I love to brag on my kids and, quite frankly, I think they are some of the most well behaved children on the planet. With that being said, kids are kids and even mine screw up and do things they shouldn't do occasionally. I'm very fortunate that it's not all that often but it happens.
My oldest got busted in a lie last night...not a crazy criminal type lie, just a lie that I didn't like. She not only went down but tried to bring siblings that had nothing to do with it down with her. It was a lie to protect her ass for something she'd done (which she probably wouldn't have even gotten into much trouble for until this went down). I was pretty ticked off at her and her reaction made it worse. She gave me a look like she couldn't have given two licks what I thought about the situation and wasn't listening to me to begin with. It's a familiar look to me not because of my kids but because I have siblings.
This is where I get into the topic of debate...digging a deeper hole. I have the perspective that if I'm in trouble, I need to fly under the radar, stay out of the way and be a fly on the wall. If I just put my nose to the grindstone and do what I'm supposed to do, my punishment will be over and I can move on with my life. She doesn't seem to understand this concept. She just keeps doing things to further aggravate me. I don't know why she feels the need to do it but it's a sick cycle...she gets into trouble, she gets mad at me and ends up making it worse. It's like she feels like if she pushes me hard enough, I'll buckle and just let her go free. It never works...ever.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I can't understand why someone would continually dig a deeper hole just to get into bigger trouble over and over again. It's...well, it's INSANITY to me.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Devil's Tower
(Copied from the National Parks website; link listed at the bottom of this blog)
Before the Kiowa came south they were camped on a stream in the far north where there were a great many bears, many of them. One day, seven little girls were playing at a distance from the village and were chased by some bears. The girls ran toward the village and the bears were just about to catch them when the girls jumped on a low rock, about three feet high. One of the girls prayed to the rock, "Rock take pity on us, rock save us!" The rock heard them and began to grow upwards, pushing the girls higher and higher. When the bears jumped to reach the girls, they scratched the rock, broke their claws, and fell on the ground.
The rock rose higher and higher, the bears still jumped at the girls until they were pushed up into the sky, where they now are, seven little stars in a group (The Pleiades). In the winter, in the middle of the night, the seven stars are right over this high rock. When the people came to look, they found the bears' claws, turned to stone, all around the base.No Kiowa living has ever seen this rock, but the old men have told about it - it is very far north where the Kiowa used to live. It is a single rock with scratched sides, the marks of the bears' claws are there yet, rising straight up, very high. There is no other like it in the whole country, there are no trees on it, only grass on top. The Kiowa call this rock "Tso-aa", a tree rock, possibly because it grew tall like a tree.
Told by I-See-Many-Camp-Fire-Places, Kiowa soldier at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, 1897.
Above is the Kiowa legend associated with Devil's Tower, which happens to be my favorite. I think there's something to be said for knowing the legends associated with the sites I see, not only for historic purposes but also for the sake of hearing a very interesting story.
Here's my opinion of the area:
*I'd never been to Wyoming so I can honestly say that driving through it was a unique experience. It's a very wide open space, very windy and very farm-ish.
*Though this isn't "technically" regarding the area, crossing over into Wyoming from Colorado was a very down-home experience. I grew up in Illinois...small crazy farm towns a go-go (and I loved it). I will honestly say with a smile that the farm smell when crossing the border reminded me of home and was fantastic.
*The site itself was incredible. We actually saw the sun rise near it and it was beautiful. The kids had a great time playing in the tall grass, climbing and carrying on.
*The Devil's Tower KOA campground is run by a hag of a woman (in my humble opinion). I stopped in and waited until AFTER they were supposed to open to get drinks for us and finally let the kids go run on the playground nearby. She stomped out, told me we were trespassing and threatened to call the police. I apologized and started explaining that I didn't realize they were trespassing and began loading up the kids. She then made it a point to talk to my boyfriend and tell HIM that she was calling the police AS HE WAS LEAVING! Incredibly rude.
*I want to go back. I want to go and explore more, maybe even do more climbing (since my hiking ability is limited right now because of physical post-surgery junk).
I fully recommend Devil's Tower: two thumbs up!!
The Holy Crap Factor
I'm sure there's some psychological name for the moment when you think everything's getting better and you get hit like a freight train but I refer to it as the Holy Crap Factor. It's that moment when you get the knot in your belly and you realize you're facing a mountain bigger than what you wanted or thought was going to happen. I've learned over and over in my life that you can't control what happens to you 24/7. What you CAN control is how you react to it.
I recently got hit with my own personal freight train and had my Holy Crap Factor. Call it God's peace (which is what I call it) or call it life experience (which I doubt) but my mind immediately went into power mode. It went from "OH SH**!" to "Here's what we need to do!" I was able to organize it and power through the situation without a second thought. I even was able to make the best of it.
I guess this is why I wasn't hit that hard with the Holy Crap Factor:
1. I believe that there is a great purpose and that God makes everything a part of His plan. What seems like chaos right now WILL work itself out in the long run.
2. I believe that me sitting around getting angry about it won't resolve it. It's not that I'm ignoring the problem; instead I'm choosing to focus on the positive and do what I can do to work towards a common good.
3. If I'm gonna be in Sh** Creek, I may as well take a swim.
4. I believe in Karma. I believe that people that do crappy things are going to get it back times 10. I also believe that people that defy the odds are rewarded in the long run. The Bible calls it "reaping what you sow".
No matter what, I believe that the Holy Crap Factor is only around for as long as you allow it. God is good all the time and will reward you for your faithful attitude when stuff happens.
I recently got hit with my own personal freight train and had my Holy Crap Factor. Call it God's peace (which is what I call it) or call it life experience (which I doubt) but my mind immediately went into power mode. It went from "OH SH**!" to "Here's what we need to do!" I was able to organize it and power through the situation without a second thought. I even was able to make the best of it.
I guess this is why I wasn't hit that hard with the Holy Crap Factor:
1. I believe that there is a great purpose and that God makes everything a part of His plan. What seems like chaos right now WILL work itself out in the long run.
2. I believe that me sitting around getting angry about it won't resolve it. It's not that I'm ignoring the problem; instead I'm choosing to focus on the positive and do what I can do to work towards a common good.
3. If I'm gonna be in Sh** Creek, I may as well take a swim.
4. I believe in Karma. I believe that people that do crappy things are going to get it back times 10. I also believe that people that defy the odds are rewarded in the long run. The Bible calls it "reaping what you sow".
No matter what, I believe that the Holy Crap Factor is only around for as long as you allow it. God is good all the time and will reward you for your faithful attitude when stuff happens.
Back on My Feet
After four weeks of post-surgery waiting, I'm finally getting back on my feet.....again. I was released back to work and hoping to see how it goes next week starting back on half days for a couple of weeks. My energy level is coming back and I'm able to get up and do a lot more.
I'm also working my butt off planning upcoming events for my freelance business. Wish me luck!
I'm also working my butt off planning upcoming events for my freelance business. Wish me luck!
The Tebow Experience
I have a confession to make...I'm a Tim Tebow fanatic. Call it "buying into Tebow-mania" or whatever you may. I'm a fanatic for that man: as a person, as a player, and in every other way. In light of the recent news of Tebow practicing with the Patriots, I've been asked over and over what I think so here goes....
I think Tebow is one of those players that makes the line between love and hate very clear. There's not a lot of grey area. Either people are Tebow-bashing haters or they love him. Both sides are equally as passionate about their views and both sides are equally as vocal about it, as well. I happened to be in downtown Denver the day that Tebow got traded to the Jets and, let me tell you, there was a very definite anger at Broncos management in a lot of people talking about loyalty and how much he'd done for the Broncos. I think that Tebow got the shaft in New York. They brought him in knowing his style and what he had the ability to bring to the team and didn't bother attempting to use it. Instead they kept putting Sanchez in, regardless of how much the team was sucking.
With that being said, I have very mixed feelings about his possible signing with the Patriots. IF they actually allow him the ability to perfect his strong points, work on his weak points, and learn in general, he's going to be incredible. His work ethic is second to none and he has a heart like no other player I've ever seen. He has the ability to pull a team together just based on his energy alone. Let him develop his skills further and he's gonna break out and be amazing! IF they are bringing him in just to shaft him like they did in New York, I'm NOT happy. I'm not, by any stretch of the imagination, expecting him to be a starting quarterback for the Patriots because it's just not his time. If he DOES get to train and work on his game, he'd make an INCREDIBLE back up and, maybe down the line, a starting quarterback.
So what do I think about it? I'll let you know in about six months when I see how things go.
I think Tebow is one of those players that makes the line between love and hate very clear. There's not a lot of grey area. Either people are Tebow-bashing haters or they love him. Both sides are equally as passionate about their views and both sides are equally as vocal about it, as well. I happened to be in downtown Denver the day that Tebow got traded to the Jets and, let me tell you, there was a very definite anger at Broncos management in a lot of people talking about loyalty and how much he'd done for the Broncos. I think that Tebow got the shaft in New York. They brought him in knowing his style and what he had the ability to bring to the team and didn't bother attempting to use it. Instead they kept putting Sanchez in, regardless of how much the team was sucking.
With that being said, I have very mixed feelings about his possible signing with the Patriots. IF they actually allow him the ability to perfect his strong points, work on his weak points, and learn in general, he's going to be incredible. His work ethic is second to none and he has a heart like no other player I've ever seen. He has the ability to pull a team together just based on his energy alone. Let him develop his skills further and he's gonna break out and be amazing! IF they are bringing him in just to shaft him like they did in New York, I'm NOT happy. I'm not, by any stretch of the imagination, expecting him to be a starting quarterback for the Patriots because it's just not his time. If he DOES get to train and work on his game, he'd make an INCREDIBLE back up and, maybe down the line, a starting quarterback.
So what do I think about it? I'll let you know in about six months when I see how things go.
Monday, June 17, 2013
A Million Pictures
One of my crazies asked me if I was going to hang up a million pictures in the house. My answer was that the ONLY reason I'd want a huge mansion is so that I could have more space to hang up pictures in it. Admittedly, some of that is that I'm a photographer and I can't help myself...I have more pictures than I'll probably ever realistically need for any major purpose. With that being said, I'm also just a picture lover. I love having pictures hanging around my house that show all different aspects of my life. Like everything else in my life, I have an opinion on it.....
1. I love "posed" traditional photographs. It doesn't have to be studio photography (in fact, I'm not a huge fan of the look of studio photography for big pictures in my life). These are generally my 8X10s of the kids that get replaced close to their birthdays. It's generally a full body shot that shows off how much they've grown, what kinds of clothes they like, etc. It's become a bit of a tradition that they get a little more dressed up for the shots and they often end up with a more reserved (though still natural...because I'll WAIT all day for a natural smile) smile.
2. I love candid shots. Aside from the traditional posed shots, I always do a full shoot for the kids around their birthday that lets them get their personality out. We change clothes into something less formal and just have fun. I love the shots with tongues stuck out, pouty faces, or shots where I just said their name and they looked up and smiled without knowing I was taking a picture.
3. I love action shots. Currently, on my wall, I have shots of my kids shooting airsoft guns, jumping rocks while hiking, blowing bubbles, throwing a football, and playing in the hose. I love shots of kids just being kids. It produces the most natural smiles (or, in some cases, tongues stuck out in concentration) and shows them in their element.
4. I love affection shots. I have one particular shot of the crazies from several years ago where they all sat in front of each other and have a big hug. They're smiling such natural, happy smiles and you can truly tell that they love each other. This extends to all different combinations of family members or friends. I love shots that truly show the affection that the people feel for each other.
5. I like to have lots of shots of family and friends around. I have an entire wall of nieces and nephews. I replace the shots regularly but they're ALWAYS nieces and nephews. I also have shots of grandparents, friends, and neighbors around. I love shots of family and friends around the house to remind all of us how loved we truly are (and all of the people we love, as well).
6. I love shots from excursions we've had. Whether it's hiking in the mountains, going to a ball game, or celebrating a special event, I love having pictures around to remember fun times. Not only is it a great way to commemorate a special event, but it's also a reminder on those rough days exactly how much fun we have together.
7. I love achievement shots. I have shots of every single one of the kids getting awards at their school for honor roll, good behavior, and more. I have shots of kindergarten graduation but also shots of my oldest daughter's Continuation. I also have shots of major achievements for the adults in the house...my favorite for me, personally, is my shot of me with Vince Jackson after shooting his fundraiser a couple of months ago.
Regardless of what people's opinions are on hanging pictures, I love having as many pictures as I can around the house. I give photo gifts at nearly every holiday. I love receiving photo gifts. I think that pictures are an integral part of making a house a home.
1. I love "posed" traditional photographs. It doesn't have to be studio photography (in fact, I'm not a huge fan of the look of studio photography for big pictures in my life). These are generally my 8X10s of the kids that get replaced close to their birthdays. It's generally a full body shot that shows off how much they've grown, what kinds of clothes they like, etc. It's become a bit of a tradition that they get a little more dressed up for the shots and they often end up with a more reserved (though still natural...because I'll WAIT all day for a natural smile) smile.
2. I love candid shots. Aside from the traditional posed shots, I always do a full shoot for the kids around their birthday that lets them get their personality out. We change clothes into something less formal and just have fun. I love the shots with tongues stuck out, pouty faces, or shots where I just said their name and they looked up and smiled without knowing I was taking a picture.
3. I love action shots. Currently, on my wall, I have shots of my kids shooting airsoft guns, jumping rocks while hiking, blowing bubbles, throwing a football, and playing in the hose. I love shots of kids just being kids. It produces the most natural smiles (or, in some cases, tongues stuck out in concentration) and shows them in their element.
4. I love affection shots. I have one particular shot of the crazies from several years ago where they all sat in front of each other and have a big hug. They're smiling such natural, happy smiles and you can truly tell that they love each other. This extends to all different combinations of family members or friends. I love shots that truly show the affection that the people feel for each other.
5. I like to have lots of shots of family and friends around. I have an entire wall of nieces and nephews. I replace the shots regularly but they're ALWAYS nieces and nephews. I also have shots of grandparents, friends, and neighbors around. I love shots of family and friends around the house to remind all of us how loved we truly are (and all of the people we love, as well).
6. I love shots from excursions we've had. Whether it's hiking in the mountains, going to a ball game, or celebrating a special event, I love having pictures around to remember fun times. Not only is it a great way to commemorate a special event, but it's also a reminder on those rough days exactly how much fun we have together.
7. I love achievement shots. I have shots of every single one of the kids getting awards at their school for honor roll, good behavior, and more. I have shots of kindergarten graduation but also shots of my oldest daughter's Continuation. I also have shots of major achievements for the adults in the house...my favorite for me, personally, is my shot of me with Vince Jackson after shooting his fundraiser a couple of months ago.
Regardless of what people's opinions are on hanging pictures, I love having as many pictures as I can around the house. I give photo gifts at nearly every holiday. I love receiving photo gifts. I think that pictures are an integral part of making a house a home.
Father's Day: It Takes More Than Sperm to Make a Daddy
I believe that sex education is a vital part of a child's education in school. I think that the biology and, in some part, the sociology is an important part of the education a child should receive. I believe in teaching them about the anatomy, different types of families (mom/dad, dad/dad, mom/mom, grandparents raising grandchildren, etc), and what body changes adolescents go through during puberty are an important lesson and a necessary part of growth and development.
With that being said, I believe that there are certain lessons that are best taught at home. One of these such lessons is that it takes more than sperm to be a daddy (there is a flip side for moms but I will cover this another time). This is a controversial topic in some circles and often splits people into two separate groups based on personal life experiences or the life experiences of a loved one. Then again, I'm not all that concerned with other people's judgments on my opinions...opinions are like buttholes; everyone has one.
There is a group of men in this world that are highly lauded in my heart. These are the biological fathers that take ownership of their babies. (This is not, in any way, related to men/couples that give up their child for adoption. That takes a whole different level of bravery and love for their child and can not even begin to be compared to deadbeat dads). Unfortunately, there seem to be more and more "deadbeat dads" out there. Even more unfortunate are the deadbeat dads that are still in a "traditional" two parent household. I'm not just talking about not taking financial responsibility; I'm talking about emotional, physical, and mental support as well. Very little warms my heart more than a true "daddy" that puts their children first, loves them unconditionally, plays with them, supports them in every way, and truly enjoys fatherhood. It's awesome to me to see fathers (whether in a two parent household, single dads, or shared custody dads) who truly enjoy the blessing they've been given to the fullest.
There is another group of men that are equally as endearingly adored in my heart: the dads that take over when a biological parent makes the decision to not be a parent. Sometimes they come in the form of step parents (who sometimes adopt the children at a later time) but they also come in other forms, as well. It takes a lot of courage, love, and a million other wonderful qualities to take over where someone else decided that they didn't want to go. This is another instance of family being more than just a blood relationship. There is an elite group of daddies that picked up where someone else dropped the ball and run it all the way to the end zone.
I don't want to leave out "surrogate" father figures. This might be a family member (grandfather, etc) or it might be a coach, neighbor, or other such person. These surrogate father figures contribute their wisdom, time, and love to children that they simply want to be there for. It's not a part of a love relationships with the child's mother; it's simply a desire to want to provide a positive male influence for a child that might otherwise not experience that love. These, too, are amazing and wonderful men that deserve applause.
The final group of "dads" I think deserve some applause are the single moms that have to serve multiple roles. Having lived this role, I fully understand how difficult it can be and, for mothers that raise their children through their entire childhood in this role, I am amazed at the bravery, love, and other wonderful qualities it takes to serve both roles in a child's life.
Whatever kind of daddy is in your child's life, I hope that you applaud them every day. Let them know that they're loved and admired in a way that lets them experience the appreciation they deserve. Happy Father's Day.
With that being said, I believe that there are certain lessons that are best taught at home. One of these such lessons is that it takes more than sperm to be a daddy (there is a flip side for moms but I will cover this another time). This is a controversial topic in some circles and often splits people into two separate groups based on personal life experiences or the life experiences of a loved one. Then again, I'm not all that concerned with other people's judgments on my opinions...opinions are like buttholes; everyone has one.
There is a group of men in this world that are highly lauded in my heart. These are the biological fathers that take ownership of their babies. (This is not, in any way, related to men/couples that give up their child for adoption. That takes a whole different level of bravery and love for their child and can not even begin to be compared to deadbeat dads). Unfortunately, there seem to be more and more "deadbeat dads" out there. Even more unfortunate are the deadbeat dads that are still in a "traditional" two parent household. I'm not just talking about not taking financial responsibility; I'm talking about emotional, physical, and mental support as well. Very little warms my heart more than a true "daddy" that puts their children first, loves them unconditionally, plays with them, supports them in every way, and truly enjoys fatherhood. It's awesome to me to see fathers (whether in a two parent household, single dads, or shared custody dads) who truly enjoy the blessing they've been given to the fullest.
There is another group of men that are equally as endearingly adored in my heart: the dads that take over when a biological parent makes the decision to not be a parent. Sometimes they come in the form of step parents (who sometimes adopt the children at a later time) but they also come in other forms, as well. It takes a lot of courage, love, and a million other wonderful qualities to take over where someone else decided that they didn't want to go. This is another instance of family being more than just a blood relationship. There is an elite group of daddies that picked up where someone else dropped the ball and run it all the way to the end zone.
I don't want to leave out "surrogate" father figures. This might be a family member (grandfather, etc) or it might be a coach, neighbor, or other such person. These surrogate father figures contribute their wisdom, time, and love to children that they simply want to be there for. It's not a part of a love relationships with the child's mother; it's simply a desire to want to provide a positive male influence for a child that might otherwise not experience that love. These, too, are amazing and wonderful men that deserve applause.
The final group of "dads" I think deserve some applause are the single moms that have to serve multiple roles. Having lived this role, I fully understand how difficult it can be and, for mothers that raise their children through their entire childhood in this role, I am amazed at the bravery, love, and other wonderful qualities it takes to serve both roles in a child's life.
Whatever kind of daddy is in your child's life, I hope that you applaud them every day. Let them know that they're loved and admired in a way that lets them experience the appreciation they deserve. Happy Father's Day.
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