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.