God's Creature

Check out this beautiful bird. Just minutes ago, the boys and I were in our backyard watching in amazement and worry. Owls are nocturnal so this big guy was definitely disoriented. He flew from tree to tree and then a group of black birds starting attacking him. Nature is brutal! We hope the best for him and we're thankful that we got an up close look at one of God's creatures.

New Website on Skin Cancer

I'm working on another site to share the story of my experience with skin cancer. I've had 2 surgeries this year and I'm probably facing more. Please share this advice with your loved ones and especially younger people... Beware of the sun. Check out my website. I've got a couple of links on this page so you can find it easily. I only just started writing and I hope to get it up to date soon, so keep checking back.

Lesson for my 10 year old and me

Up early this morning. It's 7am, must get the flower bed weeded before the sun blisters overhead. Yes, it's summer, and the boys feel entitled to sleep in. "I got some news for you!!!" So anyway, my 13 year old, Carson, gets right up and gets to work. They were told that breakfast would come after we get done. To make a long story short, my youngest son, Chandler, works slowly or hardly works at all and finally starts complaining about not being fed yet. Whining that he would work no more without breakfast. This kid is 10! It's time he stopped acting like he's 4. What would you do?
I left him there and went on with my business. At some point he disappeared and we later found him back in bed. Still no breakfast. Carson and I finished up our work leaving Chandler's work undone. I went to his room and instructed that there would be no food until his chores were done. Of course he scowled at me, so I had to bring up the starving children in Africa. I hate doing that. Why can't kids in the U.S. be grateful!?
Ok, so Carson and I got cleaned up and started breakfast with Glynis the baby. It worked! Something clicked and Chandler's attitude changed. I'm so glad I didn't give in to him. He went out, did his work, came in and fixed his breakfast. He even smiled apologetically and helped me with the baby.
I suppose part of Chandler's problem is my fault. He was our baby for 10 years and I treated him as such.
So, if you're parenting today, keep that in mind. It's hard to break a 10 year old of those baby ways. Start earlier than I did!!

A Random Day w/ 4 kids

My oldest son is off on a mission trip in Bluefield, VA so why then do I still have 4 kids?

I'll tell you why, because Chandler's friend Ryan is here! We decided to spend our morning at Garden Ridge. In case you don't know what it is, it's a huge home decor/craft store, check it out...http://www.gardenridge.com/default.asp

We spent a good hour strolling up and down the isle. Looking at fish pillows, magnificent works of art, scary things for Halloween, toys, mirrors and way more. I did have a goal in mind. I was hoping to check out their sale on outdoor furniture. All we left with though was a wooden-like solar powered figure to sit in the back yard and also 4 toy foam swords. I spent $30! Argh!

What you'll find here

Blogging: I realize the risks of writing a blog. The risk of mentioning people or events that could hurt or insult someone. I will do my very best to never step over that boundary. I will keep things mostly anonymous, but don't be surprised if you recognize yourself in one of my stories. I'd like my blog to be helpful, to give insight, to raise questions for discussion within your family or just within your own heart.
I'm a grown up, but all the time I am faced with things that I don't really know how to handle. I pray, I go to my husband, I talk it out with my Mom or a friend. I even go to the Internet...shame on me. :)

So....RANDOM...that's a popular word with teens recently and it's really grown on me too. Partly because my life is so overloaded sometimes that the weirdest things just pop into my head. My 13 year old says this to me often..."that was really random, Mom." I like being random! It's keeps people on their toes. You should try it.

Time to make dinner I suppose

Ok, it's after 5pm now. I should go cook up some din-din. We're having enchiladas tonight. Just check out Old El Paso enchilada sauce and you'll find the recipe that I'm using on the back of the can. http://www.bettycrocker.com/products/old-el-paso/Old-El-Paso-Landing-Page.htm
MMMM Good!

I promise that tomorrow I'll have more interesting information on my posts. Today is just a trial run. I'm hoping somewhere in the world, someone will send me a comment in the next few days to give me some inspiration.
How about a picture? Here's one you might like....
My Daughter started walking this week!

Trying this out

Wanted to see how this embedding thing works... this is Cole singing at school

Baby Crying!

How many can relate to this...baby crying in the living room and teenagers arguing in another room.
Yes, I have a 16 year old, 13 year old, a 10 year old and a 1 year old. What a gap? I'm finding that it's not as uncommon as I thought. I met a man yesterday at the pool. He has a 27 year old and a 4 year old. What are we thinking?
Ok, so with me I married at 22, had 3 children within about 6 years. Divorced when I was 30, remarried a great guy and voila...another kid. :)
I plan to write more details in posts to come, but that's the condensed version.

Here I Am

Today! Tuesday! After months and months! Baby is sleeping. Boys are playing. I'm starting my blog!!