Like mother, like daughter

Just got back from the spelling bee. Mariah didn't win; nerves got the best of her. Ironically we all thought she had it, too. Republic. R-e-p-u-b-l-i-k. And I'd breathed a sigh of relief after the "l." But there is a purpose in everything, as there was a purpose in my spelling bee of 6th grade. My word was "cheese." I have always been nervous in front of people; in fact, only now is it getting somewhat manageable. Well, in my nervousness, I did the exact same thing: reverted to phonics. I will never forget that cheese (the kind humans should eat anyway) is most definitely NOT spelled with a "z," even though I knew it at the time. And I will also never forget the word that would have won the bee had I still been in it. Vacuum (2 u's). But if I would have won, would I have been able to console my daughter as well? At least some pressure was off her knowing this going in. And when she came out, she said, "Well, like mother, like daughter." I guess that could be considered a Mariahism. :) (She's fine, by the way, and she's got a good shot at it next year--it is 4th and 5th grade together.) We joked that the blog title could be “The Republik of Cheeze." Hmm. Sounds like a foreign B movie.

Speaking of B, on the bright side, her report card is great. All As and Bs--B+ avg. overall, and up from B avg. last quarter. So, no complaints there. Yep, we're proud of her.

Weekend getaways

Most of you know by now that Roger's parents have a nice little cabin that they've built on Lake Cumberland. It's very remote (and because it is, there're some good stories there that I may post at a later date). Well, we went there this past weekend. No phone, no internet (so no work for me--altho no blogging ;)), no laundry. Boy, is it relaxing. Although, Roger usually relaxes by working outside clearing brush, or helping build the barn. The dog relaxes by running as fast as possible, descending and ascending the rough terrain to the lake in incredibly fast jaunts, and ultimately finding some nasty remnant of a dead animal. Ri and I relax doing puzzles, games, videogames, hiking, and cooking. During the summer, we can swim in the lake--and yes, the dog joins us.


If the canoe hadn't been stolen, we'd have done a bit more of that and visited our "pet" goat, Lila. Lila lives 2 coves over, apparently, and no one knows where she came from. But if you call her, she comes down the rocky, near cliff-like terrain to indulge in any non-healthy treat you offer her. Apparently, she gets enough veggies and fruit on her own. Here's a pic detailing an adventure with Lila. Yes, that's a cookie. Didn't get many pictures this weekend, but you get the idea. Hope you had a nice weekend, too. :)

Stupid parents and Disney (cough) gets something right

So, what do you find most annoying about TV (in particular children's) programs? The mile-a-second, loud, idiotic inanity? Well, while those are up there on my list, the thing that most bothers me is the stupid parents. Most of the time, it's the dad (or he's the stupidest of the 2--if there are 2). This is also compounded by the "peer"ing of the adults with the children, or, in fact, the reversal of roles. The parent is behaving childishly, or wrongs the child, and the child has the "right" to punish the parent until they get it right. Now, don't get me wrong: my parenting style (as my friends--and daughter--will attest) is very candid. I admit when I'm wrong and ask forgiveness if necessary. I acknowledge that I am somewhat inadequate as just a human that battles with sin and selfishness, yet have this important and sometimes seemingly monumental task. But do I give up my God-given role of benevolent authority, guide, and discipline administrator? Not on your life. I love my daughter too much to let her have her own way when it's not in her best interest, and, thank God, I have His help. :) I want her to be a child that others want to be around, and I want her to have a good, long life, but I digress.

Why is the stupid parent thing such a big deal, anyway, you may wonder? Well, think about the established roles God has laid out for a happy family. Who is the head? Who does this represent? Is the Head "qualified"? Does He deserve respect and obedience? Are His decisions wise? Who's the judge? Who administers discipline? Who wrongs whom? Do you see a problem? The marriage/family is under subtle attack, and, in the process, God's plans for us as Creator, and even God Himself.

What's all this got to do with Disney, you say? Well, surprisingly, there is a program that I can find little wrong with. And it has a smart, loving, disciplining, and protective father. Believe it or not, Hannah Montana has a lot going for it (at least so far). For a program dealing with teenagers, it's also pretty family friendly. Are there better things your child could watch? Of course. But I have to give credit where credit is due. And of all places, Disney! Hard to figure out, when seemingly half of their other shows (and other networks for that matter) involve "powers," witchcraft, eastern elemental magic, etc. With so little to choose from, it's refreshing to have a choice that doesn't give you too much to worry about.

Better late than never

Well, since Christmas was spread out over 3 days this year, that gives me a little license to be this late posting, right? Actually, it's not totally over yet ... we still have one segment of family to get together with and we're not sure yet when that's going to happen. So ... here are the festivies so far. :)
Dec. 24 after the Christmas Eve candlelight service (at which she and I sang “Still, Still, Still,” but sorry, no video this time, although she did a great job. We were asked to sing again the following Sunday, and I asked for an mp3 of the song, if they recorded it. I'll post it later if they did.) She gets to open one present. Choose wisely ...
Christmas morning.
At Gramma and Grampa's--showin' off new duds
Dec. 26 at Gramma L.'s with cousins