This is one of those mornings that are God given and most appreciated. Roger and I are alone and have no firm plans for the day - which means I don't have to set the alarm clock, rush to get dressed, gulp my coffee down, etc. For those of you who don't know Roger, let's just say he's a tad bit ADHA - remember the squirrel from Over the Hedge? So, when I wake up and look at the clock and realize it's just after 7:00, I roll back over to catch a few more minutes of sleep. Not my darling husband, he hits the floor running - trying his best to be quiet. So, he turns off the house alarm, lets the dogs out of their kennels, grabs a cup of coffee and then tip toes into the bedroom because he forgot his towel for the hot tub. Mind you, up until he grabbed his towel from the bedroom closet he's been as quiet as a bull in a china closet. He then tip toes out of the bedroom and closes the door - a little late, don't you think?
So, I lay there a few more minutes and then decide it's a beautiful day, the sun is shining, the birds are singing and I might as well go join him in the hot tub. I grab my towel and cup of coffee and step outside. It's the perfect morning to drink my coffee and relax in the hot tub and just chill. I'm one of those people who need that first cup of coffee in me before I start chatting with others. In fact, it's really best if you give me a wide berth until the caffeine hits my system.
I get into the hot tub and find my comfy spot and start sipping my flavored coffee - my once a week indulgence - when hubby starts peppering me with questions. There's another nail on the roof that I need to fix, do you think we should put the pond on this side of the yard or over by the fence, oh look a duck...really? Yes honey, I see the duck - now can you just sit back a moment, relax and be quiet? So, he decides to amuse himself trying to get a 1/2" piece of a stick out of the hot tub and the tsumani begins as he keeps grabbing for the stick and missing it by a fraction of an inch. About a minute after the tsumani begins, the jets go off and I am watching him chase the stick around in the bottom of the hot tub and just when he's about to finally grab it - I smile and turn the jets back on :) Sometimes, it's the little things that get you through...
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
It's Your Life
Okay, I've done everything I know to get you to start paying attention to your school work, finish your assignments, study for tests, etc. but you've decided that is not what you want to do. You would rather play your video games and stare into space than do your work. We've talked to you, to your therapist, to your school counselor, your teachers and your principal and nothing as worked.
As hard as it is, I am going to let you take this walk on your own. When you are in the 8th grade again next year, you will have only yourself to blame. I hope that your video game is worth the price you are about to pay. If, and when, you get your grades back up to passing you will get your phone back and get your computer privleges back; until then, enjoy your video games.
We all have things in our life we do not like to do, but we learn to deal with them and get the unpleasant tasks behind us so we can do what we enjoy doing. If you don't get serious pretty quickly about your grades, you will be working at a minimum paying job trying your very best to have some of the things that you want in life.
It's very hard as a parent to watch our kids make mistakes, often life altering ones; but at the same time, there are some things we can't make them do. All we can do is warn them, explain the error of their ways and then step back and let them make their own mistakes. Hopefully, they will realize that we do know what we are talking about and do whatever it takes for them to correct the problem before it negatively affects the rest of their life.
So, dear son, I have done all I can do to get your to see the error of your ways. I am now going to let you make your mistake and hopefully, learn that in order for you to be successful, you MUST do well in school.
As hard as it is, I am going to let you take this walk on your own. When you are in the 8th grade again next year, you will have only yourself to blame. I hope that your video game is worth the price you are about to pay. If, and when, you get your grades back up to passing you will get your phone back and get your computer privleges back; until then, enjoy your video games.
We all have things in our life we do not like to do, but we learn to deal with them and get the unpleasant tasks behind us so we can do what we enjoy doing. If you don't get serious pretty quickly about your grades, you will be working at a minimum paying job trying your very best to have some of the things that you want in life.
It's very hard as a parent to watch our kids make mistakes, often life altering ones; but at the same time, there are some things we can't make them do. All we can do is warn them, explain the error of their ways and then step back and let them make their own mistakes. Hopefully, they will realize that we do know what we are talking about and do whatever it takes for them to correct the problem before it negatively affects the rest of their life.
So, dear son, I have done all I can do to get your to see the error of your ways. I am now going to let you make your mistake and hopefully, learn that in order for you to be successful, you MUST do well in school.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Wish More Parents Were Like This
http://www.litefm.com/cc-common/mainheadlines3.html?feed=421220&article=9738000
I wish more parents were like this dad - unafraid of being unpopular with his daughter and her peers. He promised her if she ever did something like this again there would be consequences and he FOLLOWED THROUGH! If more parents did what this dad did, then our children would have a better chance of becoming the adults we want/expect them to be.
Another impressive thing about this video is that the girl's parents are divorced and the dad tells her that she was disrespectful of him, her stepmom AND her mom. Dad did not forget that she has both a mom and a stepmom and he expects her to show respect for both of them. At the end of the video, it shows him putting a bullet in the computer because her mom asked him to do so. This tells me that mom and dad are communicating and keeping each other informed about what their daughter is doing and each of them is supporting the other in handing out punishment and insuring their daughter is doing the right thing.
It is imperative that divorced parents work together to raise their children. They must learn to put aside their personal differences and show their children that they WILL stand together when it comes to punishment and they WILL each hold their children accountable for their actions. In order to raise our children correctly, we can't allow our feelings for an ex-spouse to get in the way of doing what's right for the child. Parents must communicate with each other about school work, broken rules, etc. and they must decide together what the punishment will be and work together and support each other in administering the punishments. They can not take this opportunity to try to be the "good" parent and try to play one parent against the other. By doing this, they show the child that they still respect the other parent and they are still working together to raise their child. It also helps the child to not play one parent against the other.
But, the most important thing is that this dad has, hopefully, taught his daughter a valuable lesson. They will be consequences when rules are broken, the parent will follow through with them and there will be no backing off.
Kudos to this dad!
I wish more parents were like this dad - unafraid of being unpopular with his daughter and her peers. He promised her if she ever did something like this again there would be consequences and he FOLLOWED THROUGH! If more parents did what this dad did, then our children would have a better chance of becoming the adults we want/expect them to be.
Another impressive thing about this video is that the girl's parents are divorced and the dad tells her that she was disrespectful of him, her stepmom AND her mom. Dad did not forget that she has both a mom and a stepmom and he expects her to show respect for both of them. At the end of the video, it shows him putting a bullet in the computer because her mom asked him to do so. This tells me that mom and dad are communicating and keeping each other informed about what their daughter is doing and each of them is supporting the other in handing out punishment and insuring their daughter is doing the right thing.
It is imperative that divorced parents work together to raise their children. They must learn to put aside their personal differences and show their children that they WILL stand together when it comes to punishment and they WILL each hold their children accountable for their actions. In order to raise our children correctly, we can't allow our feelings for an ex-spouse to get in the way of doing what's right for the child. Parents must communicate with each other about school work, broken rules, etc. and they must decide together what the punishment will be and work together and support each other in administering the punishments. They can not take this opportunity to try to be the "good" parent and try to play one parent against the other. By doing this, they show the child that they still respect the other parent and they are still working together to raise their child. It also helps the child to not play one parent against the other.
But, the most important thing is that this dad has, hopefully, taught his daughter a valuable lesson. They will be consequences when rules are broken, the parent will follow through with them and there will be no backing off.
Kudos to this dad!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Cheesy Spinach & Bacon Dip
1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained
1 lb. (16 oz.) Velveeta, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
4 oz. (1/2 of 8 oz. pkg.) Philadelphia cream cheese, cubed
1 (10 oz.) can RO*TEL diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
8 oz. bacon, cooked, crumbled
Microwave ingredients in microwaveable bowl on high 5 minutes or until Velveeta is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after 3 minutes.
1 lb. (16 oz.) Velveeta, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
4 oz. (1/2 of 8 oz. pkg.) Philadelphia cream cheese, cubed
1 (10 oz.) can RO*TEL diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
8 oz. bacon, cooked, crumbled
Microwave ingredients in microwaveable bowl on high 5 minutes or until Velveeta is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after 3 minutes.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
From www.myrecipes.com
1 15 oz. container part-skim ricotta
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1 cup grated Parmesan
1 tsp. salt
1 lb. ziti
2 25 oz. jars marina sauce - I used Emeril's
2 Tbsp fnely chopped fresh basil leaves - I used dried
2/3 cup water
Combine all three cheeses and salt in a medium bowl. Rinse ziti under cold water in a colander, allowing some water to cling to pasta. Mist inside of slow cooker with cooking spray. Place half of pasta in an even layer over bottom of cooker. Pour one jar of marina sauce over pasta. Dot with half of cheese mixture and half of basil. Repeat with remaining pasta, sauce, cheese and basil. Pour water over top. Cover and cook on high until pasta is tender, 2-3 hours.
1 15 oz. container part-skim ricotta
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1 cup grated Parmesan
1 tsp. salt
1 lb. ziti
2 25 oz. jars marina sauce - I used Emeril's
2 Tbsp fnely chopped fresh basil leaves - I used dried
2/3 cup water
Combine all three cheeses and salt in a medium bowl. Rinse ziti under cold water in a colander, allowing some water to cling to pasta. Mist inside of slow cooker with cooking spray. Place half of pasta in an even layer over bottom of cooker. Pour one jar of marina sauce over pasta. Dot with half of cheese mixture and half of basil. Repeat with remaining pasta, sauce, cheese and basil. Pour water over top. Cover and cook on high until pasta is tender, 2-3 hours.
Dear Daughter, Part 2
Dear Daughter,
I hope you weren't too upset when you got to the church retreat and realized I had repacked for you. Always know that when I ask you to do what you think "is right", I will check to see that you made the right decision. And I will do whatever is necessary to insure you are doing the right thing. I really hope that you learn some things about yourself and God this weekend and that one day you understand that I do the things I do because I love you and want what's best for you and your brothers.
It's not easy being a mom and I will make mistakes along the way but they will be unintentional - I would never deliberately hurt you. And, even if you don't believe it, I was your age at one time. I know it's difficult but it can be a lot of fun as well. I will be there beside you every step of the way to help you stay on the right path and I will always love you - even on the days that I don't like you very much.
I love you and pray for you,
Mom
I hope you weren't too upset when you got to the church retreat and realized I had repacked for you. Always know that when I ask you to do what you think "is right", I will check to see that you made the right decision. And I will do whatever is necessary to insure you are doing the right thing. I really hope that you learn some things about yourself and God this weekend and that one day you understand that I do the things I do because I love you and want what's best for you and your brothers.
It's not easy being a mom and I will make mistakes along the way but they will be unintentional - I would never deliberately hurt you. And, even if you don't believe it, I was your age at one time. I know it's difficult but it can be a lot of fun as well. I will be there beside you every step of the way to help you stay on the right path and I will always love you - even on the days that I don't like you very much.
I love you and pray for you,
Mom
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Dear Daughter
Dear Daughter,
You are going to a church youth retreat - you need to unpack your short shorts that you can only wear in the house when you are in the upstairs "girls only" area, shirts that you are constantly having to worry about the neckline showing something you do not want to show are not acceptable, you do not need 2 books, pens to draw with, iPod, cell phone, etc. You are going to make new friends and learn about God's love, not to post on Facebook, read, draw, etc. Last I heard, God was NOT on Facebook and doesn't have a cell phone number for texting or an email address for emails - you actually have to talk to him to communicate!
The only book you will need this weekend is the Bible - lots of good stories and lessons are contained in this great book. I understand there are no vampires, but you'll survive for 2 days and maybe even learn something.
I hope that one of these days you understand, but even if you don't, you are going to live by our rules and you will NOT go out of the house looking like a 13 year old hooker/tramp!
You are going to a church youth retreat - you need to unpack your short shorts that you can only wear in the house when you are in the upstairs "girls only" area, shirts that you are constantly having to worry about the neckline showing something you do not want to show are not acceptable, you do not need 2 books, pens to draw with, iPod, cell phone, etc. You are going to make new friends and learn about God's love, not to post on Facebook, read, draw, etc. Last I heard, God was NOT on Facebook and doesn't have a cell phone number for texting or an email address for emails - you actually have to talk to him to communicate!
The only book you will need this weekend is the Bible - lots of good stories and lessons are contained in this great book. I understand there are no vampires, but you'll survive for 2 days and maybe even learn something.
I hope that one of these days you understand, but even if you don't, you are going to live by our rules and you will NOT go out of the house looking like a 13 year old hooker/tramp!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Kid Friendly Squash
3 yellow "crookneck" squash
3 zucchini
salt
pepper
garlic powder
onion powder
The squash and zucchini were approximately 6-8 inches long and about 2 inches in diameter. I cut all of the squash in rounds and tried to keep them about 1/4 inches wide; keeping them the same width helps them to cook more evenly. I then sprayed a non stick 10 inch skillet with olive oil and put all of the squash in the pan and sprinkled it with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder to taste. I then lightly sauted the squash for about 20-25 minutes, spritzing with olive oil as needed.
This is very easy and despite the fact that all three kids were hesitant about trying it, they all did and ended up going back for seconds!
3 zucchini
salt
pepper
garlic powder
onion powder
The squash and zucchini were approximately 6-8 inches long and about 2 inches in diameter. I cut all of the squash in rounds and tried to keep them about 1/4 inches wide; keeping them the same width helps them to cook more evenly. I then sprayed a non stick 10 inch skillet with olive oil and put all of the squash in the pan and sprinkled it with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder to taste. I then lightly sauted the squash for about 20-25 minutes, spritzing with olive oil as needed.
This is very easy and despite the fact that all three kids were hesitant about trying it, they all did and ended up going back for seconds!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Make New Friends, But Keep The Old
How many times have you heard that saying? Have you ever really stopped and thought about it? I have many acquaintances, but just a few really good, true friends. My friends come in all age groups from their early 20s to their late 70s but each one of my "true" friends brings something special into my life.
I have kept up with friends I had while growing up in Little Rock through FaceBook and Pinterest and after all these years, I find that we still have a lot of interests in common. We share a lot of childhood/teenage years memories and experiences, but even though I haven't seen some of these people in over 20 years I still find that we have some of the same likes and dislikes, pet peeves, etc. I keep saying that one day I'll go back and meet some of them for dinner one night, but for whatever reason I keep putting it off. Maybe this year, I'll actually do it.
I am going to dinner tonight with a group of friends that I met at my last job. We worked together for several years and many of us have moved on to other jobs, but a group of us still get together once a month to eat dinner and play catch up. These are the ladies that were with me when I went through a bad break up, was a single mom trying to raise two teens, lost my dad to cancer and they were there when I started dating the man who later became my husband. They have been through hell and back with me and we have history together. We know each other's deepest, darkest secrets and would drop everything to be beside the other one if they needed us. These women have become the sisters I never had.
In my current job, I work with another group of amazing women. I haven't known these women as long, but they have become friends. We share a lot of our day to day activities and problems with one another and are there for support when we're needed. These ladies are the ones who were there for me when my son left for boot camp and AIT, when my daughter moved away from home to attend college and they were there when I married my husband and took my first vacation in over 10 years.
I guess the old adage of everyone is in your life for a season is a true statement. I've had some "friends" who were in my life for a while and then we just drifted away from one another. Sometimes life got in the way; children's activities, school, moves, etc. Sometimes we just grew away from each other because the situation that introduced us was resolved and what was left was just not enough to keep us close. We might still run into each other and say "hi" but we will never be as close as we once were and that's okay - we served our "season" with each other and have both moved on. No hard feelings on either side just really not enough history to keep us close.
Whatever the reason for your friends and the length of their "season" enjoy them while they are an active part of your life. Thank God for bringing your friends into your life and, when you get a chance, thank them for being a part of your life.
I have kept up with friends I had while growing up in Little Rock through FaceBook and Pinterest and after all these years, I find that we still have a lot of interests in common. We share a lot of childhood/teenage years memories and experiences, but even though I haven't seen some of these people in over 20 years I still find that we have some of the same likes and dislikes, pet peeves, etc. I keep saying that one day I'll go back and meet some of them for dinner one night, but for whatever reason I keep putting it off. Maybe this year, I'll actually do it.
I am going to dinner tonight with a group of friends that I met at my last job. We worked together for several years and many of us have moved on to other jobs, but a group of us still get together once a month to eat dinner and play catch up. These are the ladies that were with me when I went through a bad break up, was a single mom trying to raise two teens, lost my dad to cancer and they were there when I started dating the man who later became my husband. They have been through hell and back with me and we have history together. We know each other's deepest, darkest secrets and would drop everything to be beside the other one if they needed us. These women have become the sisters I never had.
In my current job, I work with another group of amazing women. I haven't known these women as long, but they have become friends. We share a lot of our day to day activities and problems with one another and are there for support when we're needed. These ladies are the ones who were there for me when my son left for boot camp and AIT, when my daughter moved away from home to attend college and they were there when I married my husband and took my first vacation in over 10 years.
I guess the old adage of everyone is in your life for a season is a true statement. I've had some "friends" who were in my life for a while and then we just drifted away from one another. Sometimes life got in the way; children's activities, school, moves, etc. Sometimes we just grew away from each other because the situation that introduced us was resolved and what was left was just not enough to keep us close. We might still run into each other and say "hi" but we will never be as close as we once were and that's okay - we served our "season" with each other and have both moved on. No hard feelings on either side just really not enough history to keep us close.
Whatever the reason for your friends and the length of their "season" enjoy them while they are an active part of your life. Thank God for bringing your friends into your life and, when you get a chance, thank them for being a part of your life.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Easy Chicken Enchiladas
One of our favorite meals and it's easy and economical!
4 chicken breasts, cut up and browned
1 pound Monterey jack cheese, sliced
10 flour burritoes, fajita size
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 can RoTel
First, brown chicken after seasoning with salt and pepper.
Mix 2 cans cream of chicken soup and 1 can of RoTel.
Set up assembly line with burrito shells, cheese, chicken and a 11x13 pan sprayed lightly with Pam.
Place several pieces of chicken and 2 slices of cheese on the tortilla shell and then roll up burrito style.
After you finish, it should look like this.
Pour soup mixture over enchiladas making sure you cover all the surfaces of the burrito shell completely with the mixture. This prevents you from having "hard" spots on your enchiladas.
Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Enjoy! This fed my husband, me, and three teenagers. Total cost of the meal was approximately $9.37 after using coupons and buying ingredients on sale and I got the burrito shells at a local bread store on the mark down table. Price per person was $1.87.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Teenage Girls and Modesty
I do not understand nor do I like the fashions that are "popular" for teenage girls at this time. I was taught that young ladies do not show certain parts of their body to everyone who can see them. My parents did not allow me to wear anything that showed too much of my chest area, my stomach, too much leg, etc. I was also not allowed to wear anything that showed any part of my underwear, including bra straps, panty lines or anything that was considered an undergarmet.
I am not a prude, but the fashions for young teen girls today are geared toward making girls look much older than they are, showing too much skin and not leaving anything to the imagination. We have a 13 year old daughter and it is a constant battle to find clothes that she likes and that her father and I approve of and will let her wear in public.
What happened to teaching our children about modesty? There is nothing wrong with not showing all your "assets" to anyone who happens to be looking. Wanting to wear your shirts so low cut that your cleavage is showing or half your boob is hanging out is NOT acceptable at 13 years old. Neither is wearing your shorts so short your butt is hanging out nor is wearing a skirt so short that everytime you move someone gets a panty shot.
We are trying very hard to teach our daughters about modesty and dressing/acting like a young lady and it is extremely difficult. Society is trying to push our daughters to grow up too fast and to act and dress like they are 4-5 years older than they are. They need to enjoy their teenage years and not be in such a hurry to grow up.
Take a look at your teen's FaceBook page and look at the clothing being worn by your children's friends and the pictures they post. If you really look, I think you will be very suprised and disappointed in the direction our teens are taking. I do not find it acceptable for a teenage girl to post provocative pictures or videos of herself on any social network. I will continue to monitor her FaceBook account and look at pictures her friends post. If I find it offensive, I will ask her to delete the post and ask her friends not to post these things on her wall. If the offensive behavior continues, I will then ask her to delete and block this friend from her friends' list.
We, as parents, must be diligent in watching our children and their activities and try to keep them safe and to let them be children for as long as we can. So, I challenge you to take a moment and really spend some time looking at your children's FaceBook page, text messages, etc. and talk with them about what is appropriate and what is not. Their safety and innocence depends on us being diligent and informed parents.
I am not a prude, but the fashions for young teen girls today are geared toward making girls look much older than they are, showing too much skin and not leaving anything to the imagination. We have a 13 year old daughter and it is a constant battle to find clothes that she likes and that her father and I approve of and will let her wear in public.
What happened to teaching our children about modesty? There is nothing wrong with not showing all your "assets" to anyone who happens to be looking. Wanting to wear your shirts so low cut that your cleavage is showing or half your boob is hanging out is NOT acceptable at 13 years old. Neither is wearing your shorts so short your butt is hanging out nor is wearing a skirt so short that everytime you move someone gets a panty shot.
We are trying very hard to teach our daughters about modesty and dressing/acting like a young lady and it is extremely difficult. Society is trying to push our daughters to grow up too fast and to act and dress like they are 4-5 years older than they are. They need to enjoy their teenage years and not be in such a hurry to grow up.
Take a look at your teen's FaceBook page and look at the clothing being worn by your children's friends and the pictures they post. If you really look, I think you will be very suprised and disappointed in the direction our teens are taking. I do not find it acceptable for a teenage girl to post provocative pictures or videos of herself on any social network. I will continue to monitor her FaceBook account and look at pictures her friends post. If I find it offensive, I will ask her to delete the post and ask her friends not to post these things on her wall. If the offensive behavior continues, I will then ask her to delete and block this friend from her friends' list.
We, as parents, must be diligent in watching our children and their activities and try to keep them safe and to let them be children for as long as we can. So, I challenge you to take a moment and really spend some time looking at your children's FaceBook page, text messages, etc. and talk with them about what is appropriate and what is not. Their safety and innocence depends on us being diligent and informed parents.
Monday, January 16, 2012
No More Diluted Coffee
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Daily Reminders
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Quiet
Some days you just have to choose to be quiet and listen. Listen to God speak to you, listen to your children interact with one another and with others on the phone. You never know what you may learn...
Monday, January 9, 2012
Choosing to be a Parent
Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs/responsibilities any person could ever have; but God willing, it is also one of the most rewarding. Some people choose to become a parent, for others it is not planned. But whether you became a parent by choice or it was unplanned, at some point you have to make the choice to either be your children's friend or their parent.
Choosing to be a friend to your children is easy, you don't have to tell them "no", you don't have to teach them responsibilities and you don't have to punish them when they make the wrong choice by lying, stealing, etc. You can re-live your childhood (or the one you wanted to have) through them. You can let them dress the way you wish your parents would have let you dress; you can be the popular parent and be the place where your children's friends want to hang out because you let them drink, smoke, do drugs or any thing else they want to do; and you can leave them to their own devices so you can go to the casino, bar, a date or where ever you want. The problem is that your child will like you, but they most likely will not respect you AND they will not learn the values that will take them far in life.
Choosing to be a parent to your children is hard; you have to tell them "no", set rules and guidelines and follow through with consequences for wrong decisions. You have to sacrifice doing some of the things you want to do in order to be home when they have friends over, you have to sacrifice a nap in order to take them to the mall and STAY with them. You have to be their friend on Facebook and watch their posts, comments, etc. Today's culture is so technologically advanced that you, as a parent, have to monitor everything.
Trying to teach your child responsibilities, morals, modesty, appropriate body language, etc. requires your full time viligance. It's hard to tell your children "no" and even harder when you have to punish them for not following your rules. They are going to say they hate you, and at the time, they probably do; however, as they grow older they will (hopefully) appreciate the lessons you've taught them along the way and will become the responsible adult they were meant to me.
So, it's your choice - are you going to be a parent or a friend to your children? We chose to be parents and hope you do too!
Choosing to be a friend to your children is easy, you don't have to tell them "no", you don't have to teach them responsibilities and you don't have to punish them when they make the wrong choice by lying, stealing, etc. You can re-live your childhood (or the one you wanted to have) through them. You can let them dress the way you wish your parents would have let you dress; you can be the popular parent and be the place where your children's friends want to hang out because you let them drink, smoke, do drugs or any thing else they want to do; and you can leave them to their own devices so you can go to the casino, bar, a date or where ever you want. The problem is that your child will like you, but they most likely will not respect you AND they will not learn the values that will take them far in life.
Choosing to be a parent to your children is hard; you have to tell them "no", set rules and guidelines and follow through with consequences for wrong decisions. You have to sacrifice doing some of the things you want to do in order to be home when they have friends over, you have to sacrifice a nap in order to take them to the mall and STAY with them. You have to be their friend on Facebook and watch their posts, comments, etc. Today's culture is so technologically advanced that you, as a parent, have to monitor everything.
Trying to teach your child responsibilities, morals, modesty, appropriate body language, etc. requires your full time viligance. It's hard to tell your children "no" and even harder when you have to punish them for not following your rules. They are going to say they hate you, and at the time, they probably do; however, as they grow older they will (hopefully) appreciate the lessons you've taught them along the way and will become the responsible adult they were meant to me.
So, it's your choice - are you going to be a parent or a friend to your children? We chose to be parents and hope you do too!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Pantry Reorganization
Yesterday, was my pantry reorganization day. I was tired of everything being jumbled up in my pantry and not being able to tell what and/or how much of any of the staples I use on a regular basis. I went to Hobby Lobby and purchased 2 sets of inexpensive metal buckets and the result was much more room in the pantry and everything is easier to see - including how many of each thing I have on hand. Total cost was under $20.00 and less than an hour.
How does this relate to choices? I chose to do something I've been putting off for quite a while AND it will save me time and money in the long run by not having to search for things and not buying items that I do not need!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Mom's Christmas Gift
My mother bought me a book of daily devotions call Jesus Calling Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young for Christmas. Yesterday after posting my first blog, I decided to read the devotions for January 1 and 2. The devotion for January 2 was about spending time talking with God on a daily basis and not letting life get in the way of my relationship with God. The lines that really caught my attention were about sacrificing time for these daily devotionals and it ended with, "You have chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from you." How appropriate that I have made the choice to be aware of my decisions/choices during 2012 and the devotional stated that I have chosen what was right and it would not be taken away from me.
I have made the choice for 2012 to spend time with God each and every day and nothing will take this away from me. What choices will you make that God promises he will not take away from you?
I have made the choice for 2012 to spend time with God each and every day and nothing will take this away from me. What choices will you make that God promises he will not take away from you?
Monday, January 2, 2012
2012 - Year of Choices
2012 will be the year that I focus on choices I make - whether it is eating correctly, exercising, time management or whatever I decide to do - I will have a choice to do it. I work full time outside our home, have three stepchildren, two children, a wonderful husband, two cats and two dogs. My time is very busy and I rarely have/make time for myself to do the things I not only need to do but the things I enjoy doing.
This year I will focus on making time to do some of the things I enjoy and maybe some things I don't necessarily enjoy but are necessary - such as eating properly and exercising. Join me as I learn to make the right choices for me and, hopefully, become a stronger, healthier woman as I make this journey.
This year I will focus on making time to do some of the things I enjoy and maybe some things I don't necessarily enjoy but are necessary - such as eating properly and exercising. Join me as I learn to make the right choices for me and, hopefully, become a stronger, healthier woman as I make this journey.
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