I've said before that I am a political junkie. I am totally fascinated with the pomp and circumstance, the formality and the significance, of major political occurrences. It began early. One of my earliest memories is sitting in my grandmama's livingroom watching President Nixon give his farewell speech and walk across the White House lawn to Marine One. I watched Jimmy Carter get out of his car in the Innaugural motorcade and walk up Pennsylvania Avenue with his wife and daughter. I probably listened to every speech Ronald Reagan ever gave. I watched the Iran Contra Hearings while my friends were playing Atari and watching Michael Jackson on MTV. And so, even though I am less than enthusiastic about the administration that took office today, I was glued to the tv most of the day. I turned it on early to watch and listen. The Obamas leaving the church after the morning prayer service, the school choirs singing anthems, political powerhouses coming and going, the commentators spewing historical facts, I was engrossed in all of it.
I have to say, probably the most memorable moment, the most touching, was when the Obamas arrived at the White House for coffee with the Bushes. The Bushes stepped out to greet them and Mrs. Obama emerged from the car, smiling and holding a gift for Mrs. Bush. I know this has been said over and over today, but I am so moved by the blessing of living in a country where such a thing can happen. The soon to be past and soon to be current leaders of the free world and their wives greeting one another with smiles and hugs and kisses and gifts. And while they may differ in many ways, I truly believe there was a level of sincerity in the greetings.
Apparently, I have done a good job of passing along my obsession (or at least my interest) to my girls. They watched most of the ceremonies with me. When the oaths took place, one of the girls (I forget which) asked if they should stand. They decided amongst themselves that they should. And they did. They asked questions, commented on those people they recognized, and listened intently to the new President Obama's speech. A couple of times they asked me what something meant, or if I agreed with something. I was quite proud of the respect and interest they showed. Like me, they are waiting to see if the words they heard today will be followed by actions that will benefit our country.
I love innauguration day. I love it more, of course, when the guy I support is being sworn in. But no matter who it is, I love it. I love the history, the majesty, the excitement. I love watching the power crowd come and go. I said up there that I am less than enthusiastic about the new administration, but I am hopeful. We live in a nation built on hope. And while I disagree with the man idealogically, I fully recognize and appreciate the incredible significance of this day. I pray that he will seek God, and that he will be surrounded by men and women who will give him good counsel. And I remind myself and you that no matter what, our God is soveriegn and my hope is in Him.
God Bless America.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Just Be The Mom!
This is a post I have been mulling over for several weeks. It's one of those things that, when it happened, I thought "There is a blog post in this." But it was Christmas time, and I had so much going on, and not enough time to sit and think and form a response that I could write about. So here I am, weeks later, sharing this with you.
I posted about Banana's dance class observation last month. Well, that day a mom said something to me that just didn't sit right with me. As I was walking across the studio parking lot, on my way to observe one of Banana's classes, another mom was pulling out of the lot. This mom's daughter is in Banana's classes. They are good friends, and I know the mom well. I asked if she was going to stay for class. Her response was, "No, I wanted to, but Sally Sue (not her real name of course) doesn't want me to." Sally Sue's mom seemed completely unfazed by this. No big deal.
I, on the other hand, was appalled! First, since when is a 10 year old allowed to decide what mom will or will not do?? Why should she even be allowed to do that? "She told me not to, so I'm not going to." Are you kidding me? As a mom, it is my right to watch my daughters' classes. Not only that, but it is my privilege and my joy. Even if Banana didn't want me in there, I would be there. She doesn't get a vote, especially at this age. Besides all of that, I write the check. But Sally Sue's mom just drove away, with not a care in the world.
It broke my heart. Really, it did. And it made me think. If a 10 year old is allowed to dictate whether or not mom observes her dance class, then what will that 10 year old be allowed to dictate in a few years. At 12, will she be allowed to tell mom that she likes Johnny and is going to go to the movies with him? At 15 will she tell mom that she is going to stay out as late as she pleases because she doesn't want a curfew. Will she be allowed to tell mom she doesn't want to go to church? What else? What next? These are general questions. I am not saying that this particular child is going down a road to destruction, but seriously, what's next? Is mom going to wake up one day and wonder why she knows nothing at all about her daughter's life? Who is she chatting with online? Who is she texting with? (Of course, the question of why her 10 year old has a cell phone at all is a completely different post.)
Most of my life revolves around kids...my kids, my friends' kids, and the teenagers at church. One of the saddest things I see among teenagers is conflict with their parents, and the lack of discipline and direction. I hear mom's complain that they "just can't get them to do anything!" Maybe, it's because they have been taught, since they were little, that they get to choose.
Now, I am not saying that our children shouldn't be allowed to make some decisions. Part of the growing up process is learning to make choices. That isn't the same thing, however, as being allowed to dictate everything. And there is the aspect of age appropriateness. I also understand that there are some kids out there who are more rebellious than others. I know some very good parents who struggle with their kids' rebelliousness. But all in all, so many kids are allowed to dictate what they will and won't do, where they will and won't go, and on and on. And so many parents just sit back and smile and say, "Well, she didn't want to so..."
I just want to shake them and remind them..."You are the PARENT!"
I posted about Banana's dance class observation last month. Well, that day a mom said something to me that just didn't sit right with me. As I was walking across the studio parking lot, on my way to observe one of Banana's classes, another mom was pulling out of the lot. This mom's daughter is in Banana's classes. They are good friends, and I know the mom well. I asked if she was going to stay for class. Her response was, "No, I wanted to, but Sally Sue (not her real name of course) doesn't want me to." Sally Sue's mom seemed completely unfazed by this. No big deal.
I, on the other hand, was appalled! First, since when is a 10 year old allowed to decide what mom will or will not do?? Why should she even be allowed to do that? "She told me not to, so I'm not going to." Are you kidding me? As a mom, it is my right to watch my daughters' classes. Not only that, but it is my privilege and my joy. Even if Banana didn't want me in there, I would be there. She doesn't get a vote, especially at this age. Besides all of that, I write the check. But Sally Sue's mom just drove away, with not a care in the world.
It broke my heart. Really, it did. And it made me think. If a 10 year old is allowed to dictate whether or not mom observes her dance class, then what will that 10 year old be allowed to dictate in a few years. At 12, will she be allowed to tell mom that she likes Johnny and is going to go to the movies with him? At 15 will she tell mom that she is going to stay out as late as she pleases because she doesn't want a curfew. Will she be allowed to tell mom she doesn't want to go to church? What else? What next? These are general questions. I am not saying that this particular child is going down a road to destruction, but seriously, what's next? Is mom going to wake up one day and wonder why she knows nothing at all about her daughter's life? Who is she chatting with online? Who is she texting with? (Of course, the question of why her 10 year old has a cell phone at all is a completely different post.)
Most of my life revolves around kids...my kids, my friends' kids, and the teenagers at church. One of the saddest things I see among teenagers is conflict with their parents, and the lack of discipline and direction. I hear mom's complain that they "just can't get them to do anything!" Maybe, it's because they have been taught, since they were little, that they get to choose.
Now, I am not saying that our children shouldn't be allowed to make some decisions. Part of the growing up process is learning to make choices. That isn't the same thing, however, as being allowed to dictate everything. And there is the aspect of age appropriateness. I also understand that there are some kids out there who are more rebellious than others. I know some very good parents who struggle with their kids' rebelliousness. But all in all, so many kids are allowed to dictate what they will and won't do, where they will and won't go, and on and on. And so many parents just sit back and smile and say, "Well, she didn't want to so..."
I just want to shake them and remind them..."You are the PARENT!"
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Junebug sent me this nice little "I heart your blog" along with these questions I am supposed to answer with one word. Then I am supposed to pass it on. Let's see...
1. Where is your cell phone? table
2. Where is your significant other? chair
3. Your hair color? blonded
4. Your mother? Glo
5. Your father? Joe
6. Your favorite thing? family
7. Your dream last night? unmemorable
8. Your dream/goal? family
9. The room you're in? cozy
10. Your hobby? cooking
11. Your fear? can'tsayitoutloud (ditto, JB)
12. Where do you want to be in six years? here
13. Where were you last night? here
14. What you're not? extrovert
15. One of your wish list items? countertops
16. Where you grew up? Southeast
17. The last thing you did? brushedthedog
18. What are you wearing? sweats
19. Your TV? on
20. Your pet? SammyTheLargeBlackDog
21. Your computer? Dell
22. Your mood? mellow
23. Missing someone? nah (they're all here)
24. Your car? dirty
25. Something you're not wearing? earrings
26. Favorite store? Target
27. Your Summer? busy
28. Love someone? completely
29. Your favorite color? yellow
30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? hmmmm.....
I hereby pass this award on to....M&J (actually, just J, since I'm pretty sure M doesn't do any blogging), Andrea, and SUG.
2. Where is your significant other? chair
3. Your hair color? blonded
4. Your mother? Glo
5. Your father? Joe
6. Your favorite thing? family
7. Your dream last night? unmemorable
8. Your dream/goal? family
9. The room you're in? cozy
10. Your hobby? cooking
11. Your fear? can'tsayitoutloud (ditto, JB)
12. Where do you want to be in six years? here
13. Where were you last night? here
14. What you're not? extrovert
15. One of your wish list items? countertops
16. Where you grew up? Southeast
17. The last thing you did? brushedthedog
18. What are you wearing? sweats
19. Your TV? on
20. Your pet? SammyTheLargeBlackDog
21. Your computer? Dell
22. Your mood? mellow
23. Missing someone? nah (they're all here)
24. Your car? dirty
25. Something you're not wearing? earrings
26. Favorite store? Target
27. Your Summer? busy
28. Love someone? completely
29. Your favorite color? yellow
30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? hmmmm.....
I hereby pass this award on to....M&J (actually, just J, since I'm pretty sure M doesn't do any blogging), Andrea, and SUG.
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