I'll stick with you

Many of you know that I have been working since October to get my blog published on the site of a local news paper where other bloggers gets posts published for a network of moms to read.

I had nothing to gain (I wouldn't be paid) except for the fact it would only help traffic my blog out to other moms of the world who would otherwise never hear about the M.e.a.n.e.s.t Moms Ever.

However, over the weekend I received the following contact from the them:

"We have been following your blog and we would love to have you as a blogger, but we see that many of your posts are religiously based. As we are a newspaper, we cannot have religious posts one way or the other. Are you willing to write non-religious posts for us on your blog?"

We'll....didn't even have to think twice about that one. I turned them down - I'm not about to change my blog for a little more popularity or publicity. I enjoy writing my religious posts. :)

And I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy sharing them...In 8.5 months this blog has grown more than I ever imagined it would and I only have YOU, my readers to thank.

I'm are here to stay and hopefully over time word will spread on its own and women all over can find a little something specifically for them on this blog dedicated to religiously enriching the lives of women!

Thank you to all my dedicated readers and to my sweet patient hubby who supports my late hour post writing and babbling 2am big dream talks about the books I will write and the blog expansion ideas I dream up, when I should be letting him sleep.

I LOVE YOU GUYS! THANK YOU!

Just a little crazy in the head

Its one thing to joke about being crazy in the head -- Its another to actually prove it to be true, and I have accomplished that very feat just today.

I went about my normal routine...trala la...typical Monday. Sent kids to school, exercised, cleaned the house from my Sunday slacking and then set an appointment in the afternoon for my 5 year old - thinking a 2 o'clock appointment should give me plenty of time to get home for the school bus.
I dropped the boys off at the neighbors and headed to town. We got out of the appointment at 2:30 - stop in to get a few groceries at the store and to gas up the car. After I had casually completed those tasks, I sent a message to my dear neighbor at 2:45 to let her know that I was on my way.

She responds back with -"Sounds great, we are doing fine. Did Arlee have somewhere to go?"


Then, in a wave of complete panic, I realize - MONDAY! Early out at School! Which meant Arlee had been home alone now for 5 minutes already, probably in a panic, wondering where in the world her mom and siblings were. 


I immediately phoned my neighbor back, explained that I was an IDIOT and forgot about early out Mondays (which are EVERY Monday - need I remind you. You think I would remember.) She said not a problem she would run down and get Arlee for me.


I hung up - said a quick prayer and then drove like a crazed mad women the 13 miles back home. I arrived at my neighbors in record time :) picked up my kids - while feeling like a complete loser, thanked her, then headed for home sweet home.


Once back at our house I asked Arlee, "Did it worry you when I wasn't home." She then proceeded to tell me her tale:

After getting off at the bus stop she snuck up to the house intending to doorbell ditch me - she said she ding-donged then ran and hid, waited...no answer, so she did it again...ding-dong, run and hide...nothing (I know, sad huh). So then she tried the door, it was locked, she knocked....still no answer. So she went through the side gate to the back patio - fought through 2 excited dogs to get to the back door, went inside, called out - searched all rooms then said she sat down and started to worry and started to cry. She then said she felt the prompting to pray -- so she did. She asked for comfort and to know what to do and she said as soon as she finished the prayer she thought - 'check the garage', she did and saw that the van was gone and realized I must be out somewhere, so she wrote a note "Dear Mom, when you get home I'm at Kaylee's" (her BFFs). But before she could walk out the door my hero neighbor had knocked and taken her safely to her house.

At the close of her story, Arlee proceeded to tell me that she had the thought yesterday that one of these days she would come home and I would be gone - out doing something...she said she knew that was the Holy Ghost preparing her yesterday for the curious events of today. She then added,"Yeah, and after I prayed today I felt comforted by remembering you were just crazy in the head." :)

I'm really grateful for a brilliant 8 year old who followed her promptings to stop and say a prayer -- And I'm grateful for the reassurance she received that her mom would never intentionally forget about her...and if it ever happens its only because her mom's crazy in the head.

Random ramblings a little too late

This is just a quick random thought....I had a phone call this afternoon from someone who had received news that wasn't quite what they had been hoping for. The more they thought about it, the more it troubled them...Of course, at the time, my well of "Me-Logic" ramblings was blocked off and I rambled on with useless nothingness that did her little good.

I was put on the spot - leaving me with a huge lack in the advise and comfort to which she was probably seeking.

So here it is...a little late, but still from my heart. If I could rewind time I wish I would have told her..."when you are faced with a decision, seek answers through prayer and always remember,

DON'T TRY TO FORCE WHAT DOESN'T FEEL RIGHT, 

YET HAVE THE COURAGE TO ACT UPON WHAT DOES.

Giving what you can

Have you ever wondered why bad things happen to good people?
The other night I almost came to the conclusion that I need to stop watching the news because there is to much stuff that's makes me sad, hearing all those stories of loss, heartache and thoughtless acts of violence that forever changes someones life.

The more I hear lately the more I have wondered - not expected - but just wondered why bad things happen to good people. I wasn't even necessarily looking for an answer but I found one. And where did I find it?? In the scriptures of course. :)

Yes, I am still plugging through the Old Testament - I'm determined to actually complete it this year :)

I started JOB the other night and read some interesting verses:

Job 5:7-17 (my condensed version)

  "Man is born unto trouble (adversity)....Seek God, and unto God commit [your] cause. Which doeth great things...marvellous things without number. [He will] set up on high those that [are] low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety...he saveth the poor...so the poor hath hope. Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty. Know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace.

Know thou [that] it is for thy good."

Job went on to say..."The lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."
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So no matter who we are, young - old, rich - poor, religious or not....trials are going to come our way.

We will be a witness to many in this life, friend or foe, stranger or not - we should never turn our heads or ignore or just idly stand by watching, I feel it is our duty to love and help others in their times of need.

When we see tragedies or calamities that have befallen those around us - realize that it is not just the financial assistance they need.
Sometimes they need the call of angels to come upon them. To bear them up, give them strength, reassurance and peace of mind.
That's why I'm asking you to remember to simply pray for the ones you hear are in need -- giving your thoughts and your prayers will do more for that family than any earthly assistance.

No one can provide more comfort than the presence of the comforter himself.

And a reminder to anyone out there who feels they are alone in their trail -- You are never alone. Someone is always thinking about you and praying for you.

So ask yourself, "Have I done any good in the world today?"
If you have prayed for another - your goodness will be found.

Memories of Me

I opened my "Napkins" Christmas morning while two little gitty girls gathered near with anticipation. The second the wrapping paper was off they both nearly exploded then squealed,  "Its not napkins! We tricked you, Mom!"

In place of napkins I found a delicate necklace that bore one simple charm which read "MOM".

A symbol of what I now am- and not because I'm now maturing into my 30's :-) or because I have been out of the singles-game for almost 12 years now...but its because I am fortunate enough to have 4 beautiful children in my life that call me "MOM"...and for that, I'm grateful.

It hasn't been an easy road and it definitely hasn't been filled everyday with rainbows and sunshine like I imagined before I had kids -- there have been many dark and cloudy days, but I'll take the clouds so I remember to appreciate and soak in the sun when it shines.

With the planning and pondering of our New Years Resolutions coming to full swing over the next little while -- I would like to share with you a New Resolution to consider adding to your list--

Add to your list: Improve M.O.M

(and not for the reasons you might be thinking)

We women could think of a million and two ways to "Improve our mothering techniques" this next year...but the one I hope you focus on is strictly the M.O.M portion.....

M.O.M = Memories Of Me

In the busy world we call home, we often try to match the pace of the mayhem around us, leaving little time to slow and look at the demanding, amped up life we are trying to live. 

We have our shopping lists, endless loads of laundry and dishes, dirty floors to clean, social networks and blogs to update. :-)

Some of us try to balance duties of home while working outside jobs, the list is endless...but I promise you, that the things we occupy most of our day with (which I'm just as guilty), if left alone for a time, will still be there unchanged tomorrow --  but our little ones will not. 

Every day they grow older, Every hour they absorb, Every minute they are looking for something to do....can't that something but with you??

The greatest gift you could give your family this year are the memories they will hold dear for the rest of their life....memories of their time spent with you.

So live up to that wonderful title you have been so fortunate to bare -- MOM -- and give your children the TIME to create something irreplaceable, which are those precious memories of you!

--- HAPPY 2012--- 

MAY IT BE A BRIGHT & SUNNY YEAR FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY!

The white lies of Christmas

Auh Christmas...the time of year when little white lies run ramped in our house.

I find it amusing that we lecture to our kids about being truthful and that telling the truth the first time instead of being caught in a lie will always bring lesser punishment and heartbreak.

However as Moms, we know there will be moments when these little white lies can sometimes save our little ones from their own self-punishment and heartbreak.

For example....

The other night, after we arrived home from Christmas shopping with the kiddos, Dad and the girls gathered up the wrapping supplies and started to head up stairs to wrap the gifts they have bought for the family.
(Now it wouldn't be a night of wrapping if there wasn't a few 'I want to wrap that!' arguments from the girls.)

As they were headed up the stairs I hear Arlee begin to argue with her sister by saying "No Dewie, I get to wrap it." Then Dewie pipped in and said, "DAAAAaaad, Arlee says she's going to wrap it but I want to wrap moms Neck....." Then her little voice trailed off - realizing she had just blown the Christmas surprise.

Immediately Arlee got upset and cried out, "Thanks a lot Dewie now mom knows!" Then Dewie ran off crying in the other direction.

Thinking fast I walked upstairs, called them in together, gave them a hug and said, "Hey, accidents happen, that's why we shouldn't fight over silly things right? And its okay that I know that I'm getting Napkins for Christmas (honestly napkins was the only 'N' word I could think of at the time) I have never been given napkins and I'm really looking forward to opening them."

They both looked at me confused for a split second then instant joy returned as they realized I had heard the word NAPKIN..instead of NECKLACE :)

As the days have drawn nearer to Christmas the glorious splendor of the notorious Napkin has also grown. It has gone from being regular old napkins - to being napkins made of Christmas colors - from Christmas colored napkins, to napkins with glitter and Christmas tree stars on them -from a glittery, star covered Christmas napkin, to glittery star covered napkins with tv screens on them so we can watch TV while we eat - from a flat screened, glittery star covered Christmas napkin to a deluxe tv screened, glittery star covered napkin with a built in house alarm so if anyone breaks in during Christmas the napkin's alarm will sound.

YES-- this little white lie has snowballed into a gigantic wondrous fib...but hey...that's what we allow sometimes as moms, right?! :)

...and I'm not going to lie -- I'm looking forward to opening my "Napkins" on Christmas morning and seeing the joy on their little faces, knowing I had helped to keep their Christmas secret live in their hearts and hopefully made this season bright.

 MY WISH FOR YOU IS THAT YOUR DAYS MIGHT BE FILLED WITH THE SIMPLE JOYS AND WONDERS OF THE SEASON...AND MOST OF ALL MAY YOUR DAYS BE FILLED WITH THE COMPANY OF THOSE WHO MEAN THE MOST TO YOU!  

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!



MAMA POWER

These past couple of weeks have been extra crazy for some reason and I bet I'm not alone.

On top of the usual everyday dishes, laundry, grocery store trips, homework and more...we ladies always think its possible to add to the mix this time of year a couple holiday parties, school parties, Christmas shopping, gift making, present wrapping, treat making, Christmas card mailing....aauuuuhhhh the list goes on.

Even after the kids are in bed we find ourselves plugging away til the wee hours of the morning......I guess that could be considered Mama Power, but tonight, I believe I have discovered the true meaning of the phrase.

We have had the opportunity to have our sweet niece stay with our family this week. She has been such a joy and a blessing to have in our home.

Tonight as she and my girls were getting ready for bed I walked past their bedroom door and heard them giggling hysterically inside. I paused for a moment at the closed door with a smile to listen...curious to find out what in the world was so funny to an eight, a seven and a five year old girl.

What I discovered however, was that their conversation was a brutal verbal beat down to a once beloved friend of my dear five year old.

I listened for a bit longer to the ridiculous things they were saying about poor Dora The Explorer.

Finally, I cracked open the door, popped my head in and said, "Lets remember to say nice things....even if it is about poor Dora. "

My girls just gave me the 'OOhhh mom' look but my Niece stared back at me with a look of complete shock upon her face, She stared at me for a bit - jaw open, mind racing (I'm sure), then replied...."WOW...How good is your hearing?? You must have Mama Power like my mom!"

I was caught off guard for a second but them asked with a laugh, "What Power?"

Then she replied, "You know...Mama Power."

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Auh yes...Mama Power...
- The power to hear through doors
- The power to heal hurt with only a kiss and a hug
- The power to silence any room with 'The Look'
- The power to service selflessly with out need of recognition
- The power to teach without an education
- The power to wash your 3 year old's hands and flush a toilet with your foot all in the same motion
- The power to function on 4 hours of sleep night after night
- The power to set the mood of the home
- The power to receive parental promptings...and then the power to act on them speedily
- The power to sneak clean laundry into drawers and closets of rooms where babies are sleeping
- The power to shape a little ones life
- The power to relate to situations that occur
- The power to be a true best friend
- The power to truly listen
- The power to never die from the monotony of our everyday routine
- The power to love unconditionally
- The power to also forgive unconditionally
- The power to get emotional...over EVERYTHING and be okay with it because ITS NORMAL
- The power to be amazing in the eyes of a little one.....


And that's when it hits you....Mama Power....the power inside that you never knew you had.

Now use that power and become someones hero today.

THANK YOU FOR FOLLOWING THE POSTINGS OF A RAMBLING CRAZY PERSON WHO BELIEVES SHE CAN TAKE SOMETHING AND TURN IT INTO SOMETHING BIGGER THAN IT IS.....HEY...MAYBE THAT'S ANOTHER ONE OF MY MAMA POWERS!! SWEET!  :-)  ANYWAY...I WISH THE BEST TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

Merry Christmas!!!