Parenting Means Answering the Hard Questions

My blog posting took a vacation for a few weeks this summer to celebrate family visits, vacations, my father-in-law's retirement (after 41 years, y'all), and an unseasonably cool summer here in Texas (only THREE days in the 100s for July. Ah-mazing).

During these days, little Anna Zane's question quota has risen . . . immensely, sometimes "to infinity and beyond." I field a lot of "why," "what's that," and "do you see me/can you find me." But she's also stopped me in my tracks a time or two. Sometimes I immediately knew the answer. Sometimes I didn't.

For example, as we were about to visit the store, she asked, "Will you ever leave me behind?" The quick response was "no, not a chance, never, no way." But my heart fretted wondering why she asked that. Of course, this very interesting and insightful article recently published in the Huffington Post only added fuel to my adoption-related worries.

Anna also discovered a bit about death thanks to a large cemetery in Galveston. She was first mortified to learn--or so she thought--that people turned into stones when they died (a la the tombstones filling the  cemetery). And then was truly upset when she realized people die. People like her mama and daddy. People like her. I had to tell her not to worry and she wouldn't die for a long, long time just to get her to move on. I cannot have my 3-year-old pondering her death every day.

And then Tuesday she asked if God was in her heart. She informed me she wanted God to live in her heart. That was followed by:
Is He there?
Do you see Him?
Does He talk? Will my heart talk?
Where is God?
Where is my heart?

If anyone would like to give me suggestions on how to answer those, I'm happy to receive them! I just kept saying, "yes."

On Friday, Anna saw a photo on a desk at this office we were visiting. It was of a grandfather, grandmother, and their grandchildren. All where white except this one little black girl around 2-years-old. Anna pointed to the young girl and asked if that was her. To us, that is a really big recognition because she now sees the differences between us and recognizes herself to be unique in the family. We are prayerfully always considering how to guide her through understanding adoption and the joy she brings to our family.

Whew, this parenting gig is no joke.

If You're Visiting Fort Worth . . .

In just a handful of weeks, many FWB friends will visit Fort Worth for a week-long conference. So like a good pal and helpful tour guide, please allow me to share a few tips.

1. It's hot. This should not be a news flash. It's Texas. It's July. It's hot. You know that cute layering tank or shirt you love? Yeah, don't bring it. One shirt is all you need. Extra layers just means extra sweat. Don't bring jeans. Don't bring heavy knits. Single-layered cotton is your friend. TRUST me.
2. Don't say Dallas when you mean Fort Worth or vice versa. These cities may be neighbors, but they are different as night and day. Locals take great offense to confusing the two. 
3. If you're hoping for sweet tea, you better bring your own. This is Texas, not to be mistaken for the South.
4. Cowtown and Fort Worth are synonymous. 
5. Parking is free downtown in the evenings (after 5, I think) and on the weekends. Score.

Since the majority of folks will stay near the convention center, you'll be delighted to know the number of restaurants--and yummy restaurants--are many. And did I mention walking distance from the convention center? Oh yes . . . .

• Craving Mexican? Make a dash to Mi Cocina (you must, and I mean MUST order the guacamole as an appetizer).
• Texas BBQ: Riscky's is your No. 1 stop. Melt in your mouth, nearly die it's so good. Sigh.
• Looking for super pizza and pasta? Try Taverna on Throckmorton. My favorite Italian place in the city.
• If you want a taste of Fort Worth fine dining, be sure to make reservations for Reata. It's a Cowtown icon--and for good reason.
• To feast on steak, Del Frisco is the place to go. However, be prepared for the $$$ price tag.
• Hello sushi! Piranha's is delectable.
• And eat at the Little Red Wasp. It's all the rage. It's new. It's trendy. It's tasty.
• With ALL the fantastic restaurants (this is merely a sampling) nearby, please don't eat at the Corner Bakery. It's like choosing to eat only bread and water at Thanksgiving. :-)

If you're game for venturing out of the convention center area, check out some of my favorite restaurants:

• Fuzzy's Tacos (holy queso)
• Ellerbe Fine Foods
• Nonna Tata (it doesn't have a website; so you know it's good)
• Paris Coffee Shop (breakfast! breakfast! breakfast!)
• Cafe Brazil
• Flying Fish
• Red, Hot, and Blue
• Lonesome Dove
• Salsa Limon
• Terra (best Mediterranean food I've eaten outside the Mediterranean)

I like food. Can you tell?

For activities and fun, our family enjoys these:

• Fort Worth Zoo. Top notch. Our zoo is something like one of the top five zoos in the country. And don't think "no way" because you're worried about the heat. The zoo is a perfect mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits and is always well shaded. I could go on and on. It's really THAT great.
• Since you'll be downtown, check out the Sundance Square, especially if you have littles. Those kiddos will ADORE the fountain splash pad. Do note, however, that play is only allowed during certain times of the day and only street clothes are allowed (no swim diapers or bathing suits).
• The Fort Worth Water Gardens are also a sight for hot and tired eyes. You cannot get in the fountains but it's a fun, neat place to visit.
• Take the curious kids to the Museum of Science and History. Newly renovated, our children's museum offers interactive, interesting exhibits ANY toddler to teen would enjoy. It's, well, amazing.
• For lovers of art and beauty, I'm proud to tell you we're just not cowboys in Cowtown. Our moniker is the "City of Cowboys and Culture." The Amon Carter Museum, Kimbell Museum, and Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth are unbelievable. Honest. My husband and I like to visit art museums when we travel. Many cities' finest now pale in comparison to the gems we have right here at home. Go. You'll thank me.
• Parks and playground galore in this city! Our favorites are the Trinity River playground and Tillery Park. 
• Looking for a great water park? PLEASE DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY AT HURRICANE HARBOR! The price is ridiculous. The crowds are out of control. Theft is a huge problem. It's sooooo spread out. If you're looking for a great, family-friendly water park with something for everyone, NRH2O is THE place for you. Clean. Safe. Affordable. Families everywhere. Fun. 
• Even if you hate the Rangers or have never heard of baseball (it's possible . . . maybe), snatch up some tickets to a Texas Rangers game. The games are incredibly fun. The food is really tasty, especially the fare in the food court behind the outfield. And did I mention the playground? So fun! 
• And what's a trip to Cowtown without visiting the Stockyards? Check out the website for store info, restaurants, and cattle drive times (yes, you read that correctly. live cattle drives happening here). Want more history even the kids can enjoy? Try the Van Zandt Cottage or the Log Cabin Village.
• Bet you didn't know that Fort Worth is home to a mint? Yes, the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing produces bills in Fort Worth, which happens to be the only city other than D.C. where bills are minted. Free tour. Free museum. Stacks of money. Need I say more?

Here's to your Fort Worth visit. I truly, truly hope your stay is filled with good memories and a few laughs. Yeehaw, y'all!