My Reasons Why Mom is the Bomb

April 25 was MomtheBomb's birthday. I wanted to take the day off, but was unable to for varios reasons. I still thought I could be home by 2:00 pm, but on the way to work, I blew a tire, and my day started about an hour late. So i didn't get home until nearly 4:00 pm. But she was unfazed. So I want to add to the list's our kids have prepared about MomtheBomb.

These are not in any order of importance.

1. She is so calm, in some ways, that she can sleep through hurricanes and eat dinner through earthquakes and not even know what is happening.

2. She is primarily responsible for the success of our six children.

3. While several of the children were still in public schools, she completed here bachelors degree in biology with high honors.

4. She runs marathons.

5. She entered medical school at age 43.

6. She said she had a great birthday! I only bought her roses and took her to dinner on Saturday.

7. The people that impress her the most are those who quietly serve others. Those who are great in the world's eyes don't necessarily impress her.

8. She prefers to quietly serve others, and not make a big deal about it.

9. She wants to immerse herself in the local culture, and not just hang-out with gringos.

10. Despite all my quirks and faults, she still loves me.

Think About the Good We Can Do

For a number of years, I have observed parents fretting about the bad influence others may have on their (the parents') children. And based on this, they do things like home schooling, or move to a 'better' church unit (or just change churches). It seems to me there is a better answer.

In the final analysis, children will be on their own at sometime. They need to learn to live in this world, and not be protected from it. So instead of fretting about the negative influence of others, and sending a message to the children that they are weak or incapable, why don't we think about the good influence our children can have on others? This also sends a message to the children that they are strong and capable.

What do you think???

A Few More Comments about Hawaii

Mom the Bomb told you about our time in Hawaii. (Notice I didn't say fun time.) Paradise is not a fun place to be sick. Mom the Bomb really never recovered from her first 3 days of illness, although her fever did go. She felt good enough on Monday to go hiking. We hiked about 5.5 miles round trip, and saw views that I would guess only 1 or 2 percent of visitors to O'hau see. It was beautiful, and we drove only about 15 minutes from the hotel in Waikiki.

For those who like to get away from the tourist traps, I suggest using travel guides from Lonely Planet. They are written for people who want to explore and not just shop (probably not good for Poodle!!!!!).