Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas

I can't believe it's Christmas eve already. Honestly, it hasn't felt like Christmas at all. We have been so crazy busy with moving that celebrations have been minimal. Next year we will make up for it, that's what I keep telling myself.
One thing that has been on my mind a lot is the Christmas story. The most widely told version is the one found in Luke. I love that one. There is another account, which has always been a favorite, but has had special meaning to me this year. It is found in the Book of Mormon.
In this account, there has been a day set apart by the unbelievers where, if the sign of Christ's coming (as foretold by Samuel the Lamanite) has not been given, all the believers will be put to death.
I imagine there must have been a great deal of anxiety amongst those who had believed the words of Samuel. I can imagine, to a point, being a mother in those times. I can imagine the fear I would feel for my children and my family. What if the sign did not come? What if my faith was blind? How hard would it have been, in those circumstances, to truly believe that the Savior would come?
Likewise, this Christmas season has been filled with great anxiety in my own life, as well as in the world at large. Calamity, shootings, innocent lives taken, disasters, fear, panic, confusion.
On a smaller scale, fear for my own family's well being. Will they do well at their new school? Will I be able to have this baby safely? Will we be safe and happy in our new neighborhood?
Like in the times of Samuel, we can easily look around and wonder, "is my faith founded? Is God there? I believe, but where is the sign that we have been promised?"
And then comes the glorious account of Nephi, as he prayed to his Father in Heaven, likely feeling great anxiety for his people and his loved ones.:
"Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets."
I can only imagine the overwhelming joy and peace that Nephi felt, followed by the rejoicing of the people as the sign of their Savior's birth came.
While we may feel much of that anxiety and fear and sorrow throughout the year, I hope that this Christmas we can focus on the joy and the hope brought by our Savior, Jesus Christ. Through Him, a world redeemed. Through Him, all things made right. Through Him, hope and peace and joy and love.
Merry Christmas everyone!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Thursday, August 30, 2012

A New Idea of Perfection

We had an ultrasound this morning. We are having a boy. Another boy. Five BOYS. Yep.

So here's the truth. A few weeks ago we had an ultrasound. I was about 13 weeks. We totally saw boy stuff. The ultrasound tech told us not to go painting anything blue BUT...

At first, I was shocked...and a little sad. It wasn't that I didn't want a boy. It's just that I REALLY wanted a girl. I have bins upon bins of adorable girly clothes. I have bows and tights and skirts and pink things. I wanted to use them. I wanted Suzy to have a sister. I thought that having another girl would create balance. Every family needs balance right? Everyone insisted this baby was a girl. Even my friend who is NEVER wrong about my babies thought it was a girl. We were all convinced. So when the ultrasound tech said boy, I got a lump in my throat.

Even though we pretty much knew, we held off on telling people and decided to wait until our next ultrasound. During that time, I tried to keep my feelings neutral. The truth is it was SO not neutral. I would swing like a pendulum. One minute I'd be totally excited for another boy. Suzy and I would remain the queens. Boys are so fun and wonderful, etc.  The next minute I would be holding back tears thinking about the little girl things that I would never use again. The sweet name that I would never get to call out. The total imbalance in the family (balanced families are weird ya'll...just sayin'). And back and forth it went.

When we went in today I was prepared. So when we saw "it" I knew exactly what I was looking at...it's not like I haven't seen a few in my time. Mike and I chuckled. I've been chuckling ever since. Mother's intuition? It doesn't exist you guys. People who say "I just KNEW I was having ..." and they were right? Guess what? It's a 50/50 shot. Maybe I just missed the intuition boat. Who knows? But this is what I will say. I thought that I really wanted a girl. I thought that was exactly what our family needed to be whole and perfect. I was wrong.

Because here is what I know. I know that God knows who I need and who needs me. I know that my family is perfect because He designed it, not me. I know that when I hold my son it will not be possible for me to love him more. I know because I've been blessed to experience that five times now. And I am so incredibly blessed to be able to experience it one more time.

I watched his little legs kicking on the ultrasound. Yeah, I made those legs. They are perfect and beautiful...just like him. I can't wait to hold him. I can't wait to kiss him. I can't wait to learn from him and maybe I'll get really lucky and I'll get to teach him something too.

I feel blessed far beyond what I deserve. I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father for giving me another chance with motherhood. I am thankful that He trusts me. I am thankful that He knows who I need and who needs me. I am proud to announce that I am expecting ANOTHER baby and that baby is a BOY!

Friday, August 10, 2012

Monday, July 9, 2012

No sense in Nonsense

We protect this:



And them:


Oh, and their next geneartion:


But not him. He isn't protected:                                                                                                                

We oppose the killing of adults convicted of crimes, including murderers, rapists, thieves:                 



She, however...well, she may be innocent but her death is acceptable:

We convinct him of double homicide in the death of his wife and UNBORN child:

We call him an advocate for women's rights by allowing women to abort their unborn babies:        


When someone's heart stops, we declare them dead:                                                                        


But if their heart is beating, it doesn't make them alive:                                                                   


Does this make sense? No, I didn't think so.
Either human life matters, or it doesn't.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Response to an Alleged Feminist

Earlier today, a dear friend of mine alerted my attention to an article written by a professed feminist, lawyer and, in my humble opinion, seriously misguided woman. You can find the article here http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/06/1-wives-are-helping-kill-feminism-and-make-the-war-on-women-possible/258431/
A word of caution, you may find it offensive. My initial reaction? Way beyond offended. I was angry. Did this woman seriously just insinuate that all I do all day is sit around getting pedicures and doing aerobics? Would she like to spend just ONE DAY in my worn-to-the-sole shoes, which by the way, were a Payless special? I was huffing and puffing and ready to blow her house down before I finished the first paragraph.
Then it occurred to me, that reaction is precisely the opposite of feminism. You see, feminism isn't about being on equal grounds with men. It's not about being able to vote. It's not about having a high-paying job, opening your own car door or remaining single because you find it "empowering". Those things are not feminine at all. Because what is femininity? What defines womanhood?
For starters, I look to my mother. A woman who worked full-time, raised her child, cared for a home and never complained. She was brave and she was selfless. My mother was a feminist.
I look at Rosa Parks. She was willing to stand up for those who were afraid. She proudly stood up for what she believed. She was a feminist.
I look at Florence Nightingale, selflessly devoting herself to the service of others. Mother Theresa, likewise. These women were feminists.
So what defines womanhood?
Bravery. Selflessness. Service. Love. Conviction.
So I ask this question to the author of this article (yes, I realize, she will likely never read this), are you a feminist?
I look at the world's definition of feminism and it makes my heart ache. Because women don't need to be on the same level as men, because as women, we don't care. We are proud of who we are and status is irrelevant. We bravely accept our position, wherever it may be and with whatever obstacles it might entail. We recognize the difference between what the world values and what we ourselves value.
Women don't need high status jobs or high paying jobs, because we recognize that our greatest influence can be felt in intimate settings, not just high-profile ones. We realize that we can change lives and whether it is one life or a thousand, it makes no difference.
Women don't avoid meaningful relationships because to do so is selfish. Women are not selfish. We realize that life is meant for service and love. We understand that life is not about how much we can do for ourselves, but how much we can do for those around us, those within our reach, those we love.
So that is what I think feminism is. It is recognizing what it really means to be a woman, and proudly,bravely and selflessly embracing it.
I don't for one second claim to be a feminist...not yet. But I'm working on it. If anything, I suppose I should thank Ms. Wurtzel for helping me to remember the true beauty of womanhood.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Mother's Day Ramblings

This is a Non-Mother's Day, Mother's Day post. I didn't actually post on Mother's Day because I was busy being pampered. No dishes and no diapers for an entire day?!? I'm telling you, it's the high life. My husband is amazing. Truly.

But I did want to share a few Mother's Day sentiments. Mother's Day always carries a range of emotions for me. On the one hand, it's super wonderful to have a day where I get to be reminded how awesome I am. Cards and notes from the kids and the hubster, an excuse to ask everyone to do my bidding with the expectation that they will do it without getting cranky with me, well wishes from friends and family. It's pretty awesome. On the other hand, there is always that ache of not being able to be with my own mother. The ghost of Mother's Days past has oft reminded me that I really didn't spoil her properly during our time together. I have learned much since then. I could have spoiled her the right way now that I know what moms REALLY want. It's a cruel irony of life. Mom, if you can read blogs in Heaven, this is me promising to make it up to you one day.

I suppose this post is my weak attempt to satisfy part of my debt to my sweet mother, and also to my Heavenly Father who has given me the opportunity to be a mother myself, to the most incredible kids ever. I know every mother thinks her kids are the best. The difference is, mine really are. For real guys. They are ridiculous. Hilarious. Smart. Beautiful. Kind. I'm not sure how kids get to be this awesome. I thank my Heavenly Father (and every lucky star in the heavens) that I married an awesome man, because surely these kids are rewards for his good deeds. I am just privileged to be with them.

So in gratitude for my own experiences as a mother, as well as my gratitude for my experiences with my mother, here is my because of list...

Because of my mother:
I laugh every time I hear the song "Fever" by Garth Brooks
I think purple and magenta are perfectly acceptable colors for pants
I talk to plants and random wild animals like they understand me
I say things like, "that's a fine kettle of fish" and "me oh my and a basket of soap bubbles"
I shake the milk jug every time I get it out of the fridge
I know that your smile is the feature that make the biggest impression. It's the first thing you notice and last thing you remember.
I consider frozen yogurt a suitable lunch selection
I cry when I hear bangle bracelets jingling

Because of my children:
I wake up every day and pray that I can be a better mother
I go to bed every night and thank my Heavenly Father for every second I've had with them
I appreciate the man I married more intensely than I would have ever anticipated
I sing songs like "Baby Booby Bird" and "Water, Water" just for fun
I appreciate my parents more
I understand humility better
I understand love better
I understand God better
I am entertained by clapping and smiling in ways I can't explain
I have lots of new ideas on how the world should be run
I know less than I ever have
My life is filled with joy

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Things Change and Stay the Same

Five things that I loved before I had children, that I don't love anymore:
1. Sleeping late
2. Scary movies
3. Buttery popcorn
4. Logo shirts
5. Road trips

Five things that I still love, even after having children:
1. Playing loud music in the car
2. Dessert
3. Inflatable slides
4. Good books
5. Hanging out with my husband

Five things that I love BECAUSE I have children:
1. The way a two-year-old says "delicious"
2. Family access public bathrooms
3. Dirty feet
4. The smell of grass, sunscreen and baby wash all mixed together
5. School plays

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Snack-tastrophe

I love graham crackers. I could eat them by the box all by myself. I love smearing them with nutella and marshmallow fluff, peanut butter and chocolate chips, cream cheese frosting, whipped cream and strawberries...the snack-worthy toppings are endless.
My kids love graham crackers too, which is awesome. It's awesome because my kids don't like any of the same things. At all. Ever. It's an unwritten kid-rule in my house. If four like spaghetti, there is one who hates spaghetti. For realz. So the fact that I can give one snack to all FIVE children, is a miracle from Heaven.
Tyler loooooves graham crackers. They are his favorite thing. Baby fussing? Give him a graham cracker. Baby teething? Give him a graham cracker. Baby up at 2am? Where are the graham crackers?!?! Graham crackers make him smile.



I like that Tyler likes graham crackers because they make my life easier. In motherhood, anything that makes life a little easier/quieter/less insane is a good thing. So if I can plop Tyler down in front of Blues Clues with a graham cracker and he will actually sit and play and be happy, then I am happy.
Yep, I am teaching my children to sit in front of the television and consume loads of sugary snacks. What could possibly go wrong? But hey, do you want my kids to have clean clothes? Trust me, you do. Television + graham crackers = Jen's kids having clean clothes.
There is, however, a down side to graham crackers. When you chew up graham crackers (or rather when you gum them to death) you end up with this delightful graham cracker crumb paste. It's a slobbery, buttery goop, which you can then smear all over everything from the carpet, to the couch to mom's shirt. The best part though? This goop doesn't stay goopy forever. It DRIES! Instant slobber-graham-crusties. MMMMMMMMM.



So, new math for you. Television + graham crackers = clean clothes and disgusting furniture. Thank goodness for baby wipes.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Yay for Indoor Plumbing!

This is how we've spent the last few days:


Feeling very thankful for:
1. Indoor plumbing (oh, and outdoor...had to use the hose too)
2. Clorox
3. Redbox
4. Gatorade and Saltines
5. The fact that weeks like these are rare and my kids are typically healthy

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Gavin's To-Do List:

1. Wake up
2. Eat Breakfast
3. ...

Give Mom a heart attack.

Friday, March 30, 2012

For the Beauty of the Earth

For a husband who makes root beer for my fundraiser, and brownies for my friends, and changes his schedule to be home when I need him, and gets up at 5:30 with the baby so I can sleep, and tells me he loves me even when I'm cranky, and who is in all ways and times better than I will ever be.
For children who are healthy and smart and loving and funny and LAUGH-OUT-LOUD-FUNNY, and kind to other, and talented, and mine.
For family members who teach me and support me, even in stupid things that probably don't warrant any support.
For friends who love me even though they are all cooler than I am and even though I'm not always a great friend back.
For a home and a car (with automatic sliding doors) and food and my spot on the couch that has a dent from my bum sitting in it for extended periods of time.
For the people in my life who talk me out of my nonsense, who encourage me to write, who tell me I'm good at things (even if they lie, I think it's okay), who make me laugh and who share in my trials and triumphs and who are my "village".
For the dumb dog and the lazy cat.
For chocolate and ice cream and sparkly things and all things feminine and lovely.
For a Heavenly Father who knows me and knows my needs. Who is patient and loves me and pulls me through my every day.
For a Savior who gave His life so that I can live without being afraid of my imperfection.
For a gospel that guides me and fills my life with the best things.
For all things that testify of Christ.

Lord of all to Thee, I raise, this my hymn of grateful praise.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Cookie...

What cookie? I don't have a cookie.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Taking the Stage

Music is a big part of our lives. I don't mean that in the, we are serious musicians, way. We are NOT serious musicians. We really aren't musicians at all...unless you count Gavin playing the harmonica in school.
Still, we love music and we try to surround ourselves with it. So I was super excited when Nathan had the opportunity to take on a critically acclaimed musical at such a young age.
I present to you Nathan Ramsey in the leading roll of the new hit musical...



"Swinging in the Rain"

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Hickety Spickety

I love the Disney version of "The Sword in the Stone". LOVE it. One of my favorite parts is where Merlyn washes all the dishes with his magic assembly line. I would make brownies for Merlyn every day for the rest of my life if he would come do that in my kitchen. I digress. We might not have a wand but we have discovered a fun, and slightly magical, way to mop the floor.

First blow bubbles all over the kitchen. You do know what bubbles are made of right? SOAP! Yippee!


Then dance and crawl around to get all those bubbles spread out all over the kitchen.



Then mop up the floor with the swiffer. Wah-lah! All in a day's work.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Jack and the Beanstalk

Now even though Jack must have had some feeling about those Wonderlandesque legumes, I think it's safe to say that Jack had a pretty good shock-er-roo when he planted those beans at night and woke up to a sky-reaching beanstalk. Ya know what? I am pretty sure I know how he feels. Because me? Well, I swear that last night I went to bed with this...


and then I woke up with this...


Oh that? Yeah, that's just my 8 month old magic beanstalk. He does all sorts of impressive things. He eats table food, crawls, climbs up stairs, pulls up to stand on EVERYTHING. No, seriously he does. See...


Told you.

He's a mover and a shaker. My little beanstalk, here over night. I knew those beans were special!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

What's Good for the Goose?

I tend to think I have a good sense of humor. I mean, I crack jokes. I think they are funny. Sometimes I laugh at them (but not too much). My kids? Well, they don't think I'm funny. They have their own sense of humor and I am not up to speed. For example:

Nathan: Knock, knock
Me: Who's there?
Nathan: Toy
Me: Toy who?
Nathan: Knock, knock
Me: Who's there?
Nathan: Nugget (meaning Tyler of course)
Me: Nugget who?
Nathan: Knock, knock
Me: Who's there?
Nathan: Blanket
Me: Blanket Who?
Nathan: Knock, knock
Me: Who's there?
Nathan: Dooby Doo movie
**Here is where I have my epiphany and realize that he is just naming random things he sees in the room. Don't judge me, I'm severely sleep deprived. So I decide that I can play this game too! It will be fun, just watch!***
Me: Knock, knock
Nathan: Woo dare?
Me: Cheese
Nathan: Nooooo!!! No deeze mommy!!
Me: Oh, um, okay...Knock knock
Nathan: Knock knock
Me: Sigh...who's there?
Nathan: Alice
Me: Alice who?
Nathan: Knock, knock...

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

The Top 5 Reasons That I am Pro-Life

I try to keep the controversial, serious stuff off my family blog. I like the blog to be fun and cute-sy. But this is an issue that has been weighing heavily on my heart recently. I think we sometimes take the issue of having children and try to make it all about us. We think of it as something that should fit into our plan. But our plan is not THE plan. A good friend of mine recently pointed out to me that Adam and Eve did not have children in the Garden of Eden. We so often wait for the timing to be perfect. We want the right job, the right education, the right home. We want to travel first, etc. But we are not in the garden. It is never going to be easy and perfect. But it isn't really about us is it? It's about them. And so, with that having been said, I would like to share my top five reasons why I am Pro-Life:

#1

loves video games, reads 1-2 grade levels ahead, is in the 5th percentile for his size so we call him Peter Parker, gets up early and makes breakfast for everyone so his mom & dad can sleep, writes letters to the mail man, climbs trees, has freckles on his nose, is turning 9 years old in June, will change the world

#2

loves to draw, is the champion of the "what" game, puts plastic spiders in my bed to scare me, takes tae kwon do, loves snakes, is "team jacob" because he loves wolves, opens doors for ladies, laughs with his whole body, can eat more spaghetti than anyone i know, looks like his dad, sleeps with his star blanket, will change the world

#3

gives the best hugs in the world, loves dogs and cats, likes to sing, goes to see "princesses on ice" with her mom every year, doesn't like nail polish, loves to hold her baby brother, wears her pink boots almost every day, wants to be a fisherman when she grows up, is a super picky eater, doesn't cry when she gets a shot, will change the world

#4

likes scooby doo, smears toothpaste on the mirror, loves to eat tomatoes, calls his daddy "papa", makes at least 15 messes a day, makes his mom smile at least 100 times a day, his best friend calls him "mayfin", sucks his thumb, throws tantrums, gives puppy kisses, is spoiled rotten, is a miracle baby, will change the world

#5

is a sweet little nugget, doesn't sleep well at night, pulls himself up to stand at 7 months, eats everything he can find on the floor, looks like the red angry bird when he scowls, loves to snuggle, hates bananas, pulls hair, has a smile that lights up a room, was almost named Beckham, chases the vacuum, will change the world

Thursday, February 23, 2012

If You Need Me, I'll Be Hanging with My New Friend...

I want you to meet my new best friend. We only met recently, but I can already tell you that this is going to be a very important relationship in my life. Say, "hello", to my new friend, Cookie Butter.


I know what you're thinking...how did we sleep through the Second Coming? Because cookies.and butter.together. Yep, we're all in Heaven! Grandma actually spotted it on the shelf while we were shopping for honey, and are we so glad that she did!

Suggested uses:
Smoothies, smearing on fruit, crackers or toast, eat it plain with a spoon (Grandma and I tested this method...it's a winner), lick it straight out of the jar.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Friday, February 10, 2012

Communicating with Men...or, Eating Soup with a Butter Knife

Papa Bear and I stayed up way too late talking. This usually results in me bearing my soul...staying up late is never a good idea for me.
Papa Bear isn't really the soul-bearing type. So we end up with a lot of conversations like this:
me: "What do you love about me? you can't say 'everything', that doesn't count."
husband: after a few quiet moments, "I think what I really love most about you is the deep and affirming love that you have for (here is where I wait for something about what a beautiful, loving mother I am) Lizard Lick Towing."

**for those who aren't familiar, Lizard Lick Towing is a show on television. I enjoy watching it. Don't judge me. It's hilarious. My husband thinks it is really funny that I watch this show, which I totally don't get because he is the one who introduced it to me in the first place. Hypocrite.

OR, this:

me: "Sometimes I just feel like I'm not a very good mom. I'm not a fun mom or a cool mom. I'm just the laundry-folding mom. The diaper-changing, dish-washing, tub-bathing, cheese-shredding, spaghetti-making mom."
husband: "Yeah, we should just go back to buying shredded cheese."

Really? That's what you took from that conversation? Geesh. Men.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Who Needs Sleep?

Um, I do, for one. I know that our Heavenly Father has a perfect plan in place for each of us. Sometimes I really don't understand it. For example, I don't understand why He created our bodies to require sleep and then put us in situations where it is IMPOSSIBLE to do so. Then I remember that I was the one who wanted all these creatures of the night children and I kinda don't blame Him so much anymore.
Occasionally though, I don't really think it's my fault. I mean, the math is simple. Humans need sleep. All humans...big humans and small humans. How was I to possibly know that I would be blessed with the five humans who defy the laws of nature and never need to sleep? See, I'm innocent!
But my kids aren't the only problem. There just seems to be some sort of sleep conspiracy. Kid.You.Not.
There are these rare moments in time where I actually get to lie down and rest during the day. Most days, these moments remain an illusive dream. And on some days, I will manage to get both little boys to sleep while the three wild things are still at school, but I force myself to be productive and use that time to do my dishes or laundry or what have you (even as I type the words, my fingers feel sick and shameful. what a waste of lovely sleep time). Then there are those few and far between moments, when I decide I am going to do it. I'm going to take a nap.
This is how it usually goes:
Little boys fall asleep, I have one hour before the bus comes, I lie down on the couch and start to doze off and one of the following things takes place:
1. The phone rings. It never fails. I will turn the ringer off on my cell...the home phone rings. I ignore the call because my home phone is usually only used by telemarketers...it turns out to be my tax guy. My refund will likely be delayed because I put off the call for twenty minutes.
2. The dog starts barking. If I lie there for long enough MAYBE he will stop...or maybe I can tune him out.
3. The door bell rings. Are you kidding me? Sometimes I forget I actually have a doorbell, because it only rings when I try to nap. I peak out the curtain and it's a random girl (maybe 11 or 12) standing on my front porch. I ignore it. The truth is, if I open the door I am a little afraid that I will kick her in the knee. So I go back and lie down. Then I start feeling guilty and all sorts of random scenarios run through my head: She is trying to raise money to go to florida and fulfill her life long dream of playing the clarinet and because I didn't buy her $17 box of cookies she will end up on the street. Or, she was approached by a stranger and ran to my house for help and now I am going to find her face on a milk carton. **As it turns out, she just wanted to play with my kids.
4. All of the above. I'm telling you it's the universe. My kids leave me alone for forty minutes and the rest of the world steps in to fill their shoes. Unbelievable.

On most days, this would make me angry. Today, I somehow still managed to get a little rest in between all the madness so it's just funny.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

The Category "C" of Mothering

In pregnancy, they rate medications on an alphabet scale. Category "A" is considered totally safe for women to take during pregnancy. This category involves mostly vitamins. Category "B" drugs are considered generally safe. These drugs have been tested and are not shown to have adverse effects in humans or animals. Tylenol, for example, is a Category B. It goes all the way down to a Category "D", which is the stuff you just don't touch. These are medications that have been tested and are considered harmful during pregnancy.

The thing is, I understand the Category B and D things. But there is this other category, Category "C". That's the tricky stuff. Those are the things that are sometimes considered safe in pregnancy, sometimes not. Generally they include drugs that haven't been adequately tested on humans and should only be used if the potential benefits outweight the potential risks. For example, I used Zofran (a Category C anti-nausea drug) during my pregnancies, because my doctor felt that the risk of taking the Zofran was less than the risk of dehydration from my severe morning sickness.

I don't like Cateogry C. I don't understand Category C. Category C is secretive and sneaky and not black and white. It's gray, and I don't like gray.

In the last 8.5 years I have come to realize that much of motherhood falls into the Category C. There are so many things that are in that gray area. They might be good, they might be bad, they might be worth it if the benefits outweight the potential risks. It's a big huge pot of uncertainty. Uncertainty and I don't really get along well.

Some things fall very easily into a nice, safe category. Giving your child hugs, Category A. Beating your child with a stick, Category D. Letting your child cry himself to sleep? Well, that's a Category C. Some say it's fine. Some say it isn't. The real question is, does the benefit outweigh the risk? For me, it's safer to let my kids cry for a few nights than to wreck the car on the way to soccer practice because I am totally sleep deprived. Lot's of things are Category C in parenting. Here are a few that I have tried:

Crying it out for sleep training
Not washing hands before eating dinner
Using a binky up to age 4
Having a bottle in bed
Eating ice cream/cookies/cupcakes for breakfast
Giving solids before 4 months of age
Giving my kids Benedryl on roadtrips
Co-sleeping
Skipping school for no good reason
Watching television ALL day long for an extended period of time
Not doing pre-school

The list goes on and on...but those are a few. My point is that a lot of things fall into that Category C. Maybe they are ok, maybe not. I think as mothers we need to do the best we can, forgive ourselves if we screw up once in a while and support each other along the way.

I know I'm biased, but I'd say that even with all the Category C activities we have participated in, they sure don't seem any worse for the wear. :)