My Definition of Family

I have always believed that a family is defined by love, not biology. Watching my children evolve into tweens, teens, and young adults reinforces my belief. At the heart of it, they are sisters and brothers. At the heart of it, we are a family. It’s that simple.

People try to define us – the family with all of “those” kids, the mini U.N. (oh, yes!), similar to “Brangelina” (although we actually formed our family earlier)…

A friend said it best, “You’re just the Millers.”

Yes we are. And I like that – just fine.

Texting and Teens

Holden with Mark, age 4

I’ve shared my worries about Holden driving. He’s not allowed (by us) to talk on the phone while he drives and our State has banned all teens from texting while driving. That’s all well and good, but what does a teen really do when not watched? (You know, I was a teen “way back when.”) None of us parents will ever know.

On one hand I have to have the same faith that my parents had – that the countless talks about common sense and safety will have the intended impact on decisions and choices.

On the other hand, I realize that my son rarely puts his cell phone down. It’s on as soon as he wakes up, with him all day, and recharges during the night as he sleeps. He can’t use it in school, but kids are pretty smart and I’ve got to think they’ve figured out something. Yes?  Like many of his friends, he rarely talks on it, preferring to use it as a camera or for texting.

Holden’s phone has become another appendage. I’d be happier if he were hard-wired and didn’t have to look at a screen. Maybe that’s in development…

I bring this up because a close friend just sent me this link to a  sobering, realistic and exceptionally graphic PSA (taped in Wales) about texting while driving. It made me sick. It also made me determined to not “fold” on the texting issue. If I can watch this, I know you can too.

Although this PSA is difficult to watch, I’ll have him do so, hoping he will “get the message.” I want him to think about texting and the possible consequences to himself and others as he gets behind the wheel of a car or gets into a car with other irresponsible teens. My wish for him is a long healthy and happy life.

Fall in Love with Books Again!

The Writer Mama Back-To-School Giveaway Starts Tuesday, September 1st!

For the third year in a row, The Writer Mama, Christina Katz, is giving away thirty books in thirty days. All you have to do to participate is answer the question that Christina will pose daily. One lucky winner will win each day. There is no limit to how many times you can enter. The drawing is for U.S. residents. You don’t have to be a mom, but of course, the event is created with moms in mind, so please tell all the writer mamas you know!

Visit Christina daily and see what great books she is giving away – and spread the word!