More Firsts & "420"

This was something Norm was dreading, yet, we like to do - barbecuing. Matthew loved to barbecue - and liked doing some cooking (had his own "secret ingredient" bean dip we miss). But during the summer months, like most typical families, we like to barbecue and eat outside. Matthew took over this for the most part, and Norm especially was dreading doing it, yet, we need to continue and start making new memories. He even talked about getting a new grill - because ours is old & we have had to buy several replacement parts for it, but yet can't justify spending the money on it. Norm did grill tonight & know Norm had that lump again in his throat. He never asked one of the other boys to do it - probably didn't want to see the pain on their face either. He made great hamburgs and we did have a good time outside. Norm was kinda quiet. Later we had a good conversation just with Stephen outside. It's neat as the children become "adults" and can have talks and share opinions and concerns, see how our children are growing.

We learned something new today. Maybe we are "too sheltered" and nieve with some things but Stephen keeps hearing the term "four twenty" at his automotive class, and thought maybe it was related to drugs. We were a little nervous what he was hearing, and privately did a websearch, concerned about what we would find out. Our search brought us to the about parenting teens website and shows how there's different myths with its, such as, there are 420 chemicals in marijuana, April 20th is National Pot Smokers Day, April 20th is Hitler's birthday, April 20th is the anniversary date of Columbine, 4:20 is a tea time for pot smokers in Holland, but this on the webpage summerized it well:

"Simply put, 420 is a symbol of cannabis and its culture. Today, April 20th events are international, and 4:20 pm has become sort of a world wide "burn time". It certainly doesn't matter too much where the term came from because for us parents, it's a flag, a warning sign that our teenagers may be into something that could harm their future. When you see the symbol 420, be aware of what it represents. "

Stephen has heard kids mention this 420, seen it written on walls, so it's another things to be aware of, if your children say, or hear others using this term. Wish we didn't have to know though!

Well, the thunder is rumbling as the much needed rain is approaching, so I better end this and get the computer shut off before the lightening does it!