tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post8898781668004513515..comments2024-03-29T07:03:28.783-04:00Comments on ben and birdy: BenBirdy1http://www.blogger.com/profile/13328557199418095755noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-83754849440394822122008-01-05T23:50:00.000-05:002008-01-05T23:50:00.000-05:00BJ5555- I don't know if you're still reading this...BJ5555- I don't know if you're still reading this comment thread, but I've been wanting to tell you for a long time that your series of posts about your experiences as a Native American on BabyCenter way back when made a HUGE impact on me. Many of the issues you raised I had never thought about before. It made me more aware of my perceptions and what my children pick up. I am trying to pass that on to my children as well. <BR/><BR/>It made me a little sad to see a previous commentor here denigrate those posts of yours, because I valued them deeply. So, anyway, thanks for the bit of enlightenment.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-50051031347383844272007-12-27T20:14:00.000-05:002007-12-27T20:14:00.000-05:00That was the last straw, swearing like that. Whoe...That was the last straw, swearing like that. Whoever that was, you are pathetic. Catherine, this is over for me. I wish you would post something new and we could move on. This isn't an attack zone and they shouldn't have attacked you. I don't care if they want to attack me for standing up for you, so be it. But, I would hope people would leave you alone. Please lighten it up around here. I have read everything you've written and traveled to see you read live. I am one of your biggest fans. Please forgive me for causing trouble here, but it was for what I thought was the good. Maybe a little inflamatory, but we're all human, right? I'm sure that person who started this is sitting happy in her home, looking at this storm. I know we don't have to all agree with you, but we can respectfully disagree silently and move on. I won't comment on this again. I'm done.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-41708326239285017602007-12-26T23:53:00.000-05:002007-12-26T23:53:00.000-05:00I don't have any aggression. I'm just having fun ...I don't have any aggression. I'm just having fun with all you who are all worked up. Funny, that you believe in your Christianity so much you can't even sign your name. Maybe because you are embarassed by your judgemental views? I think you should take some time away from the gym to actually read your bible and then maybe you'd be a better person and be able to stand by the think you supposedly believe in. Food for thought.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-62430857494520901122007-12-26T23:25:00.000-05:002007-12-26T23:25:00.000-05:00CATHERINE, for the love of all that is pure post S...CATHERINE, for the love of all that is pure post SOMETHING new...! ANYTHING so we can get to a new comments page and stop picking on each other.<BR/>Love, <BR/>AnneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-48172349679176551022007-12-26T22:53:00.000-05:002007-12-26T22:53:00.000-05:00I have 2 suggestions for you Meg: Lay off the caff...I have 2 suggestions for you Meg: Lay off the caffeine, and go to the gym once in a while and try to work off some of that aggression.<BR/><BR/>I bet you'd be a happier person.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-31371821687170466682007-12-26T17:19:00.000-05:002007-12-26T17:19:00.000-05:00Meg,I am not an "idiot" or a "loser". I am simply ...Meg,<BR/>I am not an "idiot" or a "loser". I am simply a Christian who took offense to taking the Lord's name in vain. I'm not attacking the little boy- my criticism was to the mother, Catherine, for quoting it so casually. It is clearly OK w/ her- fine. I was simply pointing out MY opinion about it. free speech and all that... you would know- you fire off all the time. It's just we are here to talk about parenting and raising our kids as best we can, and I was simply stating that I don't think that is how a little boy should express himself. Not his fault, but I would hope she would be aware of this, as she would if he said the "f" word, or called an african american an inappropriate name, or the whole Jew thing that has been discussed. It offends some, so please be respectful, and try to keep it more neutral. That's all I'm saying. I guess that's hard for you to fathom. Hope YOUR kids don't call people idiots and losers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-43071880391270672142007-12-26T15:59:00.000-05:002007-12-26T15:59:00.000-05:00I don't know Catherine either, so can't presume th...I don't know Catherine either, so can't presume that she will necessarily welcome or feel otherwise about all the back-and-forth... But to me, this blog is all about the messy business of parenting -- in both its serious philosophical ponderings and its silly fart-joke-infused wildness. I think that wrestling with the delicate balance between gently poking fun at ourselves/others and possibly adding fuel to the heated climate of racism IS the stuff of parenting. I believe that being aware of when we may inadvertently be teaching our kids behaviors or beliefs that may hurt or offend others IS the stuff of parenting. I also think that we can sometimes take it SO seriously that we lose track of the joy and silliness. Catherine's blog reminds me to pay attention to BOTH the fun and goofy stuff AND the serious side of parenting. I want to laugh, but I also like to have my assumptions challenged. So although the tone got a little edgy there, I think that tossing around ideas and responses is a GREAT use of the comment section. What do YOU think, Catherine? Should we go elsewhere to do this?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-21128014758415946302007-12-26T08:34:00.000-05:002007-12-26T08:34:00.000-05:00Whatever the holiday you celebrate, I hope everyon...Whatever the holiday you celebrate, I hope everyone's was filled with family and peace. Wishing you all a happy new year.Jillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13539865067588585735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-85034621168823342382007-12-24T19:57:00.000-05:002007-12-24T19:57:00.000-05:00Thank you Meg. I'm sorry for commenting on your c...Thank you Meg. I'm sorry for commenting on your comment - I guess I felt that you were trying to isolate people who may have had a different opinion from you. For the record, who cares who says Oh My God, or whatever, but I felt that maybe you were being too sharp with people for expressing themselves. Truly, I don't care who says "Oh My God" or "Oy Vey" or any of that! I believe that you are a good person and would never accuse you of being racist. Maybe we should all try to express ourselves the way we teach our children to (I'm thinking, kind words, and that means me as well). I guess that this blog comment section has become a bit of a sounding board for other issues, and you're right - maybe this isn't the place. I don't know Catherine personally (although I wish I did!) so I don't know how she feels about this. I'm really not a follower, or selfish (at least I try not to be), just upset that those who voice their opinions were being instantly and, sometimes, unkindly shut down. <BR/><BR/>Happy Holidays, Meg, and again I'm sorry, both for my comment and for mis-reading the comment about being hate filled and selfish - I can see now that you didn't say that to me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-2895867373509305362007-12-24T18:33:00.000-05:002007-12-24T18:33:00.000-05:00Nicole and Vicki are very confused. Nicole, I nev...Nicole and Vicki are very confused. Nicole, I never said you were self centered or hate filled. Vicki called ME hate filled and directed it at you in error. I don't think it's stupid to talk about these things. I just think this is not the place. We come here to hear about Catherine and her family. Not debate the rightness of her vocabulary. That's all. I feel very bad for Catherine to be attacked when she's putting herself out there for us. She doesn't deserve it. Everyone knows she wasn't trying to be disparaging or negative. Jewish people DO happen to say "Oy" more than non Jews. That's all. I don't think predjudice is ok or discrimination is ok. I am a good person. I just get upset when this becomes an attack zone. To take offense at what BEN says? Come on. That's going too far. She can parent any way she wants. You picked on me, not the other way around, remember. I never called you hate filled and have nothing against you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-65610356474557014662007-12-24T11:15:00.000-05:002007-12-24T11:15:00.000-05:00Meg, my self centered, hate filled attitude? I'm ...Meg, my self centered, hate filled attitude? I'm sorry you feel that way. Really. When have I ever critized Catherine? I never have. I just feel that maybe we should all get in the holiday spirit and stop jumping on anyone that has anything different to say. As Catherine says, "let's talk about it". I feel that your short fuse is really putting people off. <BR/><BR/>Catherine, sorry about this little storm. I am a huge fan, love all your work, and read everything you write - I am scanning O magazine all the time in hopes there might be another piece of yours. All the best to you and yours for the holidays. All the best to all the Catherine fans out there, who want to be the best parents they can be.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-43179374163854354042007-12-24T07:51:00.000-05:002007-12-24T07:51:00.000-05:00Sorry Nicole,I meant Meg.VickiSorry Nicole,<BR/><BR/>I meant Meg.<BR/><BR/>VickiAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-46278988946562016262007-12-24T07:46:00.000-05:002007-12-24T07:46:00.000-05:00Wow Nicole. Thanks for so deftly (daftly?) provin...Wow Nicole. Thanks for so deftly (daftly?) proving my point.<BR/><BR/>I sincerely hope your holidays are better than your intolerant, hate-filled, self-centered attitude.<BR/><BR/>For your family's sake.<BR/><BR/>VickiAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-45621527527393877632007-12-23T21:40:00.000-05:002007-12-23T21:40:00.000-05:00Catherine, whadaya say we move on? Enough already...Catherine, whadaya say we move on? Enough already.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-75587342928265526722007-12-23T21:33:00.000-05:002007-12-23T21:33:00.000-05:00Nicole, you're welcome!!! Thanks for being such a...Nicole, you're welcome!!! Thanks for being such a follower and so selfish that you would try to take Catherine's joy away from this blog. Nice one.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-41516157353822766872007-12-23T15:28:00.000-05:002007-12-23T15:28:00.000-05:00Meg - thanks for being so open minded and generous...Meg - thanks for being so open minded and generous.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-11640100621736409932007-12-23T11:59:00.000-05:002007-12-23T11:59:00.000-05:00In the last entry, she said she sounded like "the ...In the last entry, she said she sounded like "the world's bigest Jew" or something. Then, a bunch of idiots with nothing better to do, jumped on her and made a big deal. If they want to discuss or read about political or racial things, they should go to a blog that deals with those things. This is a fun, parenting blog and we come here to laugh with and relate to Catherine. Those losers should shut up. If they don't like "oh my god" and it's that big a deal, then don't read!!! Go away and leave the rest of us in peace. I don't even want to read this blog anymore because it's supposed to be a place to relax and unwind, not come to "the great debate"!!!!!! Go away and leave us in pace. Catherine, don't let the naysayers get to you. You can say whatever you want. We live in America!!!! If people get offended by your harmless comments, they have a serious problem. They need to get over it and while they're at it, they need to get a life!!!!!!!!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-69795023837259018432007-12-22T00:07:00.000-05:002007-12-22T00:07:00.000-05:00hi. just to play devils advocate a little... i als...hi. just to play devils advocate a little... <BR/>i also cringe at the "oh my god"s. so i guess it kinda bothers me, too. <BR/><BR/>do i care, though? nope. i like her writing, her children, her thoughts and ideas and i read her blogs because i thoroughly enjoy them. i know i offend my friends now and then, but that's what grace is all about. <BR/><BR/>kinda funny- i have two blogs. one where i write sweet things about my sweet girl in order to keep family and friends up to date. and another where i rant and rave. the second one is secret because i'd hate to offend anyone that actually loves me! :)<BR/><BR/>actually, i was snooping around through these comments trying to find out what i missed. i don't remember reading anything offensive or jewish. what were people worked up about?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-74953602036173580562007-12-21T17:26:00.000-05:002007-12-21T17:26:00.000-05:00FOOOOD FIIIIGGHHHTTT!!!!!FOOOOD FIIIIGGHHHTTT!!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-86792717147420252192007-12-20T22:01:00.000-05:002007-12-20T22:01:00.000-05:00I'm sorry but when someone decides to blog, they h...I'm sorry but when someone decides to blog, they have put themselves out there for approval or disapproval whether the fans of the blogger like it or not. Why is there a comment page if the reader can't express an opinion?<BR/><BR/>You guys are fine as long as everyone agrees with Catherine and oohs and ahhs over her stories, but the minute someone has a different viewpoint, you are quick to pounce and condemn (not everyone on here obviously - just the ones who do so). Well, get over yourselves. You know what they say about opinions and a-holes?<BR/><BR/>It is not a homogenous world.<BR/><BR/>VickiAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-80019210616026229842007-12-20T17:07:00.000-05:002007-12-20T17:07:00.000-05:00Thanks, Arkmama! I really appreciate you respondin...Thanks, Arkmama! I really appreciate you responding. Like I said, it's such a hard thing to bring up religion with friends/acquaintances of different religions. I mean, we kind of politely walk around the issue, but we never address it directly. "I believe this; you believe that. What does it all mean?" Instead we are just terribly polite.<BR/>But with little kids around asking questions, it makes one (me) wonder about how to address things in a way that is respectful to other religions while still making it clear to my children what I, myself, believe. <BR/>My kids go to an Episcopal school that seems to be really good at incorporating children of several different faiths into the school, while still remaining true to its mission. My son has two Jewish boys in his 1st grade class, and it was so great how the boys had the opportunity to talk about Hannukah, etc. But then I wondered how those boys feel when clearly the majority of the school is celebrating Christmas. And more so than just the celebrating, I find myself wondering things like I mentioned in my last post. Like: does the whole concept seem weird to them? <BR/>Your explanation helps a lot. I'm glad for opportunities for good, reasonable discussion on this board. Thanks!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-12686762310969595762007-12-20T14:59:00.000-05:002007-12-20T14:59:00.000-05:00Why is it that women can be so awesomly wonderful ...Why is it that women can be so awesomly wonderful to each other 90% of the time and then just snap like that? I picture us all just clucking around some big hen house and then that one hen puffs out her chest and raises her wings and just starts causing mayhem. We have all seen this before, yes?<BR/>To those that start trouble for no reason...<BR/>Does it make you feel better or are you genuinely narcissistic enough to think you are helping Catherine or the world? Gag.<BR/><BR/>Well from this hen to that other...<BR/>Cluck off :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-25584772021668198602007-12-20T14:50:00.000-05:002007-12-20T14:50:00.000-05:00Hi Catherine, I hope you get to my comment all the...Hi Catherine, <BR/><BR/>I hope you get to my comment all the wayyyy down here!! I just wanted to comment and let you know that I LOVE you!! I read an article you wrote for Parenting just after my second child was born and showed it to my husband because you said what I could not! It was about being at the grocery store with Ben and Birdy when she was a baby. She was screaming and you were trying to act normal. I seem to recal a line about preferring to have your eyes gouged out with knitting needles! I have never felt so understood in my life!<BR/>So thanks for sharing your life and experience with all of us in cyberworld. <BR/><BR/>Also a note to Anaybaba, I don't know what other Jews tell their kids, but as a Jew in an interfaith marriage, my kids (who are Jewish) know that Jesus was a man who lived a long time ago, performed good deeds and tried to help people. We just don't believe that he was the son of God. <BR/><BR/>When you are raised not believing in Jesus, it does not seem wierd to you.<BR/><BR/>Any way, Happy Holidays to all!!<BR/><BR/>ARKmamaARKmamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08988755271381585515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-87744504475921654112007-12-20T09:34:00.000-05:002007-12-20T09:34:00.000-05:00Okay- I finally got myself together enough to leav...Okay- I finally got myself together enough to leave an actual coherent post- for heaven's sake. (Oh, whoops! Probably shouldn't have said that.)<BR/><BR/>I find it offensive, personally, that someone would think it's okay to enter anothers' space (such as a blog), a space where a writer (a brilliant writer- like Catherine) opens herself up to the world, sharing the funniest and sometimes very intimate details of her life--and denigrates it. <BR/><BR/>Catherine, I read your beautiful work because of the way it makes me feel, a feeling of connection between(mothers)people in the world. None of us will raise our children in the same way, none of us will share the same humor... isn't that what makes this journey so very interesting? <BR/><BR/>I have a feeling that if we decided to call out every person who said or wrote something we found offensive, every time they said or wrote it...there wouldn't be much else to do with our day? <BR/><BR/>Catherine, the way you write is brilliant. It's honest-- in a way it wouldn't be if every potential offender was culled from it. <BR/><BR/>I've wanted to say these things for a long time, and I appreciate the opportunity to do it here. <BR/><BR/>-HeidiHeidi Hydehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04039635697998668037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-67952488353888705212007-12-20T01:38:00.000-05:002007-12-20T01:38:00.000-05:00This has gotta be a record, three comments from me...This has gotta be a record, three comments from me for the same post, but, after reading that "complaint" about your son's choice of expressions, I couldn't keep quiet! To that person who was so offended, why do you read Catherine's blog? There are a gazillion people out there who blog, and I choose not to read them for several reasons, one of which is time; I need to do something "productive" with my time. <BR/>Sorry Catherine you have to put up with this kind of people. So many things to get offended for, and she picks on a little boy's (a sweet, adorable little boy at that) words.Yamilehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08769312615756253197noreply@blogger.com