Great pics, congrats Lauren and Beadle!

I keep trying to tell R. that I am JUST like Gpa, easily taken advantage of by overbearing women, but she is just not buying it ;-) Great post as usual and love seeing a pic that I had not seen before.

Thanks for commenting. I am sure I will also get some folks who want something more nuanced. Part of the reason I posted this was because I think it is important to name those bounds that we live. For instance, I simply do not think one can be a Christian in isolation. You can certainly be a follower, but for me - and really is just for me - part of the following must be some understanding of community.

Thanks so much not just for the comment/critique but for the obvious passion with which you have raised your daughter. As a blogger, the "titling" of posts is always tricky. Balancing the "search" needs versus the "draw" is always difficult. I actually went through a couple. If you take a look at the actual URL you will see that it is girls-CAN-play . . . Thanks again for stopping by.

Thanks Sareen - Maybe you and our Middle should get together sometime and you can help her navigate that place in life. I have no doubt that there would be different assumptions and struggles should we have had three boys.

@hayley - It really is funny how "helicopter parenting" has become so widespread. Let the kids explore and skin something for darn sake. @melanie - thanks for commenting. Yeah, the idea that we ALL help to raise "our" children is so very important. Thanks for being part of that for many! @janet - Thanks for the link! @rhiannon - Very welcome and blessings on your own parenting adventure. @libby - Amen to the power tools. Yep, pretty much adhere to the some process as your parents. Not everyone will take to everything, but everyone should get a shot!

Great thoughts Denise! Ordination is certainly going to change in the future. Have you read this post os mine about the topic? http://www.reyes-chow.com/2007/09/ordination-righ.html Would love to know what you think.

Amy - thank you so much for sharing your story as I am sure many are feeling the same way. I am glad you found this helpful. Peace.

I very much agree, the teachers we have had and know from others schools have been excellent in so many ways. Thanks for commenting.

Mark . . . I have heard this in some circles and can totally see how this is a possibility, but do you think a bishop-less Presbyterian could EVER buy into a system with Bishops? The other way around. I think there are def common theological threads, but ultimately it IS our polity that connects us.

I hope so . . . I think you all are one place that must be able to hold the tensions of the denomination with care and courage, you will help give permission for folks to "reboot" "rething" re-whatever in order to be the church. Still glad you said yes ;-)

Absolutely agree!

I would totally agree if I didn't think that shifting to "blessing" from "marriage" would be so difficult. I think I'd rather help government shift to civil union and keep marriage. But essentially, right there with you!

Not a prob. I was pretty surprised at the level of religious conversations. I appreciated the track, but ended up only going to two workshops from it. From what I understand, this was the most up front that the faith conversation has been? Will be interesting to see what happens next to year to find a good - might say better - balance. Look forward to your reflections.

What a powerful story! I can just see it now, "The Gospel according to Hulk Hogan" . . . keep on wrestlin'

Oh yes, the carpet work . . . thanks for sharing!

Yeah, I've redone some of my ad placement a well.

ha . . . ha . . . ha . . .

On the tactics, Doug, you and I will simply have to disagree in principle and detail.

Thanks.

Yep, so easy to get caught up on our own "bubbles" ideological or otherwise. Hope the coffee goes well!

Cary - That is awesome. It's like you have your own live in encyclopedia. Yes, the fluid nature of labels is part of the fun and the frustration. Posing this question to my children in a few years will probably yield different results. Thanks again to you and your hubster historian!