My Evolving Views on Racism

Like many others, the recent situation in Ferguson, Missouri has had me thinking more about race and why it is such an issue in this country. Six years ago, something like Ferguson would have had me thinking about "them" and how "they" react by rioting and destroying their own community. Today my thoughts are very different. I still think the rioting is inexcusable. I don't know if the shooting was justified or not. I've seen evidence to support both points of view. The difference in my thought process is that now I think about it. I don't jump to conclusions. I think of the individuals involved and affected by what has happened. I no longer lump people together into a faceless group. It is not that simple. (I should add that people that jump to the conclusion that the cop was wrong just because he is white and the person he shot was an unarmed black teenager are guilty of the same kind of prejudice.) Regardless of the facts that end up coming forward, it is probable that there will still be many people that stick to their initial opinion of what happened.

Today I came across THIS video from Morgan Freeman, which I found thought provoking. I agree that black history is American history. Unfortunately, aside from slavery and segregation, black history hasn't really been included in American history. If we just went by the history books, we would be led to believe that black people have been nothing but oppressed and haven't contributed much other than an abolitionist or civil rights leader here and there. Black patriots, authors, scientists, political leaders, etc. are usually not mentioned. Nor are Latin American, Asian or other minority figures. I have nothing against Black History Month and I think we do need to talk about race, but I would love it if we evolved as a country to the point where these things weren't necessary. I just don't think we're there yet.

I guess my cultural evolution really started with my mission in Argentina when I learned to see people from Latin America in a completely different way, and now it has grown to include people of all different shades. Over the past six years - since we adopted Baylie - my mind has expanded in unbelievable degrees in relation to race, culture, relationships, history, religion and more. I still fight my internal prejudices and try to be aware of them. There is good and bad in everyone. All people are right about some things and wrong about others. Problems arise when we start to think of each other as groups instead of as individuals. We tend to cling to those that make us feel like we are right and that our viewpoints are on track. We don't like to consider that we may be wrong. I think this applies to all people, not just one race or group.

I don't have any profound words or solutions, but I do have an opinion about how to overcome racism and prejudice. It's very simplistic and naive, but I think it's the only effective long-term solution. It is for us to reach out of our comfort zones and make a conscientious effort to get to know and establish relationships with people from backgrounds that are different from our own. That applies to more than just race. It includes religion, politics, economics and more. I have often met people who have a preconceived notion of Mormons and are surprised to find that I don't fit their mold.

I want to follow the examples of my children. They don't have "white" cousins or "black" friends. They just play. They know that people look different, but it isn't a problem for them. They give everyone the same chance to be their friend. I know we're not there yet and things like Ferguson make it seem like we're further than ever, but my personal friendships convince me that there is hope. Things like Ferguson also remind me that I should be doing more and trying harder.

First Day of First Grade

Today was Baylie's first day in first grade. She was VERY excited and VERY nervous. And for those of you who notice these things, she is wearing the same shirt that she wore for the first day of kindergarten. She has only worn that shirt one or two times since then, but I think she found comfort in wearing it today. (It was her choice.) She also chose to wear her hair in a bun. I had voted for a natural afro, but when I got home from seminary, she had convinced her daddy to go with the bun.

We sure have missed her!

When Life Gives You Lemons

Baylie has been BEGGING all summer to do a lemonade stand. I have been pushing it off, partly because I was afraid she'd have her heart broken if no one bought anything. If there is one thing I can say about our amazing daughter, it is that she is persistent.

Finally, I realized that this week was the last weekend before school started. So she and her dad prepared for the lemonade stand that would make millions. I helped by making cookies and they squeezed three bags full of lemons. We asked our neighbors for permission to set up on their lawn. It was perfect - in the shade and on a prime corner.

We have a great neighborhood! So many people stopped and many just donated money. She was only out there an hour and a half before she ran out of lemonade and cookies. She made $57.47! We couldn't believe it.

That money is burning a hole in her pocket. We've given her ideas for wise purchases, but she wants to go to Frankie's Fun Park. She keeps asking me, "Tell me something else you always say we don't have enough money for." Maybe I should put her in charge of our family budget. In the meantime, Jalen walks around the house singing Alex Boye's "Lemonade." David orchestrated that song for a concert that summer so both our kids love that song.

David is trying to deal with the fact that Baylie makes more an hour than he does.

More Summer Fun

We only have a few days left before school starts again, so we are trying to cram in as much stuff as possible. On Wednesday we headed to the zoo. Jalen didn't get to come (I hate following through with consequences) and I think it was as much a punishment for Baylie as for J. She was bored to death without him.

First we went to the botanical garden. It was so beautiful! 

Baylie is such a poser!

Did I mention she likes to pose?

She also really likes to have her picture taken.

Natural frames.

We met up with some friends, so Baylie wasn't quite as bored.

I love this beautiful girl.

Today we joined our friends the Carters at the State Museum. It's a great museum and they have added on a planetarium, observatory and IMAX 4-D theater.

The planetarium was great but the movie was a little old for the kids. It was about the 7 Wonders of the World and the Solar System. My kids didn't understand most of it, plus they had a hard time not talking - and talking under a dome tends to echo.  

The dinosaur section of the museum was so fun.

They have these robotic dinosaurs that move. It was really cool.

My little paleontologist.

The telescope let us peek at the sun.

The kids hopped a ride on a train.

Our favorite part was the IMAX theater. I was afraid it would e a little scary (it was ICE AGE), but the kids loved it. When the dinosaur sneezed and water was shot at us, Jalen called it "bless you." He asked, "Why did they spray us with that bless you?"

School starts on Tuesday and I am going to miss my little girl!

Happy Shark Week

Jalen's best friend, Ian, had a shark party today. Ian's mommy is VERY creative. 

Sharks & boats on a jello sea

Starfish sandwiches

Shark fins and salsa

Shark teeth

Gummy sharks

Seashell pasta

Coral reef cupcakes

Ian's sister, Sydney as shark bait

Walking the plank in shark infested waters

It was a blast!

We Flip for Gymnastics

Baylie is getting ready to start her second year of gymnastics. She loves it and I really like her gym - Lake Murray Gymnastics.

Today they had a celebration to recognize their 9th birthday. The kids had a blast running around and trying out all the equipment and some bounce houses that were rented for the occasion. Plus there were free hot dogs and chips.

Baylie seems pretty comfortable on the balance beam.

Jalen - not so much.

The most exciting part for me was that I won a door prize - a free birthday party at the gym - a $175 value! I never win anything! So exciting. I know what we'll be doing for Baylie's birthday next year!

Do We Have to go Back to School?

I love summer vacation. I love sleeping in, love lazy days without a schedule, love playing with my kids, etc. etc. I dread having to start back up with schedules, timelines and commitments. We're trying to make the most of the few summer days we have left.

On Thursday, our good friends the Carters invited us to the children's museum. We love to go there, but don't go often because we don't have a membership. The Carters were able to get us in on their membership.

Baylie was even brave enough to go inside Big Eddie this time, although the brain section still freaked her out.

As always, the kids loved the grocery store section. The cashier station has been updated so it even beeps and shows the item on the screen. Pretty cool. Baylie could have stayed at that spot all day.

Jalen was really enthusiastic about the deli.

Baylie was significantly more so.

Entering the Exit.

Jalen loves to drive the fire truck.

And Baylie cruised in the little VW.

Today we went to the zoo for the first time in a really long time. It was a perfect day with cloud cover and not too hot. We have the BEST zoo. I love going there. We took Jalen's best buddy Ian with us. 

Unfortunately, I think the kids go more for the carousel and pony rides than for the animals. Either way, it always makes for a fun day.

Baylie is getting more and more brave on the rock wall. She goes about half way up now.

She has also overcome her fear of the gorilla, so we can go see him now. I think we interrupted his yoga today.

The Galapagos tortoises are always some of my favorite animals to see.

And the aquarium is a great place to cool off.

Baylie wanted to take a picture of this huge snake.

We had to make one final stop at the carousel on the way out. I love how these little boys play together.

On days like this, I want to home school my kids.