Mommy plus Five

It has been a great month, thank you January.  Thank you for family time, clarity and discovery.  :)
Bring it on February.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Love,

My 365...

Genius on board!  Literally...

Today Blake decided he was going to create his own custom map in Minecraft.  All original architecture, complete story line with interesting characters, booby traps, mystery, intrigue and just the right mix of nearly impossible challenges.  In a word...wow!

This is not an easy task.  So much work involved in creating a custom story map in Minecraft, and he is doing it.  There are many elements at work, and it is better than any home school lesson I can think up.  Math, science, creative writing...all part of doing what he is doing.  And the best part of all, it is fun!

I am so impressed with him.  Considering he is only 10 years old, he is off to a great start.  He also wants to teach himself how to create mods and texture packs for Minecraft, and there is no doubt in my mind that he can. 

I was blessed with five incredible, imaginative and creative children.  My daughter is a creative genius.  She is a writer and an artist.  My sons love art, writing and photography.  Garrett enjoys painting and sculpture, Brandon can invent interesting story lines and characters, Casey is a genius with all things history, weapons and automobiles, and Blake has the most intense imagination...they all do.  There is no limit to what they can do.

Side note...

There is one thought I wanted to add to my post of yesterday.  A thought that came to me last night.  You will never hear my sons speak badly about their father.  Despite his shortcomings, they do love him very much.  Sure they have had their moments with him, probably Brandon more than the others, but they love and accept their father for "who" he is.  To me that speaks volumes of their character and makes me so proud to be their mom.

I love my babies!  :)

My photos of the day...

Blake building his world.
 Explaining to mama exactly what he is doing.
 "Pretty cool huh?"
 "What do you think Miss Lilly?"
 "My boy gets his genius from me."
Music I am listening to today...Bruno Mars and Lil Wayne
I LOVE this new video.  Amazing!

Random Link of the Day...Minecraft

Until next time..."I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I've ended up where I needed to be."  ~Douglas Adams

Peace.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Love,

My 365...

Happy Monday.

Blake and I watched a movie last night, and although it was a great movie, I woke feeling in a bit a funk.  My sister recommended the movie to me.  She really loved it, and said "all" fathers should sit and watch this movie.  The movie is titled Courageous. 

It was a good movie in that it makes you think.  The cinematography is top notch, the script good.  It is very religious, with a great deal of "God" talk.  I am not saying that is a bad thing, however it is definitely not everyone's cup of tea when it comes to movies and I respect that.

The movie focuses on the critical role of father in a child's life.  Through a series of plot twists and turns, the characters in the movie, the father characters, realize that they need to commit to being the best father they can be for their children, and they sign a contract to do just that.

Awesome!

Here is the problem I had with the movie....

What about mothers?  The role of the mothers in this movie was more of support role.  I agree, the role of a father in the life of a child is critical, however, some children don't have fathers.  Or some have fathers who are not capable of making that level of commitment to their children.

Take my children's father for example.  He is a good man.  He is a great provider, but he is a terrible father.  He is not involved in the lives of our children at a deeper level because quite frankly, he does not know how to be.  It is not in his genetic makeup.  His mind does not go that deep.  Why?  To be honest, I wish I knew, but it is what it is. 

So where does that leave my children?  Forever destined to fail because they did not have the influence of a strong father in their lives?  NO.  What about me?  What about all the moms out there who are 100 percent involved and committed to their children?  Are we not just as important in the future character and stability of our children?  YES, of course we can be....of course we ARE.

So why the funk?

The funk came as a natural reaction to realizing that I am in this alone.  Jack has not ever been or will ever be more than a provider for this family and it makes me sad.  For a micro second I stop and think "what if" things were different.  I know, waste of time.  Wondering "what if" does nothing more than steal time from "what is" here and now.

My wedding anniversary is coming up in just a few days.  Almost 30 years I have been married to this man.  For better or worse.  We made it.  The truth is, we do the best we can with what we have.  Where one parent falls short, the other carries the load.

It does not take only a strong father to raise a child, it takes a strong mother too.

And to my children I say, "I'm sorry."  I am sorry life did not provide you with a stronger father.  But I will always be strong for you, here for you, and love you until I draw my last breath.  Just be patient with me...I am still learning.  :)

My photos of the day...

"I love you mommy."


***Doggy Daily*** Cooper found a soft place to lay his head.  :)  This photo was taken by my son Brandon, Cooper's daddy.  :)

Music I am listening to today...Nickel Creek


Random Link of the Day...Courageous

Until next time..."Never take for granted the gift that is your children.  Never take lightly your responsibility to be the best mother and father you can be."

Peace.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Love,

My 365...

Family dinner was great.  Garrett and Brandon helped me with perspective on Casey today.  I needed that.  Garrett made everyone laugh...we needed that too.  :)

Before dinner, Brandon shared his thoughts with me on the matter, and I was very impressed.  Brandon and I have been through a lot together, but he has learned much about life as a result of the choices he has made.  And now that he is a new father, he has gained new insight and wisdom that comes with the territory. I am very proud of him.

Garrett is like papa bear to his younger brothers.  He genuinely cares about them, and will do everything within his power to always be there for them.  I love and appreciate him so much.

When Garrett called me earlier in the day, he could tell by my voice that I was stressed.  I told him I was having difficulty with his little brother.  He told, "Don't worry mama, I will talk to him."

When he and Kori arrived, Casey and I were in the kitchen trying to "talk it out", and I was ready to take a long walk off of a short bridge!  Garrett joined in the conversation in his usual calm way and after just a few minutes, even he was ready to pull his hair out!  LOL, Casey got the best of him too.

I am glad to know it is not just "my" inability to communicate with my teenage son.  Casey is exhausting!!  But we love him...rascal that he is.  :)

It is a shame that their father is not more involved with their rearing.  He is a great provider, but that is where his involvement ends.  The boys have each other, and they really care about each other.  And they have me.  I may not be the perfect mom who has all the answers, but I love them with all my heart and I would hang the moon for them if I could.  At age 50 I am still learning about this parent thing.  Blake promised me he will be easy.  Okay world, you read it here....Blake is going to be easy!  :)

Hope you all had a great weekend, and have a peaceful Monday.

My photos of the day...

Number one son and his girlfriend Kori. <3

 Cooper having a conversation with uncle Garrett.
  Yummy dinner.
Music I am listening to today...Michelle Branch




Random Link of the Day...The perfect Valentine treat.

Until next time..."I know I am not perfect...but I am working on it."

Peace.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Love,

My 365...

It is so hard to remain calm when your teenager seems to have gone wonky. 

Girls...they are part of adolescent male development.  However, I would prefer that the girls interacting with my teenager have some semblance of stability.  Emotionally bankrupt, giddy to the point of "off the charts" goofy and total and complete lack of common sense and courtesy need not apply.

*sigh*

One day I was sharing a roof with a relatively stable and considerate teenager who loved cars, history and video games.  The next moment I am watching my son, who I love with all my heart, become a mindless goofball with a cellphone growing out of the side of his head.  And he is not engaging in charming conversation with this young lady, it is non-stop bickering, disrespect and fighting.  Like relationships are some sort of sick game. 

But no more.

I am going to keep it simple.  The cell phone is now being regulated.  Starting on Monday, he is to wake on time for classes, and complete his daily plan of schoolwork.  Once I have logged in to his school account and confirmed that the daily assignments have been completed successfully, he will get the battery back to his cell phone for one hour and one hour only.  If he has not completed his list of assignments, then no phone and deal with the wrath of mom.

Seems simple does it not?  I do not believe one needs a master's degree in applied science to figure this out. 

It is not like I have not been a parent to a teen before, he is child number 4.  It boggles my mind how much the rules change every day.  When I was 16, I could not even fathom engaging in the sort of conversations I have overheard him having with his peers.  To say it is disturbing would be an understatement.  The level of emotional investment in these encounters by young people who should be having fun with life is alarming.  They get sucked in completely, dealing with issues that they should not be experiencing at this stage of life. 

I think back to my older three children, trying to make sense out of all of this.  Looking for clues as to why it was easier, or at least seemed easier?  Yes I know, all my children are very different from each other, but there is something else going on here that I am missing.  The question is....what is it?

I am a stay at home mom, and this is hard for me.  I feel for all the moms and dads out there who have to work outside of their home for 8 plus hours a day.  I used to be one of them.  It is difficult enough managing the day to day mental health of our children.  Having to deal with the outside workforce on top of all the parental trials and tribulations is huge.  You have my respect!

And to all the parents of younger children I say...enjoy the little things.  I know they can be exhausting and borderline annoying at times...but they are easy compared to this.  No matter how strong the foundation we build as parents in the minds of our children, it is still a great big scary world out there.  The challenges that our babies will face are enormous and intense.

It is family dinner today.  Garrett and Kori are coming for dinner, Brandon and Cooper are here...I am sure family time conversation will be interesting.  Hopefully my older boys can give me some clarity in dealing with their younger brother.  It would be awesome if they had a father who could be "a father", but sadly that is not the case in this family.  The boys have each other, and they have me.

Chicken flautas, Mexican rice and home made beans is what is on the menu.  Their favorite.  I will update with photos this evening.  :)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Love,

My 365...

"Mom?"

"Yes Blake?"

"What did you do with my tooth?"

"What tooth honey?"

"The one that fell out the other day...I left it on your side table."

"Oh dear God!"

"No worries mom, you can just give me 5 dollars."

"What, 5 dollars?  When did the price per tooth go up 3 dollars?"

"That is your penalty mom."

"Penalty for what Blake?"

"Improper disposal of DNA."

"Oh really?  YOU are a little stinker that is what you are!"

"Yeah...I know mom."

Blakey...gotta love that rascal rabbit.  :)

My photos of the day...

In time.
"Eeewww, a missing human tooth?"
 "That is just disgusting mama."
Music I am listening to today...Natalie Walker

Random Link of the day...The MUTE button.  <---brilliant.  :)

Until next time..."Holding a grudge is letting someone live 'rent free' in your head."

Peace.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Love,

My 365...

Cooper is back, and that makes grandma happy.  He will be here indefinitely this time.  Things have taken a bit of a turn for his mother and I am praying that she can work it out. 

Life has a way of constantly turning upside for some people...over and over and over again.  It does not mean they are bad people, or deserve to have never ending adversity, but I believe that at some point things can change.  I sincerely believe in the law of attraction.  You get from life what you put out there.  It is so important to live a good and honest life so that good and honesty come back to you.  Treat people with kindness and respect, and it is kindness and respect that you receive in return. 

I understand that growing up is hard.  I also understand the pain and sorrow of living a less than perfect childhood.  But the past is the past, and today is now.  You can not go through life a victim of your yesterdays because you close to the door to your future when you do. 

If life is not working out for you, or is not being kind, take the time to figure out why...and fix it.  We all have the power to make change in our world.  Dig in our heels and build a brighter, stronger and better future for ourselves.  If you play the victim...you will always be nothing more than the victim...of life.

Happy Friday world!  It is a beautiful day in Idaho today.  The sky is crystal clear blue and beautiful and it is a chilly 29 degrees f.  The weekend weather looks delightful!

May your day pass with positivity and happiness, and may your weekend be peaceful and relaxing and don't forget to have fun.  If you have a heavy heart, reach out with kindness, and kindness will reach back for you.

My photos of the day...

Magical little stress ball...I don't know what I would do without you.
 A beautiful clear day.

Random Link of the Day...Cheat Sheet

Until next time..."Why walk when you can fly?"

Peace.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Love,

"Cooper, it is time to go home."
"One last refrigerator adventure before I go."
"Bye grandma, see you next week."  :)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Love,

My 365...

So curious, so determined and so intelligent...that is my grandson Cooper.

I never dreamed I could love anyone as much as I love my children, then came Cooper.

Such a joy this sweet little boy.

My photos of the day,





"Oh different computer grandma?  That is okay, I will figure this one out in no time!"



Loyal, loving, smart companion....with just the right mix of ornery!  He can be a cheeky little bugga, but we love him.
Music I am listening to today...Callie Moore

I love her music.  She is such a talented and creative artist.  She and her husband Dave created the video below.  Amazing!!


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵Ʒ Love,

My 365...

Happy Wednesday!  Half-way through the week...thank goodness.

Blake has been working hard all day on the design, and a name, for his Youtube gaming channel.  He is discovering the difficulty that can be the creative process.  For a 10 year old, mommy is quite impressed thus far.  Stay tuned...

Cooper has been here this week, and has not been feeling so well.  Poor baby, he got some immunizations on Monday, and they have left him feeling a little under the weather.  But Brandon is a good daddy and has been taking very good care of his son. 

I was cooking some chicken and dumplings for dinner and little Cooper wanted grandma to hold him.  Every time I put him down he would cry, so I would instinctively want to pick him up. 

Brandon would say, "Mom, stop spoiling him.  He can cry it is not going to hurt him." 

This is true, but "grandmothers" and "spoiling" are synonymous.  So I would do what every grandmother would do...pick him up.

Besides...grandma can NEVER be the bad guy!  :)

Blake and I are going to enjoy a movie night tonight.  Just chill and partake in some funny cinema.

My photos of the day...

I hooked my camera up to the Mac to load pictures and discovered that I can control the camera through the computer.  It has live preview so you can set the camera on a tripod, aim, focus and shoot all using the computer.  So cool!  We had a some serious fun with that!

 "Hi grandma, what's for dinner?"  Cooper discovered the magic that is the refrigerator.  :)

"Hey Miss Lilly, want to fetch a ball for me?"
 "Uhmmm no, divas do not fetch dear."
 "Okay then, we can just hang out together."
 "Boys....so annoying.  Hanging out?  Really!  I have no time for this..."
Music I am listening to today...Katie Melua


Random Link of the Day...Annie Leibovitz

Until next time..."Every time a door closes, another opens somewhere else.  I think, it's, like, an air pressure thing." ~Allyson

Peace.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵Ʒ Love,