We live in the country. The country is home to a wide variety of Wild Creatures. Of this, I am aware. We have not really had to deal with many creatures too much since we moved in.
Deer are not a problem. They don't eat anything they aren't supposed to. And we like to watch them. Birds are also not a problem. Squirrels, Chipmunks, Rabbits, even the little Beaver family that lives down the road doesn't bother us or cause issues. We like wildlife, we don't mind sharing.
*I do realize that they were probably all there first, but since we didn't build the house, I'm going with we didn't invade their homes because there was already a human home there.
This summer, we've got some issues. We've got mosquitoes, which we haven't seen since moving to Iowa. We've got some other weird feathery looking flying biting bugs, yes biting, I hate them. We've got a few toads hiding out in the fountain. And we've got Raccoons.
Yes, effing RACCOONS!!
I have come to realize that these creatures are clearly smarter than most humans. And I understand that, again, they were probably in our area before we were. However, we have not had issues with them until recently. And by issues, I mean they are destructive little beasts! And smart, did I say smart? Cause those little buggers are freaking SMART!
First time we noticed them was when we were awoken in the middle of the night by scratching on our bedroom window. Showed him the flashlight, he ran away.
Then, Mariah saw them outside. And by them, I mean 3. Within the next few days, they started helping themselves to the grain and horse treats in the barn. The rubbermaid cans and totes are no match for mice or horses; but, remember how Raccoons have thumbs. Not just thumbs....opposable thumbs...human thumbs...thumbs that can effectively open rubbermaid cans and totes. We started talking about buying a live trap.
Next, we found that one of our little baby kittens has been wounded. Since the kittens don't get over the fence alone, and Mama has decided they do not live in the garage (which now I understand why!) we fed them outside on the back porch. Bad idea. Just bad. Mr. Rocky Raccoon woke me up scratching at the window again. I went out and tried to scare him off. In the morning, all the cat food was gone (duh! that little stinker licked the porch CLEAN!) and Wilbur the baby kitty had puncture wounds and a bloody foot. No worries, he's recovering very well in the house.
That was the last straw (or so I thought), so Ry was sent out to get some live traps. So far, we've caught 4. And the neighbor across the street has also captured 4. And the other neighbor, well apparently he's been catching fish and leaving the "leftovers" from cleaning them, outside. Smart, real smart bucko! We had been smelling fish, and of course wondered, but really, who would think to leave nasty, stinky, leftover fish guts outside? And in this heat? Oy Vey!
Rocky was again attempting his break in skills last night at our bedroom window, not exactly sure what he's after, but he has managed to take the shutter almost completely off.
So, as the saga of Raccoon Valley continues, I am hoping with a nice neighborly chat, we will be able to end the Wrath of Rocky Raccoon. If not, these poor smart creatures will continue to be relocated. And I'm gonna go through a lot of marshmallows!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 2012
TCRG 2012 ~ Update
It's been a few weeks since we got the food garden all ready to go. Not gonna lie, we were pretty scared and a little skeptical about the "Growth Probability" this year. We have a lot of clay in the yard. Like, a lot! Even with the extra time we spent tilling everything, and mixing in the poo, there was still a lot of clay that lumped.
But, low and behold, we've got some produce coming! It's super exciting!
What's not so exciting is our new visitors this summer. BUGS. Last summer, we had no problem with bugs eating our produce. So, when I noticed that there were small holes in most every little leaf, this was a surprise...and a concern.
They have eaten everything. From the strawberries to the jalapenos to the cucumbers. Oh the poor cucumbers, I actually have to plant more! Of the 12 seeds that went into the ground, and the 9 that sprouted, there is only 1 lonely guy left!! ONE!! Those crazy buggers chewed everything off to a nub in the cucumber area!! Rotten, I tell you, ROTTEN!!
From my BFF, Google, I've learned that non-anti-bacterial dish soap is a great way to start attacking this problem. I also read many other home remedies, but this one was the most common, and I already had all the ingredients :) The first night, I came home and mixed up some of this Magical Soap Elixir, using Norwex (since I'm not really crazy about putting chemicals into the FOOD garden, I thought this would be the best option) dish soap.
Totally side note, but I don't understand why, if you are having a garden in your yard to feed your family and get away from the chemicals on the produce in the grocery store...why on earth would you put poison on the produce in YOUR garden? I am the kind of girl who likes to go outside, pick a few peas, have a snack, and go about my business. If I have to stop and wash each bite, that kind of defeats the purpose of a 'quick snack'. And the whole "Natural Food" thing. Whatever. I am not however, opposed to spraying chemicals on Creeping Charlie. I will spray that nasty beast with whatever I can find that will kill it's guts out! Food, no chemicals. Weeds (YES, it's a weed!!), ok with chemicals. Now that that's cleared up....
I sprayed everything. Even the plants that didn't have any holes. I sprayed everything. And so far, so good. There are no new holes. Just a few guys trying to recover and repair themselves from the attack of the invading creatures.
Spraying again tonight, it said to do it a couple times right away, then just as needed. I also saved a bunch of eggshells, in the event that we get slugs. I thought it was such a neat trick (put egg shells around the base of the plant to keep the slugs off) that I was actually saddened that none of our invaders were slugs! Maybe I'll get some, and get to use this fancy trick :)
But, low and behold, we've got some produce coming! It's super exciting!
What's not so exciting is our new visitors this summer. BUGS. Last summer, we had no problem with bugs eating our produce. So, when I noticed that there were small holes in most every little leaf, this was a surprise...and a concern.
They have eaten everything. From the strawberries to the jalapenos to the cucumbers. Oh the poor cucumbers, I actually have to plant more! Of the 12 seeds that went into the ground, and the 9 that sprouted, there is only 1 lonely guy left!! ONE!! Those crazy buggers chewed everything off to a nub in the cucumber area!! Rotten, I tell you, ROTTEN!!
 |
| Poor, poor sad Jalapeno has been eaten to pieces! |
From my BFF, Google, I've learned that non-anti-bacterial dish soap is a great way to start attacking this problem. I also read many other home remedies, but this one was the most common, and I already had all the ingredients :) The first night, I came home and mixed up some of this Magical Soap Elixir, using Norwex (since I'm not really crazy about putting chemicals into the FOOD garden, I thought this would be the best option) dish soap.
Totally side note, but I don't understand why, if you are having a garden in your yard to feed your family and get away from the chemicals on the produce in the grocery store...why on earth would you put poison on the produce in YOUR garden? I am the kind of girl who likes to go outside, pick a few peas, have a snack, and go about my business. If I have to stop and wash each bite, that kind of defeats the purpose of a 'quick snack'. And the whole "Natural Food" thing. Whatever. I am not however, opposed to spraying chemicals on Creeping Charlie. I will spray that nasty beast with whatever I can find that will kill it's guts out! Food, no chemicals. Weeds (YES, it's a weed!!), ok with chemicals. Now that that's cleared up....
I sprayed everything. Even the plants that didn't have any holes. I sprayed everything. And so far, so good. There are no new holes. Just a few guys trying to recover and repair themselves from the attack of the invading creatures.
Spraying again tonight, it said to do it a couple times right away, then just as needed. I also saved a bunch of eggshells, in the event that we get slugs. I thought it was such a neat trick (put egg shells around the base of the plant to keep the slugs off) that I was actually saddened that none of our invaders were slugs! Maybe I'll get some, and get to use this fancy trick :)
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
New Mommy Survival Kit
A super long time ago, I asked all my New Mommy Friends on Facebook for some assistance in putting together a lovely little gift for my friend who was about to enter the wonder filled world of being a Mom. It's been over 10 years since I was a new Mom, and I totally needed some help!
I got tons of input, and in the end, stole the show at the Baby Shower with the New Mommy Survial Kit.
First, I got a Diaper Bag to assemble everything in. Being a Thirty~One consultant, it was great timing, the Organizing Utililty Tote was on sale! Whoo Hoo! So, I let her pick out the pattern she liked and her own embroidery. Nothing sucks more than getting a gift you don't like or won't use, so I made sure she liked it :)
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| Nevermind the sale, I am not smart enough to crop or alter these things, so you might from time to time see recycled images on here! But this is what the bag looks like, so you get the idea! |
Then we started collecting pieces to insert. It took a while, there is a great deal of time and effort that went into this. But it was totally worth it!! I took each item and wrapped little blue and pink tags explaining it's use around it. I don't of course have a photo of the finished product, but use your imagination with the items and tag scibbling below!
*Nite Lites - You might think you know your way around the house in the dark...until you are a sleep deprived monster, going potty at 2am, after laying baby down, trying not to make a sound, with your eyes half closed, 1 sock on...just plug them in!
*Bobby Pins & Dry Shampoo - Showering is one of those long lost "Things I Used to do Before I Had Kids". And sometimes, the effort it requires just isn't worth it. This is for those times.
(You could add Deodorant here as well!)
*Reese's Peanut Butter Cups - Happy Mama = Happy Family
(These were her favorite)
*Advil - Remember this Math Lesson - 4 Advil = 1 Vicodan
(ok, so this is clearly not legit medical advice, but somethings gotta work when those initial pain meds wear off!)
*Baby Wipes - If you have a boy, these can be used to wipe the clearly directed wee off your face during each changing. These will also remove baby vomit from the back of your jacket before entering a public establishment and get butt paste out of the carpet. You may start to wonder how you ever lived without them!
*Stool Softener- If no one has told you about your first Post-Birth Poo...I'm not gonna be the one! Take these, they won't MAKE you go...just make it EASIER to go :)
*Altoids & Wisps - Brushing your teeth will likely move farther down on your daily priority list as you enter your new "Oh my gosh I just slept for a WHOLE 20 MINUTES lifestyle" Your guests (and baby) will thank you for using these!
*Earplugs - It's not always the "Most Magical Thing I've Ever Heard" and that's totally normal.
*Face Cleansing Wipes - for a pick me up, or a "Oh Crap I'm Scaring The Baby" moment.
*Tucks Pads - Directions: Put on Bottom. Yours. You're Welcome.
*Maxi Pads, Mattress Size - In the instance your little one rips you open like a bag of Cheeto's, thus causing a rather unpleasant, "OMG, am I supposed to lose THIS MUCH blood" kind of sensation for an extended period of time, you will want these. Seriously - Heavy & Long will become your best friends.
*Gripe Water - A sweet miracle in a bottle!
*New Undies, the large ones that will hold above mentioned pads - Sometimes just changing your underwear is like putting on a whole new outfit! And I know you don't have anything besides thongs, and Honey, those mattresses won't fit on your tight rope!
*The Book "Go The F**K To Sleep" - for those nights when you just feel like saying it, this makes it a little more acceptable to cuss at your baby.
(And, if you haven't read this, please do. This author took what every parent says, every night, and wrote it down. He is a GENIUS. And now a very wealthy genius!)
*The Book "Porn for New Moms" - Post baby, "Dirty" can take on so many meanings. A new adventure in "Oh Yeah" begins on Page 1.
(Again, if you haven't seen this, do it! Hilarious! Photos of men vacuuming, doing dishes, staying with baby instead of golfing, making all natural baby food, all while telling you how sexy those sweatpants are!)
Mom, Grandma, Auntie, and Daddy were all very happy with the kit. Mission Accomplished!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Addie's a Player
A Softball Player, that is!
And in true Bad Mom fashion...I have no pictures. Although, I do want to make it clear that I am blaming my phone for this! In today's technology, I have not had to carry a camera because I had one on my phone...key word there...had.
BUT, what I did want to share doesn't require a picture. It is burned into my memory as one of the highlights of my Mom Career.
Addie wanted to play softball this summer, something bad. She had been outside playing catch and hitting balls to get ready for months. It worked out nice that Brewtus still fetches :)
One of our neighbors and her friend from school plays for one of the other small towns around us and they still had room on the roster, YAY!! We were excited!
What I didn't know, is that it would not be Coach Pitch. I know, I know, she's getting older, blah, blah, blah. But really, how would I know this?! She laughed at me. And also said she has no desire to pitch, there is too much pressure in that job.
Last week, they had a pre-season game. Against Giants. No, the team name was not The Giants. The girls were ginormous. And our girls got crushed. It was really discouraging. The other team was bigger, faster, and way more experienced. We got nervous.
Last night was her first "real" game. The other team was more realistic in size. They were more compatable in ability. And their pitcher, well she threw the ball at an appropriate 11 year old speed.
And guess who got a hit, off the pitcher nonetheless. Oh yeah, that's my Baby Girl.
She watched the first pitch come in and let it go by. As the second pitch came in, I held my breath. She swung. And hit it! Her first "real" game hit off a pitcher. Oh my JOY!!
So, that's it. She's a Softball Player. And she got a great hit. And we couldn't be more proud!
And in true Bad Mom fashion...I have no pictures. Although, I do want to make it clear that I am blaming my phone for this! In today's technology, I have not had to carry a camera because I had one on my phone...key word there...had.
BUT, what I did want to share doesn't require a picture. It is burned into my memory as one of the highlights of my Mom Career.
Addie wanted to play softball this summer, something bad. She had been outside playing catch and hitting balls to get ready for months. It worked out nice that Brewtus still fetches :)
One of our neighbors and her friend from school plays for one of the other small towns around us and they still had room on the roster, YAY!! We were excited!
What I didn't know, is that it would not be Coach Pitch. I know, I know, she's getting older, blah, blah, blah. But really, how would I know this?! She laughed at me. And also said she has no desire to pitch, there is too much pressure in that job.
Last week, they had a pre-season game. Against Giants. No, the team name was not The Giants. The girls were ginormous. And our girls got crushed. It was really discouraging. The other team was bigger, faster, and way more experienced. We got nervous.
Last night was her first "real" game. The other team was more realistic in size. They were more compatable in ability. And their pitcher, well she threw the ball at an appropriate 11 year old speed.
And guess who got a hit, off the pitcher nonetheless. Oh yeah, that's my Baby Girl.
She watched the first pitch come in and let it go by. As the second pitch came in, I held my breath. She swung. And hit it! Her first "real" game hit off a pitcher. Oh my JOY!!
So, that's it. She's a Softball Player. And she got a great hit. And we couldn't be more proud!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
TCRG~ The Food Garden, 2012
A few things we learned last year during our Maiden Voyage into the Magical, Mythical Realm of Gardening:
1. We need more room.
2. We need a better fence.
3. We need a better variety.
4. We should water more.
5. You just can't have too many tomatoes.
So this year, as we were planning out the garden, it was a meticulous chore. Not a troublesome chore by any means. But it was well thought out with maps and diagrams, time consuming with research on plants that will grow in an overabundance of clay...and a bit overwhelming. Now that it's in, let the plethora of produce appear...POOF! Here's how we learned from above mentioned lessons.
1. We needed more room. Last year the garden was roughly 6' x 8'. Sounds big enough when you hear it. Not nearly big enough when you were looking at it. And not nearly big enough when the cucumbers start climbing the tomatoes and the green beans get lost and kill the red peppers. The funny part is, we had TONS of veggies in there. And for the most part, they did great. With a little more breathing room this year, we will definitely see an increase in happy veggies and they shall reward us with dinner. At least, this is the plan.
2. The main purpose of the fence last year was to keep the dogs out. Our garden is inside our large privacy fence, so large critters, and even smaller critters (like those pesky rabbits!!) are not even an issue. It's the dogs. The dogs are the issue. So Deron, being the wonderful man that he is, has built an impenetrable lining around said garden. Here's to hoping the cats follow suit and stay the crap out of there too!
3. As far as variety, we had plenty of produce last year. The funny part is that everything we grew, was pretty much only stuff that only I would eat. However, I do not need that much natural fiber in my diet, thank you very much! So this year, we tried a few new things. Things we've never, ever, ever tried to grow before. Like cantaloupe. And potatoes. And cabbage. I'm excited. A little nervous. But still excited. If all goes well, we should have enough to eat fresh and enough to last us through the winter. Maybe we went a little overboard, maybe not, either way, we're eatin' good in this neighborhood!
4. Watering goes without saying. But sometimes a girl forgets. And sometimes that girl is punished by unhappy plants that refuse to produce food. Lesson learned. Drinking Party in the Garden, every night, 7ish, come on over, we serve fresh hose water (until I can talk Deron into building me this amazing rain water catcher/waterer thingy I found and absolutely need to have, then we shall serve rain water) and beer.
5. The funny thing about tomatoes, is that I never liked them. Deron doesn't like them. Addie's never liked them. Mariah, eh, not the biggest fan either. So why the crap did I need to plant 13 tomato plants?
For 1, I planted that many so that in the event some don't make it, we've got a few back ups.
For 2, Grandpa Gus loves tomatoes and I planted 2 specifically for him, everything produced on these 2 plants all belongs to Grandpa, don't touch!
For 3, do you know how many things I can can with a tomato base?! Sam's Club makes a fortune off this family in terms of Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste, Diced Tomatoes, Stewed Tomatoes, Salsa, Pasta Sauce, Pizza Sauce, Tomato Juice, etc. I shall attempt all of these "canned goods" this year and report back.
1. We need more room.
2. We need a better fence.
3. We need a better variety.
4. We should water more.
5. You just can't have too many tomatoes.
So this year, as we were planning out the garden, it was a meticulous chore. Not a troublesome chore by any means. But it was well thought out with maps and diagrams, time consuming with research on plants that will grow in an overabundance of clay...and a bit overwhelming. Now that it's in, let the plethora of produce appear...POOF! Here's how we learned from above mentioned lessons.
1. We needed more room. Last year the garden was roughly 6' x 8'. Sounds big enough when you hear it. Not nearly big enough when you were looking at it. And not nearly big enough when the cucumbers start climbing the tomatoes and the green beans get lost and kill the red peppers. The funny part is, we had TONS of veggies in there. And for the most part, they did great. With a little more breathing room this year, we will definitely see an increase in happy veggies and they shall reward us with dinner. At least, this is the plan.
2. The main purpose of the fence last year was to keep the dogs out. Our garden is inside our large privacy fence, so large critters, and even smaller critters (like those pesky rabbits!!) are not even an issue. It's the dogs. The dogs are the issue. So Deron, being the wonderful man that he is, has built an impenetrable lining around said garden. Here's to hoping the cats follow suit and stay the crap out of there too!
3. As far as variety, we had plenty of produce last year. The funny part is that everything we grew, was pretty much only stuff that only I would eat. However, I do not need that much natural fiber in my diet, thank you very much! So this year, we tried a few new things. Things we've never, ever, ever tried to grow before. Like cantaloupe. And potatoes. And cabbage. I'm excited. A little nervous. But still excited. If all goes well, we should have enough to eat fresh and enough to last us through the winter. Maybe we went a little overboard, maybe not, either way, we're eatin' good in this neighborhood!
4. Watering goes without saying. But sometimes a girl forgets. And sometimes that girl is punished by unhappy plants that refuse to produce food. Lesson learned. Drinking Party in the Garden, every night, 7ish, come on over, we serve fresh hose water (until I can talk Deron into building me this amazing rain water catcher/waterer thingy I found and absolutely need to have, then we shall serve rain water) and beer.
5. The funny thing about tomatoes, is that I never liked them. Deron doesn't like them. Addie's never liked them. Mariah, eh, not the biggest fan either. So why the crap did I need to plant 13 tomato plants?
For 1, I planted that many so that in the event some don't make it, we've got a few back ups.
For 2, Grandpa Gus loves tomatoes and I planted 2 specifically for him, everything produced on these 2 plants all belongs to Grandpa, don't touch!
For 3, do you know how many things I can can with a tomato base?! Sam's Club makes a fortune off this family in terms of Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste, Diced Tomatoes, Stewed Tomatoes, Salsa, Pasta Sauce, Pizza Sauce, Tomato Juice, etc. I shall attempt all of these "canned goods" this year and report back.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Mother's Day, and Daughters
Mother's Day is a day to celebrate Mothers. And also a day to celebrate Daughters. And Sons too, but I don't have any that walk on 2 feet, so we are only celebrating Daughters.
I have been blessed with a wonderful Mother.
And I have an amazing Step-Mother.
And I have an incredible pseudo Mother-In-Law.
And I have Sisters who are Moms.
And I have an impressive collection of Aunts.
And quite a few other women who have touched my life, and taught me how to be a Mother.
I kind of feel like I'm bragging here, and I am! I have a whole slew of folks who have taught me about parenting.
Sometimes I feel like I am letting them down, and not being the best Mom I can be. And then I cry about it, and then I remember, that I saw all of them do that too. And it's ok, and I'm normal. And a Good Mom.
What got me thinking of these wonderful Mom Moments is my girls. And my love for them. And promises. They are not little girls anymore. I have little women, young adults, budding members of society!
TO MY DAUGHTERS:
I Promise:
*To Remember what it's like at 11 & 17. And to not start my sentences with, "When I was your age..." The world has changed from when I was your age. And I know that. And I will remember with my heart, and my head, and not my fear.
*To be Present. When you look out into the crowd at your softball game, band concert, horse show, college graduation, you WILL see me. And you will see me beaming with all the pride and love that I have for you. I'll be there. And I'll make your Dad leave the bull horn at home, except at your weddings.
*To not be your Momager. To not try to control and run your life to the nittiest, grittiest detail. To not plan your days. To not plan your activities. To let you decide what you want to do. And support you while you figure that out. And also teach you the importance of sticking with something.
*To teach you the value of Service. Every single living being on the face of the planet needs help from time to time. I promise to show you WHY we help them. And I promise to show you HOW to help them. And I promise to show you it's ok to accept that help from others as well.
*To teach you to be Independent Thinkers. To show you that Women can and should be strong. To help and let you find, and follow, your own passions and dreams. To show you how to define yourself by YOU. Not what others expect of you. And how to grow into a wonderfully strong and capable You.
*To love your Dad. And show you what a crazy, loving, forever relationship looks like. To show you how it feels to love a good man, just like him. Someone who embraces all that you are, because you are wonderful. And to show you how to give that person the love and respect they deserve in return.
*To listen. Listen about anything. Boys, friends, school, bus, work, anything. I have 2 ears for a reason. And I have years of wisdom to share if you want me to speak. But I don't have to. I will listen, whenever, wherever, however you need me to. And I'll tell you this secret...I really enjoy this one, let's do it more!
*To show you that SMART is where it's at. To not let others get you down for being smart, or wearing glasses, or having freckles, or not wearing the cool name brand , or any other silly reason that they come up with. Let them be jealous. Being smart will never go out of style. Embrace your Inner Nerd and let her lead you to success.
*To show you how to be a friend. A Dog may be Man's Best Friend (and totally proven with your Dad and The Brew), but a Diamond will never be a girls best friend. Girls need Girlfriends. Real friends, good friends, are trusting and loyal and just as squirrely as you. Friends are there through thick and thin, good times and bad, happy times and sad. You will watch some go, some just come in for a short time to teach us something. But a good true friend, will have your back forever...when you are a good friend in return.
*To show you the importance of Sisters. This goes a little hand in hand with Friends, but not really. Sisters are the friends you are born with. In this case, the friend you got stuck with. Sisters are Forever Friends. And the absolute best friend you can ask for. Who else knows you better? Who else understands your parents? Who else knows exactly what you are going through? Sisters are Sisters. Have a Sister, Have a Friend.
And don't you ever, ever forget, that no matter where your road has taken you, no matter what has happened on that road, no matter how you got onto that road...that road will always have a path that leads back home. The door at home, will always be open. And I'll always be there, behind that door, to welcome you, and love you and support you and comfort you.
I have been blessed with a wonderful Mother.
And I have an amazing Step-Mother.
And I have an incredible pseudo Mother-In-Law.
And I have Sisters who are Moms.
And I have an impressive collection of Aunts.
And quite a few other women who have touched my life, and taught me how to be a Mother.
I kind of feel like I'm bragging here, and I am! I have a whole slew of folks who have taught me about parenting.
Sometimes I feel like I am letting them down, and not being the best Mom I can be. And then I cry about it, and then I remember, that I saw all of them do that too. And it's ok, and I'm normal. And a Good Mom.
What got me thinking of these wonderful Mom Moments is my girls. And my love for them. And promises. They are not little girls anymore. I have little women, young adults, budding members of society!
TO MY DAUGHTERS:
I Promise:
*To Remember what it's like at 11 & 17. And to not start my sentences with, "When I was your age..." The world has changed from when I was your age. And I know that. And I will remember with my heart, and my head, and not my fear.
*To be Present. When you look out into the crowd at your softball game, band concert, horse show, college graduation, you WILL see me. And you will see me beaming with all the pride and love that I have for you. I'll be there. And I'll make your Dad leave the bull horn at home, except at your weddings.
*To not be your Momager. To not try to control and run your life to the nittiest, grittiest detail. To not plan your days. To not plan your activities. To let you decide what you want to do. And support you while you figure that out. And also teach you the importance of sticking with something.
*To teach you the value of Service. Every single living being on the face of the planet needs help from time to time. I promise to show you WHY we help them. And I promise to show you HOW to help them. And I promise to show you it's ok to accept that help from others as well.
*To teach you to be Independent Thinkers. To show you that Women can and should be strong. To help and let you find, and follow, your own passions and dreams. To show you how to define yourself by YOU. Not what others expect of you. And how to grow into a wonderfully strong and capable You.
*To love your Dad. And show you what a crazy, loving, forever relationship looks like. To show you how it feels to love a good man, just like him. Someone who embraces all that you are, because you are wonderful. And to show you how to give that person the love and respect they deserve in return.
*To listen. Listen about anything. Boys, friends, school, bus, work, anything. I have 2 ears for a reason. And I have years of wisdom to share if you want me to speak. But I don't have to. I will listen, whenever, wherever, however you need me to. And I'll tell you this secret...I really enjoy this one, let's do it more!
*To show you that SMART is where it's at. To not let others get you down for being smart, or wearing glasses, or having freckles, or not wearing the cool name brand , or any other silly reason that they come up with. Let them be jealous. Being smart will never go out of style. Embrace your Inner Nerd and let her lead you to success.
*To show you how to be a friend. A Dog may be Man's Best Friend (and totally proven with your Dad and The Brew), but a Diamond will never be a girls best friend. Girls need Girlfriends. Real friends, good friends, are trusting and loyal and just as squirrely as you. Friends are there through thick and thin, good times and bad, happy times and sad. You will watch some go, some just come in for a short time to teach us something. But a good true friend, will have your back forever...when you are a good friend in return.
*To show you the importance of Sisters. This goes a little hand in hand with Friends, but not really. Sisters are the friends you are born with. In this case, the friend you got stuck with. Sisters are Forever Friends. And the absolute best friend you can ask for. Who else knows you better? Who else understands your parents? Who else knows exactly what you are going through? Sisters are Sisters. Have a Sister, Have a Friend.
And don't you ever, ever forget, that no matter where your road has taken you, no matter what has happened on that road, no matter how you got onto that road...that road will always have a path that leads back home. The door at home, will always be open. And I'll always be there, behind that door, to welcome you, and love you and support you and comfort you.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Prom 2012
Just a few pics from Prom. No lengthy, drawn out story behind anything, just wanted to share. Mariah looked absolutely beautiful (and Drake didn't look too shabby either), and had a great time.
I totally stole these pics from his FB, cause my camera on my phone sucks, and he's obviously more organized and prompt on the photo posting than I. Well played Drake, well played.
Ry brings out that stick once in a while, you know the stick I'm talking about. The "Oh My Gosh The Kids Are Growing Up Right Before My Eyes" stick. It got pulled out Saturday night. What a wonderful, smart, beautiful, intelligent, whitty, and true to herself girl I got me. Love her!
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