Two Down, Two to go

I am back to blogging. As all of you know I write like I talk. That means there will be a lot of misspellings and punctuation errors. Just go with the flow!

Two down Two to Go.

I am 41 years old and seriously cannot believe that I am sitting here in the shop because its the only place with real internet. I have four teenagers. From 19 to 17 years old. Huge span huh? I feel as though I am missing a huge part of our lives already. Jackson joined the military back in April and Cassandra left for UC Davis this last week. Still in the house is Joshua and Jason but man does it seem quiet.

For a mom who loves their children its kind of always a good and bad thing when the kids call because they are homesick. Especially when they are calling a couple times a day. In a way you think to yourself that you  must of done something right because they actually miss being at home. Then other times you feel as if you have done something wrong because they are missing you too much. Did I teach them to be independent enough?

Why is it that no matter how your kids are doing you always feel you could be doing better with them? I mean seriously they both are doing well and decided to go somewhere after college that will get them somewhere in life.

Jackson did great in basic training. He is just finishing his school of Advanced Individual Training and scored a 91 percent. I mean that is amazing. He knows it too and knows that he is doing better now then he even did in High School.

Cassandra got a full ride to UC Davis. She called crying missing the family and worried she wouldn't do well in classes. I knew once the class actually started she would be happier and know she could do it. Classes started. She is happier lol.

So I have two down so to speak and two more kids to go. Its so much more quiet in the house with just two of them left. Its going to go by way too fast too. Joshua is a Senior this year and then next will be Jason who will be one next year. Where has the time gone?

I just cant get over the fact that some day the kids wont need me anymore. Then I have to stop and say "hey not even true" to myself because if my mom was still alive I would still need her. Thankfully I have my MIL or my Father to go to if I still need help.

This Season seems to be an exciting but tough one for me. Most parent cant wait for this stage in life. I am just helping my kids to keep growing and keep becoming independent while staying in their lives even from a distance.

I know the kids miss us as much as we miss them. Soon in a span of two years all four of the kids will be out of the house starting to live their own lives. For now I will text two of them daily to see how they are doing. And the other two seem to think they will get away with murder because we want to spend more time with them lol.

The one thing I do know is no matter what happens in my kids lives I will always be there for them. They each have a part of my heart and soul. I have my own life but if they ever need us I will stop whatever I am doing to help them.

Excited for their new lives and for growing up into amazing young men
and woman.

Love you always, Rae (mom)

College already? She is just a Senior!

I am seriously freaking out. Wouldn't you? Ok, as most of you know I have four teenagers. Jackson graduated last year but we didn't do applications for school or scholarships as he is going in the US Army. I love the fact he is going to serve our country and get a great job Welding. I mean heck they give you every certificate so when he decides to leave the Military he will have a great paying job. I am so proud of him!!

Next is Cassie. She wants to go to a UC school. She also wants to be a Nurse. Its amazing how much UC Davis or UC Irvine or UCLA is! I mean MAN!!!! Its crazy!!!!

Cassie thankfully has the grades to get into those schools. She has a 4.14 GPA. Today we literally spent hours upon hours doing the application to the UC schools. It amazes me that she is a Senior ....Its ONLY almost OCTOBER and we are having to turn in all applications by Nov. 1st! How are parents suppose to know this stuff? I am so glad today we decided to sit down and start looking for scholarships for whatever nursing program she decides to go into. She would like to get a Bachelor in Sciences for Nursing.

I actually pulled my other two boys into the kitchen today to talk to them about what Colleges are asking for. Its not JUST GPA but also extracurricular activities, Awards, Jobs, Volunteering for your community, and much much more. Seriously you have to be an all around child to get into College these days. It was cute to see the boys talking about what they have already been doing and what they were going to add just to be able to get into college in a couple years.

This year Cassie graduates, next year is Joshua and the year after that is Jason. I swear by the time Jason graduates I will be totally a pro at this! You need a scholarship! Bam here is one! You want to get into what college? Oh I know the deadline! Bam! :) I cant help but to laugh at myself.

I feel like everyone can get into some sort of College or University. There are so many programs to help pay. Even Scholarships! Did you know we filled out a scholarship because Cassie's Great Great Grandfather was in WW1 for more than 4 months. YES THEY EVEN HAVE A SCHOLARSHIP FOR THAT! Crazy huh!

I am thankful I have good kids. We are lucky this year with Cassie since she does always have straight A's. She also has played sports (Volleyball, Basketball and Softball). She has been on ASB and also Class President and Leadership. She has worked during the summers and all our kids have always volunteered in our community. Makes me feel good like we are doing a semi good job. All our kids have always gotten good to great grades, sports, working and volunteering. Oh and lets not forget they do have plenty of time to be crazy teenagers too (and even sleep in). Totally off the subject but I probably am the only mom in Big Valley that has a 930 bedtime for my kids. Ten o'clock if your a Senior. I think with all the stuff the kids do they need to have good sleep!

Anyways, I am excited and yet a little nervous about the up and coming months to get this all done. I hope that Cassie and I are organized enough to get everything done in a timely fashion. You should see how many things are on my calendar now just for deadlines. Man! Deadlines! Yikes!

Its kind of fun though because you are spending time with your child. Each year I will have that time with each of my boys too. By the time Jason Graduates I am going to be a pro~!

Pray for us so we get into the right schools for what she wants to accomplish in life. If you know of any Scholarships opportunities please make sure to write to me in the comments! We could always use the help!

Tuesday will be the ending of the Gift Certificate to Starbucks Entries. So make sure to comment to get more tries for yourself. Sorry I didn't blog for two days but I had migraines! Hate those!

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BAD MOMS (no spoiler)

I have been wanting to see this movie forever. A bunch of us planned on seeing it at our own screening but that feel through because well....we are moms and everyone is busy. I did end up seeing it thought two days in a row. Yes...I saw it twice. I laughed just as much the second time as I did the first!!

The first day I went with my friend Christy, MIL and she invited some fun friends as well. We went to Mexican and then the movie. It was GREAT! Laughed so hard I thought I might pee myself.

The second day I finally talked my friend Megan into going. Cassie and I went and picked her up and away we went. It was interesting because the first time I saw it I was not going to take Cassie but then I realized I have to let go a little because in a month she is 18. She probably hears worse at school. Actually I know she does.

I laughed just as much the second time as I did the first!

Now lets get to the nitty gritty of this blog!!

I loved this movie because it really showed that no mom is perfect. NO MOM!! That everyone has dirt on them in some way or another. It also shows how much us moms care about our kids and try to do our best. Not the "best" of someone else's standards but to OUR best! It shows you no matter what your kid is doing, even when they drive you crazy... that we still love them very much! It even showed that realisticly  we should be not judging others. We don't know what's going on in their lives.

Now this may not be a God movie and maybe a lot of Christians wouldn't go to this movie (or maybe they would....I am not judging) but it really showed me some similarities.

Who knows I will probably be judged for writing this but just know that we all have different views on things. I took some of what I saw and laughed at it because I could relate to it in the movie and thought about it in the Christian sense too.

Treat others as you would want to be treated. Lets try and stop judging. I know I do it too and I am always working on it. Does it matter if you bring donut holes to a bake sale or you spent hours making cupcakes yourself? As long as the money is going to your kids right? I am not saying that those beautiful cupcakes didn't take you a long time and that you aren't awesome for it but the person who is working a lot and maybe who doesn't have time to make cupcakes instead  grabs the donut holes is just as amazing.

Lets stop judging. I mean seriously none of us like to be judged. We all know how it feels to be judged in life. None of us has escaped judgment I assure you.

Being Vulnerable and Real and Raw is okay! Personally I love my friends who can tell me their real stuff. It makes me feel more normal. I feel more connected to them. I even feel like I have a deeper friendship because they are willing to share with me their REALNESS and RAWNESS. If you aren't that way though....I get that too. Not gonna judge!

We all love our children. We all do it in different ways too. If you think about it though and look at all your friends whom you love dearly and who love you dearly......they ALL came from different backgrounds and were raised differently. That's what makes us unique. We love our children we just love them in different ways. Even if its the ones who loves them enough to give them up so they can be loved by someone else even more so.

I really loved the message in this movie. To be honest I loved that I could laugh at situations too. I saw myself in so many of them. In the end though....we are all bad moms. In the sense of NON of us are perfect. Its just not going to ever happen. I know I will keep trying my best but that's all I can ever do is MY best.

Hope I don't get judged just by this blog:)

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Morning Brain Fog

Have you ever woken up and still felt like you were asleep? Yep...that's how I feel. I have gotten dressed, put on make up (ok so I only wear eyeliner and mascara but its still something) and made a cup of tea and I still feel like I am sleeping. My hair is a mess still as you can see because doing it seems like too much work right now.

Lets be honest...how many days would you just like to have nothing to do in the morning? I woke up at 615 with the kids and by 7 I was thinking what would another hour of sleep hurt. So I slept another hour. Now I am up and feel like walking around not really accomplishing much.

This blog really isn't about anything in particular just my thoughts of this morning. You know after I just folded the kids laundry this morning I was thinking...Why is it they give it to me right before bed? Do your kids do that too? Usually they do their own laundry but lately I just have been doing it for them so I don't have to wait on the washer for my own clothes. Seriously....Do your kids give you laundry right before their  bedtime and tell you that they need a clean this or that the next morning? I seriously was thinking of going to bed when they did but NOOOO I had to stay up till it was done so I could put it into the dryer ha!

I guess I am trying to figure out if this or that is normal to other people. Like for me every morning whatever has been bothering me maybe that week is the first thought on my mind. WHAT THE HECK! Like I want to wake up to something that has been on my mind enough. I automatically say NO. And yes I say it out loud. Then lets be real I go to use the restroom and check my facebook. Oh don't think of me as a weirdo I bet you do too. Well unless you have a huge computer then maybe only half of you do:) After washing my hands....yes I wash my hands at my house too...I start reading a devotion or two or three. I think reading my Bible App really helps to ground me in the morning. If I don't read it somehow I feel like my day isn't just right.

So here I am sitting here now thinking of all the stuff I have to do today. Thankfully it may be chores but its fun stuff because its about getting our new land and house put together. Yep! I feel like an adult! Maybe I should get to it since for the last couple minutes in between sips of tea (didn't feel like coffee this morning) I am looking at an empty kitchen since I have been packing, a huge bag of carrots my husband ALWAYS buys and forgets to give to the horses, and two basketfuls of laundry that my kids can take up themselves when they get home.

So what was this blog about today. Well kind of nothing. I guess I just wanted to be real and talk with you guys over a cup of tea or coffee. I often wonder who actually reads these? If you do and dare to show yourself leave a comment. It would be great to say hi! Oh and I am sorry I write like how I talk. Okay actually maybe I am not sorry since I don't have to worry about punctuation which is nice.

I am starting to slowly come out of my morning fog. Maybe I should actually do my hair for the day and get a going. Just wanted to say hi to anyone to reads this and hopefully I will get a hi back!

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Paper Plate kind of Day

Today has been a paper plate kind of day. That is literally one step higher than a Pizza night for me:) MIL and I have been busy today with packing, permits for construction, etc etc.

It was a good day. Actually I got to spend it mainly with my MIL (Mother in Law). Love spending time with her because well...its easy. We talk, laugh and sometimes just drive without talking. That last part usually doesn't happen that often just because well...I am a talker! She probably sits there and listens more than talk ha!

We had a lot of errands to run today. Some of the stuff was 50 minutes away just because of where we are. We ran into one of our friends though which was neat and had a moment to chat with her. HELEN WE LOVE YOU! Its nice when everyone has a busy life but you make time to see each other when you bump into each other. Not just a friendly hi but more of a hey sit down lets talk kind of hi! Love that about where we live.

We are moving furniture and packing to get ready for our move to our new house. First land and house we have ever bought that we actually own. Makes me feel like an adult. I mean I thought I was so cool when I bought an expensive fridge but this really made me an adult. Come to think of it lots of things make me feel like an adult. I know...I am weird but seriously! When we got the fridge I felt like an adult. When we bought a half of cow to put in the freezer I felt like an adult. When Jackson graduated High School this last year I felt like an adult. I guess at 40 I have to just figure that I am adult. Not that I want to be all the time.

Anyways its a paper plate kind of day. MIL and I stopped at Landis which is this little nursery that also sells fruits and veggies. I said looky here this would be our dinner. And it is. Man I love grilling. Its easy, less of a mess, less dishes (especially when its a paper plate day!!!!) and well it just tastes so good!

I am stopping this blog at this very moment because my daughter just walked in and said what are we having for dinner? Seriously she just walk right past the plates of food that are sitting there. Please....someone tell me that my Senior in High School that is actually a straight A student is smarter than that! HA!

Man I love my kids! Well I guess I should go eat but I have been waiting for MIL and the boys to come in. Maybe its not just a paper plate night but it might be a movie night. I am thinking Jungle Book sounds good. Homework is already done so YEAH! Maybe we can relax for one night.

I hope that you all are having a paper plate kind of night. Sometimes its awesome. Heck all the time its awesome! Have a great night! Remember to subscribe to get daily blogs in your email.

Do more of what makes you happy!

Do more of what makes you happy! I have been looking at that sign in my kitchen kind of a lot lately. I am someone who goes through phases of things. Its funny because Ryan does the same thing. Maybe that's why we are such a good match. I have gone through painting, scrapbooking, blogging, vlogging, etc etc. I have been in a rut lately. So I am going to do more of what makes me happy! I am going to start back to blogging again. I love it. I don't know why I stopped. Life just seems to get at you sometimes and you are so busy you kind of forget to do YOU.

I am doing me! I am still taking care of my family of course but I am putting a little more attention into myself. The happier I am....the happier my family will be.

My life is good don't get me wrong. I just would like to do some extra stuff while I have time. While the kids are in school. So this is my little get back to daily blogging notice.

So please subscribe! You will get an email every time I blog and can read it....or even choose not too. I mean seriously sometimes the only thing I have a chance to read is my bible app or yah...Facebook. I am a junkie in both of those apps. I cant see if you subscribed but I surely would feel great if you did!

Up and coming....tons of pictures of my family, what we do, and just real talk with all of you. So if you are going to read this remember I write like I talk. :)

Teenagers

When you have four teenagers you have a lot going on in the house. I am happy however that I am a mom of these amazing four. Its funny how the week goes by and all the questions I get asked. Who every said that teens didn't want advice from their mother. I get asked questions all the time. Here are just a few that I can think of that happened in the past couple days.

• Does this outfit look ok? (Boy) My answer: Yes!
• Is my hair ok or should I put more gel in it? (boy) My answer: I think it looks good now don't put anymore because if the wind blows your hair wont move.
• Should I wear glitter eyeliner today? (girl...thank goodness) My answer: Sure if you want but just know I am doing it today too:)
• How should I ask her to prom? (boy) My Answer: First you have to ask her dad for permission which you already know. Then you have to make it memorable for her. Girls like that.
• Should I go with my friends to prom so it will be more fun? (girl) My answer: I think if you are going to have more fun going with a bunch of friends then do that.
• Are you sure my outfit looks ok? (boy) My answer: I specifically remember saying yes already.
• How do you know if someone is telling the truth? (boy) My answer: Parents always know! Even if you think they don't know. We do!
• What should I do for my first date? (boy) My answer: Make sure to open her car door because you are a gentleman. Your dad still opens my door after all these years. Movies are fun but make sure to get a soda or go to eat so you have time to talk. Probably a soda because she will say she isn't hungry.
• Do I look taller today? (boy) My answer: Honestly....yes.
• What is for dinner? (boys and girl) My answer: Not sure its only 11am but I will have it made by dinner time.
• Can we sleep in? (boy) My answer: As long as you get up when we say its time without being cranky.
• What is my curfew? (boy on first date ) My answer: Depends on what you are going to do. What time was the movie again?
• Where is the best place to get flowers? (boy) My answer: At Awesome Blossom as you want to shop local. Online can be hit or miss.
• Are you really sure my hair looks ok? (boy) My answer: YES! Do I look like I was lying to you the last two times you asked me?

I love having these teens. They  make my days complete. I really love when they ask for your opinion AND then do it too. Craziness! I remember being able to talk to my parents too. I like having an open door policy. I cant say that I wont be disappointed sometimes but I like that the kids can come to us and know we love them unconditionally no matter what. Its funny though because most of the stuff they come to us lately for is all the stuff that brings good memories for me when I was a teen. Gotta love it. The dates, Proms, friends, how we are always afraid of how we look, movies, funny teachers that they talk about at dinner, etc etc etc.....  Ahhh the good ol days! Except the only difference I think at this moment is our hair in the 80's WAS bad and DIDNT look good. HA! Cant wait to see what the next week holds on questions and answers.


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Homecoming, Senior, Sadies Fun

It was going to be a big night. Not only was it Jason and Josh last JV game of the season but it was also Homecoming and Senior night. I knew before it even started it was going to be a long day of fun and maybe even the occasional tear.

Homecoming at our school happens twice a year. Its not just during Football Season but its also during Basketball Season. I think that is pretty cool that they do it twice a year. Gives more opportunities for the kids to be on Homecoming Court.

This year we were lucky enough that two of our four teenagers were on the Homecoming Court. Jackson, our Senior, was prince this year for his grade and Cassie, our Junior, was princess for her class. We were proud to see them. Here are a couple pics of them with their dates for the night. I love that Jackson rocked the  bowtie and I thought that Cassie looks so beautiful.

It was also Senior night. Senior night means its the last home game of the season for well Seniors. They got to be announced over the intercom and also come up to shake their dads hands and give their mothers a hug and a rose. I am glad this time I didn't cry. Football Senior night I did however.  cant believe Jackson is a Senior and in just a couple months he will be graduated. Heck I cant believe he is going to be 18 in less than a week. I am SO OLD! He has grown so much and we are so very proud of him.

After all the games and festivities the kids had Sadie Hawkins dance. Did I tell you it was a long night haha! Lots of fun and lots of things for the kids to do. Sadie Hawkins is the dance where the girl asks the boy to go. Instead of dressing up all fancy they buy matching shirts or couples shirts. Cassie had asked her friend Chad to go with her. She did it in a unique way since he loves Tacos so much. Even gave him a Chocolate Taco Ice cream along with the invite. Man kids are clever these days.

Jackson was asked by his GF Kayla. She asked him at a previous basketball game and got all the kids to help with it. Too cute. She even gave him his favorite Reece's snacks. They didn't last long in our house. Thankfully Jack shared.

So the events started at 4pm and ended at 1am. It was a good day of a lot of memories. One that we will continue to do for the next three years with the kids. Josh next year will be our Varsity Basketball player and Jason wont be the newbie anymore on JV. I love seeing them play and thankfully I have a couple more years of watching it! Love all my kids.


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Ramblings of an insane person

Ramblings of a blogger

Have you ever just wanted to write out all the thoughts that come to mind just to see what your pattern of thinking is? As anyone who knows me personally they know that when I blog I write just how I talk in real life. I never edit or go back and read it after I am done either. I click "publish" and that's that. I do this so you as the reader get to see my authentic self.

I decided today that I am going to take 20 minutes to write whatever comes to my mind. Maybe this time I will look at it after but after I click "publish". This is going to be Rae Rae's pattern of thinking. Crazy as it may be.

I wonder how many people are actually subscribed to my blog? Why they are even interested in it. Would I be interested in it myself? I sure hope so. Wow I ask myself a lot of questions. I think in general I ask a lot of questions. That probably annoys my family but hey it's something that helps me learn and know what's going on. I bet I have found out things about my kids or husband that I never would of known otherwise. Good things...fun things...
In those talks and by prying a little deeper I have gotten to know my family more. I actually love it when people ask me questions too. To me it shows you are interested and care. That is just me though. I am not sure how I am going to get dinner done tonight. Might have to take the kids out. Weigh being at school all day then taking Josh and Cassie to get their permits then taking Jason and josh back to do 2 hours of basketball it's going to be interesting. Thankfully I have a small "me" break today to have lunch with a good friend. I am thankful because I have been so busy or out of town it makes me feel like a flake by not taking that time with my friends. I don't even care what we do but since I have been sick with cushings it's gotten to the point where I don't do the things I used to do. I don't have that extra energy. I want to and I am actually finally looking forward to my third and final surgery to be done with cushings for good. I wish I didn't even have that word in my vocabulary. Yet by having this disease I have learned so much. Actually I have made friends who I never would of met before. I have people in my life that are a great support and whom I love. Come to think of it that's how I feel about my international swapping group. I have met people from across the seas that I still talk to daily. It's interesting how the internet can make you feel not alone if you are. I am not but it's a great way of communication. I miss traveling just to see the land or seas. I feel like I have all these doctors appointments that we make into mini vacations but my dream would be to just plan and go somewhere new that didn't have an appointment or surgery involved. We make the best if it though. We mix business with pleasure. I am so thankful for a supportive husband. Life isn't always easy with four teenagers. That's four times the questions. Also four times the laughs and four times the love. My husband makes me laugh. After seven years I hear the same jokes still but he started coming up with new ones which I thought was funny in itself. He even said to me "how's that for a new one". Made me laugh so hard. I remember one time wrestling with him and I laughed so hard I thought I wasn't gonna breathe. He kept blowing raspberries on my neck. I love it when we do things like that. Makes you feel so connected. I guess that goes to something we have been talking a lot about lately. What's really important to you. Laughter and living are very important to me too. Touch. Can't forget touch. Hugs from my kids. Kisses and hugs from Ryan. Sleeping how we always sleep. Snuggle and then when wanting to sleep turning over, getting comfortable and sleeping butt to butt. Ok my stomach is grumbling. Why is it I remember to make sure the kids eat breakfast but I don't. Need to take care of myself more. I want to do a big brunch for the kids before we leave to next surgery. I like we sit down for dinner each night at the table. I think families get to busy and don't do that. I like that we do. Even if sometimes it can feel rushed. I need to double cook things and freeze it for after surgery to to help mil. To help us too. Makes me feel bad after my surgeries that everyone has to do so much and maybe that part at least can be done. I am going to take a weeks and do that. Make chili, enchiladas, lasagna, soups for after surgery. I wish they had something that you could just order homemade foods and have it delivered. Being on thousands of acres there is nothing that delivers especially all the way out to us. I love cooking when not rushed so this maybe fun. Are my twenty minutes up? I feel like my thoughts are everywhere. And boring. This is me though .....all me. Wonder how many people actually will read this? Yep there I go with my questions again.

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I hope you have a very blessed day

It took 39 years....

It took me 34 years to get the first one and 39 years to get my second one. I had never wanted a Tattoo. I always thought to myself when I was 90 would I want that on my body. The thing that turned me around on them is my Mother. If you knew my mother you would think to yourself right now "yah right!". She was VERY not into tattoos. But when she was diagnosed with Cancer somehow that changed. I think the thought that you may one day not be here changes your views on how petty something can be.


My first Tattoo was for my mother. She had decided she was going to get one. She had only a few months to live and wanted a ring on her finger tattooed for my father. It ended up because of Chemo and the other meds she was taking though she wasn't able to. So I talked to my mom for the first time in my life about getting a tattoo. For mothers day that year before she passed away I got this tattoo.

The meaning of it thought was all about her. She cried when she saw it in a good day. It was the Ovarian Cancer Symbol for her and a yellow rose in it. The yellow rose is something that goes back far in our family that has a lot of meaning. I did this for my mom. I thought about it for a long time and knew that when I was 90 I would still want it there. Reminding me. I was 34. It was the same year my mother passed away. I have never regretting what I did. I am glad I did it before she passed instead of after.


Tattoos for me are about meaning. Its about things that you want in your life that will never fade. I am not someone who would put someones name on my body, a fad of some sort on myself either.


5 years later just last week I got my second and last tattoo. After two brain surgeries and another surgery to come this month I have my motto stuck in my head at all times. Live, Laugh, Love. This is a motto that I have every where in my house to remind me what's important. My oldest son Jackson for Mothers Day one year even made me by hand in our garage this lovely piece. I have it through out my house to always remind me. I had thought about getting another tattoo. My husband and I thought about getting a couples one also but those are too trendy for me.

I tell my teens that I don't want them to get tattoo that don't have true meaning that wont fade. I mean why get sponge bob square pants on you because you like him now. When you are 90 I doubt you will still like that. Don't ever get a bf or gf name. I say don't get a name unless its say like your childrens names but even then I just stay clear of names. I had a boyfriend who got my name tattooed on his shoulder when we were 19. I remember saying to him I thought that was crazy and he better tell his future wife its his grandmothers name or something. I am not against tattoos. I mean I have two. I don't think it defines a person or makes them a bad person. Its a work of art. Its also permanent too however. Put it in a place you can hide it if need be like long sleeves or pants. I am not into hands or faces or neck tattoos. That's just me though. Its your own body. Not my decision. I do however want my kids to really think about it if they ever chose to go that route. My husband and I also want them to be out of high school. Thought and lots of time of thinking of it should go into it. Not just walk in and pick something out type of tattoo.

Anyways I feel like I just went on a rant haha. Back to the tattoo I got. My mom and I used to say that to each other the last few years she was alive. It was pretty popular then and has lost a lot of its luster. You don't see it everywhere like you use to. It has stuck with me though. Its something I really think you should do in your life. Something that I hope at 90 I am still thinking should be done with life. A reminder to myself. Its also the time in my life I am at. Its personal to me and how I feel about life. How I want to LIVE and be rid of Cushings. How I LAUGH all the time with my husband and my children. How I LOVE so truly and deeply my family. The place I chose to put it may not be the best place in the world for most but to me it was perfect. So yes...I got my second tattoo. My last one because after my last surgery I will be done with being able to really do that anymore.

I am thankful that my husband was there both time. That in itself gives me a good memory of it when I am 90 and look back on my life. Just living, Just laughing and just loving away!


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Parenting Issues...Teenagers

Parenting....is it punishment to your kids or to you? 

Let me give you an example. I have four teenagers. One in every grade of the High School. Just the time and energy it takes to keep the world flowing for them can be exhausting. We have homework, basketball, ranch life, animals to feed and much much more. That isn't even talking about the hiccups you have to deal with like girlfriend or boyfriend problems, someone being sick, not getting enough sleep, laundry, who likes what for dinner etc. 

Parenting can be hard sometimes. I go along trying my best. I want our kids to grow up respectful, responsible and caring people. Sometimes there is a hiccup in the road though. Let me tell you having teens doesn't come with a handbook. It sure would be nice if it did though! 

I normally don't have time to blog everyday. Today I have plenty of time. Why? Because I am sitting in class with one of my kids. Yep...you heard me right I am sitting in class with one of my boys right now because we have had a small problem with talking and being disrespectful. It happens....teens go through this....but we had to nip that in the butt. 

My kids are great don't get me wrong. I love them all very unconditionally. I also love them all enough to sit through the whole day of school with them to show them that I care about their actions and the reactions that are happening because of it. 

I am not here to watch the teachers and they know that. I know they do a great job in teaching our youth. I am here to show my son I care about his behavior. Does he think that right now? Of course not. It's probably the quietest he has been in all the years he has been born. 

He told me NUMEROUS times that it won't embarrass him or even change anything. Did I say numerous times.....I do mean numerous. Yet when I say I am going to do something ... I do it. My kids need to know I am serious about what I say. In everything I say. "I love you" I mean it. "Clean your room" I mean it. "Respect is earned" I mean it. "You will not be disrespectful or talk too much in class" I mean it. 

I am lucky. I am very lucky actually. I am not having to parent alone. I have a wonderful dedicated husband who we do all our parenting together. We back each other up so our kids don't feel the need to try and play us against each other. It's smart to be on the same side. Easier for you and in he long run easier for the kids. 

I am also lucky bec we have co parenting happen. With two of my boys I also have their biological mom helping us. They can't try to run and whine and pit parents against parents. We have a solid relationship and understanding that we all want what is best for the kids. We want them to succeed. We want them to learn and grow from their mistakes as young teens rather than adults when life actually becomes hard. Their are so many divorced parents who it becomes about the other parent and they fight. That isn't in the best interest of the kid. 

We are lucky because what one parent says whether the parent...step parent...the parent living with them...or not living with them we all stay on the same page. THAT IS NICE! I am very thankful. 

So I am now sitting in my kids class. All day long. Not sure if it's more punishment to him or to me ha! Hopefully he learns from this. Later in life he will see we cared. Right now he probably just thinks we are "lame". Hopefully the lesson is learned because next it will be his other mom coming and next after that my husband will get out of work and come. If we have to sit in the class with him till he gets it....we will. I am not afraid to sit there for a week if I have to.

This just happens to be one instance of one of our children. All our kids make mistakes. It's apart of growing up and learning. We are here though to teach them what is ok and not ok in life though. We try our best. That's all we can do. We love our kids and want them to grow up respectful, responsible and caring. 

Sometimes it just might take a try or two or three;)

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Thank you and have a blessed day. ;)

Bahumbug STAR WARS

Ba Humbug Star Wars? Really? Why did I title that when we love Scrooge and Star Wars? The kids got out of school on Friday and we wanted to start the Holiday Festivities right away.

 

Saturday we got up, had a good breakfast and got ready to brave the snow to drive 2 hours to go see a play at the Redding Civic Center. Mind you we live in a small town of only 250 people and off a 15 mile dirt road just to get to that little town center. So everything is far away. You get used to it and don’t even realize it anymore.

We had to pile into two cars as there was 7 of us but we were on our way. Once we got there MIL treated us to lunch and we headed to the show.

I loved the show. I love seeing actors act and right in front of you. It was full of laughter and joy just like a show should be. I was happy we decided to take the kids and MIL because hopefully it’s something they will remember later on in life. My parents used to take me to them and I always want to share that with my four kids too. It was a cute love story of Scrooge and I highly recommend it. One of those ones you can go if you’re single but hold hands to if you are not.

 

 

 

We made it home safely which was good as no one got stuck this time. Just wait as it does happen lol.

Sunday we went to a grand 50^th party for a good friend of mine. I am thankful that we made it as it snowed even more. It was good to see my friends and be able to celebrate and have a surprise party for herJ That evening we watched a couple episodes of Star Wars as we were going the next day as a family.

The next day my husband woke up the kids with the loudest Star Wars Music. It rang through the whole house as today was Star Wars Movie Day. It was so hilarious to see some kids all excited and others looking at him like he had lost his mind. We watched one more episode and then left early as we had a 2 hour trip to go to the movies in Redding again. This time as we left in two cars we didn’t arrive at the same time as we got stuck for an hour on our driveway and had to get another car lol. AHH the wonders of living out on a ranch.

We did however make it to stand in line with our already bought tickets. Everyone got their popcorn and drinks. Ryan and I got our Storm Trooper 3D glasses and we were ready! I am thankful we all got to sit together!

The movie was Awesome! Let’s just say….actually I will not say anything as you have to go see it yourself! We all loved it and the 3D part was ultra-cool. Thought it was cool the kids all wore their Star Wars shirts also. Next time we have to get MIL one too!

It was a fun 3 day weekend that is still continuing as the kids don’t have school this week. Mil is here with us through the holidays which is an extra special part too. I miss my family at Christmas time. We will be seeing my Dad and Stepmom right after Christmas though. I finally got our Christmas Cards out also which is way late but I can’t be on top of everything all the time right? J

We have many more days of Christmas festivities but this is a good start!!!