LAND SAKES ALIVE.
I had no idea I was touching on such a hot topic with the dinnertime rules and regulations and all.
But thank you so much for the great ideas. Y’all brought up so many “teachable moments” I had never considered before - especially the HUGE lesson of polite refusal / learning not to grumble about what mama has put on the table.
And on top of that, you have no idea how much I appreciate your encouragement to stand firm with P-Dub’s Suppertime Law. You’ll be happy to know that tonight we had fried chicken, and the only thing Alex didn’t want to eat was dessert. But that was just because he wanted to go back outside to ride his bike.
So I just wanted to take a minute to say YAY, INTERNETS, and I’ve enjoyed your comments so much that I feel like I need to ask another question so that I can soak up your collective wisdom.
Let’s start with something lighthearted.
So, um, does anybody have any thoughts on predestination?
I’M SO KIDDING.
Don’t even think about it.
And seriously, I haven’t asked Robin (My Official Book Club Partner) about this yet (HEY ROBIN!), but would any of y’all be interested in doing a little book club type thingy in conjunction with Katrina’s Fall Reading Challenge? Several people seem to have Peace Like A River on their lists - so I thought it might be fun if we all read it “together” and then post about it on the same day.
Or, you know, not.
But if you’re interested, let me know in the comments.
Finally, consider yourselves warned: I’m in the process of doing a little tweaking with my more fall-ish blog template before I switch over to it, and as a result of that I am alternating between my two templates approximately 346 times a day so that I can make sure nothing is looking all wonky.
And by the way, “wonky” is TOTALLY a valid technical term.
Lisa says:
“Wonky” is an official word in my Family Dictionary! It has SO many uses…it’s the tin foil of words! Also in the Dictionary is “blinky” - as in “Taste this milk, I think it’s gone blinky!”
OH, and when you’ve been on the phone so long that the receiver is hot? You’ve got “the woots”!
OK, I’m done rambling now…
September 25th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
groovyoldlady says:
Predestination, eh?
I was thinking of devoting a series of 77 blog entries to the topic.
As soon as I get it all figured out…
September 25th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Cindy says:
I’ll read with you as long as you promise to tie the book in with predestination and jeans and wonkiness somehow. I care about flow and cohesiveness, you know.
September 25th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
Brenda says:
I was first introduced to the word “wonky” when I heard my boss call one of our salesmen “wonky-head”. Totally cracked me up.
September 25th, 2007 at 7:46 pm
Megan(FriedOkra) says:
I honestly do not know how we communicated effectively before the word “wonky” etymologized its way into existence. Although, we did have “wompy-jawed” and “catti-wompus” which I think do quite well in certain situations… hm… still I do think “wonky” is much more appropriate here, situationally speaking. Maybe wonky is “cyber wompy-jawed.”
Gosh, this is a lot to ponder…
September 25th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Jean says:
Peace Like a River is on my list for the Reading Challenge. This sounds like a great idea!
September 25th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
stacey says:
My bookclub read Peace Like a River a few years ago. Problem with getting older is I can’t remember what I read. Looking at the bright side–good books are good all over again.
September 25th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
Anne says:
“Wonky” - Good word use!
September 25th, 2007 at 8:25 pm
Amanda says:
Ooh, I like “wonky.” I must start using that word.
September 25th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
Julie says:
Wonky has been in my vocab for quite some time - glad to hear that someone else is using it to. It’s only a matter of time before Webster’s acknowledges it.
September 25th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
Robin says:
Peace Like a River it is! I’d so rather be reading a book than lesson planning anyway. ;)
As far as wonky goes, ain’t is in the dictionary now as an official term. I’m just sayin’.
PS My whole house smells like homemade chex mix and it’s a cool 65 degrees outside. Ain’t fall grand!?!
September 25th, 2007 at 9:08 pm
Sarah says:
Oh no! Where did your beautiful header go? Not that I don’t like the new one - it’s very nice, and trendy. It’s just that my two-year-old daughter sometimes sits on my lap when I’m reading my blogroll in the morning, and lately, every day she says “flower? flower?” I’ve figured out that she wants to look at the header on your blog! Every time I pull it up, she says “flower! flower!” We’ll see if she calls the new header “flower” or not!
September 25th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
Jenni says:
Didn’t read all the dinner time rules comments, but that was the rule in my house growing up. Mom cooked dinner, you eat it or don’t. No other options, no snacks, nothing else. Worked pretty well for us.
Love the new fall template! So cute.
Also, I was flying with a couple of guys from my company early early this morning on our corporate jet and really had to stifle my laughter from the last Big Boo Podcast. Love it!
September 25th, 2007 at 9:29 pm
Dana says:
You totally crack me up, as usual.
Predestination…..I KNEW you were going to post about that because, you know, God meant for you to.
And I love the new template too!!!
September 25th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
shelley says:
oooo, pretty page! you’re just so cool, i can’t stand it!
September 25th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
JulieMom says:
I am SO in for the possibility of a book club. I think it will give me something to look forward to when we make it to Africa.
Your fall design is not at all wonky. Nor is it screwy, knurly, or anfractuous.
But it is a bit brown. And I just have to say, I’m not sure I’m ready for that kind of change.
September 25th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
Holly Smith says:
Peace Like a River? I will see if I can get it from the library, since I’m on a no more buying books budget :) I love to read, and it has been a goal of mine to have a collection, a library if you will. But alas, not for this season :( Thank God for libraries!
Off I go to catch up on your Big Boo Cast 4. :) WOF was this past weekend.
Blessings friend!
September 25th, 2007 at 10:00 pm
Kel says:
I am in on the bloggy book club. And I love your new fall design.
September 25th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
Leslie says:
I’m in for book club.
And it’s not just Wonky, it’s cata-wonky.
I’m off to Old Navy tomorrow purely based on your shopping suggestion. You can never post too many times about jeans. I am always in search of the perfect pair and I sadly own probably over 30 pairs! None are perfect.
Love the new blog style!
September 25th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
R says:
I say “wonky” all the time and have been for years! Glad someone else does, too. :0) Mine stems from working in politics (BC–before children) and hearing the term “policy wonk” consistently.
I’d join in on the book club! Seems I don’t get anything done unless there’s an organized activity that goes along with it (i.e. Bible study and scrapbooking).
September 25th, 2007 at 10:11 pm
Chrissy says:
I’ve read it. Loved it, loved it, loved it!!!! Enjoy it you gals!
Chris in Canada
September 25th, 2007 at 10:18 pm
Inna says:
Your new theme is really cute!
September 25th, 2007 at 10:55 pm
Darlene says:
I would love to be in on a book club. Fun!!
Wonky, that’s my word o’ the week, or somethin’!
September 25th, 2007 at 10:55 pm
Ashleigh says:
Aw, I forgot how much I loved this template… the fallish theme is refreshing in a fallish kind of way. Makes me want to change my own look.
I’m on a huge reading kick these days, so I’d definitely be interested in the Bookie Club. Just say the word…
September 25th, 2007 at 11:10 pm
bee says:
FYI, Katherine Heigl used the word “wonky” in an interview the other day. Of course, it may not mean the same thing to her, as she referred to her teeth as “wonky” and I don’t know if I’d call anything about her “wonky”… but it totally validated me and my use of the word. :-)
September 25th, 2007 at 11:19 pm
Overwhelmed! says:
Woo hoo! I’m listening to your first podcast…finally! I’ll be listening to the others soon.
As for the book club, I love the idea but I’m so bogged down with my stack of books that I really shouldn’t add another.
Now, if you ever do one on The Kite Runner, count me in! :)
September 25th, 2007 at 11:26 pm
Megan says:
oh yeah!! your brown template design. i’ve missed it so, it’s always been my fav. I’d love to join in with everyone and read Peace Like a River. Great idea.
September 25th, 2007 at 11:53 pm
Linds says:
Ahem….
Wonky is a word. It is even in my dictionary.
wonky - (adj) -kier, -kiest. British informal. 1. Shaky; unsteady. 2. Not straight; askew. 3. Wrong, faulty. (20th Century. Origin obscure)
So there!
It helps, of course that I am British and I use this word constantly.So go forth, girls, and use it with confidence!
September 26th, 2007 at 2:13 am
Tee says:
Predestination?! LOL!!! Let’s not go there. And then wonky. I learned a new word, and it’s British. I’ll have to use that one on my Brit pastor. ;-)
September 26th, 2007 at 4:30 am
Fiddledeedee (It Coulda Been Worse) says:
I’ve got to implement that dinner time law with child #3. And I don’t look forward to it at all. To say he’s spoiled and I want to avoid conflict with him is an understatement. And he takes the majority of his meals in the bubblebath, thankyouverymuch.
I’m doomed.
September 26th, 2007 at 5:39 am
chocolatechic says:
I use wonky all the time.
Have you ever used gobsmacked?
September 26th, 2007 at 6:09 am
Bailey's Leaf says:
I missed the beginning of the “wonky” discussion, but I can tell you that when I was in college, I took glassblowing. (Yes, on purpose.) Wonky was a term that we used for something disgustingly off center. I have some wonky glass pieces here in my home!
September 26th, 2007 at 6:53 am
Katie says:
Predestination can make my head feel quite wonky. And I usually look wonky while trying to formulate sentences to actually explain why I would be Presyterian if I can’t explain predestination to close friends. I feel my head beginning to spin just now.
Oh, and I’d love to read Peace Like a River for a book club.
September 26th, 2007 at 7:12 am
Vickie says:
I would love to get in on the book club, that book is on my reading list too.
September 26th, 2007 at 7:16 am
A Place For Ministry Wives says:
I love the fall design. Adorable. Love the colors.
And may I just say that I can’t watch HSM2 anymore and see that basketball dance without picturing you doing it?
September 26th, 2007 at 7:53 am
emilie says:
i just have to delurk to say THANK YOU for using the word “wonky.” my husband refuses to believe it’s a real word; he thinks i made it up. personally, i think he’s wonky.
love your writing.
September 26th, 2007 at 9:05 am
Kate says:
I read Peace Like a River at Sarah’s urging on her blog awhile back. I didn’t love it when I started and said so in her comments. She urged me to keep going and I did. When I finished I wrote her a very long email with my thoughts but she never wrote back. She must have thought I was stalking her… :o)
September 26th, 2007 at 9:27 am
GiBee says:
Frankly, it’s starting to dawn on me that I’m predestined NOT to read until my very active, possibly ADD son calms down and learns to play by himself (just kidding about the ADD). But for now, I’m all about tactos (tractors) and ABC-Appy (apple).
And that’s all I’ve got to say about predestination.
And reading. Which I miss dearly.
Word.
September 26th, 2007 at 9:28 am
Emmy says:
Hi Boo Mama!
You are the “Blog Queen!” : ) I just had to stop by and visit! I don’t really have a “real” blog myself…but I have SO enjoyed reading everyone elses blogs that I had to make one so I could just write back to people! : ) Anyway it all started with my friends blog “Lots of Scotts” I loved reading what she wrote seeing the triplets pictures etc… then I began to realize you could click on the peoples names that wrote in…I know I am a little slow with technology… …then LPM got a blog and I LOVE everything Beth and Amanda have to say…which in turn gave me so many more blogs to click over on…Anyway I know your wondering why on earth I am telling you all this…but in all my blog readings I think your blog is posted on just about everyones site! : ) I see why! Just precious! I have laughed SO hard at some of your posts I had tears rolling down my face! I will add you to my favorites list ! : ) I still feel so new to the “Blog world” but I smile at how much Jesus has already used all these “siestas” in my life! I just wanted to say thanks for sharing you made my day with a lot of your posts! Such wisdom from all these siestas…you all have beautiful walks with the Lord! How much fun it is to walk through this life together even if we have never met! (well hopefully I’ll meet a lot of you all in San Antonio!) Have a BLESSED day precious Boo Mama! May you love Jesus even more today than yesterday!
Emmy : )
September 26th, 2007 at 10:11 am
Emmy says:
Oops I didn’t put my address in right for my comment above…sorry…here let me try again! : ) Emmy
September 26th, 2007 at 10:17 am
Emmy says:
Last try…if this doesn’t work I give up! Emmy : )
September 26th, 2007 at 10:19 am
Stephanie says:
Love the new fall header!
September 26th, 2007 at 10:32 am
pinkmommy says:
Adore the fallish colors!
Sadly, I no longer read anything unless it is on the world wide web. Except for the Bible, I do still read God’s Word.
I do, however, have plenty to say about fall television, so if you would like to start a Bachelor, Grey’s Anatomy or Dancing with the Stars watching club…I’m your girl!
September 26th, 2007 at 11:15 am
beth says:
ohhhhhh, boomama.
i am lovin’, simply adoring the new blog background.
when i popped in, i actually had a sharp intake of breath.
i did!
thank you so very much for being a bright spot in my day! ;o)
September 26th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
BOSSY says:
Wonky doesn’t know wonky unless we’re talking about Bossy’s layout.
September 26th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Tina says:
This sounds fun!
September 26th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Lisa says:
Reading the book together sounds like a great idea! Let us know when you want to begin and I will pick that book up in the meantime. I have SOOOO many others I haven’t read yet, but I’m always up for a good read and the accountability will be good.
September 26th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Lisa says:
Oh….and “wonky”….never heard of such! :-)
September 26th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
April says:
Love the new fall look! It came out great!!
September 26th, 2007 at 1:47 pm
Sileena says:
“wonky” made me laugh! I am a west coast gal and am not so familiar with southern terms. Although this was as funny to me as “brain fart” which I heard YEARS ago.
Thanks for being so delightful.
September 26th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
Jennifer says:
I am having my one year blog anniversary today. Come by and visit if you have the chance. From one Bama girl to another!
September 26th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
Barb @ A Chelsea Morning says:
I love the book club idea. Peace Like a River would be a great place to start.
And regarding the food fights, we tried to enforce the same rule in our house - you have to at least try it.
I’m proud to say that I now have a 29 year old daughter who still refuses to eat a bean. I’m pretty sure the only bean she’s ever eaten in her life is the ONE bean we made her eat when she was three.
September 26th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
Melody says:
So, I’ve seen this book on your list and on Barb’s list, so I checked with my library and they are holding for me to pick up…in other words, Count Me In!
And just for the record, I make the kids try everything, and eat enough to stay alive. If they really don’t like something, I make a promise not to make it again. If they really, really don’t want to eat it, but they did at least try it, I let them leave the table, but they get no dessert or snacks until the next meal. Let’s face it, we all have foods we don’t like, and I try to be respectful of that.
I did however, have a friend whose mother insisted she eat a certain number of peas even though she hated them, so she would take a drink of water and put the pea in her mouth and swallow it whole like a pill! She never had to taste them!! Now why didn’t I think of that???
September 26th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
Sallie says:
I don’t have that book but I’d buy it just to be a part of your club, honey. How’s my southern accent?
God bless,
Sallie
September 26th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
Lisa says:
Girl, you really are making some changes! I was on here earlier today and noticed the fall page back (BTW…I love both of your backgrounds) and now I am back and it is all different again!
Things are a changin’
September 26th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Melanie says:
I don’t know, Boo. Wonky sounds like a word you would hear on the playground. ;>)
September 26th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Nancy says:
I would read Peace Like a River with you guys. I haven’t even made my list yet, although I intend to do so soon. Please give me considerable time to read though. I usually only squeeze in 20-30 minutes a day.
September 27th, 2007 at 7:58 am
Nancy says:
BTW, friends and I use “wonky” all the time. I know exactly what it means. It means that the composition/alignment/balance is off. It works great when talking about design or one of your frequent topics….hair.
September 27th, 2007 at 8:06 am