Friday, August 06, 2010

"Is he on the blue team momma'?"

We've been studying American History over the past few weeks and learning about the 44 presidents who have led our country. We've also been learning about political parties and which colors represent each party....hence the above question from Shepherd: "Is he on the blue team, momma'?". Funny...hadn't really ever thought of them as "teams", but in the mind of a 6 year old, anytime there are a group of people who believe in different things, they automatically become "teams". So, we're sitting there...learning about George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson...and on and on we go. Until yesterday, we made it to Barack Hussein Obama II. I had to stifle a smile when Shep's eyebrows raised at our current presidents name.

So, we're sitting there and Shep asks me..."is Bar..Bara...is 'Bama on our team, or the other team?" I told him that President Obama was a Democrat and in the most diplomatic way possible, tried to explain that the Democrats and Republicans try to work TOGETHER on issues that we don't agree on...(or at least, in a perfect world that is what we'd do!). And all of a sudden, Shep groans and claps both hands over his face as if in utter defeat as he says "aw MAN...our president is on the OTHER team?!?!". At this point my eyebrows are up to my hairline and I'm thinking maybe I'm not qualified to teach American History! I'm imagining some really embarrasing moments of my son asking total strangers what "team" he/she is on and me looking like a brainwashing homeschool mom.

But at the same time...I'm feeling a bit of pride. Pride in the fact that my son is already showing a strong interest in history! He's also beginning to understand concepts that can't necessarily be taught. Yes, Chad and I are republicans, through-n-through. We're proud (deeply proud) of the values and beliefs that the republicans stand for and although I've also been deeply dissapointed by some of the decisions and choices that some republicans have made throughout history, over all, I hold tremendous appreciation for the men and women who make up that party. And I'm proud that my 6 year old son, at such a young age, is already beginning to see the differences in the parties and that he's making his own choice to join a "team". lol!

He enjoys Glenn Beck (I do too!) and occasionally listens to Rush Limbaugh when he's in his daddy's office...although both of these men occasionally use language that is NOT appropriate for a 6 year old's ears. Oh how I would love to see Shep grow up to be a man of character who stands up for what he believes...who believes that God is the key to our nation's success and salvation. A man who can speak with confidence and conviction...a man who fights for what's right! Our country is going to need men/women who know what they believe and why they believe it...our country is going to need christian leaders (both male and female) who can stand up against a wave of people who hate them...who hate what they stand for. I know some of you may be rolling your eyes or thinking I'm being melo-dramatic...but truly people, have you taken a look at what is happening to our country? If you haven't,...maybe you should look again.

And while you're looking, say a prayer for America and for it's current and future leaders.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

funny story...tell shep that when I was young(or in college) that I had a hard time remembering what "we"(my parents) were. So, the easist way for me to remember is Right=Republican! Hahahaha!

Anonymous said...

funny story...tell shep that when I was young(or in college) that I had a hard time remembering what "we"(my parents) were. So, the easist way for me to remember is Right=Republican! Hahahaha!

Lindsey Eason said...

That is very funny Melissa - sorry if this post gave you an anxiety attack - I know how much you love talking politics! ;-p

Anonymous said...

You are SOOOOO funny! But, if you had gone into much more detail about politics, I would have skipped that part. Ha ha!

Page said...

Love the below post with the pics of LA falling asleep with her bottle!! Regarding this post... Gotta love how youngins' think! I used to listen to Hannity alot but my biggest problem is that I get SO WORKED UP about decisions being made for us now and all the injustices that I just have to stop or I think I'll never get a wink of sleep again!!

P.S. I'm currently planning on homeschooling B, so you'll have to let me know how it's working for you! Of course, I realize I have awhile before I have to start ;)

Lindsey Eason said...

Hey Page, we are really enjoying homeschooling - we're just taking it one year at a time, but Kindergarten was a HUGE success and we're at this point, 9 weeks in to his 1st grade (that's the beauty of homeschooling...you don't have to wait for August to start...you can just pick up whenever you're ready). Anytime you have any questions, let me know and I'll help out in any way I can.

Jamie said...

Is Shep old enough to run for office yet? He has my vote!

Unknown said...

Love that you're teaching him about politics and the way out government works. It's exciting to see people stand up for their beliefs and to show/pass that on to their children. He'll always remember these lessons, can wait til my boys are old enough to understand. You're setting a great foundation for him, when most of our country could care less! way to go, mom!

Sara said...

Im sure you're a wonderful teacher for your children! You are such a great mom!!!

Michael and Hannah said...

So funny. Michael would be so proud if Wesley started cheering on Team Red! I think kids have a natural need to separate right from wrong... I remember having a need to put things in one category or another. We do the best we can as parents, but it can get you in trouble sometimes. I remember my mom explaining to me why she doesn't watch soap operas, so I filed those under "BAD." I remember visiting a friend's house and her mom was watching a soap and I was literally scared because I thought her mom must be a very, very BAD person! And if in my young childhood I happened to run into anyone that claimed to be a Democrat... well forget it, they were just going to hell in a handbasket!

lauren said...

I just caught up on your blog so I have a few random comments. I love that you're teaching shep already about history and politics! The earlier you start, the better! Also, the picture of Rauly holding Lilly just warmed my heart! My sister used to hold me like that, and she talks about memories of loving to hold my tiny hands when I slept in bed with her. Also, I enjoyed your post of spending time with Rauly. I have always thought this, but her personality and endearingness (is that a word?) just jumps out of the screen! There's just something about her, and she just seems like such a neat little girl! All your children are precious. Y'all are doing a wonderful job raising them.