The antics of little "Z"

Z is beginning to do some very funny things...so here's today's funnies:

While I was in the kitchen this afternoon, the kiddos were playing in the living room. I get stuff put in the oven and come out, asking E "Where's Z?" Oh, he's in the closet...hmmm..in the closet...that would be the front room coat closet where all the hymnals from church are currently stashed. Hmm...is he ripping them to shreds?

Upon entering the closet I find Z in the midst of the hymnals, one open, he's going "la la la la" and bopping his head back and forth - Too funny! One of those moments when I really should have had a video camera!

Then tonight it was the ever frightful event of the green vegetable. Lately he's been refusing to eat all vegetables that are not cleverly disguised by layers of cheese, gravy, etc. Well, I debated mixing the green beans in with the stew, but decided he would just have to eat them straight up. I began with the stew, which he ate pretty well, could tell it wasn't a favorite. So then I brought out the green beans. You would have thought I'd brought out the ice cream! He pointed and smiled and reached and chattered away - so I put a few on his tray (not wanting a whole serving to be sent to the floor...) He tested one...made a face, tested another, made a face then smiled and downed them all and wanted more! He made it through almost four helpings of green beans, giggling and laughing all the way like it was a real treat.

I tell you, it was a real treat for mommy to have one meal not turn into a battle of wills. little miss E loves her green beans, too. But tonight she passed up an extra helping of them for some jell-o salad - yes, classic potluck orange jell-o with evaporated milk, mayo and mandarin oranges. Not too bad, but I'll refrain from adding the tuna. (and the olives...)

Shallow Women

Are we American women so shallow?

This was my thought today as I purveyed the choice of women's magazines at the doctor's office. If I am to define the top 5 issues for women today according to these magazines they are:

1. Losing weight
2. Makeup
3. Body Image/clothing
4. Stylish housekeeping
5. Food

These magazines have articles such as:

"10 steps to taking off that baby weight."
"All the makeover tips you requested!"
"________ Lost 55 lbs. in 2 months - here's how she did it!"
"Get that bikini body before summer"
"You can be a mom without dressing like one!"
"Summer fashions - __________ is in!"(I can't rember what was in...not me probably)
"Top 25 entertaining recipies."

So there I sat, my unpainted toenails and lack of anti-wrinkle cream usage making me wonder if today's women are really that shallow. When we get together do we chat about weight loss, makeup, clothes and food? Hmmm...yes. To be honest, even my very un-stylish self does. Those tend to be conversation starters - but does the conversation stay there forever? Do we never get past the weight loss tips and recipe exchanges? What about Titus 2? I don't think Paul had in mind the older women giving the younger women fashion tips - unless perhaps it pertains to dressing modestly.

So I've been getting a good dose of L.A.F. lately and decided to put down the style magazines and focus my mind on being a woman of God. Perhaps I'll come up with some new conversation starters besides my post-pardom weight-loss strategy.

"In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives as they observe your chaste and respectful behaviour. Your adornment must not be merely external - braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelery or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in the sight of God."

I Peter 3:1-4