Deep Thoughts

Just the other day, I popped in the movie Pinocchio for the L kids to watch while I did a little folding of the never-ending laundry. It was a movie I remember from my youth– though I can say that I didn't remember all the details. Honestly, I was shocked at what I saw. It seemed far too dark for my almost 5 and almost 3 year old. I’ve always loved Disney movies– call it marketing at its best, but I’ve always had a special place for them. Disney equals good in my book.

But then, I thought about Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, Bambi, and Snow White to name a few. Kinda Scary. Eating a poisonous apple? A young deer who loses his mother in the middle of a forest? An evil stepmother who orders a hunter to kill her stepdaughter because she is the "fairest of them all?" Hhmmmm... things I want my kids to see? Values I want to teach them? Not so much. Young children should not have unnecessary worries and, in my book, that involves some of the darker themes that come with certain children's movies.

And no, I am not bashing on Disney. Actually, Little Le and I went to see Disney Princesses on Ice just tonight! We had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery, dancing, singing, and skating. I will say, however, that there were some very scary moments throughout the production- a large fire breathing dragon comes out in a cloud of smoke, pirates fight each other with swords, and a boat becomes shipwreck during an ocean storm. Necessary parts of the show? Not in my book. The $25 programs and over-priced "trinkets" weren't really needed either, but, hey, you might as well make as much money as you can!

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There are parents who hustle their children by the needy without explaining the concept of homelessness. Families who never let their children experience disappointment, the "nuisances" of life, or the meaning of the word "NO". There are people who try to keep their children sheltered from everyone who is different from them- be it religion, socio-economic status, culture, or race. Many (not all, and no, I’m not saying you) are comfortable with this fact, but often times, when someone dares not show their child something from popular culture or buy the latest and greatest toy (probably tainted with lead but that's a whole other post), they are automatically delusional.

Babies grow up, that’s a fact of life. They’ll experience heartache and sadness. They will be disappointed, frustrated, and angry. But, they are little for a short period of time and it is my job, as the parent, to shield their hearts and minds from excessive darkness, worry, and fear.

It is up to each parent to decide what is acceptable for her (or his) child. It is okay if we all have different opinions on what is acceptable or not. This is just something that my husband and I value. We want our kids to learn their morals, beliefs, and values from ourselves, grandparents, teachers, and friends- not from movies and society in general! I will let my children watch some Disney movies... because I know that my husband and I are open and honest with our kids and teach them to think for themselves and to have compassion for all people. I think the problems with Disney movies was not premeditated or dangerous, it’s what society perpetuates and so while some movies really touch a nerve, many can open dialog with children and offer a teachable moment about one of life's many lessons.

All in all, know your child. Know yourself. Know your family.
Don’t let popular culture tell you what is right.

Any thoughts???

What's the date?

Isn't it only November 10th?? Every store I walk into has full-on Christmas displays complete with trees, lights beyond belief, giant blow up Santas, snowmen, reindeer, the sleigh, and yes, even the Grinch. A larger than life sized Grinch on your front lawn- now that's cute!?!? Don't get me wrong, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the holidays but I also LOVE the autumn time- back to school, Halloween, apples and pumpkins, changing leaves, cool, crisp sunny fall days, and Thanksgiving time with family and friends. I want to enjoy this autumn season... not feel rushed and pressured to dive into Christmas and such. Let's enjoy each season and all that it brings... not rush to the next!

Although I will admit that I'm using the good old, "Santa is watching you!!" phrase a little too much these days... ;-)

Anthony's Mini-Van

Notice the car seat in the back...

My Top Ten Children's Books (+ 3)

(In no particular order)

1. Harold & the Purple Crayon
2. The Little Taxi That Hurried
3. The Mitten
4. Where the Wild Things Are
5. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
6. Madeline
7. The Snowy Day
8. Amelia Bedelia
9. Tikki Tikki Tembo
10. Charlotte's Web
11. The Little Engine that Could
12. Green Eggs and Ham
13. Caps for Sal

What's on your list?

Check it Out

Want to stop a ton of junk mail and help the environment at the same time???
Go to Green Dimes:

http://www.greendimes.com

Anthony and I joined a while ago and our junk mail has decreased dramatically. Well worth doing!!!

Kids are the cutest!

A sweet thing happened this afternoon. I was in the kitchen and Logan and Leah were in and out of the living room and their bedrooms. All of a sudden, Leah walks into the living room where Logan is, holding a piece of art that he made at school and says, "Logan, I loves this art you did. I loves it." Logan puts his toys down, stands up and walks over to Leah, gives her the biggest hug and says, "Thank you Leah, thanks. I made it for you, it's yours." He then asks her if she wants to hang it in her room. The two go into Le's room (with scotch tape that Logan grabbed from the art closet) and I hear Logan asking Leah where she wants to hang it. Leah says, "I want it over by my bookcase, Logan. Then I can look at it all night long and see it." Logan says, "Yah, Leah and it can help you feel safe and happy." And they both worked together to tape it next to her bookcase.

It was just one of those precious moments (which have been few and far between lately)!!!

You know you're in trouble when...

1. The phone rings, you answer it and it's for your 4 years old son. And it's a girl.

2. The same 4 year old shows YOU how to get to his favorite computer game on the Internet.

3. Your 2 year old daughter tells you that "your blue shirt and brown pants don't really match."

4. Your 4 year old wants a Superman or Star Wars birthday party and your 2 year old wants a Princess- Cinderella Princess- or a Barbie birthday party... with a pinata.

5. Your husband wants a bouncy house for his birthday...seriously... because it makes everyone happy and it keeps the kids contained for more than 10 minutes.

6. Both your kids know all the words you spell to your husband because you don't want them to know what you are saying: g-u-m, t-r-e-a-t, b-e-d-t-i-m-e, p-a-r-k.

7. You think your kids are sleeping... but they are actually playing dominoes together in the living room!! Playing extremely nice with each other, using polite language, and taking turns!

8. You don't need to "lock" the fence gate anymore because your kids can climb over the fence if they want to get out.

9. Your son knows how to put Legos together better than you. He can follow the picture directions to make all sort of things- rockets, vehicles, submarines, construction equipment, and more!

10. Your daughter no longer lets you pick out clothes for her- she has to do it all by herself. And by golly, don't try to chance her mind or convince her otherwise.