Sunday, May 19, 2013

That Duck show...Duck Dynasty

http://offerpop.com/FacebookContestEntry.psp?c=365687&u=1182102&a=448952861833126&p=185996294843078&rest=0&id=1519569&rest2=0

Okay...here's my deal of the day. Bobby, my youngest, has entered himself in a contest. The link is above. He LOVES, and I mean LOVES that Duck Dynasty show. I have not taken the time to watch it yet, but I'm sure it's an incredible show; ALL of his siblings and their spouses or significant others, friends, students, talk about it and love it. So, they are having a contest. IF you win, somehow you get to do something that has to do with these guys. I have not seen him so excited about something in a LONG time. Mind you, Bobby gets pretty excited about things: new phones coming out, new gadgets coming out, weird TV shows, weird clothes...
Clothes, that is and is certainly NOT limited to: toe shoes (NOT the ballet variety), parachute pants, soap shoes (for skateboarding), scented clothing. This was clothing that actually came scented; he had a pair of peppermint cargo type pants back in the late 90's.
 He has worked in sales for years, and is QUITE good at it. Unlike me, who couldn't sell parka's to Eskimos, he is incredible. Whenever there was a contest in one company he worked for, he would win and took several trips on the company tab. He was awarded a regional sales rep for his accomplishments. IF there is a contest or competition, you can bet he will be a part of it.
He also won a beard contest a couple of years ago in downtown Vegas.
So, this contest does not in any way surprise me! I'm excited for him to do this, and have posted this every where I can. Hence, the blog...
In doing this, I feel I have become a "pimp" of sorts. NOT that I know much about that, but from what I've heard, that's the scoop.
So, this is my Bobby...the Duck Dynasty wannabe. He has the cup...thanks to his mother's hoarding abilities and his sister's desire to have family memorabilia. I also found him a patriotic bandana. He has to have those incredible looks for a reason, not to mention that personality!
Bobby...this blogs for you!!! I hope your desire to win this comes flying through! Have fun!!! I LOVE YOU!

Monday, May 13, 2013

Mother's Day 12 May 2013


WOW!!! My brain and heart replayed that word over and over today.
The day started as a pretty normal Sunday for me. I did wake up a lot earlier than my alarm setting, but just relaxed in bed, pondering past Mother's Days, life, children, husbands or the lack thereof, mothers; mine as well as others. I thought about the gift of motherhood and how some females take procreation for granted, some cast it aside, some misuse it, some don't want it...and then there are those who cherish it for the gift it is. You have created a precious life. You have created another human. You are, as it were, a God; for with God, and your spouse, you have created a body for a heavenly spirit. How incredible is that?
I was blessed to create four of these precious beings; then for some reason, which only God knows, I was blessed to raise them on my own. I pondered this and what that was like.
While I was pregnant, I took great care as to protect each baby growing inside of me. I ate well, rested, exercised and did everything I thought was right in order to have a perfect child. As far as I was concerned, I did. They all were perfect in my eyes. All were very healthy weights and length. All grew to above average heights and are wonderful. I pondered this.
Sometimes it seems holidays and celebrations are perfunctory...NOT that they are meaningless or anything like that, but everyone is SO busy with work, hobbies, life, etc. that we just seem, sometimes to want to get past them to the next event and be done. It seems that way sometimes, but isn't necessarily so. I pondered past functions, events, celebrations; past events, as in my crazy childhood. I got to where I didn't expect birthday parties as we moved every year and it was usually at the end of the school year, right around my birthday...no party. I pondered this...but not for long...I realized in my pondering that 6:45 AM was now 7:45 AM and I needed to get ready for Church. I did ponder going or not, but as usual I chose to go. I really don't think I've missed but five times in the last 35 years. Anyway, I got ready for Church, got my Primary Lesson book/bag, with the things I needed and at 8:35 left for Church. It's not far really, not even a mile and a half. I listened to Music and the Spoken Word on the way. They were doing a Mother's Day special and a favorite song was playing when I drove in to the parking lot. It's called Turn Around.
Anyway, as I sat there, my phone sounded an alert that I had a text message...it was Bobby!!! Bobby?!?! What the heck was he doing up at 8:35 in the morning????? Especially on a Sunday?!?!?! He was wishing me a "Happy Mother's Day!!! I Love You!!!" As I was sending him back a, "Thanks Spud! I love you too!!!" Jenny sent a text, "Good Morning! Happy Happy Mother's Day!" WHAT the heck was she doing up??? But I sent a "Thank you!!! I love you!" to her too. My song was over so I went in to the Church. Stopped in the library to get a tub of crayons, chalk and eraser, and some paper...then headed to the Chapel. I knew that the couple I usually sit with wouldn't be there, but "E.B" would be...as I grabbed a program and walked down the aisle, I saw her and headed to where she was. Two rows from her, I hear a voice say, "Hey, want to sit with us?" I turned and saw Bobby...then Jenny...then Mike...and Katie...and I let out a somewhat muffled sob and began to cry...Bobby came over and put his arms around me and I
sobbed...they were sobs of sadness...far from it. He held me and the sobs of happiness, delight, love, elation, etc. just kept going. I just couldn't believe it. It was such a surprise! I had NO idea. Years ago, Jenny said, "Mom, if you want me to come and sit with you on Mother's Day at Church, just ask." BUT I never did...even though I would have LOVED for them to be there. AND here they were; I just couldn't believe they ALL got up and came to Church...AND were sitting with me. Then Mike hugged me and told me, "If you hadn't of shown up, we were going to take a picture, send it to you and tell you we were here, and then go out to breakfast." I laughed. THIS was incredible. This was priceless. NO gift will ever have the value of this show 
of love. They gave their time for me!!! FOR you see, they had no idea of my feelings these past few months. As a mothers we sacrifice our time, talents, knowledge, sleep, life, etc. for our children...at least I do. When they call and need something, I do whatever it takes to do it...despite what plans I may have had. If they want something fixed, I do what I can. Lately, I have felt, unnecessarily, unloved. I KNOW they love me. I know they would do anything for me. BUT show up for Church was NOT something I ever expected, would ask, or thought would happen...and here they were. I wanted to sit by each one of them, even though it wasn't possible. Jessica and Jason also came with Lucas and Jenna. ALL of them were there. It was THE best
Mother's Day gift!!! I appreciated it more than they will ever know. I LOVE them all, more than they realize.
Later, they cooked a wonderful dinner and we played Dominoes. I have THE BEST CHILDREN! I am SO blessed. I am thankful they chose me to be their mother. They have each, in their own way, made me the person I am today. They have pushed me to limits I would never have reached on my own. They are ALL incredible.  Beyond words!

                
  

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Several years ago I wrote about my GREATEST treasures...WELL, it's about time I add my new treasures. Lucas, who will be two next week.
 He is so incredibly fun! I love watching him learn new things and explore life. Seeing things through a child's eyes is so rewarding.

 Trying to get them to "smile for the camera"...or even look at it is a trick only Jenny seems to be able to do!


I love having them and playing! Jenna is almost 8 and a half months. She is close to walking now. They grow so fast.
My own treasures are now ALL in their 30's! Where does the time go?!

Monday, May 6, 2013

Part Three of the Lessons From Pains

I struggle here to talk of emotional or mental. I guess since I dealt with a lot of emotional baggage and such recently, I'll go with that. Although the two feed off of each other, it's quite possible they will both be in here. Both have been a big part of my life. Both bringing me to where I am, what I am, and where I'm going.
I never thought much about being adopted. I've known about it my whole life; at least as long as I can remember. I was one of those adopted babies who came to a couple who "just weren't having any luck having their own" and then became pregnant shortly after I arrived. That baby was a boy, and is 16 months younger. Later in life, a light came on in regards to this and my emotions. I have had emotional breakdowns over the years. Some of them I never thought I would get through. Others I was sure I wouldn't...and attempted several times to make sure.
As we grow up, life evolves and life happens. I spent a LOT of time trying to figure out WHY I was the way I was. I am a sentimental weeper first off. When my brother would get in trouble, or cousins, I would be the one crying, not them! Commercials make me cry, photos can bring tears. Songs can stir up memories and bring a flood of tears. Movies, TV shows, family time. Gee...when the whole family is in Church together I cry. Sometimes it's a GOOD cry, and sometimes it's not so good. I cry when I'm sad, when I'm laugh, when my heart aches, when the flag goes by in a parade...during the singing/playing of patriotic songs...taking my children to Disneyland for the first time brought tears. WHICH brings me to the weekend of April 27th. Yes, this was a recent emotional breakdown and breakthrough. AND yes, I've skipped literally years of emotional baggage and trash. BUT this has to do with some of it.
I picked up Lucas, my grandson, after work on Friday the 26th. I had only planned on having him until Saturday afternoon, but that changed. Saturday morning we got up and after running an errand, we headed out to Lake Mead for National Jr. Ranger Day. I haven't been to the Lake in years...not since 1996 I'm sure. I really didn't think it would affect me...BUT I was wrong...
Flash back about 35 years. Bruce, my ex, had just gotten a job with the Las Vegas Fire Dept. Most all of the firemen had boats, and spent a lot of time at the lake. It wasn't long before we started accumulating "toys" for the excursions to the lake...a boat, travel trailer; both filled with all of the "necessary" equipment for staying at the lake for a week. An inflatable "island", tubes, rafts, water ski's, life vests or all sizes, camping gear of ALL sorts, etc. etc. etc...I don't think there can be enough ETC's. Anyway, we spent more time there than I can count. A week here, a week there. NO phones. No TV's. Just incredible fun. Food on the fire. The memories came flooding back as I drove to where the National Jr. Ranger Day Events were taking place. As we got out of the car, the first thing Lucas saw was the BIG National Park Pumper. "Gwama...firetruck!" Yes Lucas...and it began.
From the firetruck to the ambulance, then off to the coast guard boat where they let him spray the fire hose all over.


 He did NOT want to get off of the firetruck...geeee...wonder where he gets that from?!
They wouldn't let us hold the snake, BUT we did get to pet it...nicely. =)
 Nice tortoise...
 AND Wilma the Chuckawalla felt nice.
AND after seeing all of the things at the National Junior Ranger Event, we went down to the lake.
 His first time at the lake; he was not afraid, not intimidated. He ran...
...and continued...
 ...to go further...
...and splashed for about twenty minutes...until "gwama's" emotions pulled at her heart and...
...said it was time to go. He was NOT happy. The walk back to the car was tearful...me with my memories and Lucas with wanting to make more memories.
This one event helped me over a hurdle I had not wanted to jump over. But it helped me to close a few chapters and start a new one.
On to another hurdle.
After going back to the house and changing in to our Mickey Mouse shirts, we were off to the Thomas & Mack at UNLV to see Disney on Ice.
 We had incredible seats, arrived half an hour early, talked about what was going on and waited. AND then...
 ...Mickey and Minnie skated out and  he was mesmerized...and I wept...just like I did the first time I went to Disneyland with Mike when he was about two. With each new group of Disney Characters, he was more and more fixated with the show. He "danced" and clapped and loved every minute of it.


 At the end, ALL of the Princesses skated out with their Prince's. I thought of my life. I thought of how I LOVED fairy tales and their "happily ever after" endings...and where was mine? I thought of my life. I thought of my children. I thought of their father. AND I was GLAD the lights were dim and I was only with Lucas. I was also glad that my life is in the middle and there is a LOT more to come before the ending.
We had to stop and get some things at the store...but Lucas was so tired he didn't even wake up. Poor little guy just slept in the cart. Oblivious to the hurdles of emotions he helped his "gwama" overcome this day. He is an incredible little spirit.
I am blessed to have four incredible (adult) children who over the years have helped me over countless emotional hurdles. The first Christmas after their dad left, I cared nothing for traditions...yet wonderful neighbors brought a tree over, and the kids hung snowflakes from the ceiling in the living room...simple, yet just what I needed. The "traditional" ornaments we'd always used might have put me right over the edge.
All traditions became hard...difficult to get through. Just daily life was difficult to get through. I hated life. I hated my life. SO many times I wanted off the ride...but kept going. THEY kept me going. I don't know what they remember. I don't know what they know. There are times I wish I knew what they remembered; wish I knew what they knew...or think they know. I hear them discuss their friends and broken marriages, and at times I am shocked by what they say...knowing what I know. But I have to keep going. I have to. I look back and see what I've been through and know that it has prepared me to go through things in the future. I know that each step moves me on. Yes, it's difficult to move forward at times. Some days my heart is so tender that my eyes well up with tears, and I tell myself...it's okay...you've come so far. Keep going. You have much to live for. You have beautiful, wonderful children...you have grandchildren...and more waiting to come down. Stay and love them. They will need you. They will see your strength and love. You will help them when they are weak. They will help you.


Saturday, May 4, 2013

Financial Roller Coaster

My parents lived during the depression. My mom was born in 1919 and my dad in 1920. Money was treated completely differently for them. If they saw the things I see at school everyday, they would both be aghast. I've seen students throw their coins in the trash because, "they aren't worth anything" or "don't want to bother with it".
My mother is still the miser, and rightfully so. Even though she doesn't need to watch and account for every penny, at the age of 94, she still balances her checkbook every month...to the penny. She knows where she spends every penny, and probably knows where she spent her first one.
So, as a child, I was taught the respect for money; I was taught to "pay myself" by saving 10%, give 10% and to always pay my bills. I was taught NOT to spend more than I made, and the difference between "NEEDS" and "WANTS". I was taught how to budget and the value of coupons and comparison shopping.
I did NOT receive an "allowance". I did have "jobs" I was expected to do, just for the privileged of living in the home. We were a family and everyone was expected to help make that family and home run smoothly.
All of these teachings have been very valuable to me. When the kids were growing up, they helped make up the monthly menu, helped make the grocery list, and went to the market; each had a shopping cart. One for meats and produce, one for dairy and cold things, one for canned and dry goods, and one had the miscellaneous items. We shopped once a month for the majority of the groceries, BUT we made trips to the market during the week for milk and bread. They went through two gallons of milk a day, and I swore I was going to buy a cow, but never did. When we got home, they helped bring everything in and put it away.
When times were lean, I've known what I can do with out. Because of the things I learned as a child, when there were hard times, I've survived. In the summer, I keep the thermostat at 78 to 80 degrees and turn the fan on; in the winter, I keep the heater set at 68ish and put more blankets on the bed and keep a hoodie on. I have learned the value of paying yourself. Having a savings has come in quite handy over the years.
The biggest blessing is the giving of 10% in tithing. I have done this since I was about 10 years old and started babysitting. I can't even count the times I have been blessed by obeying this principle. In the scriptures, in Malachi 3:10, I learned: "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." I can tell you this is true. I have been blessed over, and over, and over again...countless times. Even though I keep my ledger up to date and balance my statement; you can NOT do all that I had to do to raise four children and make ends meet with what I had. Many unexpected "things" happened. Many blessings came our way. We were blessed continually.