

Right now at this age she is sooo impressionable, anytime she finishes watching anything she "becomes" that character for the rest of the day. I can't even let her watch Dragon Tales because she becomes that whiny dragon the rest of the day. Questioning authority is going on enough in our house that I don't want anything promoting it. Mama and Papa rule, and that is FINAL! (lol)

I am not trying to shelter her,I just don't want her watching something so captivating at a young age. I also didn't let her watch Chronicles of Narnia because I thought it would be too intense for her wild imagination.
As she matures and her faith grows, I am certain it will be tested many times over but for now I can filter what comes in while she is at such an easily entranced age. However, if she were older I probably would allow her to see the movie if she really wanted to as I think it's important to realize that not all views in the world are your own. I would most likely watch it before her, and be going to see it along with her and talking to her about it after it was over.

I am trying to raise her with values based on a relationship with Jesus, and to strive to be like him. Strive to be a tolerant, loving, giving, compassionate, forgiving person who refuses to look down upon anyone. When Christian "authorities" of the church say things, I want her to question it. It has been quite obvious that there are several misguided CRUSADES (ah, that president of ours) in the name of God. I hope she doesn't just put "Christian" blinders on and believe anyone who claims to be for His Glory.
As she gets older I can't imagine all of her friends would be Christian, already we have friends who are Wiccan, Jewish, Buddist, and athiest. Someday she will no doubt get some questioning and maybe even some arguments against her beliefs. If we kept her clueless that there were those opposed to our families beliefs then she would be one shocked gal and not know how to respond. I want her to be able to respond well informed, and full of a strong faith that no movie or person could ever break down.

Giving

This weeks theme at mamasaysom is Giving.
As a Mother this is a constant theme in my life. Giving my time, my patience, my heart, my sleep, and my last bite of brownie to my two children. I give without hesitation, well, except for the brownie.
I give almost automatically, as if it were wired into me the moment Zionna started growing inside of me. I gave milk so much that now, even six months past Liam weaning, my body still tries to give more. Giving comes naturally with Mothering and hopefully it flows outside of my Mother roll and into every roll I play in this world.
Everyday I am giving my children me, all of me, and today I fear I gave them a me that would have been better off never received. I was feeling sick, and grumpy, and lacking the good attitude I so often remind them to show me. "Give with a joyful heart." I am afraid I did not. Tomorrow I will try harder, and if I'm lucky my cold will have gone away making this a little easier to do.

New

New is something I try to avoid. New is very shiny, enticing, and works extra hard to make Old feel inadequate and completely outdated. New screams at me from billboards, store windows, glitzy metal zipping past me in the fast lane. New demands attention so much that it often uses force to achieve my glances. New dances on banners atop my email and pops up to surprise me on my favorite websites. How did New know I was reading a topic about him? New knows just how to manipulate me and draw me into wanting more, more, more. Does Old stand a chance against this over achieving, in your face, always attainable, very attractive, New? I would like to think so, but it's going to be a fight!


What do other mamas have to say about New?

New telephone number

The cellphones are gone!
If you didn't get my mass-email of the new number and you think that you should have please let me know. I'm sure I missed some of you as I had a toddler on my lap as I was sending it out.
If you are a telemarketer, circus clown, or pro golfer then you were left out on purpose and please go away!