Happy Birthday Sweet Girl

And just like that......poof. She is 16. Her qualities are rare......she is logical, calm, intuitive of the feelings of others, wise beyond her years, independent, opinionated, beautiful, funny, and half of my whole world. It is crazy to think that I could admire a person so much. A person who I grew in my body. A person who is still a child, but has always had a way about her that was different and unique. When I sent her to kindergarten, I would go up and watch her play at recess, behind a fence where she wouldn't notice me. I was scared to let her go, scared she missed me or was miserable. I wanted to homeschool her at that time, but had a very good friend who taught kindergarten, and I thought the experience of that would be good. It was, and I homeschooled the next year. But watching Olivia interact on the playground made me realize "she has this all figured out, already!" She would start playing, not requiring anyone else to give up what they were doing, not afraid to do her own thing, and secure enough to not need the attention or permission of others. I watched her start marching across the playground just doing random things.....and within minutes she had every single boy in the class following her doing the same thing. The girls were jumping rope and sitting along the wall talking. The line of kids behind her grew to about 15 and she led the way just enjoying herself and enduring zero drama in the process. And that is an illustration of how she has lived these last 16 years. My girl is confident and focused on what is good. She doesn't get caught up in "boyfriends" but she has many who have sought after her. She has many "boy friends" and they respect her immensely. And while her decision to not be in a relationship will not continue in perpetuity ( and I wouldn't want it to), I do know one thing. Whomever she decides is "the one" for her to have a closer than friendship relationship with, will be a person of great character and soulfulness. And I am already praying for him, whomever he is,  to be being raised in a way that he is solid and good. That God is blessing his childhood, and that he would be able to serve as a spiritual leader to my girl. I love you, Olivia. It is a privilege to be your mommy and your friend. May we have many years to learn from each other and to continue this wonderful journey. You are amazing.

A New Beginning

It has been several years since my last blog.....much has changed....and the 'plan' that I had envisioned was very different than God's plan. In short, our family unit separated by divorce. It was through the strength of my children that I found the courage to choose a different path. That being said, it wasn't easy. The dissolution of a marriage, especially one with many years of history, and with children, is a tragic experience. I do not recommend it to others if it is avoidable! That being said, my girls are absolutely all that I could hope for, and more. They are solid, grounded in their faith, and wise beyond their years. They are examples of letting others see God through them. I have been abundantly blessed and it is a privilege to be their mommy. I have "renamed" the blog. "lessons of sea glass". Why sea glass? Sea glass starts out as broken beer and wine bottles from littering in the sea. It is physically and chemically weathered over time, enduring many years of tumbling and persistent shaping.  And when these shards of glass are knocked into the rocks and sand and tumbled by the vast waves, they begin to smooth out over time, into its most valuable form and into something beautiful. After having been through the rough waters of the ocean for 30-50 years in many cases, the sea glass becomes beautiful and highly coveted. And this is similar to what God allows us to endure, in order that He can polish us and use us for His glory. So many years have passed, and so much has changed. New addresses, new experiences, new relationships and  new name (me). All of this shaping has changed, conformed and released me to a new life. I have evolved and grown and so have the girls. I didn't think that all of the lessons that came my way were valuable, mostly because they forced me to be uncomfortable. And like a wise man has often told me, "discomfort is a place from which you grow." And this is just so true. So as I begin to launch into the new era that we have found ourselves in,  I invite you back into our lives. Looking back, my life seems to have been in focus before. Laser focused on raising these girls to the best of my God given ability. And true to that focus, I have remained. And although the story didn't go the way I planned, He had a greater vision. And who am I to question that?

My Apologies

So I have been a total slacker on the blog. I AM SORRY!!! I have heard from several people to "get on it!" Sorry. But I digress, between the new puppy, Christmas festivities and all that it entails, I am swamped!! So the blog is this..I am breaking until after Christmas in order to give my attention to family etc. I will be going to Colorado on the 26th for a week, but plan to take my laptop so it will be then that I actually get some things accomplished I wish you a Merry Christmas to you and your families!!!

A Merry Christmas

So we have decided to get the girls a puppy for Christmas. She is a golden retriever and we are pumped. The girls don't know it yet. They think we are just visiting this lady's house to see what puppies are like from birth until they grow. Olivia is majorly bummed about not getting one and Avery goes with the flow. They are such good girls so they don't complain, usually. Olivia finally said, "Mom, it is just getting too hard to go visit these puppies because I want one so much." I responded with a "Well honey, then we don't have to go anymore, but you know we can't do that to Scout (our lab). She agrees and goes in, fully enjoys the puppies and away we go. It is mean of me, isn't it? I feel so badly that she thinks I am putting her through this. She wants to go get it a collar so that it will remember her in its "new home." Uuggh. I feel horrible! Anyway, they will be very surprised on Christmas when we have her here under the tree. I always thought that would be cool, like on the commercials, when I was a kid. It is so much fun to make that happen. Oh, and for the record, the reason we keep visiting is because I am a freak about getting the right dog. Ultimately, I want to make it a therapy dog to visit nursing homes etc and so I have to make sure disposition is right. Here are some pics of our baby....

Little Ears

I am still cracking up at my kids. So, we are coming home from what proved to be an amazing amazing Thanksgiving. The food was stellar and the family was wonderful. We are all in a great mood so I am flippin through the radio stations when "Sweet Home Alabama" comes on. Singin at the top of my lungs, because I am ancient and know all the words, I heard the kids getting in on the action. After the song was over, Avery said, "So mommy, did they make this song because of the white house?" I was perplexed and said, "I don't know what you mean, baby." She said, "well, the song sings, Sweet home, Obama and I guess that's because he is moving into the nicest house in America, right?" I cracked up and decided to go with it! I bet Obama is pretty pumped about his new address as well, but I doubt if he writes a song about it!

Admittedly, I have been a big slacker on my blog. I am just doing lots of Christmas shopping, decorating, school work and admittedly facebook. EEKS! Now that is an addiction. I have connected with a significant chunk of people in my life and time gets away from me when we start chatting. I think technology is a blessing and a curse! The girls are fine...they are growing up fast. Olivia is SO tall. Anytime I introduce her, the comment is always that in a year or so she will be eye to eye to me. Ya, I know. Avery is a free bird and blissfully enjoying her childhood, as it should be! Frank is doing great but is tired from his new duties at work. We are getting a puppy for the girls for Christmas. Oh, what am I ever signing up for! It will be like having a newborn all over again! So, all is well with us. We are just livin day to day right now.

Time Well Wasted

Today was just one of those days. I was feeling under the weather, wanting to just get by, and lounge the day away. For the most part, I have to say it was a pathetic existence. The girls and I did 4 subjects and called it a day. I pretty much laid around all day and managed to take a shower to switch pajamas. Yeah, I admit, it was ridiculous. The girls kept coming in to check on me, kiss my forehead and tell me they loved me. It was so glorious, I could do it again tomorrow~ hmm... I am grateful for lazy days!