To Date or Not To Date...What Age?

I'm a little concerned.

Miss M is 10, almost 11 years old. She is bright, outgoing, and althletic.

She is also thoughtful, quiet, and happy.

Her idea of a wonderful weekend is playing some field hockey, practicing softball, curling up with a good book, playing with her American Girl dolls, and on a great weekend - having (or going to) a girlfriend over.

I recently was talking with another 5th grade mom, when she casually asked if Miss M was one of the girls invited to the "group" movie night.

I told the mom no. She sighed a sigh of motherly relief - her daughter was not invited either.

It seems there are certain girls and boys in the 5th grade who go on group movie dates. It is unclear as to whether any parents attend the movie along with the kids or not.

Either way, I am really glad Miss M is not invited. Even if she were invited I would not allow her to go.

This seems too much like a "date" to me. Who cares if it is 3 girls and 3 boys? It is still a 1:1 boy/girl ratio.

The other mom commented to me that in talking with moms, the general impression is that - as a group - what could happen? They had not told their daughters or sons they could not go on dates (who would think to discuss an appropriate dating age by 10?!)

We have always - from as early as I can remember - commented in passing to Miss M that she will not date until she is 32, or 25, or 18.

She shows no interest in boys (other than Nick Jonas - but we've all had a little celebrity crush)

These same girls are also dressing to the nine's to go see the boys play in their baskball games.

So, while I have nothing to worry about right now - Miss M shows no interest in boys, we've discussed how her body is a gift from God and needs to always be treated with respect, and have commented with more definition now that dating is not allowed until she is at least 16 - 18 - my question is this:

Am I out of the loop? Is this a growing trend? What would you do?

I personally think all kids today are growing up way too fast. We still limit what our kids watch on TV, what they are allowed to listen to, go to church, talk to our kids, and have final say in what is worn out of the house.

Am I alone in this? What are your thoughts?

I'm really having a hard time grasping how other moms, of girls in a Catholic School, are okay with their 10 and 11 year old daughters going out on group dates with boys. Whether or not an adult is along.

(And I am oh so glad Miss M is not really friends with any of these girls)

Til next time, I'll still be...

Being Brenda

Snow Day Fun

The weathermen actually got it right this time - well, sort of. We did get some snow - about 2-3". Not the 4-8" they were calling for.

But enough to cancel school for the day.

Miss M and Drewby were thrilled! After breakfast, the kids begged hubby to run to the local dollar store and get 2-3 spray bottles. As hubby had just gotten home from work, the truck was cleaned off already and warm - he obliged the kiddos.

We filled the bottles with cold water and added food coloring to make "snow paint".

The kiddos grabbed a variety of containers, bundled up and out they went.

They made some very unique "snow castles" which they painted a variety of colors.

After about an hour, they were cold and wet. So in they came for "snowman soup" AKA hot chocolate with marshmallows.

All in all, it was a good day.

Miss M completed enough activities to earn her Frosty Fun girl scout badge.

Drewby was just happy to have snow to play in.

And I can walk again! (see yesterday's post for details!)

Til next time, I'll still be...

Being Brenda

What Was I Thinking?!

So, I've decided to start using the free 30-day trial membership at a local gym. Both hubby and I got a free 30-day trial after booking Drewby's 7th birthday party.

I guess dropping that kind of money on a party has some perks.

Hubby started going last week. Went to a "Studio Cycling" class. Said it was good.

(He was walking - and sitting - just fine after the class last week)

So I went to the class along with him today. What was I thinking?!

Have I mentioned I haven't really worked out, exercised, or rode a bike in quite some time?

And that I am somewhat overweight?

So now, 9 hours after the class ended, I. Can. Not. Walk.

Or sit.

But I am choosing to focus on the positive (one of my New Year goals) - I did pedal through the entire 50-minute class. With some resistance on the pedals. (Although I didn't do much of the standing pedaling in class)

And I felt pretty good right afterward. Now - not so much!

Lucky for me, the next class I could take is next Tuesday. Hopefully by then I will be able to sit. And walk.

On a side note - I did re-emphasize to my kids tonight the importance of staying in shape and taking care of our bodies.

Because getting our bodies back into shape is a long - and painful - process. But getting out of shape took some time as well - it just wasn't as painful.

Til next time, I'll still be...
(not sitting comfortably)

Being Brenda

Hi. My Name is Brenda. I have a Problem.

Maybe you can guess what my problem is.

Go ahead. Look to my sidebar and - take a wild guess.

You got it. I am finally able to admit, I am entranced by the Twilight series.

I picked up the first book Twilight, sometime before Thanksgiving just to see what all the hype was about. Plus it was on sale for $4.99 and I figured I could donate it to the library when I tired of it. (which I was sure would be very quickly)

I read the entire book in like 2 nights. Long, long, sleepless nights. (Lucky for me hubby works nights so I wasn't keeping him awake)

I then went to see the movie with my mom who loves vampire movies. She was dissappointed as she wanted a scary vampire movie. Not me. I was kind of dissappointed in some of the liberties the director took in changing some things too much - but I still loved the movie.

I then used a B&N gift card I had received to purchase the second book, and again, was more and more drawn into this tangle, impossible love affair.

Then came the third book. I actually waited the two weeks til Christmas to read the fourth book because I knew hubby was getting it for me.

And now I find out that in a little under one year, I will get to see the second movie. With a new director (yeah!)

Plus the Twilight DVD comes out in just over 2 months. With extra scenes and extended scenes. I.Can.Not.Wait!

Oh, did I mention I have now read the first book a second time, and am waiting for my New Moon book to be returned to me for more reading?

Can any other moms out there relate to this series? I know its meant for the teen/young adult audience, but I just find the draw between Edward and Bella to be so strong and intricate.

I think I may need some new reading suggestions...maybe try to tame this addiction.

Til next time, I'll still be (reading the Twilight series and....)

Being Brenda

I Really Don't Like Weathermen, or Weatherwomen

So, it's happened again.

We started out with expected snowfall of 3 - 6 inches from this "storm". And we were under that "Winter Storm Warning" category.

Last night - after posting - I saw we were lowered in total to 2-4 inches. Okay, I can still watch my kids have fun in 2-4 inches of snow. And we were still in the "Winter Storm Warning" category.

But this is the final straw.

We have been officially lowered to a "Winter Weather Adivsory", with total accumulations of 1-3 inches of snow before the precipitation changes to freezing rain. And Mr. Weatherman thinks most of the viewing area will fall into the 1 inch range.

I don't know about you, but 1 inch of snow is not really anything my kids get excited about. They would prefer not going through all the hassle of putting on thermals, pants, and snowpants, turtleneck, sweathshirt and heavy coat, hat gloves, boots and scarves for only 1 lousy inch of snow!!

So, I have decided we need to move. To a more northern location, a higher elevation or something.

Now I just need to convince hubby.

Til next time, I'll still be...

Being Brenda

Anticipation

Our house is sitting on pins and needles. (No - not pine needles, although our tree really needs to come down tomorrow!)


The kids and I are waiting - not so patiently - for the first accumulating snowfall in our area. It's totally NOT that I love snow, or enjoy being out in it, but I DO enjoy watching my kids play together in the snow, and taking pictures of them, then watching them light up seeing me bring out a steaming hot pot of homemade hot cocoa.


And this winter we have had several occassions we were teased with the possibility of snow. Instead it either skirted around us - or changed to an ice or rain event.


So the weathermen (yes, plural as I have watched 3 separate stations predictions for this event) are all telling me our area should recieve 3-6 inches of snow overnight and into tomorrow.


Now I know for some of you that is no big deal.


But for my kids - that will be good enough to run around, make snow angels, have a snowball fight, and possibly - just possibly get out the sled and visit "the hill".


"The hill" is this very steep hill by the local school where all the neighborhood kids go to sled. The last time it snowed here enough to sled was, I think, two-three years ago. I remember because Drewby wasn't big enough to make it all the way to the top. I don't think Miss M could climb all the way either. So they climbed to the halfway point, hopped on their sled, and down they came.


So we have fingers and toes crossed that for this once, the weathermen are right, and we will have some snow on the ground tomorow.


Til next time, I'll still be...


Being Brenda

It's Official!

Miss M has the date set to get her braces.

Well, at least the beginning phase of her braces.

Back in October, Miss M and I went into the orthodontist's office for a consultation. After several photos of Miss M and a few x-rays, I am told the doctor will be right in.

When the orthodontist comes in, the first thing she does is show me the photos they took of Miss M's teeth and profile. She points out that Miss M's chin is set back too far - leading to her significant overbite and offset front teeth. (For the last 10 1/2 years I - and Miss M - have been blissfully unaware of this "abnormality" in her development.)

After many questions, and several explanations, I am presented with the summary of proposed treatment for Miss M.

For the first 12 months - she will have braces on her four top and four bottom front teeth. Her side teeth will have this:

This is a Herbst appliance meant to correct her overbite. It does not look pleasant.

Then after the Herbst appliance is removed, she will have 18 months of traditional orthodontic treatment.

And when is all this is being placed in her mouth? Thursday, April 9th at 8:10am. Holy Thursday. You know, three days before Easter - before she is thinking she will be getting a basket of candy - like every other year. Not this year.

She will be limited in what she can eat for the first week - only soft foods - scrambled eggs, yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, etc.

We have to wait until April because, get this, based upon a hand and wrist x-ray, that is when Miss M will begin a growth spurt. Don't. Ask. Me. I have no idea how they came to that conclussion, but timing is good. She should not miss a day of school, because as a Catholic school, Miss M has off Thursday, Friday, and Monday for Easter Break.

As I tell Miss M this bit of news, she sits quietly. Then she states, quite matter of factly, "Mom, do you know Taylor Swift got her braces done at the same place I'm getting mine on?" Nope. Had no clue.

She either saw something on their Wall of Fame when we were there, or was told by one of the multitude of students at her school who also go to the same orthodontist. Taylor Swift is originally from our area, and one of Miss M and her friends fave's.

I guess my baby girl won't miss the candy so much after all.

Although she did ask for a giant bag of Swedish Fish next time I go to Sam's Club. Just to get her fill before she cannot have them anymore.

Til next time, I'll still be...

Being Brenda

Happy New Year!

Welcome 2009!

Every new year starts out the same way in our house - New Year's Eve at home with the kids and a feast of seafood, watching the ball drop in NYC, and then bundling up and standing outside watching out cities fireworks display. New Year's Day - it's a feast of pork and sauerkraut, football, and high hopes for keeping the resolutions we make.

Well this year, I think I can finally keep my resolution!

I did not make one!!

I mean - I did not totally abandon all hope for change in 2009.

I did however, decide to set goals - goals which will help be become more focused, more organized, and a healthier and stronger person - in both mind, body and soul.

Another goal I set is to keep up with my blog - and since it is only January 6th - I figure that is a pretty good start after an almost 6 week absence.

One may ask "So what's the difference between Resolutions and Goals?"

Good Question.

To me the difference is this: a resolution is so firm, so steadfast. It is not something meant to be changed or fluctuate.

A goal is a step toward something. It is something to be reviewed periodically and adjusted as necessary.

Thus - why I have set goals. Mentally, once I break a resolution there is no way to change it. With a goal, if I fall a little short - it is a chance to step back and look at why I didn't achieve the goal and rewrite it better.

Just my two cents on the difference.

Til next time, I'll still be....

Being Brenda