Rated-MA

Today is the unfortunate release date of the very explicit Grand Theft Auto 4. Both my husband and my 2 sons are video game lovers. So, when a new game comes onto the market, our ears perk up. But, the Grand Theft games have never been allowed into our home. And for very good reason. They contain explicit foul language, drug use, alcohol abuse, sex, soliciting of prostitutes, drunk driving, rewards for criminal activity, such as car theft and violent acts toward others...and overall, they just encourage a very anti-social behavior that we don't want our family viewing! It seems that each new installation of the game has become worse and worse. And this final version pushes the envelope like never before.

We have recently been having conversations with our 9yr-old, Mark, about why we don't allow him to play certain video games or watch certain movies that his friends are able to view. He gets frustrated with us when the answer is an unwavering NO. And, I understand his frustration. At this time in his life, he is desperately trying to shed the 'little boy' image and be a cool, big, tough guy among his peers. But that doesn't change our stance on the issue. Luckily, he has not asked for us to purchase this Grand Theft game. He understands that it is 'bad.' And he is concerned that a couple of his friends have permission from their parents to buy this new game today. Yes...those are Christian School friends.

Something pretty cool happened yesterday. As we were driving home from school, we were listening to a Christian radio station. And the topic of this particular game was being discussed with a video game critic. They reiterated the specific ways the themes in the Grand Theft games break God's standards and are dangerous to the minds of children in particular. Mark was visibly interested in all they had to say, and it was at that point he became very concerned for his friends who planned to purchase this game. We took it as an open door for us to pray for his friends, and I felt it equipped Mark to talk to his friends about why this game isn't a good choice. It also showed him that when we say NO to a game or movie, it is with good reason. There is so much garbage out there that Ryan and I want to shield our kids from. And I appreciate Christian radio for opening the dialog about these issues, so parents can also be equipped.

What angers me now is that games like this are not meant for children (with the Mature rating), but are clearly marketed toward them. Their posters are plastered all over Blockbuster store windows, toy stores, etc...and they are on shelves right at eye level for a kid to come by and view. If we won't display mature magazines like this, then why display mature games?? This angers me greatly. Many parents, even Christian ones, will blindly purchase the game for their kids. Because it's a game, right?? Wrong!! It's a dangerous tool that I strongly feel has no place among kids' playtime. And, even tho Ryan and I refuse to allow games like this in our home, we still have to deal with instances when Mark goes to a friends' house, because he's always having to call us up and ask our permission for every Teen or Mature rated game that his friends suggest, and we're having to say no to most. The battle continues even outside our home! Hopefully our firm stance will encourage other parents to tighten up on their own rules.

I'm very offended!

This morning I sat in my kitchen, sipping my coffee, and listening to political talk radio, as I do every morning. It's a way of stimulating my mind when I have only diapers and toys to converse with. And it's a way of keeping myself up-to-date on current events.

Well, today I happened to catch the press-conference, in which the controversial Rev. Jeremiah Wright indulged the media with a speech and a question/answer time. While he was speaking, I became so livid and offended at many of his statements. I literally could not believe that I was listening to this rhetoric, in the year 2008...hate speech that would make you feel you were somehow transported back to the civil rights era.

His words were so filled with hatred. Instead of being held accountable for such hateful statements, he tried to deflect the attention to Black History, and the fact that the 'white male' just doesn't understand their traditions. In all essence, I felt like he was saying that if anyone dares to question his statements in any way, they are just ignorant of the centuries-old traditions and 'flavor' of the black community.

I was appalled at some of the assertions that he made. That there is still segregation, not only in our culture, but also in the church. And that the 'white, racist government' forces the black community to suffer. He said that the questioning of his comments, made by the media, was 'not an attack on Jeremiah Wright, but an attack on the black church.'

I say NO! It is an attack on the hate-filled statements he has made! The only segregation I see is within the black church. And not all black churches. But extremists like this. I have attended many churches in my day, and they are accepting of all color. My husband has worked in the corporate community for almost 10 years now...and no segregation there. No inequality based on color. He attended both college and grad school. Again...no inequality there. You are treated the way you present yourself. I realize that there are extreme kook white-rasist groups out there. And that is a problem that needs to be addressed, and I have seen it being addressed. But, just in day to day life, we don't live in a segregated, racist culture like the Rev. Jeremiah Wright seems to shout. So, why the hatred?? And why does he use the pulpit to scream these ideas??

I think that is what bothers me the most. The fact that he mis-quotes scripture to back up his thoughts. I literally was so angered by his statements, that I had to turn the radio off. But then, curiosity got the best of me, so I flicked it back on...just in time to hear him be asked a question about Jesus being the only Way, Truth, and Life...so how does he respond to Islam's teachings?? And his response, "Jesus himself said He has sheep in another fold." What?? So, he is blaspheming the teachings of Jesus now?? Suggesting that there are multiple ways to God?? Ooooo....I'm so very offended!

Sunday Afternoon Bike Ride...

What a fun afternoon we have enjoyed today! After a late lunch, in which I whipped up a meal I learned from Girlfriends' Night (Chicken Limone, garlic mashed potatoes & crisp green beans), we hopped on our bikes and rode the 2.5 miles (or so) to the icecream store down Rte. 34. It was chilly out, but we had fun!! After we trekked all the way back home, we played outside for awhile. Mark shot some hoops with a couple neighbor boys, Marina drew on the driveway with sidewalk chalk, and Reese tested his ability (with the help of Daddy) on the skateboard. That's what I love about the warmer weather. Such good times! xoxo

Girlfriends' Night!

Girlfriends' Night is a special event put on by the Women's Ministry at our church. This particular evening consisted of cooking demonstrations by Chef Louie, taste testing, 'What Not to Wear: For Your Hair' makeovers provided by Marty Rizzo of Salon Giovanni, short comedy sketches, another cooking demonstration and taste testing with a local gourmet cake decorator, and lots of raffle prizes (such as spa packages and upscale clothing gift cards). It was such a blast! Especially since I spent it with some of my fave girlfriends!

The top photo includes all the women that sit at my table for Tuesday morning Bible Study. I love these women so much. We know each other inside out and always indulge in deep conversation and the sharpening of spirits.

The second photo is of Lisa, Me, and Heather. We are definitely a crazy trio!

And the last pic has Tammy, Heather, Me and Kristi. You'll most definitely find us sitting by the pool this summer, working on our tans! These girls make me laugh till my abs are sore. (Not a bad thing!)

Springtime Has Sprung!!!

...And, boy how gorgeous it is outside!
We can hardly keep ourselves focused on our daily tasks, when the sun and the grass and the slides and swings are beckoning us to stretch our cabin-fevered legs and relish in the springtime goodness. So, we gave in yesterday and absolutely loved every moment of our playtime at the park. I love it! The kids (Marina & little Emma) had a blast. And I couldn't stop snapping pics. It's silly, I know. But, after such a long, bitter-cold winter, we can't help ourselves but run silly, crazy outside and take pics the whole way! Now, I am just longing for the poolside. Ahh...can't wait for that treat!

Have you noticed....???

Have you noticed how many advertisements on the radio/online are capatalizing on this notion that we are in the midst of a recession??? They encourage listeners to purchase their insurance plan, or refinance with their bank, or sign up for their program...all because we are in a recession. Whether we are or not is debateable. Certainly, times are tough, inflation has made the US dollar weak, and for various reasons, the prices of fuel and crops have increased tremendously in recent months. Also, it is no secret that the housing market is in a major slump.

But, I have to say, I am encouraged by something in particular: the fact that businesses are choosing to use this recession as a creative tactic to run their ads and draw in more business... See, that is what is so amazing about hardworking Americans. We are resiliant. And ingenious when we want to be. There is always money to be made. No matter what the economic circumstances may be. And while those who are poor become poorer, those who are wealthy become wealthier...only because they have learned to seek out fortune when all others have given up hope.

Times are certainly tight, even within our home. But I appreciate that. I feel like it is a good lesson to my generation to return to old fashioned ways of thinking...if you don't have it, don't spend it! Live within your means! And ultimately, it is teaching Ryan and I to trust in the Lord for our daily bread. Don't worry about tomorrow! Even within the past couple of weeks, we have seen God's incredible provision in our lives. I can hardly compose myself at the thought! He is providing for us when there seems to be no way.

So, I don't fear tomorrow. My confidence certainly is not placed in the stock market or the housing market. My confidence is placed in the Lord. Jehovah-Jireh. My Provider.

This allows me to calmly sit back and chuckle at the ways I see Americans step it up in these tough times, and use even a recession to find more business!

Cleaning toilets is no fun. Especially when they belong to strangers. Dirty strangers.

Over the weekend, I helped my friend perform a deep cleaning of her new house before they move in.

And, I would put money on the fact that the previous owners of this home NEVER cleaned their house. Ever. And the toilets were proof of that. Yuck! But, I love my friend to death and would do absolutely anything for her and her family...even cleaning yucky, stinky toilets. And floors. And window sills.

What a difference a little clorox and elbow grease can make, huh?? The house was sparkling clean when we were done. She was thrilled.

Full Armor...

Today is Sunday, and we stayed home from church because Mark is very sick with that virus that keeps getting passed around. Fever, sore throat, hacking cough. Yuck.

Anyway, Ryan decided to sit as a family and have our own 'church service' right there on our couch. I love that! So, he chose a passage of scripture to study. Inevitably, the younger two kids got distracted with playing...while Ryan, Mark, and I let our conversation get off on a tangent. And, inevitably, it was an awesome time of sharing with Mark our experiences, our love for the Lord, and our hopes for Mark to grow up to serve God wholeheartedly. We turned to Ephesians and read through the 'Armor of God,' explaining each piece and its present day application. I reminded Mark that his name means 'Warrior' and that our prayer is that someday he will allow God to use him to fight for Truth.

Ryan and I both gave examples from when we were students in high school, and chose to stand for our faith, even when it meant debating a teacher or being looked down upon by fellow students. Mark and I are very alike...we want to be liked by our peers and are awfully timid when it comes to standing out from the crowd. But, I excitedly shared with him stories about when the Holy Spirit emboldened me and quickened verses to my mind that I had learned as a child. Praise God for allowing Ryan and I to both go through tough times in our youth, and praise Him for showing up in those powerful ways. Not only did it show us personally WHO HE IS...but it also provided us with testimonies to share with our kids.

Ryan and I have a renewed purpose, lately, to not only speak of our love for our Lord, but to SHOW it in our daily lives. From spending time on our faces in the morning with our Savior, to speaking scripture to our children in our daily conversation, to sharing our own awesome experiences with Jesus...we want to step it up like never before. We are realizing that it's not enough to just shield our kids from sin (ie: monitoring what is viewed on tv, listened to on the ipod, etc). We need to be much more active in raising up this next generation of warriors...because all around us we see the enemy raising up an army of his own. And we know he is waiting to let loose an all-out assault on Mark, Reese, & Marina as they grow in their faith and become a greater threat to the Enemy. This is such a sobering thought. My! How parenthood changes a person! How it causes us to see life in a much more serious manner! God...please continue to instill your wisdom into our lives. Let your Holy Spirit quicken the Word to us now, even as You did in our youth. Keep us sober-minded. Let our love and devotion to You be so evident. And when our children come to a time in their lives when they question their faith or are confused by outside voices...may they recall the steadfast faith of Mom and Dad. And may they remember the powerful ways they had seen you work in our family. God is so good. His love endures forever!

A Good Reminder...

For those with temporary amnesia...perhaps caused by the constant bombardment of liberal media rhetoric...or perhaps resulting from the unfortunate lack of confidence in our government...again caused by the constant bombardment of liberal media rhetoric......Here is a very good reminder as to why we went to war, specifically in Iraq.

This is a sound clip pulled from Jerry Agar's morning talk show. I catch his show almost every morning on WLS 890AM. I appreciate Jerry's pride in our country. Pride in its founding precepts. Pride in its framework for entrepeneurship and prosperity. And pride in its firm stance on national security. Imagine that! Someone admitting to having pride in the US! That's something Michelle Obama recently failed to wrap her mind around...

Good Times

Tonight we celebrated a momentous occassion with a couple of our very closest friends. They have just purchased their first home, and today was closing day. So I watched their 2 precious little girls while they were away at closing. Afterward, we celebrated with dinner & a movie (yes, both! It was the kind of theater where you can order dinner while you watch the flick). Then we headed over to the new house for a tour! And what a cute place it is!
It's so fun to celebrate exciting moments like these with family & friends. As our little kids were rolling around on the carpet, giggling and carefree, I was so touched. Simplicity in life. Celebrating with others in their blessings. And creating memories with those you love. I kinda think that's what I treasure most in my life. Tucking those events deep inside for future reminiscing. That's what I do.

"Children, obey your parents..."

So, I have mentioned before that recently I have had to crack down on my 9 yr old son and his sassy, disrespectful mouth. Well, this morning, while we were driving to school, I asked him about his book report, which he has totally procrastinated about, and his replies were, again, very disrespectful. I let them slide, at that moment, because he was trying to get out of the car. But, as I thought about our conversation during the drive home, I began to fume! There were two specific things he had said to me, that were totally over the line! The first one came after he mumbled under his breath, "All the kids already have theirs half done, and I haven't even started!" and I calmly replied, "I'm sorry." His response was, "Is that all your going to say? I'm sorry?!" Oooo...not cool! His second punk statement was when I told him he had all spring break to work on it, and he should have used that time...His reply was, "Well, I forgot! You should have reminded me. You're my mom. That's your job!" WHAT?! I simply told him, "Don't tell me what my job is!" But it took everything in me not to reach over and slap that mouth!

I'm glad our conversation was left unfinished...because it gave me all day to think and pray about how I should approach both this morning's incident, as well as this problem of disrepectful speaking overall.

After school, when we came home, I told Mark to go get his Bible, and that we were going to talk. He was a bit confused, but complied. He came back down with his very own Bible, and I had mine, and we sat at the kitchen table to talk.

I asked him to open up to the book of Proverbs. I had him read to me Prov. 22:6, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Me: So, who is this passage talking to?
Mark: Parents
Me: And what is it commanding us to do?
Mark: Teach your kids, so that when they grow up they'll know how to obey.

Yes! I then explained to him that he is already halfway through his time here in this home! In another 9 short yrs, he will be out on his own! That reality came as a bit of a shock to him. I told him, he is in our care for a short time, and it is our job and our command to prepare him for when he enters the real world. And that is a job we take very seriously. I asked him to think about what he hears me say most often to his 2 younger siblings. He shrugged his shoulders, so I answered for him...Obey! Obey! Obey! I asked him why he thinks I'm always teaching them to obey...do I just like to be bossy? He said, no, it's so that they will know how to be good when they grow up. Yes! It's to prepare them to be obedient before GOD! I said, we spent the first 5 or 6 years of his life drilling the same lesson into him. And now, we are so proud of how obedient he has become. Even when he doesn't want to do what we say, he still obeys. And I told him how proud we are that he has such an obedient heart. We KNOW that inside, he wants to do what's right before us and before God. His eyes began to tear up, and so did mine. I told him, "Mark, I am confident that with this heart of obedience, you will be equipped to go out on your own someday and make right choices." I felt like he needed to know that.

BUT...I went on to say, our next challenge is his mouth...specifically, his desrespectful words. We read through several passages in Proverbs that reiterate again and again the importance of children heeding the instruction of their parents. Such as, Proverbs 1:8, "Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching." Over and over we read similar verses throughout Proverbs, and then flipped to Colossians 3:20, "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord." He started to chuckle at the repetitiveness of this concept.
Me: Why do you think the Bible repeats this over and over?
Mark: Because it's important.
Me: Yes! God is trying to tell children over and over until they really get it, that it is very serious for them to listen to the instruction of their parents. And if the words that the parents were saying weren't even important, then He wouldn't be stressing to you to LISTEN!

We then flipped to Ecclesiastes 3:7, "There is a time to be silent and a time to speak."
Me: After reading all those passages about children heeding their parent's instruction, when do you think would be a good time to be silent?
Mark: When you're teaching me stuff.
Me: Yes. And if we choose to not let you cut in and explain or give excuses, it's because we really want you to hear what we are trying to say.
Mark: OK.

It was at this point, I restated the 2 specific things he had said to me that morning, that were way over the line. I said, those 2 disrespectful remarks are very serious, so I am going to match them with a serious punishment. I told him I was going to spank him 2 times. But, since he is so big, and neither my hand nor the spoon are enough, I was going to use the belt. He totally lost it! He pitched a fit and begged for forgiveness the whole way up the stairs. But, I didn't budge. I really want to end this disrespectful attitude NOW! So, he got 2 whoopings. And then I held his tough, 95 lb frame and told him, "Let's not do this again, k?" "I promise, Mom! I won't!" "OK. But if you do, you will receive another spank for each disrepectful thing you say. And if you say them to Daddy, he will give you the spanks. And trust me, his spanks hurt a lot more than mine!" "Ok. Ok."
And that was it. We went down for a snack. And I hope and pray he understands the concept that a disrespectful attitude doesn't fly with God. And it will not fly in this home either. He's a very smart kid. I think he gets it. But I also know that the tongue is very hard to control, and unfortunately, I anticipate more of the same before we totally get past this issue. But follow-through and consistency are key. Just like when they are toddlers. Only, on a much larger scale at this point in the game. Phew! Thank you Lord for wisdom! Now, please bless my feeble efforts, and grow in my child a seed of respectfulness and godly fear. AMEN!

5th Grade Lock-in

Yes! It totally rocked!
My sweet sister came for the evening to watch the kiddies, so that I could help out @ the lock-in til midnight. Poor Ryan stayed til morning. LOL. But, it was a total blast! Open gym, video game room, board game room (where I hung out with some of the girls who didn't wish to test their athleticism), dodge ball tournament (I had some 'proving' to do, because the sporty boys all thought they were signing up for Ryan's team, but to their dismay, they ended up being on MY team...Hehe...I showed them who can own the court in dodge ball!) My team...otherwise known as 'team Karis'... won the entire tournament...which earned us first dibs in the pizza line. And the 5th grade boys told me afterward, "We didn't know you could play so well!" Ha! That's cool.
Then, more open gym, then a 'dance-til-you-drop' contest to the 'Cha-Cha slide,' with the first place prize being a cd player/boom box and $50 cash! I had to leave halfway thru the dance-off, so I didn't get to see who won. (I'll have to ask Ryan after he sleeps all day! Poor guy!)
They also had a guitar hero tournament (I think for a prize), capture the flag @ 2am, and a movie & snack time. Whew! If I'd have stayed all night, I would have been asleep as soon as they turned on that movie! Anyways, I can't wait til kid's camp this summer! Let's see if people sign up for MY team next time! LOL!

The Phantom Child & Disappearing Automobile...

This just cracks me up! For those that don't know, I currently run a side business, editing and archiving photos, transferring video tapes to DVD, and turning those memories into a creative, one-of-a-kind DVD presentation. I am currently working on a DVD for an 80th birthday party. My client (also a good friend of mine) asked me two specific favors. She wanted me to take the car out of photo #1, and she wanted me to take the baby out of photo #2. Hmmm...I think they turned out pretty well, if you ask me. Hehe.

Stuff like this just DOESN'T happen!!!

Ryan, Mark, and Pastor Michael (our children's pastor) went downtown Chicago to hit a P.O.D. concert last night. It was a very small, intimate show, held @ the Hard Rock Cafe, and only about a couple hundred fans packed the place out!

As Ryan was picking up his tix at the will-call booth, he noticed that there were no other kids there...only adults. Oops! He was afraid this might have been a 21+ show. But, the ticket person assured him that, no, Mark was able to enter. So they went inside and found their way to a spot right along the side of the stage.

As the music was playing...some familiar and some new songs...they found the band ripping out "Youth of a Nation" (which we performed a human video to, years ago, in the NXT youth group). When this song began, Ryan and Michael told Mark that this would be a fun song for him to stand right up by the stage. So Mark was right there! When the lead singer, Sonny Sandoval, came to the edge of the stage, Mark reached his hand out and gave Sonny a high-five. At that moment, Sonny stopped, looked at Mark.......and then reached down and lifted Mark onto the stage!!! He then proceeded to hand Mark the mic and Mark sang the last few lines of the chorus...on stage...with the band jamming behind him, "We are, we are...the youth of the nation!"

Holy Smokes! It was just like in a Disney movie...stuff like this just DOESN'T happen!!! Ryan said that everyone in the audience was cheering and singing along. When the song ended, Sonny lifted Mark back down off the stage. Then, as they were leaving at the close of the concert, I guess lots of people gave little Mark high-fives and said "Great job!"

The guys returned home super late, but this morning when I asked Mark about it, he was so pumped. He said, "They are my new favorite band." As a mother...I just hope they stay true to their Christian roots. After such a dreamlike experience, I would hate for my kid to be disappointed in his "new favorite band."
Thankfully, we have some camera-phone snapshots of the whole experience. No video tho. Ryan said lots of people had camcorders there....so if anyone reads this who had their camcorder playing at that moment...please humor a mother and send me a copy! I'm gonna tag this post in hopes that some fan will come across it. You never kno! Apparently, stuff like this DOES happen!!! xoxo