Seeking Advice

Yesterday, Emiline's class went to a biosphere in their school to look at the animals they had there.  They have a parrot, turtles etc.  However, Emiline was the only kid that was too scared to go: Because there is a dead tarantula framed on one of the walls.  This isn't atypical either: She is afraid of a ton of stuff and often cries uncontrollably at things that we don't feel like are a big deal (like having to try something new to eat). Has anyone had a super sensitive child? Any advice on how to handle it? Thanks.

YESTERDAYS HIGHLIGHT

Nothing better than watching the second episode of the new series "24".  Love that show. 

dad

NAME THAT BABY

Since Brian and Juliana have not yet selected a name for their baby, I thought we might give them some help.  Please tell Brian and Juliana what they should name their baby.  I thought Ima Lima would be a good name, but mom nixed that one.  So Charles Xavior Bean sounded good to me.  What do you think?

Dad

Family Reunion Colors

Hello Bean Family!

Greg has informed me that he had a conversation with a few of you about the colors for the family pictures and that I should probably elaborate.  I found this random family on Pinterest, and I loved how all the colors popped:

You'll notice that most of the colors are generic colors, with the exception of the mustard yellow and eggplant purple.  I was hoping with the colors being: white, navy blue, and jean we could add a splash of pop with the mustard yellow and eggplant.  Obviously, I understand that many of you do not own eggplant or mustard, but I am hoping that is where the navy, white, and jean come in.  There will be enough of us in the yellow and purple that it should all blend nicely.  Please don't feel like you have to buy the mustard and eggplant colors.  Between all the colors, I hope we can have a fun picture!  Thanks!!!!

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to the most wonderful mother! You are beautiful and funny and happy and kind and just the best! Hope your day is tremendous!

In response to the previous post on close families

I have done a lot of thinking and studying about this over the past 6 months (It's the social worker in me).  Funny the question should be brought up.  Here's my answer:

A family's group relationship and the intrapersonal relationships that occur within that group are two different things, although they do effect each other, they are not mutually exclusive.   Also the definition of "close" is very subjective.  How I view close may be completely different than what someone else feels is close based on personality, personal experiences, and our opinions created from the comparison of other family units we see.
A family group relationship is one viewed as a whole.  Do we hold regular family reunions?   Do we try to establish communications as a whole?   Do we celebrate and understand our heritage? Does everyone  in the family participate in such said activities?  The type of strength our family group has depends on the willingness of family members to participate or not participate in these areas.
Intrapersonal relationships between adult siblings can fit into several categories which can span from intimate, to loyal, to congenial, to apathetic, to hostile.
A relationship is based on the fact that both parties are receiving something from it and giving something to it.  For example, one would not have a friendship if that relationship was not helpful to them. We all glean something from our relationships from others whether it be self- validation, companionship, physical help, emotional support, etc.  If you are not receiving anything from a relationship, it will not arise or even survive.  A sibling relationship cannot grow if neither person is getting anything from it.
One might ask, what would be the point of trying to have a relationship with a sibling if we have nothing to offer each other?  How can we offer anything to each other if we are hundreds of miles away?  How can a brother and sister have a relationship when there is nothing in common to hold onto?  What would be the point?  These are all questions we need to ponder.
My observation is, that those intrapersonal relationships within our family have developed between certain siblings because they have found something to offer each other.  Found is the key word.  First, communication had to happen in order for the finding to begin.
All of this said, now to my opinion:
I think we have a strong family group relationship.  It could be stronger, however, if all parties had a desire for it to be so and made it a priority to participate in the family blog, group texts, and family reunions.  You will find that actively participating in and being a part of any type of group is very satisfying.
I cannot speak for any other intrapersonal relationships in our family except for my own, although I know they exist.
The intrapersonal relationships I have with most of my siblings would be categorized somewhere in between loyal and congenial.  Some siblings are easier for me to talk to than others because of their personalities and the things we have in common.  I do desire a deeper relationship with all my brothers and sisters and get frustrated that it's not that way.
In conclusion, I feel that a family's ultimate closeness may rely on the head of household's desire to foster it. Each adult child needs to have their parents reaching out to them on a regular basis (even though a child might not convey that desire).  I also feel that each member of the family has a responsibility to foster their intrapersonal relationships with each other if a closer family is the goal we are reaching for.
I love you all collectively and individually.
-Steph-

  Okay so I was talking to one of you and was asked if I thought that our family was close.  I thought that was in interesting question and since I grew up NOT close to my brothers, I could honestly say that we are close as a family.
  Since then, I have thought a lot about being close and what close means.  I know that each of you grew up not knowing your cousins that is not close.  I could probably count on one hand the number of times that I visited Larry or Bill as you were growing up.  Bill maybe never.  That is not close.  Before Larry moved back to SLC I had virtually no contact with him and Bill and I exchanged calls on birthdays and Christmas. That is not close. 
  Now that I have told you what I think close is NOT, what is close?  I have to admit I do not have an answer for what is close.  I do believe that what is close to one may not be close to another.  I would be interested to know how you would define a family being close.

Dad