Poke'...what???

Pokemon, that’s what! (Pronounced with a long vowel e). These somewhat-adorable, sometimes-menacing, creatures have descended upon our home and taken up residence in the imagination of an 8-year old boy; while I find myself immersed in Pokemon 101.

This is what I've learned so far: They come with strange and curious names like Charizard, Beedrill, Meowth, Butterfree, to name just a few. Each Pokemon comes with its own special abilities to battle other Pokemon using strategic moves such as bone-rush, megadrain, jigadrain, flame-thrower, and leechlife, to name just a few. There are different types of Pokemon: fire, grass, water, earth, rock, electric, normal, and so on. Each type possesses attributes that are unique to that particular type. Most, but not all, Pokemon can evolve into other, more powerful, Pokemon. For instance, Treecko evolves into Grovyle, who then evolves into Sceptile. Torchic evolves into Combusken, who then evolves into Blaziken. As powerful as they may be, Pokemon are not without their weakness. For example, a grass-type Pokemon’s weakness is a fire-type Pokemon. A fire-type Pokemon’s weakness is a water-type Pokemon. Do you see the logic here?

Some might argue that the game of Pokemon promotes fighting and destruction; but as I see it, Pokemon is really no worse than some of the classic fairy tales that children worldwide have heard for generations. How many of us have regaled our children with tales of a fire-breathing dragon and a sword-wielding prince determined to rescue his sleeping beauty. Or the infamous big, bad wolf with a penchant for adorable pigs and a little girl wearing a red riding hood. Then there’s the evil stepmother-turned-witch offering poison apples to an unsuspecting maiden. And last, but not least, a downtrodden boy named Jack who reaps enormous rewards by stealing treasured possessions of another -- a bag of gold coins, a hen that lays golden eggs, and a magical singing harp. What values do these fairy tales espouse?

Ultimately, this is less about Pokemon than it is about giving importance to something that is important to your child; even if it doesn’t loom large in our adult world. It’s about giving him the time of day to listen to his hopes and fears; or, his latest Pokemon adventure. Yes, I think Pokemon can stick around a little longer, but that’s entirely up to an 8-year old boy.

All in a Day's Work!

Our morning routine usually consists of seeing big sister and big brother off to school, reading to Mary, grocery shopping, and going to the park or a scooter ride around the neighborhood. Inevitably, I fall behind on certain chores and projects at home. “It’s more important to spend quality time with Mary and indulge her in the things she likes to do,” I remind myself. “The dust bunnies and dirty dishes can wait,” I further declare. I can take on some of the chores during Mary's naptime and throughout the day, but my attempts to wrestle with the rest, after the children are in bed, can sometimes feel like an exercise in futility. By that time, I’m usually running on fumes, making it difficult to muster the energy to tackle bigger chores. On a few occasions, I’ve nodded off while trying to balance the checkbook or review the children’s homework assignments late at night.

But today was different. This morning after breakfast, I reminded Mary that we would be going out soon. To my surprise, she responded by saying, “I don’t want to go out today.” I turned to her and said, “Oh? Would you rather stay home this morning and do some things around the house?” “Yeah,” she said softly, her mind clearly more focused on her coloring book. That was all I needed to hear. I immediately set about doing housework. I made the beds, tackled the breakfast mess, cleaned the kitchen, mopped the floor, did 3 loads of laundry, unloaded the dishwasher then loaded it up again. All by 11:00 a.m. So pleased was I with my efficiency that I even used part of the morning to write this blog! In all fairness to Mary, however, she did help by sorting the laundry. She’s now educated on the intricacies of laundry-sorting: whites, light colors, bright colors, dark colors. She mopped her sister's bedroom floor. Then she loaded a pile of laundry into the washing machine, which meant I had to hoist her up so she could reach the opening. When all was said and done.…I probably would’ve been done by 10:30!! (wink! wink!)

Oh yes, Mary also played with bubbles and practiced her golf swing with her brother’s golf set. No, we’re definitely not at risk of ennui setting in. There’s plenty to do and the work we did this morning was just the tip of the iceberg!

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Children are an embodiment of joy and innocence. Their joviality reminds us of everything that is good and peaceful in the world. They are our greatest hope for the future.

Through the years, our children have supplied us with a healthy dose of humor and laughter. Here are a few of those precious moments:

Danielle, at age 3, upon receiving a special toy: (Wide-eyed surprise) "I've wanted this my whole life."

Danielle, at age 4: "Arthur got the chicken pox...(pause)...That's from chickens!"

Joseph, inspecting a tube of SPF30 sunscreen: "Mommy, if I put this on twice, will I get SPF 60?"

Mary loves to help in the kitchen. She especially enjoys combining and mixing the ingredients for baked goods. The two of us were making lemon blueberry muffins this morning when I took out a bright orange box (labeled Arm & Hammer). Instantly recognizing the box, Mary exclaimed: "Oh, I know that. Babies can have that soda. It's baby soda."

Before driving off this morning, I put on my ear piece because I was expecting an important phone call on my cell phone from school. At this point, Mary asked: "Mommy, why are you putting on your loosetooth?" (I was in stitches trying to tell her that this device is called a "Bluetooth").

As they say, "Laughter is the best medicine." Hope your day is filled with joy and laughter.

Whose Idea Was It to Play Tag in Cyberspace Anyway?

From My Friend at The Schneider Web

I got Tagged!

Here are some things about me -

I am: a content stay-at-home mom.

I know: a thing or two about raising children.

I have: very little me-time.

I wish: I could go back in time and re-live all of my experiences from childhood until today.

I hate: when the best laid plans go awry (although "hate" is a bit strong. To say that I am "sorely disappointed"....would be more accurate).

I miss: my grandparents; and growing up in the Philippines and Guam.

I fear: I could be doing a better job in the faith formation of my children.

I feel: worrisome about the future.

I hear: the clothes dryer.

I smell: fabric softener.

I crave: time with family.

I search: for the good in everything I do and everyone I meet.

I wonder: what my life would be like today if I had made different choices.

I regret: cleaning up the kitchen instead of playing tennis with my son this afternoon.

I love: God and my family.

I am not: a risk-taker (though I venture outside my comfort zone on occasion).

I believe: in the power of prayer.

I dance: with my children.

I sing: terribly. I hum mostly.

I cry: easily at movies.

I don’t always: iron my clothes.

I fight: against temptation.

I write: for the joy of it; as a hobby.

I win: some.

I lose: some.

I never: take time for granted.

I always: make the bed first thing in the morning.

I confuse: my husband sometimes.

I listen: to my instincts.

I can usually be found: in the kitchen.

I am scared: of snakes, sharks, wild creatures, and poisonous animals & insects.

I need to: be near my children.

I am happy about: having grown up with six brothers and sisters. It was so much fun.

I imagine: Heaven.