Another venue for my blogging

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A fine line between giving and receiving

One day I decided to find more ways to give, as a venue to being happy with where I am at in the midst of financial struggles. I have read others efforts to enjoy the small things. The moments with their families, friends, finding a hobby, activity or learn a new ability. As a mom, I thought to myself why am I going to find more ways to give of myself? Don't I give enough?

Here's the check list:

1. Laundry
2. Dishes
3. Sweeping and mopping
4. Cooking Breakfast, lunch and dinner
5. Feeding, walking and cleaning up after 3 dogs
6. Balancing the checkbook, paying bills
7. Finding great deals on things our famliy needs
8. Stocking the fridge, freezer and pantry
9. Reading to the kids, teaching them 24/7 through out the day
10.Stroking my husbands ego and fulfilling my husbands needs (no complaints here, I'm just pointing out another area in which giving takes place)
11. Finding activities for the kids to learn and grow as well as taking them to these activities
12. Being the interceptor when the kids fight
13. Volunteering

This is just some things of the top of my head mind you all. I could look at this and think to myself "WOW" Misty you do alot and whats wrong with you? Are you nuts? Lets add something else to the growing list! Just looking at this list helps me reflect a little though. If I didn't give in these ways how would the receiving come? These two-giving and receiving are 2 sides to the same coin. Not that I give to receive but there is a ball that gets set in motion and if the action stops so does the benefit. Isn't that a law of physics? To every action there is a equal or greater reaction. Or something to that effect? Its kind of an enevitability. I put something into motion by giving and when I hinder or stop that motion it puts up a road block to receiving.

I think about the movie "Pay it forward" where the town is involved in this "project" and it catches on like wild fire. I love it! Another example that helped sink this concept in my brain, just happened yesterday. I'm going about my day, pretty content and convinced that God will provide despite the blaring message my check book was giving me. Oh and as a side note, I go on free cycle everyday and posted last week that I would like a tape player for the kids to listen to read along books with tapes. We picked that up on Sunday and not only does it play tapes but it has a radio! Woo hoo! It really is the little things folks! Back to my story. The phone rings and I notice that is from a local store. I think, huh, why are they calling us? Did I order something? They ask for Jesse, which is double weird because he's only been there once! I say he's at work and can I take a message. Reply is this, tell him he won the drawing and that he can pick up the gift, etc..blah, blah, blah! I told the clerk that this was somewhat funny to me because I was the one that signed him up for the drawing! So today, sometime, I or Jesse will pick up a all natural gift basket that Jesse won. I can't help but wonder had I decided to sign myself up would it have worked out the same way? I couldn't be more happy that Jesse won and he didn't even sign up for the darn drawing! How awesome is that and I get to enjoy him receiving it as a side benefit.

OK, back it up to the giving list. Lets change our perspective a bit. If the laundry didn't get done, myself and my family couldn't receive clean clothes. Others around us receive sweet smelling air due to the fact that our apparel is stench free. I won't go down the whole list but hope that this gives me a better understanding of the concept of give and take. If I never gave would I have the right attitude in which to receive? I think not. I am on a journey a way from scarcity thinking to abundant thought. I may not have a lot but what I do have I will share, give away, sometimes sell for a greater need of course and use to help others. I will not, however, confuse giving what I can with giving with what I don't have. It is a pet peeve of mine, when radio stations ask for monetary donations and encourage listeners to use their credit cards?!? What the Heck! Are they serious? This raises probably a whole different can of worms but whats up with that anyway!? Don't go and borrow from someone else to give to yet another person/group. Ludicrous I say. If you can't give don't feel bad, one day you will be able to and it will be fantastic but its all about timing.

Since the shift in thought I have had a way better attitude and my heart is full even though my bank account isn't but that will soon change!

Happy tuesday everyone!

Rites of passage and vanity

I have to admit I'm having a little bit of a "bloggers block" but am back now and teeming with thoughts to type into cyber space. I actually was outside scooping poop, oh the dreaded chore and thought it weird, that this time in the back yard would be my muse! So let's get to it.



We as a family often watch clips online from farting to small girls singing amazing grace, or talking about "obi kanobi" etc. You know normal family bonding time. Well, I came across a few videos that I would like to share. The first I didn't watch with my kids, just as a precursor.



1. Tribe in the highlands of Papau New Guinea that have a very grueling ritual for boys to become "men" and able to marry



http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=37111880



I, for one, am glad that we as americans don't have this sort of thing but think maybe we should have some rite of passage. A moment in time that makes man hood all the more sacred, honorable, and something to be respected. You now, like you do something so challenging physically, emotionally and mentally that it serves as a constant reminder that you are a man once you accomplish this feat and will be held to that standard forever more after.



Now, I know that some may be able to pass these tests and be no more of a man but that brings me back to my original thought when I saw this clip. Is manhood based upon abilities/skills that help to withstand grueling onslaughts? Or maybe physical endowments? Or is it something more that makes a Man? Like character? I don't think its just one thing obviously but a multitude of things. Maybe that is what this ritual should symbolize. Is that for a boy to become a man he is raised up knowing what tests will come ahead by a Man that withstood the very same things and he can choose to either remain a boy-disgraced by his fellow "tribe", unable to marry, etc or he can become a man-purify himself of childish ways and thoughts, able to marry, be respected and a vital part of his community.



I only wonder about these things because 1. I am married to a man that took a while to make this transtion from boy to man and 2. I have 2 boys that will one day become men. I would like to keep them as boys forever but know that this is not healthy or realistic. I want them to become men and know what that means. Its gotta be tough. I know I don't go around, now, thinking about what it means to be a woman. Primarily due to the fact of influences that were practical examples of what it meant to be a woman and yet I didn't gain this perspective of woman hood, either, until my mid twenties.



So why is it that our society prolongs inmaturity, childhood and then complains about the next generation not picking up the slack? Ok, so onto something a little less serious but kind of risky.



2. Male Plastic Surgery



http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=37614088



I really have to admit that my mind was in the gutter on this one and I hope I don't have to explain what I was thinking because it makes me kind of blush as I am typing it. HAH! So this guy in Cali. undergoes this risky surgery to augment his body. Which is strange to me because I can see that he is in shape and works out. So I'm watching, somewhat curious as to WHAT he is going to do. They explain the process, start prepping him, begin surgery and I am just thoroughly fascinated! Wow! I would have never thought a man would undergo such a thing. You know like when you see pictures of men with breast cancer, which is a very low percentage, but yet it happens.



I try not to be one that is surprised by humanity and our vanity but I was floored! Holy Cow! The funny thing is after he was done and they show him walking down the street, I could see no difference. It reminded me of when I go to get a haircut and come back to show it off to Jesse, who by the way is alot better at noticing subtle differences now but would ask me prior why I just paid $$ for something that looks no different then when I left! So this is my thought, why did this guy spend thousands of dollars on a procedure that no one will notice, well except for maybe family and himself? He did speak of self image issues but isn't there something alittle more practical to boost ones confidence than cutting into ones flesh?



I don't want to sound like plastic surgery is just for women and men have no right to this and I have even thought about a little nip and tuck on the ole rear and saggy boobs. I hope this guy does find some sort of happiness and that this procedure was a tool but not a means to an end. No pun intended! Now if I had the money to do this myself than I might be singing a different tune and I'd be posting pics of me that resemble Michael Jackson because I've heard that its like getting a tattoo. Once you get one, it keeps on going till there's nothing left to mark or cut up in this instance.



Hope everyone had a great Monday!

A serious matter to a 8 year old

I wasn't sure at what point in our childrens life that we would encounter concerns about faith from their friends and didn't anticipate it from a 8 year old. Well, I don't want to give too much info on the friend so instead I will highlight the conversation between us. We were at the park and all the kids are playing. The day before a question was asked about one of our children believing in Jesus and I said yes. Nothing else said but still a look of concern was noted. So back at the park. Our friend comes up to me, quite concerned and whispers that she/he doesn't believe in Jesus. She/he whispered out of concern for the friendship that he/she has with one of our kids and thinks that it will ruin it.

As background for this situation we have only known this family for a few months and we don't throw out christenese in our developing relationships either. We have done our best just to live our lives accordingly and being sensitive to those around us, due to the image that is conjured when religion is involved. Its really sad that people have bad ideas about people that believe in Jesus and I'm sure every one knows what kind of things are said. I've heard too many stories of well meaning "Christians" that draw lines when beliefs or practises aren't shared. It's really very sad and tragic. I can't even imagine where I would be if I hadn't opened my heart and mind to the diversity of mankind. I certainly wouldn't have enjoyed so many great friendships and seen those that don't "believe" more times than not, shown me so much more love and acceptance than someone that does. So that being said back to my story.

My heart just ached. That this precious child was almost heart broken over this seemingly divisive fact. I looked at him/her as he/she didn't want to tell my kid that they didn't share something in common, which seems so important in making friends and keeping them in a 8 year old mind. I asked if I could talk about it and was given consent. My response was that it isn't a problem and knew that it wouldn't be for our children either. I gave my child the opportunity to choose for her/himself the importance of this fact and he/she replied that it wasn't a problem either. Another note is that I didn't try to go to far with this either. I respected this child and where they are at. My last comment was this, just because we don't believe the same things it doesn't mean we can't be friends. There was still a look of uncertainty but eventually that dissipated and they were back to playing.

This was a very proud moment for me as a mother and I have always hoped that our home would be a place for all people to find refuge, nonjudgement and acceptance (not to be confused with tolerance). I believe that most if not all people want to be loved and this is the energy that took place between our family and our childs friend. The message to our child is quite clear. We can be friends with all people and still hold our own belifs in tact, all the while expressing unconditional love. I can only imagine what this poor kid thought I might say or do! It truly was like it was the end of the world. I really hope our kindness will be like a good seed that grows over time, will be remembered, revisited when others confuse what it means to love God and love others.

Part 2 - What’s Wrong with the UN Convention on the rights of the child?

Here's a link to further explanation on this issue and there is a link to a petition at the bottom of this article as well. I hope we can keep the Us as is and maybe other countries can find ways to work it out without it becoming a worldwide law book that all have to adhere too.

http://www.parentalrights.org/blog/uncrc/whats-wrong-with-the-un-convention-on-the-rights-of-the-child?utm_source=ParentalRights.org+Newsletter&utm_campaign=f66c93a95a-June_2008_Newsletter6_24_2008&utm_medium=email&utm_content=f66c93a95a-DhwrH7XNM8

Seroius grey area here!

Government-Supervised Parenting

Posted by: admin on June 24th, 2008Tag(s):

Part I of an In-depth Look at Article 18 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

During our series on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, most of the articles we have considered have focused on the relationship between the state and the child. Article 18 is therefore unique in its emphasis on the responsibilities of parents, and the supervised relationship that these parents have with the state.
Article 18 is also one of the more complex articles in the Convention, divided into three sections that address distinct facets of the relationship between parents and the state. This week, we will focus on the first section, which says that “States Parties shall use their best efforts to ensure recognition of the principle that both parents have common responsibilities for the upbringing and development of the child,” and that parents are primarily responsible for their children. As parents, “the best interests of the child will be their basic concern.”
The danger of Article 18 is that it places an enforceable responsibility upon parents to make child-rearing decisions based on the “best interests of the child,” subjecting parental decisions to second-guessing at the discretion of government agents.

Please follow the link bellow to read more on this article/blog:

http://www.parentalrights.org/blog/parents/supervising-parents?utm_source=ParentalRights.org+Newsletter&utm_campaign=f66c93a95a-June_2008_Newsletter6_24_2008&utm_medium=email&utm_content=f66c93a95a-DhwrH7XNM8

If this Article 18 is put into place by the UN Convention, children will be on the same plane as co-autonomous persons in their relationship with the state and that under the Convention, it is the state that is ultimately responsible for the fate of its children, and has authority to supervise its parents. So in the best interest of the children we as parents are subject to the government and what they think is best. I wonder how that will affect separation of church and state? Shouldn't children and state have that same separation until they are able to actually contribute to society? This was rejected by the US because it is contrary to its heritage of freedom to raise our children apart from government control but still pressed forward despite the US objections. The wording is some what grey but the underlying message is clear. Some thing is fishy and there needs to be more done to protect the rights of parents.

So if you read the article please give me some input!

Uh..Eww?

Ok, since it has been extremely gorgeous since father's day, we decided to take a afternoon hike on Tubbs Hill near Coeur D Alene lake here in lovely Northern Idaho. We got all the essentials-shoes, water, and powerade. This is a 2 mile hike and not an extreme hill, thank goodness. Perfect for 2 overweight parents and their offspring ranging 3 to 7 years of age. We get about 5 minutes into the hike and chose to take the upper path, you know to "challenge" our already atrophied muscles and were doing pretty good. Poor kids stopped every minute for refreshments, sweat laddened hairlines and their little cheeks were getting red. Denali, who is not keen on being hot, stops and demands a break. Her comments to us were as follows-Its as hot as Hawaii here and I knew I should have stayed home! Poor thing didn't know she was in for!

The nice thing about this journey is that the path was shadded in spots and you could follow certain paths to the shore line, which we did. The decline to the lake front was quite steep and Jaeden opted for his bottom verses the traditional side step down the hill. Some other unfortunate hiker at the bottom had already met with her demise and was being treated with first aid ever so gingerly with her male companion. Ahhh...

So we spend a few minutes taking in the views, throwing rocks and discovering all sorts of different beatles, bugs, litter, etc. I spent a few seconds contemplating jumping in the lake fully dressed but let reason talk me out of it due to the fact of no towels or extra clothes and or car stink enough without adding to it wet clothes smell. So upon the thought I started talking the kids into resuming our hike and walked in the direction that I last saw Denali. As I rounded the corner to tell her we were leaving, I was shocked and horrified. Some other hikers had taken to the private spot and left behind evidence of their escapade. Now my daughter doesn't know what condoms are and she was stretching this big yellow one over her little hand! I tried to handle it maturely and calmy said, "PUT THAT DOWN RIGHT NOW! Uh...Eww?!" Denali was quite surprised at my response and of course asked the notorious question that all children ask, "Why?" To which I say "That is a condom!" Denali "What's a condom, mommy?" Me, "Well its something men put on the penis'" and that was the end of that! NO further whys, whats, hows. The End. I'm so glad that I visabley couldn't see any contents in the said apparatis and still slightly horrified not just about the litter but that why leave it there in the first place?! We finished our hike and that hasn't come up in conversation again. Whew!