Chris Rock agrees with Pope Francis (kind of)

Good morning, ladies! In today’s issue:

• Ancient Wallpaper: Maybe while your husband’s at work.

• End of an Era: No more violin.

• Chris Rock and Pope Francis: They have something in common.

• Whack Hormones: Try an at-home test.

• Mr.6am’s Thoughts: Mandatory school subjects.

INTERNET SAFETY: It’s a scary world out there. Twelve is now the average age children are exposed to pornography, and over 50% of content viewed is violent. We can choose fear or we can choose knowledge and planning. Here’s a few conversation starters to have with your kids and tips on creating an effective internal filter. And who knows? Maybe flip phones will be the new, cool kid accessory…(can I join this club?)

HOME: If it’s been around for 900 years, is it still a trend? We sure think so. Wallpaper has been decorating homes and influencing paintings for centuries. I’m reluctant to pull the trigger in my home, but I love these floral wallpapers. Not ready to wallpaper a whole room? Do a test run — here are some suggestions for placing wallpaper in unassuming places. In the meantime, maybe I’ll send this to Mr6am…

MUSIC LESSONS: Yesterday, my 14 year old son broke my heart. After six years of studying violin, three years with an incredible professional teacher, my son decided to quit. He’s been thinking of quitting for a year. For a year, we fought tooth and nail for him to continue. Getting him to practice every day was DIFFICULT. We used consequences, rewards, and inspiration. Pushing him through was hard and a relationship strain.

The truth is, this kid, who can distinguish famous violins and name twenty or more classical symphonies just by hearing the first few notes, did not enjoy the violin anymore.

Over the last year, we tried everything but one thing: giving him his freedom. So, we decided to let him grow and face his own consequences — good or bad. We told him he had to talk to his teacher himself, which he did this week. It was a difficult conversation for everyone. I was proud of him, even though I was shouting inside, “This is a bad idea!” And you know what? She had the best response. “We all need breaks,” and she told him about the time she threw her violin down the stairs in a fit of fury. Her parents made her pay for the violin but gave her time off. Then, six months later, she picked it back up with new enthusiam. “That may be you in six months,” she told him.

I’m not sure that’s in the cards for my son, but I know having difficult conversations is in his future, and he’s more prepared for those conversations and more free to make his own decisions. As for me? I’m leaning into the reality that my son needs freedom to fail and succeed and that giving in isn’t necessarily giving up. 💙

NETFLIX: Chris Rock’s new Netflix special goes there — abortion. Rock, a self proclaimed pro-choice man, has no trouble saying that abortion is “killing a baby”, and what does he have in common with Pope Francis? In his characteristic colorful language (over-the-top swearing and all), he likens abortion to “hiring a hitman.”

• What do red stripes, mixed media, and a porcine wonder have in common? Grief.💔

• Are you enough of a nerd bring the Renaissance Fair overseas?

• It smells like Teen Green Spirit. ☘ 

• Can’t sleep? Feeling blue? Not in “the mood”? May be a hormone thing. At home testing made easy.

• A mom’s worst field trip nightmare.

1. ONE PAN MONDAY: Sheet-Pan Chicken with Sourdough and Bacon

2. TACO TUESDAY: Pork Carnitas with a Twist

3. SOUP WEDNESDAY: Instant Pot Short Rib Soup

4. THURSDAY: Meatballs with Tomato Salad and Green Sauce

5. MEAT FREE FRIDAY: Chilled Glass Noodles with Peanut Sauce

6. CROWD PLEASER SATURDAY: Steak Sandwich

I’ll have to agree with 100% of Mr6am on that one. Maybe add in wallpapering, for good measure.😏 Have a fantastic weekend, and see you Wednesday.