Incredulous

I'm not sure if incredulous completely describes my feelings on a particular issue, but it's probably close. When I learned that Olson baby #2 is a boy, I was quite excited and I would have been just as excited to have a girl. You see, gender just wasn't a big factor to me. In the course of the days following the announcement of our second child being a son, I was met with some unbelievable responses. Here is a taste:
"Oh! I'm so sorry. What a shame!" (huh???)
"That's too bad. You and Kyle sure would've had a pretty girl."
"Well, I guess you'll need to try for a 3rd one then! Maybe #3 will be a girl."

Yes, (prepare for sarcasm) what a shame that I have 2 healthy and vibrant sons. This response surprised me at first, but then it just made me plain old mad. I felt that my unborn son was, to some people, starting life out as a disappointment. Are you kidding me? He is exactly who God wants him to be. Isaiah 43:1 tells us that God has called us by name and that we are His. Who am I to think that I know better than a Holy God? If God, in His sovereignty, sees fit to grace our family with another son and I accept that gift and privilege with anything other than thankfulness, I need a serious character overhaul.

The 'well, you can try for a 3rd' comment really gets to me. As if my son were some sort of error and I can just try again until I get the result others want for me. My unborn son is extremely loved by his mom and dad. He is a gift that God did not have to give to us, but in His grace, He did. Even as I write these words I can feel our little one happily kicking and playing.

I have yet to come up with a gracious response to some of these ridiculous comments. My general response is to remain silent, perhaps that is the best course of action. Any suggestions out there??

Did you really think I wouldn't have an opinion?

A certain female sports reporter has been in the news lately for an incident that occurred in the Patriots' locker room. Where to begin?

Let me first address the men. Although we do not know what was said and/or done to this woman, we do know that the men acted inappropriately. Were I the mother of any of these men, Cain and Abel would be raised. I would snatch my son bald-headed for such behavior! I don't care if this woman walked into the locker room naked, there is NEVER any excuse for speaking to a woman in a degrading fashion. EVER. It is disappointing that grown men have acted in such an adolescent manner.

Do I think this reporter is a hapless innocent? No. This woman has marketed herself as a sex object. She has given much encouragement to her moniker of 'sexiest sports reporter in Mexico.' If you haven't seen the outfit she wore that fateful day, don't bother. It is just as vulgar and ridiculous as you would imagine. It mystifies me that a woman who claims to have a desire to be viewed as a serious sports reporter would also encourage the objectification of herself. How about dressing more appropriately? How about setting a much better, more dignified, example to other young women? How about a little self-respect?

As a mother of boys, I feel a strong responsibility to teach my sons to respect women regardless of how a woman chooses to dress or present herself. However, in this age of female empowerment, women sure can empower themselves to dress and act far more appropriately and professionally.

Apparently, it is not hereditary

My great-grandmother had the most amazing garden. My grandma has gorgeous flowers all over her yard. My aunts, all 5 of them, can make anything grow. Flowers, plants, fruit, veggies, herbs, etc. When my husband and I recently moved, I had grand thoughts of planting tomatoes, hydrangeas, daffodils, pansies, tulips and various herbs. I started collecting magazine articles regarding such endeavors. I conducted internet research. Rather unfortunately, methinks this research was to little or no avail.

On Friday I bought a rather lovely looking basil plant at our local Publix. Thinking it would be wise to start small, I thought raising basil plant would be a good place to start. Perhaps I would soon have enough fresh basil to put a bowl of fresh pesto on our table every week. Perhaps I would have enough basil to give away to friends! Perhaps I would continue my serial plant-murdering streak. By Sunday afternoon my basil plant was looking very pitiful. I gave it more water and put it in a sunny spot outside for a bit and hoped for the best. It is now Monday morning and the sad plant is looking slightly better.

After having spent some time with my aunts recently, I realized how many family traits I have...my eyes, my hair, my complexion. Apparently horticulture isn't hereditary. It's probably all for the best anyway, dirt isn't exactly my friend. Can any of you actually imagine me digging in the garden? The thought is laughable. I believe I will leave the growing up to the lovely folks who supply the produce aisles at Publix.