Thankful

November is hard month for our family. We always seem to have a drama or a crisis or loss. This year we lost my mother-in-law. It's been almost two weeks since she lost her battle with cancer. I am still numb and in denial over it all. It drives home this message of being thankful for the people in your life no matter how long you have them in your life. It also drives home the point of telling people how thankful you are for them because you never know when they'll be gone. I learned that lesson in high school when Holly died in a car crash. I try to be on top of that. I know in my heart that I told Gail everything I ever wanted to tell her. I find peace in knowing words were not left unspoken. I was blessed with the most amazing mother-in-law. You hear horror stories of awful in-laws. That isn't so for me. My in-laws are so loving and caring. I could never have hoped or prayed for anything better than Al and Gail. I'm so thankful for them. I have told them that many times. Never leave those words unsaid. I've found in life my biggest regrets are unspoken words and actions. I am also loving the Facebook days of thanks statuses. I find it a great time to tell what you are thankful for but just remember to not say if for one month a year!

Parental Involvement

My number one pet peeve is lack of parental involvement in their children's lives.  Just turn to facebook and twitter and read the posts.  In the last few weeks, I have seen where a non-custodial had the child's birthday gifts repoed because he didn't pay Rent-a-Center. Then there is the non-custodial parent who rarely picks up the child for scheduled visitations which are suppose to take place every other weekend and when that said parent does pick up that child it turns out to be only for a few hours.  Another non-custodial parental telling people that the custodial parent is unfit.  If the custodial parent is unfit then do something about it.  Children aren't here for our entertainment.  I always think back to Hook (one of my favorite childhood movies).  The mom tells the dad that you only have a few precious years where your child actually wants to play with you then you will be begging for some of their time.  Our children grow up fast!  I know 18 years seems like forever but ask a grandma how quickly her own children grew up.  It is all about perspective.  You want a relationship with your child later in life you build that relationship now, no matter where that child lives.  You don't wait until they are old enough to do things that you think are cool by then they won't want a relationship with you.  It is not about pleasing you.  Find out what your child is into and get into it with them for their sake.  Sure introduce the child to things you liked when you were their age but back off if they aren't interested.  Find something you can do with them that you BOTH will enjoy.  Keep in mind the child's age.  Most of all spend time with them doing something besides watching TV.  Get involved with your child.  Ask about what they are doing in school or who their friends are or what activities they like.  Just get to know your child and build those bonds.  You will never regret it.  And your child will grow up better because of it.  Okay I am off my soap box. 

Golden Rule

I am working on my fall semester lesson plans for my childcare group on Thursday nights.  I just finished focusing a lesson on "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." Matthew 7:12  Even non-Christians know this rule.  They just don't know it is from the Bible.  This is such a hard area.  Humans are naturally selfish.  We think no I'll treat others how they treat me.  Or I'll give respect when it is given to me.  Someone has to start first.  As Christian we need to set the example.  We must at all times treat others well.  This is hard.  I fail at this.  I have an attitude issue at times.  And there are just some people that I can't seem to get along with.  I pray about it.  I try different techniques.  They are just thorns in my side, temptations to sin.  I have to rise above it.  I need to treat them how I'd like to be treated without expecting anything in return.  That is so much easier said that done. 

Educating our children about race

I know it sounds like I just said a bad word. Doesn't it?  I mean we are suppose to act like everyone is exactly the same and that racism doesn't exist.  We all know that is not true.  If you don't know that racism is alive and well then you live in a bubble.  I don't have a bubble.  My bubble busted wide open when I dated outside of my race.  I even wrote an article for the school paper for that.  But this blog is going to be about how we (as parents and teachers) need to educate our children about race, differences, acceptances, and racism.  

I believe books are a great way to bring up a tough topic.  If you start early with books then your child(ren) will ask questions as they grow.  One of the best books to start with is a Little Critter book.  It is not being printed anymore but I loved this book so much that I bought it on Amazon and it was worth it.  It is called "Just a Little Different".  It is about a 1/2 rabbit 1/2 turtle new to town.  It covers racism and how it only takes one little critter to make everyone else realize that we are more alike than different.  Just because we look different doesn't mean we can't be friends.  Of course this book hit home with my biracial daughter.  She pointed out how unfair it is that the other critters wouldn't play with him.  It was our first conversation about racism.  I wish we never had to talk about racism.  I wish it didn't exist.  I wish I could protect her from all the ignorant racist people in the world but I can't.  So I am going to educate her about how to recognize racism and what to do. 

This leads to another great book.  "The Skin I'm In: A First Look at Racism" by Pat Thomas does an excellent job about simplifying racism to a point that a child can understand.  It also asks questions to get your child to think about racism and how to stand up against it.  "The Story of Ruby Bridges" tells an excellent story true story about a first grader who was the first black child to attend an all white school in New Orleans. It shows the bravery she endured to make changes for all of us.  There is an amazing movie about it that literally brought tears to my eyes.  Now that Gabrielle is in second grade we have moved onto books like "Henry's Freedom Box". 

I was taught you can fight everyone who says something mean.  Or you can walk away and pray for them. Or you can try to educate them on why they are wrong.  That is really all you can do.  As a child you can get the help of an adult.  I try to go with education and praying for them.  I combine a few.

I think it is just important to educate your child even if you live in an area that has no diversity educate your child.  Your child should know about the world.  I grew up in Joliet, a huge and diverse town.  Then I moved to Medora an all white town.  I have seen ignorance in both places.  It is our job to prepare our children for the world.  We need to stop turning a blind eye and acting like racism doesn't exist if you don't talk about it.  If your child is of color you need to prepare them for what to do when they encounter racism.  Just like you prepare your child for what to do if they encounter a bully.  Also if your child isn't of color you need to teach them how to stand up for someone who is being discriminated against.  Just like you should teach your child to help a child who is being bullied.  I think education can go along way against racism.  Okay I am getting off my soap box for the night.  But if you have questions or thoughts let me know.

Ten Commandments for Kids

I'm Bible shopping for Gabrielle. Flipping through the Adventure Bible I came across this. I love how it puts the commandments in a way they can understand. I believe this Bible is for her. We were doing weekly family devotions. We are moving to daily devotions. Her other Bible is physically small. It was for taking to church when she was little but the print is super small. So we are upgrading to an easier to read Bible.

First of 2012

I took a huge break from blogging. I'm really happy that I was able to post a picture and a blog every day of 2011. But I just needed a break. My goal now is to blog once a week. Life in the Quinn house is going great. My hubby took a job at our church doing IT stuff. He misses his work friends but he lives his new job. We enjoy our Fridays together. Gabrielle is doing great in everything. Her goal for Girl Scout Cookie sales was 100. She got 104! She is finishing up her book for Young Author project. She is loving choir and puppets at church. She is earning tons of patches at Girl Scouts. She is doing wonderful at school. I'm making straight As at school. I'm still watching baby B three days a week. He is getting so big. My health is the same. New headache doctor will attempt to help me. Pain is manageable. I'm proud that I lost 23 pounds in the last year. I feel off the working out due to holidays and illness but I hope to start as soon as I get over this cold. I'm leading a child care group on Thursday nights, teaching a 3 year olds class at church, helping Monday and Tuesday at Gabrielle's school. I keep busy. I just wanted to update everyone.

365 I did it!

So I said I'd take a picture each day of 2011 and blog about it. There were days that seemed impossible. Some days my blog would only be a couple of sentences. But I did it. 2011 was a year of extreme highs and lows but I do believe the good outweighed the bad. I stuck to all my resolutions. I'm proud of the growth I experienced this year. I can't wait for 2012. Here's my last picture of the year. My baby and puppies cuddling for movies.