SMOKIN'

I will admit I am proud to be a reformed smoker! I have been smoke free for 15 years now and feel great about it. Although, I agree there is no worse than a anti smoker that is reformed. We tend to hate smoking worse than those who have never smoked! I am a pain to be with, especially if we are in a crowed area and I have to breathe the smell of smoke. It must be a guard against liking it to pick up the habit again. I try to forget the day I was so addicted to this habit that it controlled my life. Nicotine was the hardest thing I ever had to quit.

Although I do have a husband and son who continue to smoke, I prefer they do not pollute my air with the nasty smoke. I argue and complain to them all the time and it becomes an on going joke to them.

I am not a hypocrite as some may call me. I just choose not to be polluted any longer as I have chosen to free myself from this addiction. It was hard and I don’t want to slip again.
Many people smoke because they like the taste and it calms them. That was my big excuse. A lot of smokers smoke simply because they really do enjoy it despite the consequences. Then the anti-smoking crew should keep quiet! Right?? Doubtful…
Those who once smoked are the ones who are the ones making derogatory remarks each and every time they see anyone else smoking. I do not do this. I am not one is who is rude to others in regards to smoking. I just wish my family would be more respectful of my choice to quit and stop smoking in my space.
Many of us reformed smokers think we have to educate the world on the dangers of smoking. I have tried to talk my husband into longer living, better health and endangering the kid’s lungs, so he should quit! My dad died as a life long smoker and had complications is his older years with breathing. It was sad and I don’t want my husband and kids to go through this. Because this does not just affect the person it also hurts the rest of us family members to have to watch them suffer.
For us reformed smokes out there, here's a Newsflash: Smoking is still legal. As much as we wish it was not option to our loved ones, we will continue to bitch, moan and carry on until we get you to stop. Why? Because I love you!

LIFE IS GOOD

WHAT are you doing?
What ARE you doing?
What are YOU doing?
What are you DOING?

You know if you place the emphasis on a different word in the same sentence it alters the meaning of that question. Kind of like life~ If we are to switch up any day, it changes the entire structure. Just by changing the arrangement~ For instance: a conversation at the post office, a visit to the mall, a day at work, erase a trip to town, pencil in a 10 minutes extra to the YMCA, and it’s amazing how different the outcome could be. The routine you make, the places you go the people you see and talk to all matter on how your day begins and ends. This also affects every single person you touch during that day. So if you skip the talk at the post office; you could have missed encouraging that person. If you erase the trip to town; you could have missed the moment awaiting you there. It is kind of like the movie “A Wonderful Life.” How does your life and agenda affect others?
This is a powerful thought. I can think back to many times and places where I have made a difference some ones life and outcome could have been life altering. It brings me to the current thought~ how much do parents effect the growth and future of our children? The every night tedious routines we complain about all day, really matters~ Assisting with home work, attending sports and functions, bed kisses, little hugs, words of encouragement, compliments and even discipline… All of this which seems like small insignificant gestures does add up to who our kids will be! Kids need structure and need consistency of love and support. For those kids who never are nurtured, encouraged or loved, how will they become loving parents to your next generation? Raising kids is more than paying for food, clothes and a place to live. You can be the poorest and still be a great parent.
Some nights I am so tired and don’t want to help with homework or listen the small arguments of 6th grade life~ But if I don’t listen and take the time, who will? I am fortunate to have the patients and love in me to want to be a parent. I feel blessed to have these qualities. I know many kids don’t have this and then we wonder how the world is filled with such evil. It all starts within our selves…One gesture does make a huge difference in a person’s life.

So make today count. As it might affect a ton of people you touch today.

"To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world."

Football Boys!

FOOTBALL

Baylee and Collin love football. They practice hard and play a good game. The 6th grade team has won all but one so far. I love to watch and support the kids in all sports. I must admit football isnt my greatest sport. I am not real good wih the rules of the game. I just watch and take as many pictures as I can. After the game I tell him how great he did. Isnt that what counts anyway? Some parents go on and on about the plays and what they could or should have done. I am the greatest fan but couldnt replay a moment of the game if I was asked to. I am the mom watching the pile on the field wondering which kis is mine. They look all alike in the uniform with helmets covering the heads. I will admit I sometimes watch a player snapping photso only to find out later it wasnt my son..

I know we all do it! Its the love you have for your kids which makes the game so much fun to watch! keep playing hard and I will be there inthe stands watching you and snapping the photos of the moment.

Reading obsession

Many people made this reading goal at the beginning of the year. Some said they wanted to read 50 books this year. My goal was to slow down a bit. I read so much it really is an obsession of mine. When I start a new book I always have the next one after it ready to read. I love to find an author and read every book they wrote. I love all books and can’t read enough. My purse must be large enough to hold the book I am currently reading. Some go for looks or brand name but my criteria are size! I go in spurts with the type of books I read. I love romance. This week I am reading the Twilight series. It is very good and a bit drawn out at times. I am on the last of the books and am looking forward to the end results of if she turns vampire or not! I really like the wolf, Jake. I am sure before the book ends he will find his mate. I love my friends to talk about books with me too as I get so involved in the plot that I sometimes forget it isn’t real. You mean men aren’t as romantic and loving as my books portray them to be?? Geez! My husband laughs as he knows what type of book I am reading by my mood. If the male character in the book; is good or bad. LOLMy family laughs at me as i can read anywhere. Mowing lawn, taking a bath or standing in line. It is always good for spare time. I can say i am never bored.I have so many great book buddies that exchange books with that is a very cheap hobby to have. My bedroom has become the library of the house and one whole wall is book shelves with my favorite book and authors. They are "MUST READS." Which is books I have read and read again. Keeping a book journal is the best idea I have come up with. I log every book I have read by author and date it. This way I know what I own and what I have read. You won’t believe when I re-arranged my books how many copies of the same book i had. I also help for me to know when to re-read those books. About every two years.So i know I sound crazy but everyone has a hobby and mine is like a trip around the world. Sometimes I am in Rome with the Greek Gods and others I am on a Ranch with the cowboys. It is always on adventure and great entertainment. And yes, my library card is well used!

BIG FISH STORY

You have heard of the fish who got away.

We were at the Fox River resort down by the river. A lady was fishing and caught this big Carp. Anyone who fishs must know they taste awful. So kaleb volenteered to toss it back into the river for her. kaleb had quite the hold on his fins and tried to toss him in and he slips out of kalebs hands and drops to the ground. He was big and heavy. It was so funny to watch kaleb pick him up. He was very nervous at first touching this large fish. Collin was happy to stand by and watch. After two tries kaleb managed to get the big fellow in enough water he could swim away. true story with a picture to prove it!

Stephen and Michela

My Stephen has found a nice girl with a crazy sense of humor. Michela is always laughing and bring sunshine where ever she goes. They make such a cute pair. She is really my sons sweatheart. It is such a wonderful feeling knowing my son has found some one to warm his heart and make him feel good and happy. As parents we all want the best for our kids. Partners who are good for their self esteem and make them truly happy! She is a loving christian girl and is beautiful inside and out. I am so happy for them both.

AMBOY CLIPPERS

Collin is now a football player. His postion is lineman and his goal is to gaurd the ball by blocking anyone in his way. His first game was great! They won and he played Awsome! Baylee had a touch down! GO Clippers! It is a big commitment and lots of running. It is a bit tough with practice everynight. Collin has done great and is really getting into shape with all the conditioning at practice. I am so glad he found a sport he really enjoys. I love being a football Mom!