Christmas Shopping for a 12 Year Old

Hmm... So, Trace says he really, really, really wants an Ipod Touch this year. As his mom I really, really, really want to get him his heart's desire. But there are just a couple of problems with his request. The most obvious issue is the price. At $239 it would pretty much break the bank. Not to mention, I personally think that $239 is an awful lot for a gift for one person - especially a twelve year old! The next issue is the internet connection. We have a strict policy of no internet in our house unless it is in an open, family area. Giving him internet access to carry in his pocket seems to go a bit against this. Rick and I decided to go in to Best Buy and see if they had any other options we might find acceptable. We found a nice, friendly clerk and asked his opinion. We told him our son was twelve and that a Touch just wasn't happening. I lost hope when he asked why we didn't want him to have internet access - umm, did you miss the part about him being twelve?! Admittedly we asked the wrong clerk, he was maybe all of 20 years old. Next time we'll find an elderly (by Best Buy standards, like 40 something) clerk to talk to.

Needless to say, we still haven't found an alternative. In a few moments of weakness I've toyed with the idea of getting him a laptop (like Black Friday cheap one), or a cell phone. But I quickly remind myself that he is TWELVE! What is left to get him at 14, 15, 16? So, at this point we still have no ideas for him. It looks like he will be getting a variety of little things and not have "the one big thing he wants most" included. I guess that's ok too.

I'm trying to figure out if I am just terribly old fashioned/behind the times or if the world is pushing these kids along too fast? I know that in a lot of ways kids are growing up much faster than we did but isn't that the way things have always been? Doesn't each generation seem to push the boundaries a little more? How do you know, as a parent, which areas to allow and which to fight? We've chosen to fight the over sexualization of little girls; Paige isn't allowed to wear clothes with writing on the backside, shirts that show her belly with arms stretched above her head, bikinis, heals, or makeup. She is going to push and already has, but it is something we are pretty passionate about and intend to hold firm on for as long as possible. We have also been a bit "restrictive" with movies and video games. PG13 ratings are given for a reason and given by people who's values are far lower than ours therefore we abide by them. Our kids will tell you that they can't watch PG13 or play Teen games because if they play them now there won't be anything for them to play when they are teenagers. There have been a couple of exceptions, but only after very careful consideration! Children have always wanted to be grownup and grownups have always wished for their youth back, it's an age old conundrum. I guess I'd rather my kids seem a bit innocent or naive. They only get one chance to be kids. As we all know adulthood lasts far longer. I am always hoping that we are making the right choices for them. It isn't always easy that's for sure. Someday they'll thank us for it right? Right? Yeah, that's what I thought!

Family Day #4

On November 13, 2006 our family was made complete by a very special baby girl a continent away.  She looked at me with her big eyes then leaned around to get a look at her daddy.  For a brief moment her little lower lip quivered but she didn’t shed a tear.  She grinned her way into our hearts and we have never been the same.

What an absolutely beautiful girl she has grown into!  Those big, black eyes, her little dimple and long silky hair only make her beautiful on the outside.  But the thoughtfulness she shows for her brothers, the hugs and snuggles she so freely gives and her sensitive spirit make her beautiful on the inside!  We are so very blessed!

Ironically, November is National Adoption Month.  We are so fortunate to know personally the gift that adoption is.  To know the way it not only changes a child’s life, but the way it has changed ours.  We will never be the same…

Caden’s Football Championship Game

We were the “guest” team…

With 2:04 left in the game the Sharks got one last touchdown!  It was an exciting game that just seemed to go back and forth depending on who had the ball.  Fortunately, for us, we had the ball last!  Way to go Sharks!  We’re proud of you Caden!

Halloween and beyond…

This year we had a Whoopie Cushion a Ninja and a BLUE Butterfly.  We were lucky to have Rick home again so that I could go out for the first run then he went for the second (and longer) one.  Works for me!

Paige and Carson were so cute holding hands as we walked through the neighborhood.  Awww…

In other happenings;  Trace seems to have gotten the message and things are going better at school.  He’s a good kid, just needed a little reminder. 

With Caden we have made some changes in his life that I wish we had made years ago.  No need lamenting what could have been though – now we just look forward to the future!  He is a new kid and it is truly amazing.  I’m having fun with him and enjoying having him around now – WOW!

Today both boys began their adventures in orthodontia.  Trace had it relatively easy with just an upper spacer being put in.  Poor kid didn’t get much sympathy though when his brother had four teeth pulled and a spacer put in!  Next week he goes in for his upper spacer which should be a piece of cake after today.  

Coming up next will be Caden’s football Championship game on Saturday.  We are so proud of him and his team for making it two years in a row!  Trace’s friend birthday party and final soccer game next week.  Whew – then life slows down, right?