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21 April 2007

To Tattoo Or Not To Tattoo


two little tough guys, even without tattoos

Ah, the dilemma! Our sons are only (almost) 4 and 5 year old, and already they want to get tattoos. Of course, not the real kind, especially since we told them that to get a real tattoo, you have to get stuck with a needle over and over again (a good deterrent for them at this age anyway). Nevertheless, we recently got a copy of a Family Fun magazine, and while I was de-boning it (removing all the card-stock inserts and magazine subscription postcards), I came across what looked like stickers. Upon further investigation, (and before I could hide them from my children) I discovered they were in fact temporary tattoos courtesy of the Ohio Travel Bureau, encouraging us to bring our family to vacation in Ohio.

Daddy taking his own short vacation, but not dead yet!

A few years ago when we were first approaching our 30's, Enoch and I had an ongoing conversation about tattoos: if he or I were to get one, what would it look like, where would it be located, and what would it say? It was an ongoing conversation because, like bumper stickers, I feel that no one statement can sufficiently "label" me, and because tattoos are as permanent as marriage--until death. I couldn't see myself even tattooing Enoch's name on my body, because (here's my practical/morbid side) if he dies prematurely and I one day decided to re-marry, I wouldn't think it would be appropriate. Many people have other (better) reasons not to get tattooed (supported by Scripture), but those are just a few of my own reasons.

still tough, still no tattoos

Anyway, back to the kids. So, the dilemma: do we let them do something "temporarily" for the sake of fun and granting them their desires, or do we strongly forbid it's use any time? Have I made too big an issue over something that's not that big of a deal? (Comments and replies are welcome!) Well, I must confess: we let them do it.

two tough guys with tattoos

We made it clear to them that we're not that crazy about tattoos, but we would allow it this once, so they could experience it first-hand. We made them put them in inconspicuous places (upper arms) so that the tattoos would remain unseen by most of the world (at least while they lasted). I think the big draw to tattoos (aside from the thrill of being permanently stamped) is the thrill of the attention that it draws from others. I think one of the things in the back of Julien's head is getting the attention of his classmates at church when he shows it off to them. I'm thinking of making him removing it before then. We'll see. (I'm pretty sure this is where the "lesson I've learned from this experience" lies.)

So we had a good time. I made a big deal of it and took photos because I figured it would make for good blog-fodder. I tried to make them think it was going to hurt--just to add to the suspense. When the wet cloth was applied for 30 seconds, I made sure it was nice and hot to make it cost a little something (their faces reflect the shock and uncertainty of the pain factor).


Step 1: clean the arm. Step 2: press the sticky tattoo to the arm.



Step 3: press firmly with wet cloth. Step 4: Show it off!


Julien's tattoo


Step 1: clean the arm. Step 2: press the sticky tattoo to the arm.

Step 3: press firmly with wet cloth. Step 4: Show it off!

Tristan's tattoo


after shot

Whatever your feelings are about tattoos, I hope you agree: these are pretty funny pictures, and these boys will be a handful in 10 years from now! (Keep me in your prayers until then!)

Pray for their mother!

P.S. Note to Grandmas and Aunts: Please don't send us any tattoos in the mail. We do not plan to make a regular practice of this activity! Stickers do just about as good of a job, and don't come with a moral dilemma attached--usually. Thanks.

20 April 2007

Sweet Rosalind's Baby Dedication


fresh baby
I have a feeling that our daughter may grow up thinking her name is "Sweeeeet Rosalind," since that's what her Daddy calls her all the time. Her brothers love to follow his example, too.


pink baby

But at least it's true: she is sweet. She is also VERY active, and loves her jumper and her excitable brothers. Sometimes when she lays on her floor mat to play and roll around, she gets on her tummy and just kicks and squeals. (I think it's only a matter of time and she will be my wildest child yet!)


cutie

Here are a couple pictures of Rosalind's baby dedication at church from the 15th.




As of this posting, all my "recent" photo library is unavailable. Recent meaning from the day after Rosalind was born to about one week ago. We "dropped" the laptop one too many times, and it doesn't look good. I'm back to using the desk top computer, but praying that there's a way to salvage the photos and the music--oh, and the documents, too! I managed to retrieve a couple of photos that I had e-mailed to the church for display on the big screen during the baby dedication, which are posted above.

So we're back up and running, and trying to keep these postings coming!

08 April 2007

Dressed in our Easter Best


Here we are, dressed in our Easter best, and eager to eat Easter doughnuts!


07 April 2007

Coloring Eggstravaganza!

We've been enjoying our week of spring break and having Daddy around these days. Today we decided to color Easter Eggs with the boys.

Enoch got the stuff all ready, and we carefully explained how white crayon works when you want to make a pretty design, and showed them how to carefully set the egg into the cup of dye.




I've decided I like doing artsy projects. However, my creative side is so strong that it sometimes struggles with my easygoing side when the kids are also participating. So while I was carefully planning how I would transform normal, everyday, white hard-boiled eggs into Easter masterpieces, the boys simply picked up the eggs and colored as many as they could as quickly as possible with or without the help of a crayon.



(Actually, the photos don't lie. I have to admit, they did use the crayons, but didn't quite master the technique, and worked way too quickly.)

By the time I finished making my yellow sheep and my "pink" pig, nearly all the white eggs were gone. I made one super-fancy green egg, and managed to rescue a "multi-colored" egg which was transformed into a bunny rabbit.

So although I didn't get to make a whole herd of barnyard of animals, I sure did have a lot of fun, and each year I think the eggs will get more and more creative as my own herd learns to fine-tune their artistic skills.

Rosalind is too young to appreciate the joy of coloring Easter eggs, and in fact was taking a nap at the time.

She looks as pretty as a brightly colored egg in her new smock and has a lot of room to grow.

Speaking of growing, check out those front teeth in the first picture!

She also enjoys jumping in her jumping toy, and recently discovered the joy of babbling and getting people to respond to her comments. If talking becomes a sport, she's going to have some stiff competition for conversation in this household!