The Nooze

My baby has had quite a year this year.  She's in the 5th grade, preparing to make that big step to middle school.  In just a few months, she will become an official Tween, a 6th grader, a BUS RIDER...and a latch key kid.  To say that I am anxious about any (or ALL!) of these would be an understatement.

Nooze is growing fast, y'all.  I don't mean just in the 'she was two just yesterday' sense, either.  At age eleven, Nooze is almost my height...5'4"...1/2.  If the past 4 months are any indication, she will become taller than I am by the end of summer.  Thankfully, we have friends with kids...in their 20s.  Nooze has received hand me downs from older friends, college students...and even one of her former teachers! (Her 3rd grade teacher may be part Sprite...)

She's growing in other ways, too.  She reads at an 11th grade level.  She wants to start taking a babysitting class.  She's a member of the school Show Choir.  She wants to take band next year.  [Does anyone know where we can buy an inexpensive flute?] She frequently donates to charitable causes - especially local and foreign missions - or anything involving animals.  She is also a near rabid supporter of groups that raise funds to fight cancer and heart disease, doing so in memory of my Mum.  I find that pretty cool.

In short, this is my brag time.  I'm nervous about the changes to be made, but I'm not afraid.  My sweet baby, whether I like it or not, is growing up right in front of my eyes.

I [almost] can't wait to see what comes next.

Mental Purge

Sometimes, you just need to step out, tilt your head, and dump whatever is in your head onto an open page.  The following post reflects such an action.  Please bear with me during this purge, as much of what I need to GET OUT simply can not be spoken or written anywhere else.

To those who insist on arguing politics and religion in public forums, repeatedly insisting that they are correct:  

I'm all for public discussion, as long as it remains a discussion.  The moment you flip to attacking, badgering or condescending attitudes, the bets are OFF.  I don't care if you're pro-choice, pro-life, pro-gay or conservative.  State your opinion and be nice to others. Here are a few tips:

 - While the Bible DOES say that homosexuality is a sin, it pairs the sin with disrespectful kids and gossips. It goes on to state that we shouldn't pass judgement on others.  If you're going to quote scripture, people, QUOTE IT ALL. (See Romans 1 & 2)

- If we're going to be up in arms about the taking of a human life while in the womb, we should be equally horrified when a person is hit by a car, killed in a war - or taken out via the electric chair.  Everyone is SOMEBODY'S kid.  I fail to understand why "Thou shalt not kill" is the only Commandment that people consistently find exceptions for.  I've yet to encounter positive arguments for idolatry or "situational lust".  Perhaps that's just me, though.

- Please stop quoting Limbaugh, Beck, Maddow and the like. Everything has been sliced and diced into enough segments to minimize the truth and maximize the outrage.  Walk to your television, turn it off, and go outside for a few minutes.  You'll be amazed at how much better you feel.

Unless, of course, you live in the south.  If that's the case, be sure to take some allergy medication first.  Spring is going to be a bear this year.  

Much love (and moderate sanity) to all,

Rennratt