Awwww

I love my life.

I thank God for everything He's given me.

I love my goofball kids.

... even if they make Walmart trips longer than they should be.

My dog is goofy too.

But I love him just the same.

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NCO Academy Grad!

I've spent the last 6 weeks in the Noncommisioned Officer Academy (NCOA). I admit that NCOA was not what I was expecting.  I thought it was going to be a cheesy, unrealistic let's-play-leader course. Instead, I've been studying ethical leadership, joint warfighting, professional development, negotiating, and many many more lessons!  I've given briefings on religious freedom and strategic initiatives. I've made friends.  I feel as if I've grown in just a month and a half. 

The days were jam packed with lessons, we were drinking from a fire hose. The nights were ridiculously late with homework. We had briefings and papers due each week. We slept 3-5 hrs a night. Weekends were blessings!!  I slept on the weekends. 

Caden had a dental issue during the week of my first test (gum swelling from slamming into another kid during rough playing). Instead of reviewing the night before the test, I was up all night helping him cope with pain. I failed that first test. That weekend, he got some antibiotics and I had my nose in my giant book for hours each day. I rocked the final test. I scored 10 pts above the average student. Thank you, God. 

Bruce was my audience during briefing practice. He'd stare at me in confusion as I gave him 3-5 minute briefings on religious freedom and strategic initiatives. If it wasn't for the wine, I'd have been laughing the whole time. 

My class graduated yesterday. It was a great day. My boss and two of my subordinates came to attend the ceremony. I was so proud! 

Now on to the next Air Force milestone: Korea. 

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Journal-6 July

Life has taken such a turn in the past week.  My mom and stepdad flew in from Guam last Friday.  Yay!  They're just awesome.  The kids adore them.  Then Patrick, a friend I've made and whom I've been "talking to" for a couple of months now, flew in on Saturday last week.  He's amazing.  A good Christian who reflects what Christians should.  I'm a little smitten, but I'm being really slow and cautious because I fall in love fast and stupidly. 

Every day has been a blur.  Patrick's visit was amazing, we went out just to hang and talk a couple of nights.  In the day he hung with my family and me.  He's super sweet but also a little rough around the edges.  He has a soft spot for dogs, so if anything I know he has a good heart.  Dogs rock, just sayin.  He is super friendly, funny, and charming all at the same time.  And respectful.  And did I mention, Christian?  Same values, yay!  I was sad when he left, but so happy we got to visit and spend a few days getting to know each other in person.  He's a plane ride away, so we're kind of just testing our wings out here.

I've been coaching tee ball for 4-5 year olds since the middle of May and it has been the BEST thing I've led.  The kids are so much fun!  They crack me up and melt my heart.  The parents are great, they're good sports and I'm lucky to have them.  Coaching has definitely taken a toll on the kids and me since the boys are both in tee ball, different nights!  We're playing games Mondays through Thursdays and we get wiped FAST. 


Another thing that has kept us busy lately is the adoption of a kitten.  Yes, another friggin animal.  This one was dumped in a Petsmart parking lot and we couldn't just leave her there.  Sean's "Mommy Please" kind of got to me, too.  So far the addition isn't too much trouble.  She's getting along just fine with Bruce and the ferrets, but man I'm kind of running a small zoo here.  I guess I just have to keep myself in check and make sure I'm balancing everything well.

My mood right now is: Tired, happy, smitten, and filled with joy.  Even though I'm so tired lately (mentally and physically), I am so happy.  God is amazing, He's definitely keeping me in His arms.  I pray that He keeps my family under His watch and that my friends are building a relationship with Him.  I love my God.  He is my rock.

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I Was A Ninja, Really!

The boys were having a deep conversation today while I was driving. 

Sean: That car is going faster than us.

Caden: Yeah but we beat that white car. 

Sean: But that truck with the black falcon on it is getting faster!

Me: Black falcon! But I defeated him!

Caden: What?

Sean's face is showing disbelief. 

Me: I defeated him when I was... a ninja. 

Sean: A ninja?

Caden: No you didn't mom. 

Me: I did.  I didn't have a sword though. I had nunchucks. (Quick nunchuck super moves with sound effects)

Sean laughs. Caden stares at me through the rear view mirror. 

Caden: I can't believe that. 

Me: I was a cool ninja.

Sean: Whoa.

Caden: Well that truck passed us mom. 

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I'm Doing Fine

I am a single mom of two boys. 

There's no father in the picture.

It's just me. 

I'm all they have. 

And the questions people ask me.

"Who will teach them to be good men?"

It's me. 

"Who's their male role model?"

Me. 

"They need a father figure."

Well that's me too. 

I'm okay with being just me. 

I've had to do it by myself for years. 

I've been blessed when it could've been worse. 

Why is it not okay for the people who ask the question?

My boys are happy. 

They are smart. 

They are brave. 

They hold the door open for women. 

They scrape knees and climb trees. 

They beat up bad guys when they play. 

They roar. 

They sing. 

They dance. 

They fight. 

I am a single mom of two boys. 

And I'm doing just fine. 

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Amazing Wednesday

Yesterday was incredible.  The unit started the day off with yoga for our PT session.  I couldn't believe that yoga could actually make me sore!  What made it really cool was the fact that PT is usually the same thing all the time.  Sometimes we'd do a sport instead of a good work out, but for the most part things were pretty consistent.  Throwing yoga in there really surprised everyone.  I think every once in a while, change is needed.  We need to stop and do something different just to get an appreciation for a different perspective.

Later, I parked my car beside a trail and hiked a good five minutes to my office building.  About halfway through the trail, a coyote crossed right in front of me.  I stopped dead in my tracks.  I'm not familiar with coyotes and their behavior around humans.  Would he attack me?  Is there something I need to do so he doesn't attack me?  When he crossed, he trotted up a hill and stopped to look at me.  At this point, I thought it was safe to go on.  So I did for a few strides and then I stopped and looked back.  He stood there, frozen in his tracks, and stared at me.  He probably wondered the same thing about me.  Was I going to attack him?  Did he need to run?  We stood there for about thirty seconds just looking at each other.  Right now, thirty seconds seems like a flash.  But at that point, it felt as if I was in another world... forever.  I noticed things about him I wouldn't have appreciated in a picture or a TV show.  He blended in perfectly with the woods.  Patches of hair was missing on the back half of his body.  But his face.  His face was beautiful.  Wild and contemplating.  It was an amazing moment.  It was long enough for me to take a quick pic.

At the end of the day, I got to Caden's youth center and stared in awe at the sky.  Standing out from the usual beauty of sunset colors was a cross.  Yes, a cross.  I thought it was incredible.

When I reflected on the day, I was fully aware of how many gifts we are given each moment of our lives.  Stopping to appreciate them makes me realize how blessed I am.  No matter what sadness or frustration the day has held, there are small gifts all around us just waiting for us to appreciate them.  Meeting a coyote and seeing a cross in the sky are bigger and easier for me to identify as gifts, so I was reminded that these moments are rare and I have to treasure them for days when I need them the most.

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Das Boots! 2 Sept 13

Today’s Blurb

Wow.  I have been having a heck of a time waking up lately!  I suck in the mornings.  So my alarm rang at 0430 and I was thinking “Wow, okay, let me get up at 0445 so I can get the day started nice and calmly.”  Nope.  It was 5 til 0600 before I jumped out of bed in a mad dash to getting the kids up and the day started.  So much for calm.  I don’t go crazy, though.  I remember going nuts once and I felt really bad because I was actually mad and the kids didn’t do anything to cause it.  So I apologized to them and told them I was really mad at myself because I woke up late.  After that, I always let them know if I’m in a hurry but I don’t take it out on them.  The boys are such good sports about it. 

On the way to the base, Caden told the car in front of us, “Come on, car, don’t you know my mom will be late?”  Lol.  I laughed and told him, “It’s okay, Caden.  It’s not their fault I’m running late.”  Then Sean said, “Well Mommy, is it YOUR fault?”  Sigh.

Then I got to work (right on time, which is late, right?) and made it to our first-day-of-the-week 0730 meeting.  Somehow I was able to spout off a list of agenda items for the week as if I had been thinking about it all morning long.  I almost patted myself on the shoulder for appearing all smart and on top of things.

Then I had coffee and spent the day typing away.  I even had a chance to make some creative side notes during a long meeting.  At the end of the day I rushed off to the dry cleaners to drop off some uniforms.

The first day of the week is always a bit hard, isn’t it?

Kids And Their Words

Yesterday, I was doing homework on my computer in the living room while the boys were busy building Transformers and creating fight scenes.  Well, Sean really really wanted to show me what he was doing.

Sean:

Mommy, look, Optimus tore this bad guy’s arms off!

Me: 

Aww (obviously engrossed in homework)

Sean: 

No, Mommy, it’s not “Aww”

Me: 

(Turning to look at him)

What?

Sean: 

It’s not “Aww” because the bad guy is a bad guy.

Me: 

Just because he’s a bad guy doesn’t mean he’s bad… guy.  (My Wreck-It Ralph moment)

Sean: 

No, Mommy.  It’s not funny.  He’s really a bad guy and Optimus just tore his arms off.  So it’s like this:  Yeah!  Go Optimus!

 

Movie Review

The latest movie craze in my home right now is Van Helsing.  A little much for young kids, I know.  But that was a lesson fail on my behalf.  You see, Sean came up to me with the movie in his hand (he dug through the DVD binder) and told me he wanted to watch it.  I told him it was scary, and he said he wouldn’t be scared.  So I thought I won when he ran away during the opening scene.  Then he ran away during the Mr. Hyde battle.  Then he ran away during the were-wolf scene.  And then… Dracula’s brides came.  And they looked lovely.  He particularly liked the blonde that said, “Too bad, so sad,” in her sexy Transylvanian accent.  And Sean was hooked.  He quickly got over his fear and now he wants to watch the whole movie over and over again.

If you’ve seen the movie, you know it rocks anyway.  But, seriously?  Do boys really start that young?

 

Random Pic From My Camera

 

 

If you haven't noticed, I just love coffee.

I know as I get older, I will have to cut down.

But it makes everything just right.

Work bosses are tolerable.

Gossipers are ignored.

Life is good.

Highlight Story

We were at McDonald’s yesterday.  It was just the boys, a 1 yr old and a little girl.  Well, Sean decided the best way to entertain a 1 year old was to repeated run across the room and crash into a wall, dramatically falling down onto the floor.  I swear I wasn’t on drugs when I was pregnant with him.  The floor at McDonald’s scares the life out of me.  But that 1 year old sure did have a blast.  As did Sean – I think he just needed an excuse to go crazy.

Current Obsession

For years, I’ve had the Trail of Painted Ponies on my shopping list on Amazon.  I’ve never bought one because I’ve never been able to justify spending almost $40 on a decorative horse.  There’s always something else that needs to be bought.  But The Children’s Prayer Pony showed up on Amazon and I just fell in love.  It’s beautiful.  And he is sitting on my bookshelf at work right now.  I’m so happy I got him!

Go to Amazon to purchase yours!

 

 

Featured Song

I love country.  I just do.  It’s romantic.  It’s fun.  And it’s just plain country.  Trace Adkins is a friggin country genius.  This song, Hot Mama, just makes me feel… like a woman.  What can I say?  Check it out—Moms, it’ll really make you smile. 

 

Featured Book

Silent To The Bone by E.L. Konisburg

This book captivated me from the very first page.  It is easy to read, but man is it deep.  It is about a teenaged boy who is accused of harming his infant sister to the point of putting her in a coma.  His best friend, Connor, doesn’t believe he did it but the boy is not talking.  It is a very touching book even in its simple words. 

Here’s the Amazon review:

What happened on Wednesday, November 25, 2:43 P.M., Eastern Standard Time, to cause Branwell Zamborska to become mute? All anyone knows is that he called 911 because his baby sister, Nikki, had stopped breathing, and when he was unable to speak to the operator, Vivian, the English au pair, came on the line to say that Branwell had dropped the baby and shaken her. His best friend, Connor, begins visiting him at the juvenile behavioral center, where he has been sent while Nikki remains in a coma at the hospital. Working out a code they both can use, Connor begins the long process of trying to communicate with his friend to find out what really happened. With the help of his own half-sister and some canny detective work, Connor uncovers a complex, multilayered tale of human desires, adolescent confusion, and a touch of menace.

In The News

From CNN

Painting bought as part of $46 job lot is a Constable worth $390,000

So this dude bought a cardboard box full of junk for $46 at an auction.  One of the items in the box was a tiny painting.  It hid in his drawer for, like almost ever, and well.... he finds out it's worth more than $390K!  It's a painting done by John Constable.  What the friggin heck.  I'm definitely picking up yard sale shopping again.

Money Saving Tip

Use a calculator while you shop!!  When you have a constant eye on how much you're spending, while you're spending, you become very cautious about your money.  I've cut my grocery bills in half just by doing this.  You'll start to really ask yourself if you really need what you're putting in that cart.  Or if you really need that brand.  Lots of store brand items are just as good-- and you can choose to go with a name brand item if it really means a lot to you.  But seriously, bring that calculator.  Try it.  I'd love to know your thoughts after you do!

 

Random Opinion

Facebook Isn't Everything

Would you say privately to another Facebook friend something you posted on Facebook?  I know, I know.  Ponder that one for me. 

 

I've been guilty of posting a rant about something another Facebook friend posted on their page.  I didn't use his/her name.  I didn't call them out.  But I knew damn well that if he/she read it, they'd know I was talking about them and if they confronted me, all I would say is, "No not you."  We all do it.  But I lost my friendship with someone because we both disagreed with each other about something and we both posted our opinions on Facebook as if we were debating without talking to each other.  Once I lost her friendship, I realized my childish mistake. 

 

It is a common behavior when it comes to social media.  So many people fall into this mindset that just because we're behind a computer, we can't be held accountable for our actions.  But we're wrong.  If we truly love and respect our friends and family, we need to stop.  If we want to be credible, we need to stop.

 

If you have a problem with a Facebook friend, confront them privately.  Otherwise, it's almost another form of bullying.  Actually, I think it IS a form of bullying.  Calling people out on Facebook without using their names is cowardly.  It makes others feel sorry for you and rally to your side and get you to feel validated, but that other person wasn't even given the opportunity to resolve the issue.  You have brought others into your two-person conflict.  The more I write, the more I do believe it is bullying.

 

Look, I love Facebook.  I'm all over it!  It is a wonderful way to connect with family and friends.  It's a quicker way to share pictures and precious moments.  It's a way to watch your nieces and nephews grow from afar.  But it is not everything.

 

Like I said earlier, it is not a good way to vent about things another Facebook friend is doing to you.  If you have a problem with that person, handle it privately.  By putting that on Facebook, you let everyone else know -- and not only do they not need to know, they are put in a really uncomfortable position of trying to console you without getting involved.

 

Facebook is not a good way to pick on your friends about why your beliefs are right and theirs are not.  Everyone has a right to their own opinions, beliefs and values.  These things are part of their character, it is who they are.  Why take that away from them?

 

Facebook is not a good way to seek therapy.  Your friends and family love you.  And it is good to ask for advice.  But if you continually post drama and don't take advice, it comes off as attention-seeking and people get tired of trying to take care of someone whom they really can't help.  If you really need help, seek a therapist.  They really do help!

 

I'm not perfect and I slip up too.  But I believe I have grown from making these mistakes.  And I really hope others do too.  If we truly want happiness, it is in our own hands.  We can change our lives.  Others cannot do this for us.

 

I guess I'll end this on an inspirational note with a quote from Thomas Chalmers:

The grand essentials of life are something to do, something to love, something to hope for.

 

Goodnight all.

Combat Boots Mama

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Das Boots! 1 Sep 13

Holiday
Labor Day started off funny this morning.  First, Bruce decided to chase bunnies on his morning walk.  The bunnies around the apartment are hilarious.  They aren't scared of anything and when Bruce chased them, they ran until he was at the end of his leash and then they just sat there staring at him.  I just know they were laughing. 

We're going to stay home today and clean the apartment.  The boys are happy with that as long as I let them out to play.  Then we'll be doing grocery shopping... if anything is open on Labor Day.  So in summary, we're not doing anything special but we're happy with that.

Bentley's Back

Bruce ate Bentley's food (Bentley is back for a week) and Bentley got all mad and stayed in the kids' room.  Poor guy.  He's probably thinking, "I HATE that guy."  Then Bruce sulked around the living room because I scolded him.

Movie Review

The kids and I watched Epic, which is an AWESOME movie.  I just love it!  The graphics were beautiful and the characters were great.  Ronin, the commander of the leafmen, is my favorite.  Beonce did a great job in her Queen character, too.  And to be honest, after watching this movie, I found it a little hard to step on the grass. 


Ferret Story
So, we're cleaning the home today.  The ferrets will be released and free to terrorize all as soon as the cleaning is over.  Well in the living room and dining room anyway. 

I've learned that putting a baby gate up to block off the kitchen only keeps the dog out.  The ferrets have found a way in.  Squish and Carrot squeeze their little bodies through the gate and Sammy climbs over it.  I can't win.

Highlight Story
Last weekend, my brother took the boys to a playground.  Caden sat on the spinning seat and spun and spun and spun.  Until he got sick.  He walked around like a drunken zombie and had to lay in my lap until the world stopped spinning.  Shade and water helped.  And then he got back on it again.  Crazy kid.

School

School has been a little rough for Caden.  He had a friend named Dante who attended the summer program with him.  They were inseparable.  Well, Dante doesn't attend the Before And After program at the Youth Center, so Caden hasn't seen him since summer ended.  Needless to say, he has not been wanting to go to the Youth Center and he doesn't want to go to school.

Nobody Plays With Me

The Youth Center teachers and I have been spending time talking to him about making new friends and adjusting to change.  It's been a week and so far he's been feeling better about it.  He talks about all the cool things he gets to do in school.  So I think he's gonna be just fine in time.

College

As for me and college, my class is going very well.  I got a 92% on my quiz.  I was disappointed because I got a 100% last week but I guess I'll just have to get over it.  I have a Forensic Discipline paper due this Sunday, so I'm researching and outlining.  I have to choose a discipline that interests me.  I'm going with Forensic Anthropology, which is the study of skeletal remains.  This field tries to identify the remains and possibly cause of death.  The kicker:  It requires a friggin PhD.  That is discouraging because I'm 32.  By the time I get my PhD I'll be out of the military, retired, and ... older.  I'll have to find a way to get over this one.

What's Happening On Facebook

From http://rawforbeauty.com/blog/

Since I don't have my own horse and have decided that for now I will live my horse dreams vicariously through others, I follow Equipped Equine.



I follow Hiking Colorado for great information about the trails and mountain climbing around here.  This incredible pic was shared by them from  From The High Country.

What I'm Reading

When I was a teen, I just loved Christopher Pike's books.  One of my (and my lovely sister's) favorites of the author's books were The Last Vampire.  I downloaded it from Barnes & Noble.  Well, on my day off last week, I took a stab at reading it again and I have to say I had a little giggle about it.  The writing is a little on the amateur side.  However, it is still entertaining and I'm glad I bought it.  I love reading old books I used to love!

Overview

At five thousand years old, the vampire Alisa thought she was smart enough to stay out of trouble. But when her creator returns to hunt her, she must protect herself by befriending Ray, the boy who may be her only chance at finding her maker. When she begins to fall in love with Ray, all of a sudden there is more at stake than her own life. Originally published in 1994, this series netted more than 500,000 copies as individual titles and later as bind-ups. This hot new repackage will revive the series for today’s teen.

Source:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/thirst-no-1-christopher-pike/1100671909?ean=9781416983088

Buy it for $9.99

Writing Highlight

I used to write a lot more.  Lots of my stuff were dark, though, so I think it's a good thing I'm not writing as much!  My work can be found by visiting TheStormInside.webs.com.  For now, here's an oldie I did years ago:

Empty Promises

I passed you on my way to the daycare again.  My light turned green and I took the left, under the overpass.  The sky was gray and the traffic was as heavy as it normally was at five-thirty in the evening.  Impatience filled the streets.

I always expect you to be there, under the overpass.  My eyes always seem to seek you as soon as I get under.  And there you were.  Salt and pepper beard, so thick it reminds me of a dirty Santa Claus beard.  Like a beat up, crusty Santa Claus.  Covered in a dusty old olive-green jacket and some torn jeans, I see you shiver in the cold.  You stare at the cars as they pass you by.  Well, I don't know for sure if you're staring at the cars or just staring.  Deep in thought, inside yourself.

Like yesterday, the day before, and the days before then, I asked you in my  head, "Why do you live there?  How did you let yourself become a victim to the world in such a way?  Why can't you get a job?  Have you tried?  Will no one hire you?"

I asked you these things as I drove past you, wondering when I'm going to give you some spare change.  I never carry cash.  But if I had some, I'd ... what would I do?  Would I pull over under the overpass?  Would I really hand you money?

As I passed you, I focused on the traffic and fought my way to the right lane.  Trying to beat everyone else so  they don't cut me off first.  I forgot about you then.  I drove down the street and found myself at my son's daycare.  He filled me with warmth when I hugged him after missing him all day.  Little arms wrapped me around my neck as a tiny voice squealed "Mommy!"  He was the best part of my day.

On the way home, I passed you again.  This time, my toddler pointed at you from his car seat.  "Bye bye!" he called as he waved at you.  You didn't see.  Or maybe you did, but you were too cold to smile.  Too hungry to wave.

Next time, I thought in my head.  Next time I'll stop.

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Back To School!

Caden started first grade last week.  I am so excited for him!  His first day began a little rough for both of us.  He didn't even want to step into his class.  He was so shy!!  I saw tears in his eyes when he took a seat.  I thought of him all throughout the day.  I remembered what it was like being in a new class with a new teacher.  Being all alone in a room full of strangers.  But when I picked him up from the youth center, he told me he had a GREAT day!  He likes his teacher and there are several kids in his class that were in his kindergarten class.  I wanted to cry, I was so happy!  I guess the big-baby mom really is in me.

He wasn't the only one who started school last week.  Guess who else!  ME!  I'm finally back in the game.  I stopped when my divorce started four years ago and I am finally at a place in my life where I am comfortable with taking classes and working towards my degree.  And I am so friggin psyched!

I am pursuing my B.S. in Investigative Forensics and am about halfway there.  I started my Intro to Investigative Forensics class last week and had a TON of homework.  Oh my goodness.  The reading, the conference discussions, the homework assignments and the brainstorming for a paper.  All in one week.  I love it. 

So right now it is 1:32 a.m..  I've been working on homework.  I have one more assignment that's due by 11:59 p.m. tomorrow night and then I'm done.  This week I have to choose a forensic discipline I might want to work in and begin writing a paper on it.  There are only A LOT to choose from. 

Forensic pathology (dead bodies, cause of death, etc),

Forensic physical anthropology (skeletal remains, identification of corpses),

Forensic odontology (teeth, bite marks), Forensic toxicology (poisons)

and Forensic entomology (insects at death scenes).

It's challenging trying to juggle work, mommying, housework, pet care, AND school all at the same time.  But here I am blogging about it so I guess I found a way to make it work.  Yay! 

Coffee.

It gets the homework done.

That is all.

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Reflective Sunday

Sunday is the first day of the week so I thought it would be great to start the week with a quick reminder of how good my life is and how blessed I am. 

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I got hit in the face with a ball

Yup.  I sure did.  The enlisted team and I were playing wallyball.  If you've never played wallyball before, you can read about it here.  It's pretty similar to volleyball but in a racquetball court.  It's wild, crazy and sometimes painful.  But it's a lot of fun and as nonathletic as I am, I always end up enjoying it.

For the past 7 months, I'd been in charge of the team while our boss was deployed.  It has been a really interesting experience.  I've been involved with each individual member of the team both personally and professionally.  I've had to discipline in a way that doesn't take away their ability to confide in me when their personal life is affecting their work.  I've had to constantly watch myself and how I'm portraying my own values and ethics.  I can't expect the team to be prompt every day if I'm always late.  I can't hold them accountable if I myself am running from my integrity.  It's been a bit rough... but pretty rewarding as well.

Before the boss returned from his deployment, the crew decided we should spend one last hurrah together.  So we did some glow golf (awesome black light putt putt) and a laser race (you know, those lasers in high-vis banks or museums?).  We had an absolute blast!

So for PT last week, we played wallyball.  I really suck at it.  I got hit on my right boob, bruised both my wrists, and took a shot to the face.  They laughed.  But they also high-fived me.  I'm going to miss being their leader.  They're a great team.

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Summer Is Here

 

We spent the morning and early afternoon being lazy.  I loved it.  I love getting to enjoy the boys without any agenda, nothing planned, just me and them.  We laid on the couch and watched Transformers Prime on Netflix, ate breakfast, went back to watching.  The boys eventually got up to play with their Transformers toys.  I hung out with them and asked questions about their role playing.

There's this really obnoxious guy at work who irritates the crap out of me.  He asked me once, "How are you going to raise your boys to be men?  I mean, don't you think they need a male role model?"  I can't stand ignorant remarks.  Granted, this dude is super obnoxious.  Most of the time the things that come out of his mouth is used to seek attention or an attempt to gain validation of his infinite wisdom.  I didn't take his comment to heart.  I simply said, "They have God and their uncles.  I think they'll be fine."  He didn't say anything to that.  And I do remember my kids' father made a comment during our divorce.  He said, "If she raises those boys without me, they'll grow up to be pansies."  And now as I sat with my boys watching them smash their Transformers into each other with enthusiastic war cries, I had to smile to myself.  I think I'm doing pretty darn well.

I spent the early part of the afternoon repotting my flowers and sweeping my porch.  It's summer.  It's beautiful.  And I love my life.

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Friday Sunrise

Today's sunrise reminded me
that the day is brand new.
When the sun cracked through the sky
I saw the past fade
and the hurts melt away.
Worries fell asleep
and excitement crept in.
My eyes opened
to truths murmured through the sky.
And I smiled
thankful for another chance
to live purposefully
and with joy.

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How To Have A Good Day

You can make the day good by doing a headstand in the Chic-Fil-A tunnel.

Or by hanging upside down on things you're not supposed to.

By playing nicely with your brother.

By being cool in the dentist's office.

By sleeping as if the world doesn't exist.

And cuddling in blankets.

And appreciating the sky.

Most times all it takes is a smile.

Or a funny face.

 

 

A kiss!

 

A good day is easy to have.

If you choose to have it.

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