Bye Bye!

If you've ever watched the McLaughlin Group, the title of this post is his signature sign-off. It's also the usual sign-off by flight attendants. Well, I'm using it as my sign-off as well. I've decided to give up blogging, at least for now. I've always wanted this to be a light, fun, look at my world. However, it has definitely veered from that and I don't see much hope for that turning around anytime soon. So I'm going to take a break before I completely jump the shark.

Bye Bye!

The Incredibles

I finally saw this movie last night. The PTA at Grace's & Mattie's school sponsored a movie night. We took blankets & pillows and spread out in the gym. The PTA sold pizza, popcorn, etc. to raise $$$. It was a fun night but the parent in me didn't really like the movie that much. I thought it was just too violent for elementary, and younger, kids (the scene with Edna showing the baby's costume and what it could withstand was particularly disturbing). I know, I grew up on tons of cartoon violence and I survived, but it does bother me to expose my kids to it unnecessarily (the real world has enough violence). I also felt that the character of Violet could have been handled differently. I wish they could have made her powers a little different, less stereotypically female (she disappears, she puts up a protective shield around herself and those she loves). Karyn really didn't like the scene where she asks the boy if it is ok that she is different - she shouldn't need his approval. I know, it seems like we are nitpicking - but these things do influence children and the way they play. When Grace, Mattie and Haley play, they will all pretend to be Violet and to be like her and have her powers. It would have been nice if she could have been the fast runner or something so that they would want to run around like crazy.

Heartbreaker

Last week I was having lunch with my daughters at their school. One of their classmates was sitting beside me. She leaned over and asked me if Grace got to spend much time with me. I said yes (even though it never seems like enough) and she said "I wish I was Grace." Then she told me how she doesn't get to see her Dad because he cut his brother's throat. I had no idea how to respond. It truly breaks my heart that a 7 year old girl has to deal with these situations and the feelings that they bring about. I'm trying to figure out how to turn this experience and my feelings into action - I'll keep you posted. Until then, I hope this will remind me that I need to treat others with compassion because I never know what is going on in their lives, what burdens may be weighing on them, what may be influencing their actions.