tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post1765833809762782540..comments2024-03-27T19:04:31.290-05:00Comments on The Amazing Trips: WWJD?The Amazing Tripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761348688069779544noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-16910398490197844142009-07-30T20:02:35.776-05:002009-07-30T20:02:35.776-05:00what kind of a monster is this guy that cannot tol...what kind of a monster is this guy that cannot tolerate a few 5 year olds? I would have said some pretty sarcastic things to him about who he choses to pick fights with, how he must be feeling pretty inadaquate to bully some children. If I was there witnessing this to another woman I dont think I would have been able to keep quiet. Its so disgusting!<br /><br />By the way, Ive never commented before but I think your children are such dolls!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06804801008499547126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-20882149017844934842009-07-23T00:17:27.627-05:002009-07-23T00:17:27.627-05:00I wish I could say I turn the other cheek. But in...I wish I could say I turn the other cheek. But in reality, I run off at the mouth.heather@it'stwinsanityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04708748834406020093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-54965457947186089072009-07-21T22:46:31.041-05:002009-07-21T22:46:31.041-05:00Hey Jen!
I have to tell ya... I've been sne...Hey Jen! <br /><br /> I have to tell ya... I've been sneaking around your blog for quite a while. I'm not even sure how I found ya, but I think it had something to do with a friend of a friend who was having multiples and I was snooping around... Anyways...<br /><br />I think what you, your husband and your children are doing is pretty amazing (no pun intended) on several fronts. (I'd send this as a message, instead of a post, but I have not a clue how to do so.)<br /><br />One, I think the fact that you have such a handle on raising four children within 18 months of each other (not to mention the three that are the same age), is pretty damn incredible. I'm getting married in October, but have been told that it will be exceedingly difficult to conceive because of breast and hormonal issues I've had in the past. I can only hope that we have half the luck you've had (although I think I'd pull my hair out with two, let alone four!!!!)... You guys really are amazing!!!<br /><br />Two, I was a product of Montessori education through 3rd Grade! I probably could have used a little more structure, but I was a bright kid who was OBSESSED with reading and it allowed me to work above my "assumed" grade level in a way that was pretty incredible. I have an undergrad degree from Notre Dame and a grad degree from Georgetown, and I'd have been nowhere without the foundation Montessori offered me.<br /><br />Finally (and I meant it when I said I'd have preferred to send you a message), I really applaud what you're doing with TNT. I raced in the 2007 Accenture Chicago Triathlon as a TNT team member and it was a truly incredible experience... Since then, my 4 year old nephew has be diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, so I've shifted my focus, but I will ALWAYS be grateful for the almost indescribable things I learned from TNT experience.<br /><br />In short, I really hope I don't sound like a crazy, but you really have been a pretty DAMN COOL inspiration for a gal like me. <br /><br />THANK YOU. <br /><br />(And keep up the CRAZY good work!),<br /><br />AmyAmy P.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-65931847188089670512009-07-21T21:05:11.156-05:002009-07-21T21:05:11.156-05:00Finnskimo gets my vote (only because I'm scare...Finnskimo gets my vote (only because I'm scared...LOL). I am so moving to Alaska!Geologychickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05326271846932273163noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-62151948915519902642009-07-21T20:29:20.131-05:002009-07-21T20:29:20.131-05:00Well, I don't think it's between saying an...Well, I don't think it's between saying and doing nothing vs. being a hothead and upping the ante. You can say that you don't think what he's doing is right and still call the cops if you feel threatened, but the world (and your kids) don't need more grownups screaming and threatening each other, no matter who started it. What would you tell them - that the nasty man yelled and threatened you with violence, so you, umm, yelled and threatened him with violence? Because he started it? What kind of example is that? And what do you ultimately believe is more powerful - love or hate? God thought love--that's why he sent Jesus. Ecclesiastes is from the Old Testament - not irrelevent, but Jesus came along and changed things (and thinking - follow Leviticus much?) He said we are actually to turn the other cheek and move away from the eye-for-an-eye thinking that has led to thousands of years with no peace. You're a good mom - and I struggle with anger too - but you asked, and I don't think it makes sense to conflate passion for what is right with vengeful thinking.Emmie (Better Make It A Double)http://bmiad.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-42973930298264456182009-07-21T20:24:32.842-05:002009-07-21T20:24:32.842-05:00I think it might be a good teaching lesson for the...I think it might be a good teaching lesson for the children to say, "Oh, children we have to say a prayer for this poor OLD man--he is so lonely and cranky. Poor thing. Then hurry the children away.<br />MOMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-26546311588174208572009-07-21T20:23:33.149-05:002009-07-21T20:23:33.149-05:00Gosh. What a difficult situation. I think I would ...Gosh. What a difficult situation. I think I would want to be the bigger person and just walk away... but I doubt I would. It would probably all depend on how hormonal I was. <br /><br />Grumpy old men suck.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-6570935833787941352009-07-21T18:54:36.579-05:002009-07-21T18:54:36.579-05:00All of these responses are great. I really love An...All of these responses are great. I really love Annicles response of telling her children that they have just learned a valuable lesson, loud enough for the bully to hear. <br /><br />But ... Finnskimo ... UNBELIEVABLE!! <br /><br />Your grandfather SHOT your ex-husband?! Holy crap. You didn't even write about that when I posted the airing of our grievances. Girlfriend, THAT would have won you a cowbell for sure. (Note to self: Must put that post up for vote and select winner of cowbell award.) <br /><br />And then what happened?? Did your grandfather flog your ex with a walrus carcass?? I'm definitely with Michele. I want to move to Alaska. <br /><br />Can we come visit you??The Amazing Tripshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13761348688069779544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-10909902249434043672009-07-21T18:38:01.754-05:002009-07-21T18:38:01.754-05:00Finnskimo- OMG, you just made me pee my pants. I ...Finnskimo- OMG, you just made me pee my pants. I am so totally moving to Alaska.Michele Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15061520456909635254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-58567340395577658482009-07-21T18:33:14.888-05:002009-07-21T18:33:14.888-05:00Well, I would have told him to go straight to hell...Well, I would have told him to go straight to hell and if he so much as looked at my children again, I'd have my husband beat his ass. Cuz I married to one crazy mo fo and you don't mess with his kids. WWGD?<br /><br />What would Greg do?<br /><br />Greg would have pushed him into the arcade and then he would have beat his head against the glass.Michele Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15061520456909635254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-40642548587656890632009-07-21T18:13:09.695-05:002009-07-21T18:13:09.695-05:00Guess what Alaska still has...no concealed weapon ...Guess what Alaska still has...no concealed weapon law...so guess what I always have?! Yeah... <br /><br />Anyway...Amen and God Bless for Jmom, but I would have taken the closest thing that would have inflicted harm on the dude, and hit him in the face. Then I would have told him that since HIS MOM didn't teach him any manners, that I would teach him FOR HER. <br /><br />Cause I'm a ninja like that...heck with the police. If they were called, HE PUSHED FIRST, right?! <br /><br />I wish we could all be like JMom and Michelle Duggar, but dude...push my kid and DIE. <br /><br />But you know how savage Eskimo's were raised. As a matter of fact, here's a story...<br /><br />Before AK was a state...and the mean people came around, my grandfather lived with his family. He was very nice, very caring, but didn't hesitate to protect his family. Ever. At any cost.<br /><br />So, when my ex-husband came to town, threatening to snatch my child away, my grandfather did was he would have done for anyone. He took his gun adn shot him. He had NO idea that it was wrong. He simply stated that he was trying to take the baby, and hurting me...so he protected us. Charges were NEVER filed, and the Police told the Ex that he got what he deserved, trying to take a baby away from its mother. Shoot...he was lucky my grandfather just shot him in the leg. <br /><br />So, aside from the hilariousness (and it WAS funny), he had no qualms about protecting his family. And neither do I. <br /><br />(Now, lets hear it from all you granolas, come on...I can take it!)<br /><br />I wouldn't shoot him...but seriously...don't mess with my kids. I'm sure there's a lesson to teach your kids there, but I'm not that great of a mom! I'da kicked his ass.Finnskimohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15796494092961147276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-37030196874302844852009-07-21T18:08:48.915-05:002009-07-21T18:08:48.915-05:00Hi, i dont ever post but i have been reading for a...Hi, i dont ever post but i have been reading for a very long time....My parents told me a similar story to yours a couple blogs back about how they were riding their bikes on a bike path minding their own business and some guy passed them and shook his fist at them and told them to get out of the way. <br /><br />I have found that the world is very rude and yes there are those except few out there who are are nice but in general people only care about themselvesCindyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18056668416453904495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-82653772805576790522009-07-21T16:55:33.548-05:002009-07-21T16:55:33.548-05:00I'd like to think I would have said something....I'd like to think I would have said something. Even just, "Do not touch my children, if they bother you, tell ME." But I wouldn't. I'm too chicken but I've always respected people (esp girls) who could stand up for themselves.Just Vegashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09851077598314983920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-4583861049006504152009-07-21T16:04:43.597-05:002009-07-21T16:04:43.597-05:00I am a total hot-head. I would have read that man ...I am a total hot-head. I would have read that man the riot act, then called the police for him assaulting my child. I know that the words streaming out of my mouth would have earned me a time out from my kids, but you just don't touch other peoples children, especially in an aggressive manner.Staceyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03360204334481986439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-17181532512538758692009-07-21T16:01:40.624-05:002009-07-21T16:01:40.624-05:00I can sympathize with being outnumbered in public....I can sympathize with being outnumbered in public. Sometimes the kids do get away with something you’d rather they didn’t but that’s not an excuse for someone getting physical with a child. <br /><br />While I've never encountered bullying on a physical level, we have definitely encountered mean spirited people. I also struggle with how to handle such situations. I agree that it's important not to tolerate such behavior because tolerating it is akin to approval. At the same time it only makes the situation worse to confront the person or say something within their earshot and escalate that person’s temper. Taking the high road and setting a good example isn’t easy.<br /><br />So far, I’ve operated on the concept of kill them with kindness. Hopefully, they’ll feel badly later for not showing the same kindness and act better next time. At the very least I save myself agonizing over my own bad behavior and that’s something worth striving for. <br /><br />I’m not sure I could have done that with someone who’d manhandled one of my children or made them cry though. I guess it’s time to think of an appropriate response now to have it ready if it’s ever needed. Maybe something that focuses on how that person should have behaved “S/he’s a child, you are an adult. Next time please take it up with an adult – not a child.” Of course exiting the situation immediately is key before risking anyone getting hurt or a verbal battle.AJWolverinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00745526038107093177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-1926503097048057382009-07-21T15:00:08.075-05:002009-07-21T15:00:08.075-05:00I have noticed that the scenario usually involves ...I have noticed that the scenario usually involves a man (grumpy, older type) and he is attacked a MOTHER and her children. Haven't heard many anecdotes of a man attacking another man. Which basically means that he is a COWARD. I mean, how courageous do you have to be to push a child? Challenging him (while it might feel good) probably won't be productive. <br />You can't change him, but you do want to use this as a learning opportunity for the kids. Let him know that his behavior was wrong and will not be tolerated. Speak firmly and as calmly as you can. And then get away from him.dkazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13072562667461596506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-59193129614733925412009-07-21T14:27:13.025-05:002009-07-21T14:27:13.025-05:00That scares me because maybe the next time that ma...That scares me because maybe the next time that man pushes a (my) child it could result in a a serious accident! I would've nailed that guy to a cross, right then and there! No pun intended!Geologychickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05326271846932273163noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-4507671836681935892009-07-21T14:01:52.847-05:002009-07-21T14:01:52.847-05:00Well one night I came home from work and found my ...Well one night I came home from work and found my 15 year old daughter on our front porch with two other girls. I could feel the tension as I went into the house so I stayed close to the door and pretty soon heard my daughter tell them to get their hands off of her. A split second later I was on them like stink on shit, pick them both up by the back of their coats and THREW them off my porch. They took off running and I took off after them. My daughter was a lot older than the Trips and that was the first time I had ever ever reacted like that, really never was faced with many assholes when it came to my kids luckily. Except that night and they weren't getting away with bullying my daughter. She was completely embarassed but I told her to get over it. The girls did not even go to the same school as my daughter so I knew (didn't at the time I reacted) there wouldn't be any problems at school. So I guess it just depends on what the circumstance is. I tend to forget who's watching sometimes when I go crazy!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-26168523812532040512009-07-21T13:51:31.837-05:002009-07-21T13:51:31.837-05:00I've had a similar situation to this and I did...I've had a similar situation to this and I did this - gathered my kids up to me and told them, in life there are people who are nice and there are people who are not. You can't tell by looking at them and for that reason, in a restaurant, you don't give any-one a chance to get mean with you. Then I looked the guy in the eye and said, thanks for giving me the opportunity to teach my kids that the world has its share of mean and bullying people who are best left to themselves in this type of situation and that they can't expect everyone to behave like the human being they look like. Then we have left, 1 big nose and 3 little noses high in the air! I don't know if was a good response or not but it felt good!Annicleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06691832473765718313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-59321242505584407852009-07-21T13:18:23.661-05:002009-07-21T13:18:23.661-05:00Poop in his hand! Poop in his hand!.....sorry, I&#...Poop in his hand! Poop in his hand!.....sorry, I've been watching too many G-Force movie trailers. LOL:) Seriously Jen, I've found that people who are that miserable with life are not worth your time and energy. I've learned to walk away and don't look back....maybe spewing a few choice words as I go...but walking just the same.<br /><br />XOXOAnnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00713799858334665501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-59308919665581551272009-07-21T13:13:30.296-05:002009-07-21T13:13:30.296-05:00No question - I would have kicked his ass all over...No question - I would have kicked his ass all over the place. Have done it before; will do it again. (verbally, of course, but I can STING)<br /><br />I think of myself more of the avenging-angel Christian soldier type.<br /><br />People DO in fact need negative reinforcement for their bad behavior once in a while - from "society" at large - and this guy isn't too old to learn a lesson.<br /><br />If he had, maybe next time he'd learn to be nice.<br /><br />I don't actually believe that sociable behavior is somehow innate to the human animal. I think it must be learned and reinforced throughout life. That Boomer dude has likely been antisocial for a good long time, and overly polite people (thinking they are doing good) have been putting up with it and giving him POSITIVE reinforcement where negative reinforcement would have served everyone better.<br /><br />While he awaits his final judgment (and nasty souls like that seem to linger on this earth for far too long, likely at the Devil's whim), I'm happy to fill in for Gabriel once in a while.Mazikeennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-62922089518289312292009-07-21T12:29:57.852-05:002009-07-21T12:29:57.852-05:00Safety over pride, every time. It's never wor...Safety over pride, every time. It's never worth personal safety of safety of those you love to speak your mind over an issue that is frankly, just not that important. He's an old crumudgon, you won't change his mind or change his basic disposition in life. Maybe he hates kids and he's a jerk, but your obligation is to make sure your kids are safe. In case your worried about teaching your kids to be cowards rather than brave, talk with your kids about it and teach them that they don't have to care about what every single person says or feels about them and to find self worth inside, not always on how they're treated on the outside. It's not our job to "mother" everyone and if the guy was raised poorly, point out to your kids how you hope you never grow up to be like that man. They will learn equally as valuable lessons from your restraint and protective flight mechanism as they do when they see you speak out in an appropriate situation. Teach them pride in themselves that doesn't require outward expressions of anger, hate and dominance and teach them to have strength on the inside. If they have inner strength, no external influence or action will be able to shake them.Hollynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24756113.post-81051261693277324492009-07-21T12:26:21.439-05:002009-07-21T12:26:21.439-05:00"Or do you tell them to BACK OFF or you will ..."Or do you tell them to BACK OFF or you will call the police and a coroner?"<br /><br />You got it Momma! I can't imagine what my husband would do to a grown man if they TOUCHED one of my kids..lets just say I hope it never happens.Christinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03133112426691403173noreply@blogger.com