Christmas 2013

Vern had another successful Christmas. I am using his new "gaming" mouse to write this blog.  He had to have this certain one and he loves it. He all ready said it helped him win a rare something in Mine Craft.  I am glad he is happy.

We opened presents on Christmas Eve this year since they were at their dad's for Christmas Day. We took an official secret vote and it was 3-2 in favor of December 24.  We picked the kids up in the morning and they were ready to tear into their gifts... Awe too bad they had to wait until AFTER dinner. AH the travesty of it all.

You see John was working until the afternoon and then shortly after he arrived home we headed out a full hour early for church. Yes the church fills up that much on Christmas Eve for services. We got the seats John and Ann wanted and the service was nice. It is the kind of service that just makes you smile.  The jist - if you have Thanksgiving in your heart you have Joy. So no matter how low you feel there is some Joy in there. I cried during the lighting of the candles and singing Silent Night. Lighting candles in a church setting always gets to me since December 10, 2010...

After we got home we had a quick dinner of soup that had been simmering in the crock-pot and the presents were soon opened after. It was a very fun day and it made me FULL OF JOY.

The kids headed back to their dad's around 11 and we went to bed happy and satisfied with the day.


What a teen!

His very pretty sister!!! Loved this photo.

Mother's Day 2013

I love Mother's Day.

The kids try not to fight.

They feed me breakfast in bed. It is just so much fun to have everyone eating breakfast in our big bed. They are so big now it is hard for 5 people to fit around a tiny tray of food. Then I receive these awesome cards that make me cry EVERY SINGLE TIME.

Who cares that I have a messy kitchen to clean up later. I just love being a mom!!!!

Vern was extra sweet to me today. He tried to be extra helpful. He mowed the lawn as we told him to. (Usually he races round the yard like it is a racetrack.)

The weather was absolutely perfect.

I planted flowers.

I got to talk to both of my moms. They each had good days too.

It was a good day to be alive.

Happy Birthday, I think...

So Vern made me a nice homemade card. I scanned a photo of page one below.

I thought this was a nice card until someone at work told me Stewie, the guy he drew, is always trying to kill his mother. EEEEK!

Then we get to page 2. This page concerned me so I didn't take a scan of it. Vern drew a swastika flag and a "dude" with a swastika arm band!!!!

I asked why he would draw this and give it to me for my birthday card. His response, "Oh I was bored and just felt like it."

I'm a little bit scared to go to sleep tonight...Maybe I will lock my door! :-)

Miracles DO happen!

Yes, miracles do happen. You just have to open your eyes and watch. This one was so very much the work of God that it hit me in the face! I am still shocked by it. I hate that you readers have to wait to read this but I will explain that in a minute.

Most people don't realize or care that off-handed hurtful comments are bad for kids and really do bother them.  These self-gratifying individuals do not realize what they are doing nor accept responsibilities for their actions but are very quick to blame everyone else around them.  My children happened to be exposed to such people. With that background we now go on with the story.

Day 1 we will call Monday - both Vern and Ann came home in very sour hateful moods. Superman and I try to be friendly and upbeat despite the poor moods. This was met with extreme resistance and out right hatred.  This hatred had ramifications that rippled throughout entire family.

Here was dinner:

Notice what is missing from our family dinner? Yes, it's just me - my plate- and no family. Makes for a long tough night.

Now lets move onto Day 2-

I came home expecting more of Day 1.  I have a routine where when I get home, I immediately go feed 2 of our cats who think they are starving to death. When I am finished feeding them I came upstairs to make dinner. Much to my surprise, Ann had made the potatoes as I had asked and was not even reminded. Superman came out of our bedroom chattering with both the kids. Vern and Ann both hugged me.  Everyone was friendly with each other. It was like a normal happy family.

I just stood there looking around mouth gaping. I could not believe my praying and I'm sure others praying had done this. It was a H-U-G-E deal! In the span of 24 hours things were completely different than the night before.

After dinner, the kids and I ran to basketball, guitar lesson and a workout. After basketball practice in the car Vern told me  "Mom, I'm sorry I say I hate you and stuff all the time. I really don't mean those things."

"Vern, that is the nicest thing I have heard all day. THANK YOU!"

So many small miracles packed into one evening, I was reminded that God does care about me and when I am feeling my worst, he will show me he loves me.

Why this is published later? Because we were in the middle of a large - expensive court battle over custody of Ann. I did not want to risk anything I said here, although I don't think there is anything negative but rather only positive and loving, to be used against me. Lawyers like to twist things around. The court case is over and I still have my shiny mom badge!

Christmas holiday 2012

I always enjoy the time around Christmas/New Year from the perspective of sharing it with the kids. I take off time when they are off from school and we hang out. Sometimes we do things. Sometimes we are lazy. The point is spending quality time with them and enjoying being a family.  This year was no exception. The bonus this year was Superman also took time off so we had total family time.

Darn Blogger made it more difficult to upload photos so I do not have as many as I would like on here. We will just make do until I find an easier way to add photos to my blogs.

All right for some activities we did. Of course we had presents and Christmas. Here is a shot of Vern getting a Christmas ornament of the best player on his favorite pro team. His aunt scored on that one!!!

 

The pets L-O-V-E-D having us home for the holidays. They all vied for our attention. Here is a shot of Ann and Buddy. I thought this was and excellent photo and Ann took it herself! She is so good at so many things. 

 

 

Here is another one of our pets out playing in the snow. OK so it is not really our pet but we had a great time watching them play. I was surprised for African lions they stayed out in the cold. I would expect the temperatures to be to cold for them. Shows you what I know...not much! :-)

 



We also played Apples to Apples and UNO with the family.  The kids also got me to participate in the new Just Dance 4 Wii game. I beat them on the One Direction song and I think they were as shocked as I was. Ann usually wins all the rounds on that game.

We watched a couple movies (none were outstanding). We also did a bunch of cooking and decluttering of bedrooms. Vern's room looks a LOT better after taking loads of stuff out of his room. We also did our share of sleeping in. I was more relaxed than I had been in a heck of a long time.  I think the word I am going to choose this time off - contentment.

Now we are going back to our regularly scheduled hectic lives.

HUG & PRAY

Today I ask you to hug your kids and pray for the families suffering from the HORRIBLE shooting in Connecticut. Innocent children went to heaven today and we have no idea why...

Doing well.

Vern has been doing well lately. I received the following note from one of his teachers and it made me proud. 

Vern is doing a great job in Math! He really remembers his stuff and gets busy :0) Tell him to keep up the great work!

P.S. I enjoy watching him preform at church in the skits :0)

 

 

He is at a great age right now. He has a great personality and is really trying. I will take it! Teenage hormones will hit soon enough and this will all change but until then I am appreciating the good days with Vern.

 

 

Budding Photographer

Sometimes you don't need a lot of words to describe something so fun and heartwarming. This is one such photo.

 



I love you Vern!!!

Never boring...Mother's Day tribute.

It is never boring at our home with 3 kids.
It is never quiet at our home with 3 kids, 5 cats, and one mental dog.
It is never clean at our home with 3 kids, 5 cats, one mental dog, and a husband!

I absolutely LOVE every minute of it. They are my life. I was born to be a mom and it is way better than my day job even if I get stressed about it sometimes.

This morning is another example. Vern comes walking into our bedroom. No knock, no may I come in. It's just Mom Mom Mom MOMMMMM. He has the dog slung under his arm, his hair standing on end, and his mouth covered with chocolate from the muffin he just finished eating. He is smiling and the entire scene just melts my heart.  You other moms out there know exactly what I mean. I am sure the same sort of scene has played out at your homes a time or two. You are frustrated, half naked, and behind schedule but you take the time to give your son or daughter a huge hug and tell them you love them.  You then attempt to shoo them out of the room so you can get dressed and wipe the mess off your arm, leg or other body part that they have marked you with.

Love you VERN.

Happy Happy Mother's Day to all you mom's out there. Life is good when you get to be a mom!

Here is to many home made cards to warm your heart as only a child can create.
Here is to a breakfast in bed and a messy kitchen to clean.
Here is to the bouquet of weeds from your back yard.
Here is to you Mom.

THE boys

I love this photo

AND

I love those boys!

A day out

Every year the kids get a winter break for the holidays, usually around 10 days between Christmas and New Years. This year I had the late part of the holiday.  I take time off to be with them and try to do something fun for a day or so.

This year we took a Wednesday and headed to the zoo.  I love the zoo in the winter. NO CROWDS.  The weather cooperated and we were able to see a few buildings of animals, snakes, and bugs. (I always love the butterflies.)  In addition to the animals, we decided to take advantage of our membership and attend an IMAX movie while there. It was great. It had been years since I had been to an Imax. This particular movie was on caves and very interesting.

I had a blast for the day. How many moms can get their 2 teens + 1 almost teen to spend a day at the zoo with their boring old out of touch Mom??? I know the days of having the 3 of them together for impromptu times like this is winding down. I am trying to take full advantage of it!!!

After the zoo outing we were all starving. Good thing they put up a new Jimmy John's very near the zoo. We had a nice lunch there.  All in all it was a great day and I don't know about them but DA MOM loved it a lot. One of her few enjoyable days off.

Just a random photo of Vern in his new Superman hat he loves. (Thanks Aunt Wendy.)

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

to all the Vern fans out there!

We love you!

Nearly Perfect Evening

Once again Vern comes through with a stupendous blog post for me.

I get home from work last night and he gives me a GIANT hug. He has the table set and has started his homework. As I am taking care of the animals, Vern follows me around and tells me about his day. All without prompting.

Vern then leaves me to cook dinner and comes when called with his hands washed.  We have a pleasant family dinner.

After dinner we work on his homework. He has a LOT.

We need a break from homework so Vern joins me to work out. I am on the treadmill and he is on the eliptical machine. We both have our ipods and are singing at the top of our lungs "Don't Stop Believing" (see prior post). We chase everyone else from the basement with our singing and antics - insert big cheesy smile.

After our workout we talk a bit more and go play a quick game of UNO with Ann and SuperMan.  Following this is our good night ritual and off to sleepy land for Vern.

Now you maybe scratching your head going what is so special about all that? This is precisely what IS so special about it. A calm relaxing time with one of your children. The exact thing that makes memories and why kids are THE BEST! It also helps erase all the not so fun times of having kids.

I love being a mom.

Hey I just had a thought - is he bucking for good presents from Santa or what????

Upswing...at the moment

Vern is on the upside right now. His reading is on target. He has been doing a decent job on his chores. He listens occasionally. Maybe it's just because it's spring. Hey I'll take it whatever it is.

He makes me smile. 

This weekend he is going on a campout with this older brother and dad. He will love that as there is a catfish lake there and last time he caught a few and was very excited about that.

This morning all 3 kids were snuggling on the couch with me. I tell you what, no matter how BIG they get, I never tire of the love we share just holding each other. THAT is what it is all about.

WHO ARE YOU?

Vern has recaptured my heart of late. I don't know what he is trying to do to me but I am completely head over heels with him lately.

Of course maybe its just my cycle... 

So last night he comes home and seems upset. He storms off to take his shower. After when I am tucking him into bed he gives me the LOOK.  It was a sad, sad look and it broke my heart!  I immediately melt into him asking what is wrong? He then clams up and gets embarassed. I convince him it is ok but still nothing. So we say prayers and I try one more time as I am showering him with kisses and loves.

He breaks down and dishes. I reassure him that I understand and he can come to me with any fears he has. I try to reassure him and give him more kisses and hugs. We say an extra prayer.

Then this morning a new kid arises. I make his breakfast and go continue to get ready for work. When I come back out to check on him (fully prepared to nag to do his chores, brush his teeth, etc.) I am shocked!!!  He is sitting at the kitchen table doing homework. Where is Vern I am thinking? Who is this kid?  I manage to stammer... "What are you doing?"

"Homework. Dad didn't have any colors at his house last night."

"Is your agenda signed?"
"Yes, dad signed it but not my reading."

"Ok" I say still in shock.  "Did you do reading?"

"Um - No"

"That's ok."

I go deal with the other two kids and low and behold here comes Vern to find me with his spelling words.

STILL
IN
SHOCK

The child has NEVER done this before.

Maybe it is a fluke. I will take it.  Love and warm fuzzies continue....

Blast from the past

Being a mom


I thank God EVERY day I was blessed with children. Yes I know many times I may complain and wonder what the heck I was thinking but deep down they are the reason I get up in the morning and the light of my days.

Vern has been very trying lately and I am frustrated and want to do the right thing with him. He even knows how naughty he has been. He acknowledges this and said he is going to try and shape up. Gotta love it. Well here is todays blip with him that made me glad he is mine....

"mom"
"yes Vern"
"Its so hard being popular" rolling eyes
"Why is that?"
"Because EVERYone always wants to talk to you. Sometimes it gives me a headache!"
"well good thing you can always go to your room for some piece and quiet"
"shaking his head yes, thank goodness I can get away from it all"
THAT is my Vern.