tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.comments2023-05-04T04:59:07.853-04:00Adventures in ParentingJustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13309915942161862912noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-34247166713791766062012-03-19T19:50:41.013-04:002012-03-19T19:50:41.013-04:00Elizabeth,
I think these are very valid concerns ...Elizabeth,<br /><br />I think these are very valid concerns and I will address each one in turn with my own BS ideas.<br /><br />1)A community can spring forth from anywhere, regardless of the historical ties. We developed a sense of community doing musicals and plays in high school, didn't we? Nothing religious about that, although I'm sure Doc and Mr. Goltz would beg to differ.<br /><br />2) I think struggling with your religious beliefs makes you stronger in your convictions, regardless of the conclusion. I feel as though my faith (or lack thereof) is stronger because I came by it honestly and on my own terms. Sara feels stronger about her beliefs now than she did before we met, although they have changed drastically in that time.<br /><br />3)I completely agree with you. One of the things that helps me in my discussions with people who wish to push their faith on me is that I do have a working knowledge of both the old and the new testaments. I haven't spent any time reading the Koran, but I would like to. I think it is important to study these books as they make up a huge portion of our societal framework (Even though we are not a christian nation)<br /><br />I may write another post on this topic in a few months since I've come to a few more conclusions, but that's a ways off.<br /><br />Again, thank you so much for reading and posting your comments. They are, as always, appreciated!Justinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13309915942161862912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-17803425371845841402012-03-19T14:58:52.184-04:002012-03-19T14:58:52.184-04:00Justin,
This plan is almost exactly the same as ...Justin, <br /><br />This plan is almost exactly the same as our plans for future children. Neither of us believe in a particular faith enough to instill it in our offspring. While my husband is spiritual and very judeo-christian is his way of thinking (10 years of CCD will do that to anyone), I'm an agnostic (he would interrupt me here and say that I am an atheist in denial!) <br /><br />But I do some drawbacks to our plan: <br /><br />1. I would like our children to experience the sense of community that comes from religious organizations. Not just the traditions and customs, but the idea that there is an extended group of people that you are responsible to/for and who also care for you. <br /><br />2. I was somewhat raised in this manner (no particular faith, "mom and dad just want you to be happy and love you no matter what") and I did have a hard time grappling with my own spiritual beliefs in my early twenties. I don't know if that's a bad thing but I know that my parents feel as though they let me down. I think the educating and awareness of other religions will be important to focus on - I do feel like that was missing in my upbringing.<br />3. Following up with #2, I am often jealous that my husband has such a great knowledge of the Bible - simply because of it's historical value and it's a text that is so intertwined with our daily life. I feel like a working knowledge of the Bible, Torah, Koran, etc. are necessary for any educated person(and aren't you a little jealous/annoyed every time Jed Bartlet has the perfect passage to enlighten and highlight any situation he encounters?<br /><br />Food for thought, speaking of which, I missed lunch... that explains the rambling!edbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02700859215871248542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-25834946043686218372012-03-19T14:57:10.674-04:002012-03-19T14:57:10.674-04:00Justin,
This plan is almost exactly the same as ...Justin, <br /><br />This plan is almost exactly the same as our plans for future children. Neither of us believe in a particular faith enough to instill it in our offspring. While my husband is spiritual and very judeo-christian is his way of thinking (10 years of CCD will do that to anyone), I'm an agnostic (he would interrupt me here and say that I am an atheist in denial!) <br /><br />But I do some drawbacks to our plan: <br /><br />1. I would like our children to experience the sense of community that comes from religious organizations. Not just the traditions and customs, but the idea that there is an extended group of people that you are responsible to/for and who also care for you. <br /><br />2. I was somewhat raised in this manner (no particular faith, "mom and dad just want you to be happy and love you no matter what") and I did have a hard time grappling with my own spiritual beliefs in my early twenties. I don't know if that's a bad thing but I know that my parents feel as though they let me down. I think the educating and awareness of other religions will be important to focus on - I do feel like that was missing in my upbringing.<br />3. Following up with #2, I am often jealous that my husband has such a great knowledge of the Bible - simply because of it's historical value and it's a text that is so intertwined with our daily life. I feel like a working knowledge of the Bible, Torah, Koran, etc. are necessary for any educated person(and aren't you a little jealous/annoyed every time Jed Bartlet has the perfect passage to enlighten and highlight any situation he encounters?<br /><br />Food for thought, speaking of which, I missed lunch... that explains the rambling!edbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02700859215871248542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-86759629098488723602012-03-18T18:43:35.488-04:002012-03-18T18:43:35.488-04:00I can't tell you how much I love that response...I can't tell you how much I love that response. Harper has taken to asking Why Not, regardless of the appropriateness of that question. I find myself framing all statements to her in the form of a negative just so it makes sense when she says it.Justinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13309915942161862912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-59737982116374371172012-03-18T18:14:26.601-04:002012-03-18T18:14:26.601-04:00Kevin was annoyed by his nephew constantly asking,...Kevin was annoyed by his nephew constantly asking, "Why?" even when he responded with a reason. Eventually, he just started saying, "Physics." or "Biology." or "Algebra." very matter of factly and it shut his nephew up every single time. He has since tried it on me multiple times, but it never seems to work as well...Kiblernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-22734243169215567622011-01-24T11:18:50.754-05:002011-01-24T11:18:50.754-05:00I've observed that particular phenomenon, the ...I've observed that particular phenomenon, the last time being when you were on your way out for the evening and the east coast grandmoms were sitting. It enabled us to not miss a single moment of pleasure with her because she was lazily logging time.Momnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-40175766256826192332011-01-23T13:42:43.844-05:002011-01-23T13:42:43.844-05:00I hope that I haven't butchered the work of mi...I hope that I haven't butchered the work of minds smarter than myself. I'm a huge fan of nerd humor.Justinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13309915942161862912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-69182791189609797682011-01-22T15:57:31.562-05:002011-01-22T15:57:31.562-05:00Best kind of post--I get a little smarter and I ge...Best kind of post--I get a little smarter and I get a great belly laugh too. :-)Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12277384788649094673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-12729217204185278222011-01-22T12:32:35.952-05:002011-01-22T12:32:35.952-05:00I enjoyed nerding out reading this post.
Also, my...I enjoyed nerding out reading this post.<br /><br />Also, my super-speed character on DC Universe Online is, ironically, named Mr. Heisenberg. You know, because you can't know his speed and position simultaneously.Bryan Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17914676531905274337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-71471003758168395142011-01-13T10:13:06.081-05:002011-01-13T10:13:06.081-05:00Oh, yes, you are right. Parenting daughters is not...Oh, yes, you are right. Parenting daughters is not easy. Well, unless you like drama and chocolate. If so, you're all set. If you also look good with flowers in your hair, that's a bonus. If your favorite movie is "Pretty in Pink," you're way ahead of the game. I have three daughters. I wouldn't trade them for anything. Well, maybe just one...<br />Ned once bent a small boy (who had come to see one of our daughters in a school play) backward over an auditorium chair and said, "If you touch my daughter I'll kill you." Of course, Ned was kidding but the small boy didn't know that. We never saw him again. You could try it. Just saying...Debby Carrollhttp://raisingamazingdaughters.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-29166459739397973112011-01-11T21:22:39.687-05:002011-01-11T21:22:39.687-05:00She's due during the first week in March. The...She's due during the first week in March. The original date was March 6th, but we're now up to the 1st.<br /><br />I'm glad you like it!Justinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13309915942161862912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-85637228895784307902011-01-11T20:45:28.908-05:002011-01-11T20:45:28.908-05:00I love "Adventures in Harper-Space." Wh...I love "Adventures in Harper-Space." What interesting and fabulous parents you are..... not to mention wonderful grandma Elayne who is my favorite grandma ever of all times!! When's baby sister arriving?Joycenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-39765819213925229592011-01-10T21:31:04.885-05:002011-01-10T21:31:04.885-05:00Even though it will be very difficult later down t...Even though it will be very difficult later down the road, think of all the fun you will have with them in the mean time! You can have crazy dances and tea parties and you can even get your hair done! I am quite sure that is why my poor father doesn't have any hair any more. I would put a number of barrettes and "thing-a-ma-bobs" in his hair and then if I couldn't get them out I would rip. (Sorry Dad!) Since you have quite the volume of hair that would make most girls scream, I am sure that you will be covered in barrettes! So think of all the fun you will have before you have to consider dismembering anyone!!<br />Waiting to join you in your misery,<br />Mrs. Abu El BanatUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07358307045173546524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-65437057720450365582011-01-10T11:46:38.427-05:002011-01-10T11:46:38.427-05:00Dear Abu el Banat,
Is there a term for grandmothe...Dear Abu el Banat,<br /><br />Is there a term for grandmother of granddaughters? If so, sign me up (and maybe that will be my grandmother nom du jour.) I, too, worried when I was pregnant that there was no way I could love another child the way I loved the one I already had. Of course I found that not to be the case at all (sadly for you, I'm sure.) The heart has an unlimited capacity to welcome all comers (ok, not pubescent boys necessarily) especially your children. I do take exception to your characterization of boys and how they will look at your daughters; it is possible to grow out of that phase and become evolved, equal partner-seeing men. I think you'll only have to keep your girls super busy through their 40s or so.Momnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-85134450850835556362011-01-10T09:00:00.666-05:002011-01-10T09:00:00.666-05:00Kaitlyn,
You're very right. I want her to tr...Kaitlyn,<br /><br />You're very right. I want her to try all sorts of activities and find ones that she loves rather than ones she's just willing to do.<br /><br />I do not, however, want to be a parent that makes her do activities that she hates on the pretense that eventually, she'll like it.<br /><br />It's a fine line...Justinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13309915942161862912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-66137848920675444902011-01-10T08:13:16.712-05:002011-01-10T08:13:16.712-05:00As a recent teenage daughter (well... kind of rece...As a recent teenage daughter (well... kind of recent) I would like to say that your uncle's approach of keeping your daughters super busy is a <i>very</i> good idea. Not only does it distract from boys, but it keeps her active! And it gives her a chance to try everything and see what she likes and is good at, and how different teams are structured, and how every member of the band interacts etc.Kaitlynnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-58710041782874682112011-01-03T14:44:04.521-05:002011-01-03T14:44:04.521-05:00I agree with aunt deb, you cannot just leave us i...I agree with aunt deb, you cannot just leave us in limbo , wondering, waiting for pictures, etc<br />aunt gwen<br /><br />did i mention Beuford ? that is a awesome name<br />or birtie ?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-57822165518192536592011-01-01T08:26:00.819-05:002011-01-01T08:26:00.819-05:00Justin, please hurry and write the next adventure!...Justin, please hurry and write the next adventure! You have been off for at least a week. I am sure you can find something else to write about??!! aunt debAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-61331063915490927642010-12-30T22:29:12.580-05:002010-12-30T22:29:12.580-05:00sounds like if yer having dreams about kids breaki...sounds like if yer having dreams about kids breaking into your house and what not, and people trying to steal your child and crucify her then you might want to get a nice pistol! i have very pleasant dreams when i have my .45 next to me and i know if someone does break into my house they WILL be leaving in one way or another. And i promise you if i have any say at all in it that little girl will not be crucified... i have enough ammo to take out greensburg and walmart is right down the street to get more. i gotcha covered!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-74831551258915211952010-12-18T08:51:11.500-05:002010-12-18T08:51:11.500-05:00I can almost completely sympathize -- my last few ...I can almost completely sympathize -- my last few weeks, and likely the next couple months, have been terrible at work. I rarely cry about anything, ever...but work has done it a few times recently.<br /><br />Really interesting though how some of your greatest fears seem to manifest as almost a loss of identity, through religion. Not to sound alarmist, but that seems to say that subconsciously you're worried about how differences between you and Sara's different beliefs (or at least backgrounds) might ultimately affect your children.Bryan Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17914676531905274337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-82414238697631666812010-12-17T04:54:02.953-05:002010-12-17T04:54:02.953-05:00In the dream, no chance at all.
In real life, we ...In the dream, no chance at all.<br /><br />In real life, we have talked about it, but not since she was born. I am not opposed to having a baptism, although I do think it's weird.Justinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13309915942161862912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-90572906959382467922010-12-17T04:28:35.112-05:002010-12-17T04:28:35.112-05:00Is it possible you guys were discussing baptisms??...Is it possible you guys were discussing baptisms???Elizabeth Pojehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11576599936664519941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-8128107458605756552010-12-17T04:28:06.578-05:002010-12-17T04:28:06.578-05:00Is it possible you guys were discussing baptisms??...Is it possible you guys were discussing baptisms???Elizabeth Pojehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11576599936664519941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-22192988047050824872010-12-15T11:29:28.137-05:002010-12-15T11:29:28.137-05:00Laura,
I'm not sure what the deal is and I do...Laura,<br /><br />I'm not sure what the deal is and I don't want to speculate. One of my coworkers brought up the idea that if we start one, it will be in the papers and he would have to explain why we have a gay club. I can't see how that would be a problem.<br /><br />Regardless, this whole situation makes me ill. I have to wait for the students to become active, or this will fall to the wayside.<br /><br />I'll keep you informed.Justinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13309915942161862912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6938047071732911236.post-25299313629393883132010-12-14T12:43:38.916-05:002010-12-14T12:43:38.916-05:00How absurd! I hope the students at your school do ...How absurd! I hope the students at your school do actively pursue the implementation of a SGA chapter. Has the principal lost his ever loving mind? Angry, Laura is very angry. But not so angry that I didn't have a good belly laugh when I read this: <br />"Perhaps my new argument in these discussions will be "Just because I think that you're hideous and the idea of you having sex with anyone, let alone your wife, fills me with repulsion and causes bile to rise in the back of my throat, doesn't mean that you shouldn't be allowed to do it."<br /><br />I hope you keep us updated on the outcome.Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12277384788649094673noreply@blogger.com