One of the warnings we (Jim, Julesie, and me) gave the older boy before he left for college was to stay away from credit cards. They are dangerous if not used properly, and can make life miserably expensive for decades. I remember when *I* was in college, companies were constantly trying to get us students (and newly-away-from-home-and-doing-whatever-we-wanted-to-do teenagers) to accept the cards they “pre-approved” for us. Back then (late 80’s), credit cards weren’t as big of a problem in general as they are today. People were still paying for most things with cash or check, and layaway programs were readily available in department stores. I was able to easily ignore…
-
-
The Kids Are Okay!
As a baby* grows into the toddler stage and becomes mobile, he is naturally clumsy as he learns to navigate his way around, and falling down is a huge part of the process. In the beginning, the little one cries, desperately looking around for his mom or dad and refusing to calm down until he is picked up and given a little cuddle. The schools of thought in how parents should handle the crying child as time goes on differ a little bit. Some parents run to their child immediately upon seeing them fall, to brush them off, kiss them, and send them on their way. (Depending on the parents,…
-
A Blast From His Past
I’m floored, and impressed. Let me explain. My particular suburb is one of the largest cities in Illinois, but to me it often feels small. For example, our yearly tradition is the Memorial Day parade; the boys march (with their Boy Scout Troop) in the parade, accompanying the Gold Star Families, and I watch the parade. In the middle of our downtown area on Memorial Day, I always, without fail, see about 30-40 people who I know. It’s a weird thing, living in this “big” town but feeling like it’s Mayberry at the same time. While our town has grown by leaps and bounds since we moved here in the…
-
A Rant On Raising Children Which Isn’t Meant To Be A Rant…
…more of a Public Service Announcement, really. My kids, though admittedly not perfect (Who is, really? No, no… not even me. Stop it.), are fabulous. They are caring, polite, and unspoiled. Jim and I get complimented often on how well we raised them, and the boys get complimented often on how they, well, ARE. People act as if having well-adjusted kids is something so rare it could be a sideshow act in a circus. It’s not; it’s actually attainable by anybody. Here’s the deal, people. Do you know what kind of voodoo magic Jim and I have used for the last just-about-eighteen years in raising our kids? NONE. What have…
-
Last Day.
My first-born son left the house a few moments ago. He had a spring in his step, a sparkle in his eyes, and a smile on his face: not typical characteristics possessed by him on a school day, but today is special. Today is his last day of high school, ever. EVER. As this weekend’s insanity of relatives and graduation festivities approaches, I find myself reflecting on my own high school graduation (so many, many years ago…). I remember how pretty I felt in my blue cap and gown. I spent the day hugging friends, giddily talking about how excited we were to be finished and able to move onward…