Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Now How in the H Do I Explain This One?
With the recent news (recent as in, a few hours ago at most) that New York just became the largest state to legalize gay marriage (Illinois legalized civil unions for EVERYONE earlier this year) the topic of people being gay and gays and lesbians marrying has been a topic in our house lately. Geo and I firmly believe that you should feel free to marry whomever you'd like; two people who are in love, regardless of gender, ought to be able to get married. It's not "gay people" ruining the sanctity of marriage, it's people who make a mockery of marriage (see: Britney Spears, Liz Taylor, etc etc) it's people who find it easier to get divorced than work through their problems, it's people who get married for the wrong reasons rather than for love and companionship.
Growing up I was really not exposed to gay people whatsoever, nor was George. It truly was a non issue in our families; however now that we're raising our children it IS an issue. We have gay friends, we've supported the idea of civil unions (and marriages) for EVERYONE since...well, forever. It's never NOT been a good idea in our minds. Personally, I don't think the gov't has any business being in my bedroom-or anyone else's for that matter.
ANYWAY, today at lunch, Bits said to me "Mom, is it okay for two boys to get married? What about two ladies?" I said "of course it is, honey, why wouldn't it be?" She thought about it for a minute and said "isn't it weird that they would kiss?" I asked, "Is it weird when mom and dad kiss?" Again, she thought about it for a minute and said "no, it's not" I gently explained that it doesn't matter if two boys, two girls, or a boy and a girl get married, as long as they love each other and care for one another. She said ok and went back to nibbling her lunch. Gabe and I have had this chat before; he made a point to tell me how "gross" it was that two men would kiss. When I asked why, he said "Because kissing is GROSS" I'm pretty sure he meant kissing in general, not boys kissing each other (ah the simplicity of a seven year old!)
I want to raise my children to know that no matter what, people should be free to love one another (isn't that a HUGE Christian value? LOVE ONE ANOTHER?) and they should be free to marry whomever they want regardless of gender, race, religion, etc. I know that a lot of people disagree with me (which is fine, I'm just thankful YOU aren't raising my children) and a lot of people would say I'm encouraging my children to be gay (ha ha, because you can "cause" someone to become gay...or not) but honestly, I just want them to be good people who see other people as PEOPLE, if that makes any sense. Labels are incredibly hard to shake and are, unfortunately, a big part of being a person, however, I'm hoping that by talking to my children, by exposing them to different people and different lifestyles (don't panic, we aren't going to Pride...at least not this year lol) that they won't look at someone and immediately pick out something they perceive as "different".
Gabriel, of course, IS different. He has a disability, he knows he has differences but doesn't want to be treated any differently than his classmates and peers-I honestly think because of HIS desire to be treated equally, he's not going to have any issue with this-likewise, Bits will be accepting and loving as well because of her brother. Parenting is a whole new ball game, I just hope that by the time Gabe and Bits have children, gay marriage will be a complete and utter non issue-everyone should be able to have the same rights that Geo and I have when it comes to insurance, power of attorney, child custody, etc. In my mind, giving partners these basic rights is simple...it shouldn't have to be a battle. Congrats again, to the state of New York and to all those who in 30 short days will be able to marry their partners!!
Growing up I was really not exposed to gay people whatsoever, nor was George. It truly was a non issue in our families; however now that we're raising our children it IS an issue. We have gay friends, we've supported the idea of civil unions (and marriages) for EVERYONE since...well, forever. It's never NOT been a good idea in our minds. Personally, I don't think the gov't has any business being in my bedroom-or anyone else's for that matter.
ANYWAY, today at lunch, Bits said to me "Mom, is it okay for two boys to get married? What about two ladies?" I said "of course it is, honey, why wouldn't it be?" She thought about it for a minute and said "isn't it weird that they would kiss?" I asked, "Is it weird when mom and dad kiss?" Again, she thought about it for a minute and said "no, it's not" I gently explained that it doesn't matter if two boys, two girls, or a boy and a girl get married, as long as they love each other and care for one another. She said ok and went back to nibbling her lunch. Gabe and I have had this chat before; he made a point to tell me how "gross" it was that two men would kiss. When I asked why, he said "Because kissing is GROSS" I'm pretty sure he meant kissing in general, not boys kissing each other (ah the simplicity of a seven year old!)
I want to raise my children to know that no matter what, people should be free to love one another (isn't that a HUGE Christian value? LOVE ONE ANOTHER?) and they should be free to marry whomever they want regardless of gender, race, religion, etc. I know that a lot of people disagree with me (which is fine, I'm just thankful YOU aren't raising my children) and a lot of people would say I'm encouraging my children to be gay (ha ha, because you can "cause" someone to become gay...or not) but honestly, I just want them to be good people who see other people as PEOPLE, if that makes any sense. Labels are incredibly hard to shake and are, unfortunately, a big part of being a person, however, I'm hoping that by talking to my children, by exposing them to different people and different lifestyles (don't panic, we aren't going to Pride...at least not this year lol) that they won't look at someone and immediately pick out something they perceive as "different".
Gabriel, of course, IS different. He has a disability, he knows he has differences but doesn't want to be treated any differently than his classmates and peers-I honestly think because of HIS desire to be treated equally, he's not going to have any issue with this-likewise, Bits will be accepting and loving as well because of her brother. Parenting is a whole new ball game, I just hope that by the time Gabe and Bits have children, gay marriage will be a complete and utter non issue-everyone should be able to have the same rights that Geo and I have when it comes to insurance, power of attorney, child custody, etc. In my mind, giving partners these basic rights is simple...it shouldn't have to be a battle. Congrats again, to the state of New York and to all those who in 30 short days will be able to marry their partners!!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Would You Could You In a Box? Would You Could You With a Fox?
Why yes, Gabriel COULD read in a box and he could read with a fox, also while wearing sox, sitting on rocks, and while having the chicken pox!
Gabe is a full on reader; if there is something words he is reading it. Last night we went to the gym together and he read until he walked to the front door where he left his book and raced to the car to read the book he has stashed in the car. When we're out to eat he always has the menu in front of him to read, when we're in drs. offices he picks up books or magazines, basically wherever he is he is reading. I love it. I'm so thankful Gabriel is a reader and that he enjoys reading SO much. However, I do feel my mothers' pain now; now I know what it's like to have a child who prefers to read rather than do anything else...of course, I "blame" her for that; she's always got her nose stuck in a book :)
Gabe is a full on reader; if there is something words he is reading it. Last night we went to the gym together and he read until he walked to the front door where he left his book and raced to the car to read the book he has stashed in the car. When we're out to eat he always has the menu in front of him to read, when we're in drs. offices he picks up books or magazines, basically wherever he is he is reading. I love it. I'm so thankful Gabriel is a reader and that he enjoys reading SO much. However, I do feel my mothers' pain now; now I know what it's like to have a child who prefers to read rather than do anything else...of course, I "blame" her for that; she's always got her nose stuck in a book :)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
You Say It's Your Birthday
Today is a very special person's birthday; Grampsey Johnny (as the kiddos like to call him, mostly to annoy him lol) Happy Lance Briggs birthday Grampsey! We love you and can't wait to celebrate with you on Sunday!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
End of Week One of Weight Watchers
I finished my first week of Weight Watchers today; had my "official" weigh in and.....I've lost three pounds this week! Woohoo!! More importantly though, I am feeling GOOD. I'm making good food choices and it's obviously working. Thank you for all the nice comments and emails I've received about the lifestyle change I'm making :) Here goes my next week!
He's So Flaky
Geo has been making mashed potatoes at work for the past few days as a result we're finding potato flakes EVERYWHERE. (and I do mean everywhere) The car smells like potatoes from his ride home, I found flakes in the console yesterday on the way to the grocery store. My pillows and sheets have potatoes on them, have you ever gotten into bed at the end of the day and laid down on potato flakes? I have and it's not pleasant. Anything in the laundry baskets that has Geo's clothes on them picks up a potato scent, which is an interesting smell to say the least, particularly mixed with sweaty socks and sweats from the gym. He he.
All in all, it really is a small price to pay to have a happy hubby who loves his job...even if that does mean he actually HAS potatoes in his ears at the end of his shift.
All in all, it really is a small price to pay to have a happy hubby who loves his job...even if that does mean he actually HAS potatoes in his ears at the end of his shift.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Happy Father's Day!
We spent the whole day together today and Geo and the kiddos took some photos in a photo booth that then put the pics on the web...so here we go! Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there, but especially my hunky hubby who's one of the best dads in the world :)
Friday, June 17, 2011
Friday Five: Around The House
- Of the products you use just to keep yourself clean and presentable, what seems to be the most overpriced? The $8 a bottle shampoo in the shower.
- Where in your house is a reliable place to get a few quarters? The blue bowl by the microwave, everyone knows that
- A rare yes-or-no question on Friday 5: Have you ever dropped your cell phone onto your face? No, but I have dropped it on its' face (not pretty)
- What did you last take out of your freezer? Popsicles for the kids
- How many rolls of wrapping paper do you have in your house? none *gasp*
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Thankful Thursday: HHH
Today's thankful Thursday is about my Hardworking Hunky Hubby :) Geo's logging a lot of hours at work lately to make sure we're all taken care of well-last week he worked 64 hours, this week will be a 60 hour week and next week is on par to be a 76 hour week. He never complains about the long hours, he never complains about being tired, and he never misses out on a chance to snuggle one of the kiddos even when he IS dead tired. We're all so lucky to have him :)
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
"Look at me! I'm 81 and I can do it"
Yesterday I saw the doctor for a full check up, my first full check up in a couple of years and long story short, my weight is becoming a problem for the rest of my body. In the past I've been heavy but my blood pressure has been fine etc etc. HOWEVER this time, not so much (I'll have blood work results later this week, though I'm sure it's going to show that the dr. was right in insisting I lose this weight) The doc suggested I go to our local Weight Watchers for some guidance and support.
This morning I went to my first meeting; I was apprehensive, nervous, fill in your own adjective at this point to describe how I was feeling about being there. I was sitting in a chair and a woman looked at me, smiled and said "you can do this" I smiled and thanked her and she said "Look at me! I'm 81 and I can do it, so there's no reason YOU can't" I told her that I appreciated her telling me that and that I'd like to be 81 at some point as well. She said "Then what are you waiting for? Just do it! You're going to do great, I promise"
And you know what? I *am* going to do great because I *DO* want to be 81 and active and telling whippersnappers that THEY can do it.
So as of today, I'm an active participant in not only Weight Watchers, but also my life, not just for me or my family or friends, but for my 81 year old self whom I have the next 50 years to become.
This morning I went to my first meeting; I was apprehensive, nervous, fill in your own adjective at this point to describe how I was feeling about being there. I was sitting in a chair and a woman looked at me, smiled and said "you can do this" I smiled and thanked her and she said "Look at me! I'm 81 and I can do it, so there's no reason YOU can't" I told her that I appreciated her telling me that and that I'd like to be 81 at some point as well. She said "Then what are you waiting for? Just do it! You're going to do great, I promise"
And you know what? I *am* going to do great because I *DO* want to be 81 and active and telling whippersnappers that THEY can do it.
So as of today, I'm an active participant in not only Weight Watchers, but also my life, not just for me or my family or friends, but for my 81 year old self whom I have the next 50 years to become.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
A Friday Five Saga: Bitsy and the Bees
and she was sad and mad...
She swore that day that she'd always "hate bees"
Whenever we go to pick George up from work, we drive by some bee hives and I say to Bitsy "oh Bitsy, there's your beeeeeees"
And she always says "I HATE BEES!"
One day she was talking to our friend Jon about how much she hates bees because she was stung by one and it hurt. Jon (an advocate for Bees-I had no idea) is Bitsy's future husband, according to her, and explained that bees die when they sting people and she shouldn't hate something that died because she was scared.
Now anytime we go by the bee hives and I say "Bitsy, there's your beeeees" She says "I'm sorry bees, I don't hate you, you die when you sting people. Sorry you died when you stung me, bee"
So now, Bitsy loves bees and we love Bitsy, so it all works out :)
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Thankful Thursday: Gabriel
I'm always thankful for Gabe, but lately I've been especially thankful for him. He finished school yesterday and we got to spend the afternoon together, just the two of us (Bits is at camp in the afternoons) Today we spent the afternoon together as well; we sang along to the radio, shared some reese's peanut butter cups, and went to the chiropractor together. It's been great having him all to myself for the last two afternoons-I kind of miss the little guy when he's in school.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Bits and Bots, some corrections
It has been brought to my attention by my sister that I messed up yesterday when I said how long my parents had been married; contrary to what I said, they've been married 32 years, not 31, oops. Sorry about that.
Also (on a sillier note of correction) the pot I linked yesterday was red, and it should have been blue. I dream of blue Le Creuset cookware the way Gabe dreams of tigers and books, the way Bits dreams of tinkerbell and polar bears, the way well, you get the point.
On a sad note, our thoughts and prayers are going out to our Lowell, Ma family as they mourn the loss of their patriarch today. Momma Sukey's dad passed away yesterday, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. We wish we were able to be there to help in someway, but since we can't we'll be thinking of all of them while they go through all of this.
Now I'm off to get ready to take pizza to Gabe's classroom for lunch-it's the second to last day of school and we thought we'd let the kiddos know what a GREAT job they did this year by bringing them pizza for lunch (and as a side note, I never experienced the last week of first grade; I had the chicken pox horribly)
Also (on a sillier note of correction) the pot I linked yesterday was red, and it should have been blue. I dream of blue Le Creuset cookware the way Gabe dreams of tigers and books, the way Bits dreams of tinkerbell and polar bears, the way well, you get the point.
On a sad note, our thoughts and prayers are going out to our Lowell, Ma family as they mourn the loss of their patriarch today. Momma Sukey's dad passed away yesterday, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. We wish we were able to be there to help in someway, but since we can't we'll be thinking of all of them while they go through all of this.
Now I'm off to get ready to take pizza to Gabe's classroom for lunch-it's the second to last day of school and we thought we'd let the kiddos know what a GREAT job they did this year by bringing them pizza for lunch (and as a side note, I never experienced the last week of first grade; I had the chicken pox horribly)
Monday, June 6, 2011
Bits and Bots
A little bit of this, a little bit of that. I've got a few things on my mind but not enough for it to be separate blog posts...
*We had a good weekend; even if Geo worked the whole darn time. We went yard saling and I found the most amazing deal-I got a 4.5 qt cast iron dutch oven for three dollars! THREE DOLLARS!
Geo's relieved because now he doesn't have to buy me the god awful expensive one I've been begging for (seen here) though I would definitely not return it if it was given to me as a gift ha ha
*Today is Geo's grandparents Alice and Harvey's 58th wedding anniversary-the people in Geo's family stay married forever, which is pretty awesome if you ask me. Geo's dad and step mom just celebrated 22 years, his grandparents have 58 years today, his aunt and uncle are in the mid 20's his mom and step dad are celebrating 25 years later this month, and his grandparents Witkowski are celebrating 60 years later this year!! My own parents have been married 31 years as well...Geo and I are the babies in this family as far as marriage goes; we'll be celebrating ten years in July.
*I've been trying to stress to the kids that good things happen to good people; this weekend they saw it in action. Gabe has struggled to find friends since moving here-it's hard to move halfway through the school year. This weekend, however, a new family moved into our building and one of the family members is a cute little tow headed seven year old named T. He and Gabe have hit it off famously and they actually have a playdate set for later today (though they'll be playing video games rather than legos or something ha ha) I told him that after all these long months without a best buddy it seems that he's finally found one. He was incredibly happy and I have it on good authority that T was pretty darn happy too!
*SarahAnne asked me very seriously yesterday where robots lived; she was very concerned that they lived in our building. She's incredibly weird.
*Thursday Bits was very VERY cross with me (I don't remember why now, I probably wouldn't let her put lipstick on the cat or some such business) She walked up to me with her arms crossed in front of her and said "That's it, I'm not living with you ANYMORE! I'm going to go live with *pause* a family of *longer pause* squirrels who will treat me nicer" Then she lost it laughing. Apparently the thought of living with squirrels was funnier than remembering how cross she was with me.
*School ends on Wednesday, however we'll be just as busy for the next two weeks-Bits starts dance camp this afternoon with Grandma Dyan and next week GABE has dance camp with Grandma. Gabe is quite cross that he isn't doing soccer camp first, but I haven't been able to find a summer soccer league yet-I'm looking kid, I'm looking!
and on that note, hope you had a lovely weekend and have a great week!
*We had a good weekend; even if Geo worked the whole darn time. We went yard saling and I found the most amazing deal-I got a 4.5 qt cast iron dutch oven for three dollars! THREE DOLLARS!
Geo's relieved because now he doesn't have to buy me the god awful expensive one I've been begging for (seen here) though I would definitely not return it if it was given to me as a gift ha ha
*Today is Geo's grandparents Alice and Harvey's 58th wedding anniversary-the people in Geo's family stay married forever, which is pretty awesome if you ask me. Geo's dad and step mom just celebrated 22 years, his grandparents have 58 years today, his aunt and uncle are in the mid 20's his mom and step dad are celebrating 25 years later this month, and his grandparents Witkowski are celebrating 60 years later this year!! My own parents have been married 31 years as well...Geo and I are the babies in this family as far as marriage goes; we'll be celebrating ten years in July.
*I've been trying to stress to the kids that good things happen to good people; this weekend they saw it in action. Gabe has struggled to find friends since moving here-it's hard to move halfway through the school year. This weekend, however, a new family moved into our building and one of the family members is a cute little tow headed seven year old named T. He and Gabe have hit it off famously and they actually have a playdate set for later today (though they'll be playing video games rather than legos or something ha ha) I told him that after all these long months without a best buddy it seems that he's finally found one. He was incredibly happy and I have it on good authority that T was pretty darn happy too!
*SarahAnne asked me very seriously yesterday where robots lived; she was very concerned that they lived in our building. She's incredibly weird.
*Thursday Bits was very VERY cross with me (I don't remember why now, I probably wouldn't let her put lipstick on the cat or some such business) She walked up to me with her arms crossed in front of her and said "That's it, I'm not living with you ANYMORE! I'm going to go live with *pause* a family of *longer pause* squirrels who will treat me nicer" Then she lost it laughing. Apparently the thought of living with squirrels was funnier than remembering how cross she was with me.
*School ends on Wednesday, however we'll be just as busy for the next two weeks-Bits starts dance camp this afternoon with Grandma Dyan and next week GABE has dance camp with Grandma. Gabe is quite cross that he isn't doing soccer camp first, but I haven't been able to find a summer soccer league yet-I'm looking kid, I'm looking!
and on that note, hope you had a lovely weekend and have a great week!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Friday Five: Five Funny Kids Sayings
Kids say the funniest things (and they're often incredibly cute) In no particular order, five things that have made me laugh out loud this week as said by Gabe and Bits:
Gabe kissed me last night and said "Oh I love you, my big beautiful tulip"
Bits was sorting through coins and picked out a nickel and a quarter; she looked at them, looked at me and said "alright, which one of these is the quarter? I need a quarter for gum and YOU need to tell me which is which"
At dinner last night, we were talking about our old cat Jax. Gabe smiled and said "Oh Jax, like jackass...three the movie. Or jackass the movie. Ha ha. I said Jackass but it's a movie and not a bad word"
At the allergist yesterday morning, Bits had to have five little needles in her skin for the second round of testing. After the shot, she had little blood spots on her arm. She touched them and said "Oh, these are blood polka dots" and laughed her little head off.
and finally, number five...(which I am going to admit, isn't my kiddo, but from my godson Liver Lips when he was little...)
When Liver Lips (aka Cameron) was itty bitty he couldn't say Chrissi and George, instead he called us Tiss and Jew and would sing a little song about it. He also used to call a hammer a hamburger and none of us is quite sure why, however to this day it's hilarious (and boy, I hope he doesn't read the blog or he's gonna be quite irate with Aunt Tiss :P)
Gabe kissed me last night and said "Oh I love you, my big beautiful tulip"
Bits was sorting through coins and picked out a nickel and a quarter; she looked at them, looked at me and said "alright, which one of these is the quarter? I need a quarter for gum and YOU need to tell me which is which"
At dinner last night, we were talking about our old cat Jax. Gabe smiled and said "Oh Jax, like jackass...three the movie. Or jackass the movie. Ha ha. I said Jackass but it's a movie and not a bad word"
At the allergist yesterday morning, Bits had to have five little needles in her skin for the second round of testing. After the shot, she had little blood spots on her arm. She touched them and said "Oh, these are blood polka dots" and laughed her little head off.
and finally, number five...(which I am going to admit, isn't my kiddo, but from my godson Liver Lips when he was little...)
When Liver Lips (aka Cameron) was itty bitty he couldn't say Chrissi and George, instead he called us Tiss and Jew and would sing a little song about it. He also used to call a hammer a hamburger and none of us is quite sure why, however to this day it's hilarious (and boy, I hope he doesn't read the blog or he's gonna be quite irate with Aunt Tiss :P)
Happy Anniversary!
Today is a special day for two special people in our lives; today is Grampsey and Grandma's wedding anniversary!! Today marks twenty two years of marriage for two of our favorite people! Here's to 22 more happy years Dad and Caren! We love you :)
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Thankful Thursday: Golden Slumbers
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
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