Are You A Racist??

I have to start this post by saying that I never really thought about segregation and racial problems when I was growing up--because I wasn't raised around anyone that looked different than me. So when I grew up and kept hearing about there still being racial tensions-I was surprised that it was still an issue.

I would in no way consider myself a racist. When I see a person of a different ethnicity--Sure--my mind notices that fact. Just as it would if I walked by a fat person--or a bald person--my mind notes that--nothing more--nothing less--just a note. Beyond that--there is no difference in my opinion and life moves on and goes forward.

I do have to say---I am very intolerant of stereotypes--any stereotype--I don't care what ethnicity you are--you don't have to "live" the stereotype. It's like meeting a gay man--I've never met a woman as "feminine" as some of these people. They are living a stereotype--and I HATE IT! I hate grills, and tats, and piercings, and doo rags, and dread locks, and pimped out cars---I HATE ALL OF IT! Why? Because no one is doing any of these things because they like them---they are doing them to be "IN"--and where is the individuality in that!

At the same time--I must admit--I fit the stereotypical stay at home mom! I'm a 'big' girl, I wear frumpy clothes, I rarely wear make up, and my hair is in a pony tail 24/7! And you know what--as stereotypical as it is---I HATE MYSELF FOR IT! But honestly--with four kids--I really don't stand a chance!

So in all of this I have to say--I'm not a racist--although I do hate the stereotypical portion of it. I'm not homophobic--but I do hate the stereotypical portion of it--I am a frumpy, stereotypical housewife--and I HATE IT!!!

What 'cha Watchin'?

Brett is in control of the DVD player today. In the last 1o minutes we've had Cars, The Wild and Over The Hedge on--I think he enjoys working the electronic devices more than actually watching the movies. He climbs up on the table-reaches above the TV and pushes just the right buttons to get what he wants--for a two year old--I can say two things---He's VERY smart--and he's definitely A BOY!! Kate has no interest in electronics--Brett has no interest in her dollies--so I guess it's even--but it still just amazes me how much gender really does play a role in their lives at such an early age!

Kids Today

I believe I've forgotten to mention in the past--but my oldest son has been accepted into the gifted and talented program at his school. He is just the smartest thing ever! His test scores put him in the top 3% of the country in Reading/Math/Science. So next year when he starts school, he will be in a normal class setting but will leave for 2 hours in the afternoon for a little bit more advanced work. All of this is paid for by grants to the school-so we don't really have to pay anything extra for a top notch education. How did kids today get so smart? I don't remember learning half of this stuff as early as these kids are--and they aren't just learning it early--they are excelling at it!!

Summer Adventure

Today was a beautiful day. We went running through the sprinklers--old mom even partook in a moment of childlike fun! The kids had a blast with Brett's new 'Diego' sprinkler, and the older kids had as much fun as the younger ones.

Tomorrow I think we will be heading to the Lincoln Park Zoo. It's in downtown Chicago--it's a beautiful, huge park right off of Lake Michigan--but then--it's also a zoo! There's a big merry-go-round that Kate will love-so that is Thursday--and then Friday--we'll have to find some other fun adventure at home! Maybe we'll go ice skating with the cousins!!

NYC Here We Come

My husband just called. He is being sent on a business trip to New York at the end of the month. He has a few meetings that he has to be at--but everything wraps up on Friday Morning--and he doesn't have to be back to work until the next Tuesday. So he's wanting to see if we can plan a quick get a way! You know--take the kids--stay in the hotel room that the company is paying for--and we'll do some site seeing while he's in his meetings--and then he can join us the rest of the time! I've been to New York a couple of times--but never with my kids. They will be so excited about getting to see the Statue Of Liberty and all of the other sites of New York!

What a great Family Vacation!

Fishing

My husband is taking the boys fishing this weekend. Not necessarily something I ever look forward too. I don't eat fish, I don't want them in my kitchen. But they love to do it, and they love spending the day with dad. The other down side in my mind is the huge amount of money that he spends year after year, to get the kids and him set up with fishin' gear. Then add in the license and honestly, I could go out to Morton's Steakhouse for cheaper fish!!

But, I'm all for the time they get to spend together. I hope it's a tradition that they will carry on with their boys when they grow up. Dads and sons have such a hard time communicating affection-that this is a great tradition to have!