mcmama's comments

How Many Pairs of Socks Does Your Son Have? - Blog Entry

31 Mar 2006 03:38 AM

After the house fire that my family survived (and I did not have an inventory of clothing) the insurance company wanted us to have our clothing and furniture treated for smoke damage. When the contractor came to inventory the clothing, both he and I were amazed that between two boys I had 90 t shirts. These included the hand me downs I was waiting for the youngest to grow into.

The household inventory is a good thing to have - several copies and placed in fire/floodproof places.

You never want a disaster to happen, but when you do, every part of your life is disrupted and gone over by others. I found recovery from fire to be very invasive. A good claims adjuster helps, but your advice is good for preparation.

Georgia High School Students to Study Bible as Elective - Blog Entry

29 Mar 2006 10:15 PM

Heather, I think some people may try to use it as a pulpit, but that very likely will not work for very long. There would likely be too much disagreement with anyone who tried that.

I think it is a great way for students to share their questions, perspectives, and learn together from each other. This can really open minds, not close them.

One thing that my son has said being a non Catholic at a Catholic college is that many of his classmates who went through Catholic school or CCD and have never heard any other perspective have a lot of misconceptions about what other Christians believe or don't believe. This gives students a chance to learn and evaluate all the perspectives that are out there, within all types of Christianity and with non Christians as well.

I also like the idea of a world religions elective. Maybe that will be next, once people wrap their brains around the idea that you can actually talk about God in a public school if you do it without coercion, pressure, or preaching - just discussion!

Selling Your Home - An Overview - Blog Entry

13 Mar 2006 09:51 PM

That is funny Carson!

Many times people are proud of their collections, their artwork, etc. They can be wonderful, and not all that off putting as you experienced - but the buyers focus is on the collection or the artwork or the special possession in the home - and not the house or apartment they would be buying. They can't see themselves in there for all the distractions!

Top Chef Episode 1: Dissing Housewives - Blog Entry

10 Mar 2006 01:24 PM

Let's hope they have a guest judge who has the job of preparing food on the run for people who don't necessarily want to eat it or appreciate it, who shares a kitchen with people who think frozen pizza is a meal, and who spends at least as much time in the car waiting for sports practice to end as they do in the kitchen dreaming up sauce.

Housewives kitchen indeed.

Welcome to the Real Estate Blog at Families.com - Blog Entry

08 Mar 2006 08:48 PM

Some markets are hotter than others. Some are insane, and some are undervalued. What I want to do is cover the process of buying and selling, resources, and topics in general. Some regional trends we might touch on.

Vegas and Phoenix attract a lot of interest for many reasons - great places to live, and financially attractive compared to many other areas.

Brokeback Media - Unwanted Press and Private Schools - Blog Entry

07 Mar 2006 04:34 PM

Thanks for your comment. My teens love James Bond, so "10" is a more likely choice for them. I watch Bond with them too, since I really like action movies.

I would be concerned about a kid "surreptitiously" viewing Brokeback Mountain. The need a teen would feel to do so may well be related to curiosity about their own sexuality, or the possibility that a parent is in the closet. My oldest boy has a friend whose parents are gay - there is no great desire among heterosexual kids, even those whose family members are openly gay to see this movie, that I observe. A kid who secretly watches Brokeback as opposed to something like "10" has issues that are not just related to parental control of movies.

I wouldn't watch Brokeback with my 15 year old - given our personal situation it would not resolve much. He would not be ready for it, although we have seen other R rated movies together.

Childhood Seizures: What Parents Should Know - Blog Entry

04 Mar 2006 11:05 PM

Several parents of special needs children that I know are dealing with an increase in the frequency and severity of seizures when their children reach puberty. Is this common, and what do you do about it?

The Homeschooling Option - Blog Entry

23 Feb 2006 04:15 AM

Something I have noticed that many homeschooling parents have in common with involved parents in public school and private school - intentional involvement with their children, and a family that makes education a priority. That attention and advocacy certainly makes a difference!

Gay Parents: Less Than Optimal? - Blog Entry

21 Feb 2006 03:09 PM

I worked in a child care center where we had several lesbian couples who adopted special needs and international children. These women were really great moms, and did a fabulous job. Some lesbian parents also had their own biological children.

Generally, the maturity, stability, and intentionality of becoming an adoptive parent is the major criteria.

I know gay people who are terrible biological parents - self centered, adult centered, abusive. And I know some who are pretty good at it. Sexuality does not really predict who will be a good parent - the ability to accept responsibility and commit to a stable family unit is more important.

Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk? - Blog Entry

21 Feb 2006 02:55 PM

Nikki, these are very important points for any new mom to remember - breastfeeding or not. I found that by "supplementing" my oldest with formula, I decreased the production of milk, and therefore it was a vicious circle - after a while I really "didn't have enough". What I should have done was nurse him on demand - a lot - and that would have meant that I would have "had enough milk".

Any mom who is told that the baby is not getting enough milk should refer to your list. Getting breastfeeding off to the right start is so very important, with lasting benefits for both mother and child.