...boys...

They get dirty.  They like to laugh at gross stuff.  They do dumb things on dares.  Who are these strange and different creatures.  Why can't they just do things like girls do them?  Does anyone understand them?  They don't share their feelings.  They make guns out of anything.  They can't find anything.  And they are maddeningly prone to parent deafness.  It is so easy to poke fun at them and laugh at them, call them lazy and gross and unfeeling.  But, if you do, then something happens; they become lazy and gross and unfeeling.  

I worry for them.  They need to be better understood.  Their joys are simple.  (guns made out of sticks and forts made out of boxes are very fun)  They are brave. (To fit into their society, a "double dog dare" may just need to be taken)  They are clever.  (They can't find their belt on Sunday morning, but their minds visualize a project much clearer than mine)  They share their love with their actions, not necessarily their words. (Mommy, I drew this picture of you)  

I am hopeful.  Mothers love boys.  Boys grow into men.  Men become fathers.  Fathers mold boys.  

Do your part.  Open your eyes of understanding.  Love and mold a boy today.

Deuteronomy 4:9

...laughing at silliness...

I've always been a movie lover.  My brother is fourteen years older than I and one of my earliest memories is of going to see "2001" with him.  I remember being really little.  In my memory we sat in the front row, but it may have been just really close, because I remember the screen was HUGE.  I've seen it many times since, of course, but I have a very distinct memory through little eyes of the scene with the girl slowly walking and walking around that circle and Strauss playing in the background.  I also remember him taking me to see "An American in Paris".  I was a little older, I think, and I've loved Gene Kelly ever since.

Anyway, I'm a movie lover, but not a movie snob.  Let's face it, there are all sorts of armchair critics out there who have lots of opinions they feel they need to share.  Me, I just want to be entertained.  I can usually turn off my brain and enjoy most anything.  There have been a couple near walk-outs, but I usually stick it out.  However, I am always most pleasantly surprised when I do have to use my brain, just don't make me think too much.  

I've been mostly disappointed in movies lately.  There really hasn't been much that looked interesting or entertaining enough to see.  Too much raunchiness or they seem to be taking themselves way to seriously.  Sometimes you just need silliness.  

The other night "School of Rock" was on and I stopped for a couple of minutes to get some laughs.  Great movie for just enjoying being silly.  In the scene I saw Jack Black declares, "I serve the community by rocking!"    Love it.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

...the communication age...

Yesterday I realized that my baby and I could talk to each other and see each other at the same time though we're almost 900 miles away from each other.  I discovered the video chat.  

Warning:  "Back in my day" moment ahead...

When I was away at school I was also far from home.  I remember having a phone in our dorm room, but I don't remember calling home very often.  It was expensive and I was barely paying for school, let alone luxuries like calls home.  

I'm so thankful to have the ability to text, call, email and now see my baby.  I don't think she tends toward homesickness, but I tend toward the side of worry.  Just being able to reach out and touch her in some way once a day is a blessing.

1 Timothy 6:17-19

...a new beginning...

Happy New Year!  

First thing I'm thankful for in this new year is health.  Although I complain about it at times, I am so thankful my body is still (for the most part) in working order.  An horrifying bout of stomach trouble which, thankfully, ended was just the reminder I needed that no matter how icky I may feel, it could always be worse.  

This is definitely one of those "silver lining" posts.  Cause, really, what is there good to say about 24 straight hours in the bathroom.  

Here's to the New Year and new beginnings...starting with good health for everyone!