Family Valentine 2011

Last year, we started a new tradition of loving others and we sent "buckets of hope" to Haiti.  This year we continued our tradition by packing birthday bags so that local parents living in poverty can give their child a birthday gift.  We packed 4 bags - 2 for girls and 2 for boys.  It was so fun to have the kids pick out what to put in the bags and so heartwarming to hear my children talk about why we want to do this for others. 

God, please help my family see how important it is to care for others, especially those that are in need, not just monetary need, but any need. May we stop to consider those around us and listen for your leading in all situations.

Today's Afterschool Dilemma

Madelyn came home pretty confused about something today.  She said she called her sweet friend Kash in her neighboring 2nd grade class her "favorite boy-friend" and now it has got everyone all a twitter (whispering, giggling, pointing) on this fabulous Valentine's Day.  So much of a twitter that she came home with a sack FULL of dum-dums from said Kash.  I grinned and grimaced a little and asked her what she meant by "favorite boy-friend".  She looked at me like I was from a different planet and stated, "you know, a friend that's a boy."  With amusement and relief, I said that using the word "boyfriend" can actually mean a lot more than that.  She asks, "What does it mean, Mom?"  "A boy that....um.... you want ....um.....to spend time with ....um....more than any other boy..... "Oh, okay, Mom."  Phew, close enough for now.    I'm so desperate to preserve her innocence, to not introduce things too soon. 

So, what should I tell Madelyn to call her friends that are boys?  She instinctively calls them "boyfriends" but has caught on that calling them that gets strange behaviors from her friends (and even adults).  She doesn't like "guyfriends" because "Mom, they're BOYS!"  And saying "he's my favorite (or best) friend that is a boy" just doesn't have that special ring to it..... Any ideas?