I have so many little half done projects. That is not true, I have quarter done projects. I have two books that I have started and we are packing to move. That is right we are moving, but I don't have a clue where. If I had my choice we would move up to Parkville, but it is a family decision and as it looks now we are staying put in Olathe, KS. I'm not that happiest camper in the woods but what is a girl to do. Along with this move comes a bunch of emotions. Our children are the ones that are truly affected by this. Our High School Freshman daughter and our 7th grader are not happy about this. This is the only home they know, this is the only area they know, and this will uproot them from their comfortable lives. But life isn't always comfortable.
So how are they handling this? They are doing what most teenagers do...rebel. Not in a really bad way, but they are stressed and unless we talk about what is going on they're going to be stressed and grounded. What we do in our family is hold, "Family Meetings". Anyone can call them, but whomever calls it has to lead the meeting. This is a safe place for the kids to speak of their emotions, struggles, and worries to the family. It help keeps the communication flowing in the house. But if you know myself and my family there is never a loss for words. We all have very passionate and strong personalities, this is not always a good mix. It does help us love hard, cry hard, and live full lives.
In our meetings we have to have a speak stick. If we didn't have one everyone would speak all at once and nothing would get solved. We do have some rules that go along with these meetings:
1. Whoever has the "Speak Stick" is the only one speaking
2. What is said in the meeting stays in the meeting
3. After something is said it can't be brought up against them.
4. It's time to be truthful
5. The meeting must be a safe place
6. When meeting is over no one can leave with unanswered questions or unaddressed feelings
7. We must play a game or watch a movie together when meeting is over
8. Must love each other unconditionally
9. Must say one thing nice to each other when meeting is closing
10. Again, Nothing leaves the meeting
This is one way to stop behavior before it starts or nip it in the bud. When family expresses concerns about a situation or feeling with each other then they learn how to control their feelings. Nothing is ever permanent and life is in constant change. A bad thing is always a learning thing. Try a family meeting someday, you will notice stress disappears and kindness with love appears. Good Luck
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012
It IS YOUR Business...
I feel like I haven't written a Blog in a minute. Anyone who doesn't get the "minute" comment obviously hasn't seen the movie "Project X". I have....obviously. Watching that movie reminds me of how important it is, as a parent, to be completely and 100% involved in my children's lives. It is too bad my children sometimes don't feel that way. But at the end of the day I can rest better knowing that I put 110% effort in raising my children. Really, their not "My" children, they're "Our" children considering that I'm still married to their Father and have been for almost 20 years (we've been together for 24 years). It's so nice knowing that I don't have to do this thing called parenting on my own. Mike, my husband/their Father, and I try very hard to back each other up when it comes to our children.
By no means am I stating that we are the perfect couple or the perfect family. That would be a flat out lie. I am simply stating that Mike and I made it a priority to raise loving, moral, and strong children. When we dated we always talked about how we would like our children's upbringing to be. We always knew that I would stay home with the kids and take care of the everyday household duties. I know I have a college degree, but my career path was going to be our family. We always knew that Mike would be the main source of income. We also KNEW that we wanted our children to grow up with Jesus in their lives. We knew all of this about each other before we were married, had children, and settled into a home or church. God is very important to us..even when we were dating.
I sleep better knowing that our children have a solid foundation of Christianity. So that way, when our children are in their 20's 30's 40's and so on(which Nate is 24 years old) and going out or doing whatever, they will know God is with them, always. Statistics show that children raised with The Church, even though they may walk away from Jesus for some reason or another, are more likely to raise their children with The Church....
*For those of you who are thinking the word "church" as to mean a building
with people there on Wednesday nights and/or Sunday mornings please let me
correct you. The word "Church" means The Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ
is "The Church".
*I didn't use the word "Religion" because religion is man made, but
Christianity is Christ made.
My point is...
Parents please, if you haven't yet then please start, to get involved in your child's life. It IS YOUR business what they do! It IS YOUR business who they are with! It IS YOUR business to ask questions! It IS YOUR business to give your child boundaries. It IS YOUR business to make rules! It IS YOUR business to be involved! It IS YOUR
To Be Continued.....
By no means am I stating that we are the perfect couple or the perfect family. That would be a flat out lie. I am simply stating that Mike and I made it a priority to raise loving, moral, and strong children. When we dated we always talked about how we would like our children's upbringing to be. We always knew that I would stay home with the kids and take care of the everyday household duties. I know I have a college degree, but my career path was going to be our family. We always knew that Mike would be the main source of income. We also KNEW that we wanted our children to grow up with Jesus in their lives. We knew all of this about each other before we were married, had children, and settled into a home or church. God is very important to us..even when we were dating.
I sleep better knowing that our children have a solid foundation of Christianity. So that way, when our children are in their 20's 30's 40's and so on(which Nate is 24 years old) and going out or doing whatever, they will know God is with them, always. Statistics show that children raised with The Church, even though they may walk away from Jesus for some reason or another, are more likely to raise their children with The Church....
*For those of you who are thinking the word "church" as to mean a building
with people there on Wednesday nights and/or Sunday mornings please let me
correct you. The word "Church" means The Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ
is "The Church".
*I didn't use the word "Religion" because religion is man made, but
Christianity is Christ made.
My point is...
Parents please, if you haven't yet then please start, to get involved in your child's life. It IS YOUR business what they do! It IS YOUR business who they are with! It IS YOUR business to ask questions! It IS YOUR business to give your child boundaries. It IS YOUR business to make rules! It IS YOUR business to be involved! It IS YOUR
To Be Continued.....
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Bully VS Coward
I have watched my children and their friends go through a roller coaster of emotions with Facebook and Twitter. All of it is uncalled for. The media has dubbed it, "Cyber Bullying", but that is giving it too much power with the word "Bully" in it. Back in the day, you know cause I'm real old, when encountering a "bully" it was a face to face thing. The people had to look each other in the eyes and say or do what they intended to do. Now it is like word and picture vomit, but only worse because these kids have no clue about what they are saying or doing. I know, I know, you are going to say, "Well, my children have never experienced that or would never do that". I have two words for you....You're Ignorant. If you are truly thinking that, you better do a parenting check, because you have just proved to yourself that you are not engaged in your children's lives. So for the rest of this Blog I will not call it "bullying" it is truly being a "coward".
I know this has happened to all 4 of our children. They have been on both sides, being the coward and being the victim of someone being a coward. It's not cool and they were punished for when they did it and comforted when it happened to them. Also, there were times that I had to take over the situation, which if anyone knows myself and my family, that is not a good thing. I will and have gone after the people/families that have been cowards towards us. Don't mess with my family, enough said.
But something came to my attention just the other day and it truly disturbed me. A friend of one of my daughters was threatened on Twitter by a couple of girls (if you want to call them that). This friend of our family was in deep distress, she didn't even go to the commitments she had to do in fear of running into them. The reason is because the cowards said that they were going to beat her until she was dead. Now if I remember correctly isn't that a law breaking threat? But that isn't even the half of it! This all started because of a boy posting a very rude and personal comment about my daughter's friend. One which is no ones business, and for a "boy" to get involved in a teenage girl fight is ridiculous. This just sends messages to boys that it is OK to treat girls like dirt and they have the right to degrade them in any way. In turn it is telling the girls that boys are mean, to be afraid of them because they will hurt you emotionally and possibly physically. This doesn't sit well with me at all.
And as for me, I know with my BPD I have to lay low and chill. I have to see what comes from this, but inside I want to call/visit the cowards (in which I know personally) and their families and let them have it. But I won't....I have to stop, breath, and figure out my next move, if there is one. I will not let this continue to happen to the beautiful girls and boys in my children's life. I will do the right thing and stick to my morals and beliefs. I will always do my best to make sure that our children don't become the cowards. We want them to be strong but kind, loving and not lusting, Christians and not religious, and to always be in control of the things they do and say.
To be continued.........
I know this has happened to all 4 of our children. They have been on both sides, being the coward and being the victim of someone being a coward. It's not cool and they were punished for when they did it and comforted when it happened to them. Also, there were times that I had to take over the situation, which if anyone knows myself and my family, that is not a good thing. I will and have gone after the people/families that have been cowards towards us. Don't mess with my family, enough said.
But something came to my attention just the other day and it truly disturbed me. A friend of one of my daughters was threatened on Twitter by a couple of girls (if you want to call them that). This friend of our family was in deep distress, she didn't even go to the commitments she had to do in fear of running into them. The reason is because the cowards said that they were going to beat her until she was dead. Now if I remember correctly isn't that a law breaking threat? But that isn't even the half of it! This all started because of a boy posting a very rude and personal comment about my daughter's friend. One which is no ones business, and for a "boy" to get involved in a teenage girl fight is ridiculous. This just sends messages to boys that it is OK to treat girls like dirt and they have the right to degrade them in any way. In turn it is telling the girls that boys are mean, to be afraid of them because they will hurt you emotionally and possibly physically. This doesn't sit well with me at all.
And as for me, I know with my BPD I have to lay low and chill. I have to see what comes from this, but inside I want to call/visit the cowards (in which I know personally) and their families and let them have it. But I won't....I have to stop, breath, and figure out my next move, if there is one. I will not let this continue to happen to the beautiful girls and boys in my children's life. I will do the right thing and stick to my morals and beliefs. I will always do my best to make sure that our children don't become the cowards. We want them to be strong but kind, loving and not lusting, Christians and not religious, and to always be in control of the things they do and say.
To be continued.........
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
"Big Joe's Bar"
Here's one for you all......My youngest son, Joe, who is only 12 years old wanted to open a bar. So we had a long chat about it, and his idea about this even though it was "crazy" it's also very imaginative. Joe sat me down and explained to me that he wants to open a bar here in the house...OUR house. Specifically, in his bedroom. I asked him what he was going to serve. He told me beer, wine, juice boxes, and soda. It took so much for me not to laugh in his face, but he was extremely serious about this and I didn't want to discourage him. So we took this "Bar" idea for a spin.
I asked him what the name was going to be and he said, "Joe's Bar". So together we brainstormed about different names for his bar and decided on "Big Joe's Bar". I explained to him that he needs to have a liquor's license for this, and he told me "No Problem, I can get that easy". The snag came when I told him I do not want adults and kids trampling in my house and up my stairs to his room. That one caught him off guard (like really? Are you serious?). He had to stop and think on that one.
After a few minutes of thinking about it he jumped right back into the conversation and stated that "Big Joe's Bar" would be a traveling bar. And thankfully after a couple minutes of persuasion he decided to drop the beer and wine and just cater to kids with juice boxes,soda, and possibly energy drinks. He is going to put the drinks in our cooler that rolls and sell the drinks at our neighborhood pool and other pools around here. It's actually is a great idea, I know our pool doesn't have a vending machine. So prices start at, one juice box is going to be $1.00, soda $1.50, and he might include energy drinks which would be $2.00. I love this kid so much, and I love the ideas he comes up with.
This was just one of many, another one of his ideas was to pickup dog poop. But I will leave that story for another day.
I asked him what the name was going to be and he said, "Joe's Bar". So together we brainstormed about different names for his bar and decided on "Big Joe's Bar". I explained to him that he needs to have a liquor's license for this, and he told me "No Problem, I can get that easy". The snag came when I told him I do not want adults and kids trampling in my house and up my stairs to his room. That one caught him off guard (like really? Are you serious?). He had to stop and think on that one.
After a few minutes of thinking about it he jumped right back into the conversation and stated that "Big Joe's Bar" would be a traveling bar. And thankfully after a couple minutes of persuasion he decided to drop the beer and wine and just cater to kids with juice boxes,soda, and possibly energy drinks. He is going to put the drinks in our cooler that rolls and sell the drinks at our neighborhood pool and other pools around here. It's actually is a great idea, I know our pool doesn't have a vending machine. So prices start at, one juice box is going to be $1.00, soda $1.50, and he might include energy drinks which would be $2.00. I love this kid so much, and I love the ideas he comes up with.
This was just one of many, another one of his ideas was to pickup dog poop. But I will leave that story for another day.
Monday, June 4, 2012
What to do, What to do?????
When getting thrown curve balls you hit them the best you can. I believe that's the way life is. Life is never straight on target, you get curves and then you learn to roll with them. It's your choice if you roll with the curves with ease or resistance. I do a bit of both. There are some things that I feel so strongly about, that I will not compromise my morals. And then there is just the opposite. Sometimes a little of this and a little of that is not so bad. ALL IN MODERATION!!!
I do wish I had more drive to make some changes in my life. I was a triathlete from 2000 till 2004, with only 11% body fat. Yeah, I was looking good (if I may say so myself). But then I needed to slow down but I wouldn't, not even after 4 left knee surgeries. And running a half marathon with meningitis. After that I got really sick, and had to quit everything. And I got fat and somewhat lazy, as far as exercising goes. But at that time I wasn't healthy I was fit. There is a big difference between the two. Basically my body shut down, and I lost what my identity was back then. I was a triathlete, mom, wife, and then Christian. So me "having" to slow my life down was a blessing....in disguise.
I have always been one to have a "title". I was a kid, High School Graduate, College Graduate, Christian, wife, mother, I adopted a child, boxer, triathlete, hot mom (MILF), sales representative (and at one job ranked 2nd Nationally), survivor, and now for the past 7 years I'm still trying to find out "who I am" now. I know so much about life and people, but what do I do with all of this knowledge and I yearn for the wisdom to know.
I read a lot!!!! I would like to write more, but I don't. I would love to start regularly exercise but I'm scared I will get sick again. I started drawing in a sketch book and I like that. Even though I draw like a 3rd grader. I love volunteering some of my time to my church and other passions. I love helping people in need. URGH!!!! I have no idea what I'm going to do when I grow up!
So I have come up with some conclusions, do you want to hear them? Or read them? Life is so short, I know people say that all the time, but when a family has experienced a death of a child like ours, you really get and understand and respect that phrase. I want to be happy and most of all I want to make God happy. I have a strong desire to do what God wants me to do, but I don't know what that is yet. So for now I'm going to enjoy my life, close my mouth, open my ears, and wait for my Savior to direct me.....THEN JUMP ON IT!!!! I hope you do the same.
I do wish I had more drive to make some changes in my life. I was a triathlete from 2000 till 2004, with only 11% body fat. Yeah, I was looking good (if I may say so myself). But then I needed to slow down but I wouldn't, not even after 4 left knee surgeries. And running a half marathon with meningitis. After that I got really sick, and had to quit everything. And I got fat and somewhat lazy, as far as exercising goes. But at that time I wasn't healthy I was fit. There is a big difference between the two. Basically my body shut down, and I lost what my identity was back then. I was a triathlete, mom, wife, and then Christian. So me "having" to slow my life down was a blessing....in disguise.
I have always been one to have a "title". I was a kid, High School Graduate, College Graduate, Christian, wife, mother, I adopted a child, boxer, triathlete, hot mom (MILF), sales representative (and at one job ranked 2nd Nationally), survivor, and now for the past 7 years I'm still trying to find out "who I am" now. I know so much about life and people, but what do I do with all of this knowledge and I yearn for the wisdom to know.
I read a lot!!!! I would like to write more, but I don't. I would love to start regularly exercise but I'm scared I will get sick again. I started drawing in a sketch book and I like that. Even though I draw like a 3rd grader. I love volunteering some of my time to my church and other passions. I love helping people in need. URGH!!!! I have no idea what I'm going to do when I grow up!
So I have come up with some conclusions, do you want to hear them? Or read them? Life is so short, I know people say that all the time, but when a family has experienced a death of a child like ours, you really get and understand and respect that phrase. I want to be happy and most of all I want to make God happy. I have a strong desire to do what God wants me to do, but I don't know what that is yet. So for now I'm going to enjoy my life, close my mouth, open my ears, and wait for my Savior to direct me.....THEN JUMP ON IT!!!! I hope you do the same.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Life Is Messy, So Grow Up
I am very transparent with my life and the happenings that go along with it. Honestly, you can ask me anything and I will answer it with only the truth. Except to my husband.JUST KIDDING!!!!! I believe that SO many people are "playing" the part of having that perfect life, family, and marriage. But I don't, my life is far from perfect...it is very messy.
And we (as a family) clean up these messes together. But some are hard and it may take years to clean up. And as adults and parents you have to put limits and consequences on these "messes" and the people who make them.
Personally I think some parents don't care. They have become too "self involved" or just plan lazy to clean up their messes. You know who suffers from this kind of attitude? Their children of course, but what about those kids friends? What about the parents that are trying so hard to keep their kids strong and not give into peer pressure. We try and even role model, but sometimes it doesn't matter.
So if you read my Blogs and you are a lazy parent this one is for you. Not only are you hurting YOUR CHILDREN...but you are hurting their friends and their families. So straighten up and make rules, give out chores, don't try to buy your kids love. I promise you children don't want things.....they want to know you care and love them, and objects/toys doesn't cut it.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
BPD & DBT? No Wonder I am So Confused!
Anyone who says their family is perfect is full of crap!!! And when you have friends and neighbors and YOU think their lives are perfect, then you are full of crap! Truth is there is no such thing as a perfect couple, perfect kid, perfect family or marriage. The only thing that has been perfect on this earth was Jesus Christ. He never sinned, but He was tested, and He loved. That word "LOVE" is such a strong word.
The word "LOVE", and the many uses for it is unlimited. It actually can mean both hate and love, depending on the way it is presented. But I love to use it in the way of, "I love you with all my heart". It is an easy word to say, but for some people (like me) it is hard to believe. It is hard for me to believe that anyone can love me because honestly, I'm not sure I love myself. I don't know how many people feel that way, but I have found out why I feel it. I have a mental disease called Borderline Personality Disorder, BPD for short. It is a very complicated disease to have, basically it sucks and there is no pill that will make it go away. But I'm getting help, I am going to this therapy called:
DBT - Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT was designed specifically to treat borderline personality disorder. Generally done through individual, group and phone counseling, DBT uses a skills-based approach to teach you how to regulate your emotions, tolerate distress and improve relationships. So the people around me, really only my family knows what truly the symptoms are. I have been in distress so many times, which puts my family in distress. It has been very hard on them and myself.
So this "LOVE" thing to me is wild. Mike is such a wonderful leader, he's so patient, he has never threatened to leave me, even though I have done it to him many times, and he helps the kids try to understand all the chaos that is happening in our lives. When Mike says he loves me he actually means it, even though I don't know how he can. So when he says, "I love you", in my mind all I think is,"why and how". But when I say it to him I mean it. I truly mean it, I love Mike so much that the words don't do it justice. But through my DBT I will learn to understand his love for me and I will learn to love and forgive myself.
The word "LOVE", and the many uses for it is unlimited. It actually can mean both hate and love, depending on the way it is presented. But I love to use it in the way of, "I love you with all my heart". It is an easy word to say, but for some people (like me) it is hard to believe. It is hard for me to believe that anyone can love me because honestly, I'm not sure I love myself. I don't know how many people feel that way, but I have found out why I feel it. I have a mental disease called Borderline Personality Disorder, BPD for short. It is a very complicated disease to have, basically it sucks and there is no pill that will make it go away. But I'm getting help, I am going to this therapy called:
DBT - Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT was designed specifically to treat borderline personality disorder. Generally done through individual, group and phone counseling, DBT uses a skills-based approach to teach you how to regulate your emotions, tolerate distress and improve relationships. So the people around me, really only my family knows what truly the symptoms are. I have been in distress so many times, which puts my family in distress. It has been very hard on them and myself.
So this "LOVE" thing to me is wild. Mike is such a wonderful leader, he's so patient, he has never threatened to leave me, even though I have done it to him many times, and he helps the kids try to understand all the chaos that is happening in our lives. When Mike says he loves me he actually means it, even though I don't know how he can. So when he says, "I love you", in my mind all I think is,"why and how". But when I say it to him I mean it. I truly mean it, I love Mike so much that the words don't do it justice. But through my DBT I will learn to understand his love for me and I will learn to love and forgive myself.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Introducing... "Gloria", The Snow Mermaid
Anyone in the Kansas City area knows a couple of nights ago we received about 1-2 inches of snow. It was enough to call most schools out. But luckily not ours!!! My children were so mad, but I sure wasn't. Last week they had 2 days off from school and the week before that they had Friday off. Of course they will be home this Monday for the holiday. I'm telling you that our children are always out of school, especially 3rd quarter. You are probably thinking, "What kind of Mom are you that you don't want your kids home". When they are home from school I usually have at least 4-5 extra kids in my house to: feed, continuously ask them to clean up their messes, trying to sneak food in their rooms, and worse of all they take over the computer. But I love all of those "extra" kids, so I can't complain.
The snow we got was perfect for making snowmen or having a snowball fight. None of which my children did. But last night I couldn't sleep. Have you ever had one of those nights when you just can't settle down to sleep? I seem to have them very often, but last night was different. Instead of curling up on our warm comfy sofa, with the TV remote, a big glass of water, pillows, and at least two comforters...I went outside at around 10:00pm and started playing in the snow. I had on my slippers, no coat, just a scarf, and mittens. The worst part about it was I was in my pajamas. But I was so excited to go out there and dig into that snow that I didn't care.
I tried to get my oldest daughter, Sarah-Kate, to come outside with me, but she said it was too cold (Whatever!) My husband, Mike, wasn't home because he works weird hours. None of that stopped me from going outside to try to make something out of that perfect white icy snow. Even if it was very dark, and I couldn't see very well, or the fact I didn't have a shovel to help move the snow. I went into the garage and started looking through Mike's tools. I found exactly what I needed...a big squeegee thing. He uses it when he washes out the garage floor and it pushes the water out. Basically a big windshield wiper on a stick. I moved some snow and got started.
First I made a big ball of snow thinking I was going to make a snowman. But everyone makes snowmen with the carrot for a nose and stones for his eyes. I didn't want to do that, I didn't want to be like everyone else. I guess you could say I'm a bit competitive. I was looking at my big white cold snowball and knew that a regular snowman would not do our family and house justice. So my brain juices started running, and I decided I was going to make an octopus out of this ball. I started making the tentacles, two actually, and realized I forgot if they have eight or twelve tentacles. So that was out. Then I thought I would make a spider instead. I knew spiders only had 8 legs and I was going to use black shiny glass beads for the eyes. But how many eyes? Then I started second guessing myself and was thinking spiders only have six legs. That sounded wrong too, so I gave up on that idea.
After one hour outside I had a third idea. I was going to make a person look like they were buried in the snow. Like in that episode of "Friends" when Joey gets buried in the sand, but has boobs. That is what I was going to do. The two tentacles were transformed into arms and away I went. After awhile I realized I didn't like that idea either, but left the "arms". It was getting close to two hours outside, then...
Finally, I GOT IT!!!! After being in the snow with just a scarf, mittens, and my slippers I knew what I was going to make. I was going to make a full bodied MERMAID!!!! So I formed the body, it took awhile because our dog, Boo, kept running through her fins. I perfectly formed the body and tail. I even smoothed out the body, tail, made her head smaller, and made BOOBS! I knew I couldn't keep "Gloria the Snow Mermaid" naked because we have neighbors with young kids...so back to the garage for supplies.
I had a bag full of leis, and two different kinds of grass skirts. I bought them for a Hula Party we never had. I pulled out a sparkly green hula skirt for her hair. When I did that I knew I made the right decision to make a mermaid, plus it was now about two or more hours I have been outside. I used two blue flowers from a lei for the eyes and red flowers for the mouth. I was almost done. The only thing left would be the coconut shells to go over the boobs. At that time all I could think of was that Heidi girl from "The Hills", and how she wanted size "H" implants for "Heidi". Since I was the snow plastic surgeon I was going to make these boob big...real big.
I didn't even think about the size of them until I went to put the shells on her naked private pieces parts. The shells didn't even come close to fitting. I guess I might have a bit of an obsession with snow boobs, or the power to make them any size I want. I had to take snow off the top of them and shove those shells on her. I'm talking packing them in. I have to say I'm pretty proud of Gloria, even if her face does look like Tammy Faye Bakker with green sparkly hair. Last night was so fun, I felt like I did back in Youngstown, OH. We always had snow like this, but better.
The snow we got was perfect for making snowmen or having a snowball fight. None of which my children did. But last night I couldn't sleep. Have you ever had one of those nights when you just can't settle down to sleep? I seem to have them very often, but last night was different. Instead of curling up on our warm comfy sofa, with the TV remote, a big glass of water, pillows, and at least two comforters...I went outside at around 10:00pm and started playing in the snow. I had on my slippers, no coat, just a scarf, and mittens. The worst part about it was I was in my pajamas. But I was so excited to go out there and dig into that snow that I didn't care.
I tried to get my oldest daughter, Sarah-Kate, to come outside with me, but she said it was too cold (Whatever!) My husband, Mike, wasn't home because he works weird hours. None of that stopped me from going outside to try to make something out of that perfect white icy snow. Even if it was very dark, and I couldn't see very well, or the fact I didn't have a shovel to help move the snow. I went into the garage and started looking through Mike's tools. I found exactly what I needed...a big squeegee thing. He uses it when he washes out the garage floor and it pushes the water out. Basically a big windshield wiper on a stick. I moved some snow and got started.
First I made a big ball of snow thinking I was going to make a snowman. But everyone makes snowmen with the carrot for a nose and stones for his eyes. I didn't want to do that, I didn't want to be like everyone else. I guess you could say I'm a bit competitive. I was looking at my big white cold snowball and knew that a regular snowman would not do our family and house justice. So my brain juices started running, and I decided I was going to make an octopus out of this ball. I started making the tentacles, two actually, and realized I forgot if they have eight or twelve tentacles. So that was out. Then I thought I would make a spider instead. I knew spiders only had 8 legs and I was going to use black shiny glass beads for the eyes. But how many eyes? Then I started second guessing myself and was thinking spiders only have six legs. That sounded wrong too, so I gave up on that idea.
After one hour outside I had a third idea. I was going to make a person look like they were buried in the snow. Like in that episode of "Friends" when Joey gets buried in the sand, but has boobs. That is what I was going to do. The two tentacles were transformed into arms and away I went. After awhile I realized I didn't like that idea either, but left the "arms". It was getting close to two hours outside, then...
Finally, I GOT IT!!!! After being in the snow with just a scarf, mittens, and my slippers I knew what I was going to make. I was going to make a full bodied MERMAID!!!! So I formed the body, it took awhile because our dog, Boo, kept running through her fins. I perfectly formed the body and tail. I even smoothed out the body, tail, made her head smaller, and made BOOBS! I knew I couldn't keep "Gloria the Snow Mermaid" naked because we have neighbors with young kids...so back to the garage for supplies.
I had a bag full of leis, and two different kinds of grass skirts. I bought them for a Hula Party we never had. I pulled out a sparkly green hula skirt for her hair. When I did that I knew I made the right decision to make a mermaid, plus it was now about two or more hours I have been outside. I used two blue flowers from a lei for the eyes and red flowers for the mouth. I was almost done. The only thing left would be the coconut shells to go over the boobs. At that time all I could think of was that Heidi girl from "The Hills", and how she wanted size "H" implants for "Heidi". Since I was the snow plastic surgeon I was going to make these boob big...real big.
I didn't even think about the size of them until I went to put the shells on her naked private pieces parts. The shells didn't even come close to fitting. I guess I might have a bit of an obsession with snow boobs, or the power to make them any size I want. I had to take snow off the top of them and shove those shells on her. I'm talking packing them in. I have to say I'm pretty proud of Gloria, even if her face does look like Tammy Faye Bakker with green sparkly hair. Last night was so fun, I felt like I did back in Youngstown, OH. We always had snow like this, but better.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
A round of Admiration and Love for Everyone, I'm Buying!
Have you ever caught yourself not breathing, and when you finally take that deep breath and your fingertips tingle? Well, I have been having that "Finger Tingle" feeling quite often lately. Anyone who has read any of my Blogs knows that I am very candid with my life from my feelings, my trials, to my triumphs. This is going NOT going to be one of those! No I'm just kidding... kind of. I really only want to touch on a few things because the laughter in our house is back, Thank you Jesus. Later I'll fill you in on December 2011-February 2012. You all have to remind me, because I don't remember things very well on behalf of my three concussions last year.
Mike and I are praying if it is God's Will if we are to start holding support meetings for parents of children who have gone astray. Its purpose is to help parents know and understand;
1. The signs of when the child is starting to get out of control. And trust me the first sign is not just their grades dropping, but that is one of them.
2. Explain the process of "feelings" parents could possibly go through from finding out their children are not perfect to recovery.
3. To teach parents that "Feelings are NOT the Truth", and surviving on the truth.
4. How to stay calm during the first confronting, and not getting manipulated by your child.
5. How to decide on "When is Enough". Setting boundaries and protecting any younger children in the house.
So please say prayers for Mike and I to know that this is what He wants us to do. Thanks in advance, plus I would love to have your input about this. Leave a comment if you would, Thanks
I have an Allie story. She is so funny and very loud, I don't have a clue where she got it. So the other night Sarah-Kate, Allie, and I went to get Sarah-Kate a "Monroe" piercing. When the three of us are together some decisions we make are not always the most correct ones or it could be called making "Bad Choices". In my defense I start out on our adventures ecstatic because I have my girls with me and I know there won't be any fighting between any of us. We picked up Sarah-Kate from work at 5pm and started on our way to Missouri for her piercing. I was late, like usual, picking her up and she was starving. We all decided on AppleBee's off 103rd & State Line. We just ordered and Katy Perry's "Firework" came on and I dared Allie to dance around the restaurant. I told her I would give her $5 bucks if she did (she said she'd do it for free". It was going to be a win/win situation for her since she was already singing (sort of loud) and frolicking in the booth. AND SHE DID IT!!!! I have a video of it, some people were laughing with her and some people were looking at her with eyebrows down not knowing what she was doing. She is really coming out of her shell.
And finally another celebration. On February 5th it will be Mike's Anniversary for being sober for 5 years, he hasn't had a drop of alcohol, NADA, nothing, he just walked away from it. I can't even begin to explain the admiration and love I have for him. It's also going to be a 2 month Anniversary for another beautiful young woman that has been drug and alcohol free. Can we all have a round of applause for them? We have to thank God first because for the last 2 months He was and still is our pilot. I am so grateful and proud of them.
This is getting long so I will wrap it up. I have more stories of Mike and the kids, they are my world. Thank you for taking the time out and reading this. Please comment and follow me...I would really appreciate it. God Bless You and May You Bless God ~ Kristen
Mike and I are praying if it is God's Will if we are to start holding support meetings for parents of children who have gone astray. Its purpose is to help parents know and understand;
1. The signs of when the child is starting to get out of control. And trust me the first sign is not just their grades dropping, but that is one of them.
2. Explain the process of "feelings" parents could possibly go through from finding out their children are not perfect to recovery.
3. To teach parents that "Feelings are NOT the Truth", and surviving on the truth.
4. How to stay calm during the first confronting, and not getting manipulated by your child.
5. How to decide on "When is Enough". Setting boundaries and protecting any younger children in the house.
So please say prayers for Mike and I to know that this is what He wants us to do. Thanks in advance, plus I would love to have your input about this. Leave a comment if you would, Thanks
I have an Allie story. She is so funny and very loud, I don't have a clue where she got it. So the other night Sarah-Kate, Allie, and I went to get Sarah-Kate a "Monroe" piercing. When the three of us are together some decisions we make are not always the most correct ones or it could be called making "Bad Choices". In my defense I start out on our adventures ecstatic because I have my girls with me and I know there won't be any fighting between any of us. We picked up Sarah-Kate from work at 5pm and started on our way to Missouri for her piercing. I was late, like usual, picking her up and she was starving. We all decided on AppleBee's off 103rd & State Line. We just ordered and Katy Perry's "Firework" came on and I dared Allie to dance around the restaurant. I told her I would give her $5 bucks if she did (she said she'd do it for free". It was going to be a win/win situation for her since she was already singing (sort of loud) and frolicking in the booth. AND SHE DID IT!!!! I have a video of it, some people were laughing with her and some people were looking at her with eyebrows down not knowing what she was doing. She is really coming out of her shell.
And finally another celebration. On February 5th it will be Mike's Anniversary for being sober for 5 years, he hasn't had a drop of alcohol, NADA, nothing, he just walked away from it. I can't even begin to explain the admiration and love I have for him. It's also going to be a 2 month Anniversary for another beautiful young woman that has been drug and alcohol free. Can we all have a round of applause for them? We have to thank God first because for the last 2 months He was and still is our pilot. I am so grateful and proud of them.
This is getting long so I will wrap it up. I have more stories of Mike and the kids, they are my world. Thank you for taking the time out and reading this. Please comment and follow me...I would really appreciate it. God Bless You and May You Bless God ~ Kristen
Saturday, January 14, 2012
What happened to 2011?
Well I hope this new year is a good one. Last year Mike and I said that 2011 was going to be our year. Yep, we said it was but it wasn't. With the difficult times we experienced it made us drop to our knees and just give it all up to God. And that is exactly what we did, that is all we could do. The month of December we really had a hard time with money, kids, family, and our own inner battles. I'm praying we rode out the storms (thanks to God), and won all those battles.
The things our family went through are truly unbelievable. I suffered 3 concussions from Feb. to Dec. My husband went through 3 jobs until the one he has now. And luckily, it is for more pay and he likes it. Sarah-Kate had to go through Hell in the month of December. But the outcome was so worth it. Allie is starting to have that peer pressure to drink and boys. She is staying strong and true to her values. Joe still is battling Marfan Syndrome of course. He had 2 laser eye surgeries in November, and now he is having trouble with his lungs. This is such a horrible disease. He loved to skateboard, I took him and his friends to different parks in the Kansas City area. But his synthetic lenses are now dislocating again and he is not able to skateboard any longer. And then there is Nate. All I want to say about that situation is we no longer speak to him until he makes some lifestyle changes.
But with all that crap we went through there is always things that went well. There were no divorces, we have our health, we all have made new friends, we found a new church, Life Church, and we all love each other. Plus, Mike and I are back on our routine of praying together everyday. The most important thing is I'm closer to God than I was at the beginning of the year. When things are going well in your life you say a real quick "Thank you" and think very litle about Jesus. But when things are bad you honestly realize and reflect that you have not had your alone prayer time with Him, you're not reading your Bible, the music you were listening to had nothing to do with God, and you just kind of let "things" happen. Well none of that for the Hansan Crew, and that makes everyone happy.
I have a feeling that 2012 is going to be a GREAT year!
The things our family went through are truly unbelievable. I suffered 3 concussions from Feb. to Dec. My husband went through 3 jobs until the one he has now. And luckily, it is for more pay and he likes it. Sarah-Kate had to go through Hell in the month of December. But the outcome was so worth it. Allie is starting to have that peer pressure to drink and boys. She is staying strong and true to her values. Joe still is battling Marfan Syndrome of course. He had 2 laser eye surgeries in November, and now he is having trouble with his lungs. This is such a horrible disease. He loved to skateboard, I took him and his friends to different parks in the Kansas City area. But his synthetic lenses are now dislocating again and he is not able to skateboard any longer. And then there is Nate. All I want to say about that situation is we no longer speak to him until he makes some lifestyle changes.
But with all that crap we went through there is always things that went well. There were no divorces, we have our health, we all have made new friends, we found a new church, Life Church, and we all love each other. Plus, Mike and I are back on our routine of praying together everyday. The most important thing is I'm closer to God than I was at the beginning of the year. When things are going well in your life you say a real quick "Thank you" and think very litle about Jesus. But when things are bad you honestly realize and reflect that you have not had your alone prayer time with Him, you're not reading your Bible, the music you were listening to had nothing to do with God, and you just kind of let "things" happen. Well none of that for the Hansan Crew, and that makes everyone happy.
I have a feeling that 2012 is going to be a GREAT year!
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