Another episode...

Like most bloggers, I often have random thoughts in my head that I organize into an amazing blog post. It's probably just as well that Stuart has the laptop at school most of the time. Otherwise, I'd be wasting a lot of time blogging while BG naps!

But I did have a few thoughts to share. I will divide them into two groups.

First, I have been thinking a lot about children, and parenting, and how important it is to put our families first. I've also been thinking about the Proclamation to the World on the Family, and realizing what every child needs and deserves. I realize that some are not in situations to provide these things to their children, whether by their own choice or not, and I am definitely not judging anyone. I am also not claiming to be the perfect parent, I know I have a lot to improve on, especially as BG gets older and we have more children. ANYWAY, here are my thoughts I what I wish every child had.
1. Birth within the bonds of matrimony to a Father and Mother. This is so important. I can't imagine how any single parent does it. It must be so hard. Everybody needs a break sometimes, and that's why the Lord designed it so 2 people had children together (among other reasons)
2. Every child deserves parents who love and respect each other. This has been the greatest gift from my parents. Again, this is difficult because some things are beyond your control. But if every child had this, or even 70% of children, the world would be a whole lot different.
3. Every child deserves to know who they are and where they came from. Obviously many don't, because many parents don't even know this. But again, think about how great it would be if most people taught their children this!
4. Every child needs to be read to. Starting at day 1. What an advantage you give your child when you read to them!!
5. Every child deserves to be allowed to make mistakes. Nobody yells at an adult when they spill milk or break something. I just ask myself "is my goal to have a clean house, or to raise a happy child who knows they are loved?"

I'll probably discover more things the longer I do this parenting thing, and hopefully I can work on my patience level before BG is actually capable of spilling milk or disobeying...trust me, I know the ideal doesn't always happen!

My second category of thoughts is a little more light-hearted. I've been thinking a lot about trying new things. Mostly this has revolved around food. So, I've compiled a list of things I like and LOVE that I didn't think I'd ever enjoy. I also give credit to the friends who helped me discover new things.

1. Avocado: LOVE it! I'm glad Boo Mike and Max came over for dinner because Boo brought avocados and they are SO yummy. And don't be fooled by the high calorie content: They are SO good for you!
2. Bell peppers: Like them. I used to hate them, so we are making progress! Michelle made hummus once when we had lunch and so I thought I would try the bell peppers she put out. (I can now see why missionaries eat anything, it's so rude to not do so!). Anyway, I really enjoy peppers now and I think the only thing keeping me from loving them is my brain. I always hated them before, so my brain still thinks I don't like them even though my mouth does...
3. Cantaloupe. There is a stipulation with this one: it has to be a GOOD cantaloupe. Candice brought one for dinner once and it was yummy.
4. Peaches. I've liked peaches since my freshman year of college, but growing up I only liked canned peaches. Probably the hairy peel, I don't know. Maybe we just never had good ones. But now I could eat 3 peaches a day! They are so good! (As long as they aren't from Walmart...yuck!)

Still on the list of things I don't like: mushrooms, fresh tomatoes (canned are ok) and shrimp. I'll still try the tomatoes every year, but I can't bring myself to eat a mushroom. And Rachel Ray calling them "earthy" doesn't help. Earthworms are earthy, and I don't want to eat that.