Hello Juvenile Delinquent

I have wrestled with whether or not to post this one. Usually I'm an open book, no holds barred type of person. But this subject, while it could easily happen to any one of you, will probably cause lots of talk. So welcome to another edition of my less than perfect life...

As some of you know, there was an "incident" with Austin earlier this month. Now, my oldest isn't a fighter by nature, but he isn't one to back down either...ever. As we are learning, he can certainly hold his own. Long story short: a friend of Austin's started it, Austin finished it, resulting with the friend needing medical attention & glue.

Its never a good day when the school shows up on my caller id. But what started out as dread, turned into full fledged panic with more questions than answers.

Since there was "serious injury", the county, NOT the school or the other family, HAD to press charges. Because of a situation that started out as nothing more than boys being boys, now both of these 12 year old BOYS were being charged with misdemeanor assault!

Great...now I have a juvenile delinquent. At 16, sure maybe, but 12!!!

After the shock wore off, talking to the other family (who we are also friends with), and getting a few more answers, we were able to try to laugh about the whole incredible ordeal.

Even through the jokes, worry still remained. What would the juvenile protection services say, would there be long term repercussions, counseling, community service, worse?

After 10 L O N G days, we finally had our meeting. Since this was his first offense, all went well & the case was dismissed.

I think part of her job is to scare the pants off of kids.

While talking with this woman, we learned so many shocking things.

Did you know that the school refers every case involving fights, weapons, & drugs? EVERY ONE OF THEM! Including 6 year olds who through something across the room!!!

At any given time, there are 250 children (under 16 - because 16 is legally an adult here in NC) in this county on probation! REALLY??!!??!! Is that necessary?!

It shocks me to think that the school no longer wants any part of trying to help children that truly need help. While our case was nothing in the grand scheme of it all, I just can't imagine what some of these families go through just because the powers that be don't want to deal with it.

If my oldest child, who is not, nor ever has been, a saint, gets into another fight, whether he starts it or just defends himself, (which let's face facts, most boys do fight) he will be right back in that office facing stricter consequences.

Its a sad time we live in folks. Children can no longer be children, they can't try to settle things between themselves, they can no longer take up for themselves, without threats of legal action looming over their heads.

Of yeah, and my juvenile delinquent goes to church, plays football, wrestles, makes good grades, plays guitar, rides dirt bikes, & ties bow-ties just for fun!

Take My Breath Away

I LOVE LOVE LOVE a nice smelling man! Who doesn't? ;)

There was one particular cologne that someone used to where when I was a teenager that made me weak in the knees EVERYTIME I smelled it. I tried to get my husband to wear this cologne a few years back, but somehow, it just wasn't the same. It had nothing to do with the fact that my husband was now wearing it. Somehow, somewhere, this scent changed for me.

It happens. Our tastes change over time. We start to like things that we never thought we would and we begin disliking the things that we used to love.

I think my nose has gotten a lot more sensitive over the years. I don't do well with smells. (If you have ever tried to get me to smell something, you know this is the exact line I say)

That being said. Have you SMELLED a lot of this crap they are marketing to the younger generation these days? I am talking specifically about the Axe Body Sprays. Now, I have finally started liking the soap, but the body spray..... Oh My Stars..... Who came up with that mess?!

Do you know how much fun this makes for living with a preteen boy?

He is still stuck in the land of "the more, the merrier".

I am constantly reminding him not to wear so much & coughing like crazy when I walk by his bathroom.

Imagine my dismay & TOTAL SHOCK as I endured not 1, but 3, preteen boys getting ready for church last weekend. They stunk up MY WHOLE HOUSE! 

If he is this bad now, I can't imagine just how traumatizing it will be when he finally starts dating.

And I wonder if girls are this bad?!?

The Theory of the Little Gold Band

Last night, while getting ready for bed, my wonderful hubby looked at me & said "You're the most beautiful woman in the world" (again). I laughed & said "You're crazy" (again).

Now, before you start throwing tomatoes at me - let me assure you that this is a funny story!! I know that many women are saying "I wish my husband thought I was the most beautiful woman in the world" & some are probably saying "I wish my husband just told me I looked pretty once in a while" & some are no doubt even saying "You're his wife, he's supposed to think you are beautiful".

I know all of this - bare with me & my humor. I promise you will at least chuckle at it!

So I looked at him & said "I've got it! I know what the problem is! Your wedding band is too tight & its cutting off all the circulation to your brain. It's making you delusional."

He laughed & said "Nope, you forgot that I haven't had it on lately thanks to this job." (He can't wear it to work for safety reasons.)

I said "Well then, you're not used to it being off, so therefore now all the oxygen rich blood is rushing to your head & making you delusional."

Wait a minute - If you think this theory doesn't apply just because your wedding ring isn't gold, think again buddy! This proven scientific theory transcends ALL shape, size, color, material, & symbolism. It's even certifiable!

HAHAHAHA - I'm just full of smarticles!

Now, smile, you know it was funny!

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly - Part 2

So after all of the negativity, I thought we would end on a positive note. These are the things that make me happy. The things that bring a smile to my face just thinking about.

My Saviour - I would be NOTHING without Jesus! He is my rock & my shelter. I don't live for Him like I should, but His love amazes me!

A Good Book - I love to be able to lose myself completely while reading about someone else.

Fresh Cut Grass - There are few smells that compare to grass that has just been mowed in the summer.

The Beach - Everything about the beach. But mostly, the feeling of wet sand slipping away from your feet as you stand in the ocean's edge. The crystal clear smell of salt water. The peace that rides in on the wind that can only be experienced close to shore.

Peach Nehi - This is the best drank out of a cold bottle on a hot day.

Saving Money - I can't explain the excitement I get from getting something for next to nothing.

Canning from my Garden - Even when I get overwhelmed because all of the crops come in at one time, there is nothing like the satisfaction of preserving & then eating food that you helped grow.

That Ah-Ha Moment - You know the one. Watching your child struggle to grasp a concept only to eventually see recognition dawn on their face.

Seeing someone smile & knowing that you had a part in making them happy.

Snuggling with my babies.

Mexican Food

Fire - Becoming mesmerized by the way the flames dance & consume everything in its way. The smokey smell that clings to everything near by. I used to lay in front of the fireplace at my grandmother's for hours just watching the fire.

Music - I enjoy all types of music from various different time periods.

Ireland - I don't know what the pull is for me. But  for as long as I can remember, I have been in awe of anything Irish. Maybe, its the magic...

The smell of a freshly bathed baby.

A Perfectly Roasted Marshmallow - For me, that means burning the outside layer, peeling it off to eat it, & repeating until there is nothing left.

Spring - The birds singing. Chilly mornings & sun drenched days. The promise of new life.

Summer - The carefree spirit. Swimming. Cooking out. Gardens.

Autumn - The crisp air. The rich colors. Leaves crunching underfoot. Pumpkins.

Winter - The first snowfall. Hot chocolate. Family dinners.

My Kids .... more specifically...
Knowing that they love the Lord. Hearing them sing Gospel songs. Their desire to go to every Bible School around. The sound of their hysterical laughter from being tickled too much.

Austin - The smattering of freckles across the bridge of his nose (I don't know if "smattering" is a real word, but I always think that about his freckles). The way he shows off, only to suddenly get shy when a pretty girl is around. His heart of gold. The way he will sometimes beg to read after he has gone to bed. His hard work & determination towards the things he thinks are worthwhile. Watching his imagination work as he builds countless things. Knowing that he watches out for Makenzie when no one else is around.

Makenzie - The way her eyes light up when she is excited. Her willingness to wear her heart on her sleeve. Her need to mentor anyone that needs a little extra help. Her fascination with clothes, jewelry, make-up, & shoes. Her genuine desire to make everyone happy. Her adoration for her younger brother. The fact that she always wants a hug even when you are mad.

Logan - The way his hair curls at the back of his neck when he gets hot. Knowing how excited he gets over food. Watching him dance everytime he hears music. Seeing his little arms reach up to you when he wants you. The silly trick he does where he spits his papi out just because he sees a sippy cup (he also does it when you open the fridge).

I love it when I'm standing somewhere & Justin walks up behind me to wrap his arms around me & kiss my neck.

I could go on & on. I learned many years ago that its not the big celebrations that you remember most in life. Its the everyday moments that carry their way into your heart & forever etch themselves into your memories. I am blessed beyond measure. I hope that you take a few minutes to savor those fleeting moments & try not to dwell on the unimportant things.

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly - Part 1

A dear friend of mine recently posted on Facebook many of the things that annoy her. I got a kick out of it & it got me to thinking..... So here goes.....

We all have pet peeves. You know, the things that get under your skin & find it hard to ignore. So here are a few of mine, in no certain order.

Liars - I cannot not stand to be lied to. If you are doing something that you feel the need to lie about - I have a suggestion - STOP DOING IT! If you don't want to tell me that you are doing it, then tell me to mind my own business. Its no big deal. I have bluntly put my nose where it doesn't belong in the past & I am sure I will do it again. Just tell me the truth.

Cheaters - This falls right in line with #1. If you have to cheat to win, then you don't deserve to win. I have been known to call people out for cheating during a card game. Just play fair.

Back Stabbers - Do not pretend to like me only to turn around & talk bad about me to someone else. I promise that your opinion of me will not make me or break me. If I say something about you to one of my friends, rest assured that I would also say it to your face.

People that think they are better than others. - Just because you have a huge house, a nice car, a prestigious job, & loads of money does NOT make you better than me or anyone else! We all put our jeans on one leg at a time, we all breathe the same air, & we will all die the same way we were born. I don't care what you have managed to accomplish in life, you can't take it with you. And guess what - your mansion in Heaven will not be much different than mine.

Soured Towels - Oh that smell sticks to the inside of your nose & takes forever to get rid of.

Anything in My Bed - My husband calls me the Princess & the Pea because if there is one single crumb or piece of dirt on my side of the bed, I will find it. It drives me crazy!

War - I hate fighting. No, I don't live in a world where I believe everyone can always get along, but seriously, why can't adults act like adults. Is it really necessary to blow up innocent people just because you don't agree with them.

Bullies - This goes along with #4 & #7. Just because you're bigger, doesn't make you better. Get over yourself.

Abuse - see above ^^^ Anyone that abuses a child, an animal, or another human weaker than them should be hung up by their toenails & beaten (& that's the nice punishment)

Today's Fashion - I really don't know which is worse - guys wearing clothes 3x too big & seeing their underwear or guys in skinny jeans. Both examples make you look horrible. And WHY must we try to dress our girls like they are working the street corner?

Hypocrites - I cannot understand why people choose not to take a stand for things. Yes, I would prefer that
people choose to stand for what's morally right & stand against what is morally wrong, but it doesn't work that way. No matter what you believe in - know why you believe it & stand behind it with all of your heart. Quit skirting the issues just to please someone else.

Christians that Don't Act Like Christians - see above ^^^

Rude People - Just be nice. Simple enough.

Disrespectful Children - I do not tolerate it in my own children & neither should you. The last time I checked, we are the adults & the ones in charge, not the adolescent who is having a bad day. Does that mean that my kids are never disrespectful? Nope, but they find out really quick what happens when they are.

Cleaning & Re-Cleaning - I just cleaned that, do you think you can clean up the mess you turned right around & made?

Stupid Comedy - Stupid comedy usually consists of anything with Jim Carrey, Chris Farley, or Adam Sandler. I like comedy, but it needs a plot.

Politics - I don't really like politicians in general. Lying & self serving seem to be part of the job description.

Procrastination - WHY do I put everything off to the last minute & then complain because I am stressed about getting it done on time? You would think I would learn...

Judgemental People - Everyone is entitled to their own opinions & their own life style. That doesn't by any degree mean that I agree with you or what you are doing. I can tell you out of love whether it is wrong & what Gods says about it. I can offer my advice & prayers. God is the only judge. It would benefit us all to remember that!

Being Taken Advantage Of - I try to be a very trusting person. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. Do not let one of my good qualities turn into something ugly.

Dirty Floors - Have you ever been to my house? Yes, I have dirty floors and it drives me nuts! I could sweep & mop daily & still find dirt.

Sitting down only to realize that someone else has used all the toilet paper. And please put the new roll on correctly. No one wants to have to reach under the roll to grab it.

Misplacing Things - Keys, important papers, papis - you name it & I loose it.

Well, there you have it. An insiders view that what really aggravates me. I'm sure there are plenty more, but my brain is tired. Now that you know, make sure you don't do any of them! LOL

Stay tuned tomorrow & I'll let you know what really makes me smile! :)

Luck O the Irish

We decided that we were going to try to catch a leprechaun.

After the leprechaun escaped the traps.

 

There are sprinkles ALL OVER MY FLOOR!

I made a rainbow cake for him (with a few surprises - hehe).

 

But that little stinker ate his way out!

I guess he needed to potty before he went back over the rainbow. At least he washed his hands!

And here are the cutest little leprechauns I have ever seen!

 

Treasure Box Moments

I had to dig REALLY deep this week to find those hidden gems. I know that I am blessed but sometimes its hard to find those moments, so....

Several nights this week, I heard sweet little snores on one side of me & not so sweet or so little snores on the other - you figure it out!

Justin asked if he could take a Tylenol even though he had already taken a dose of Nyquil. I said "sure, its two different types of drugs." So he said, "so I guess if I took Cocaine, then Meth it would be ok because they are different drugs." ....... it was funny at the time!

The conversation that followed was even funnier .... Justin was talking about eating lunch somewhere (I forgot) & was amazed at the fancy fountain drink machine (why, because they served real fountains?). It looked futuristic & you could add a shot of vanilla, cherry, etc to your drink. ........ I promise it was funnier at the time - it must have been late!

Seeing Logan smile even though he has felt so bad is such a testament to his personality!

While waiting tables at our spaghetti supper fundraiser, Austin asked the people at his tables "Who ordered the spaghetti? Who ordered the sp - aghetti? Who ordered the spaghe - tti?" He's so funny! It was such a blessing to see my kids giving back instead of just receiving!

Sunshine & Roses

Yep, its been one of those days weeks.

I warn you now there will be lots of complaining in the next few minutes so if you don't want to hear it, feel free to leave.

First, it seems that somehow I have offended or misled people. Dear friend, you know who you are & I HONESTLY didn't mean to! I am opinionated. I tend to whine, complain, & grumble at times, but I try to find the insanity & humor in the day to day stuff. Please don't read more into it than that.

We all had a much better night last night, but, sorry that's the bulk of my gratitude right at this moment. (NO, NOT REALLY, but please let me whine!!)

Since Logan has been sick, I have had ZERO control over schooling. The least little thing derails us. Its VERY hard to read while trying to calm a screaming baby. And for the past two days as I am still TRYING to teach after 4pm (no, that's NOT a mistake!), Justin walks in & does something off the wall which completely destroys what little bit of control I do have. Yesterday, I was trying to explain rotation & revolution with the globe & one of Logan's play cups. Justin decided to be a meteor & throw cups at the globe! Yes, it was HILARIOUS but I tried, I REALLY TRIED not to laugh!!

You do the math ..... zero minus little equals........I quit!

So, no control, kids not listening, baby screaming, distraction after distraction, blah blah blah.

My diet is shot all to kablooey because I am a stress eater. I think I ate EVERYTHING in the house last night!

Then a lovely bill collector called & was NOT nice. So, my temper got a little heated & I nicely told him off. Yeah, yeah, I admit it, I am behind on a few bills. HELLO - one income family!!

Next, while chopping onions for supper, the chopper slipped & knocked Makenzie's slushie in the floor. The sticky red liquid laughed at me!

Logan reuses to go to sleep, so he sits there & fusses. He's still awful cute though!

And then, Pillsbury has the NERVE to tell me NOT to eat raw cookie dough! Yeah right! SHHHHH! Don't tell the kids. I don't think there will be any left by the time they get home!

And to top it off, I don't get to go to church. I don't want to spread germs or bring home any new ones.

 American Idol had better be good!

Where is my Mt Dew?

OK, I'm better now......

Have You seen a Little Green Man?

Heys, elves have been at my house!!!!!! Elves, really? Yeh, you know, those little guys in the green costumes. History is full of hard working elves ..... Santa's workshop, the shomaker's helpers, the Keebler tree house. I'm fairly certain, they have visited my house.

HOW did I decide that you might ask?

Well, after spending A L L  S T I N K I N G  M O R N I N G cleaning my kitchen, I have come to a realization ....... those helpful little elves that worked so hard for everyone else needed a place to relax. So, having the inviting, kid friendly environment that we call home, they naturally chose here.

Not only did they pick my humble abode to relax at, they also decided to throw a party here & invite EVERYONE they know! And I believe that they enjoyed themselves so much that they do it again & again every night.

How else could our trash can get full so fast after putting in an empty bag?

How else could so much dirt get on my floor?

How else could food leak out of its bowl inside the fridge?

How else could every single fork we own always be dirty?

How else could all the soft drinks & cookies get gone so fast?

Yep, elves! Now........who keeps stealing our socks?

Betty Homemaker - I am not!

I have made several references here lately to "Super Mom". We all know how incredibly crazy my life has been. Thankfully, it slows down somewhat during this time of year. Good thing too, or I might miss the Holidays. Anywho.....

I have some sort of deep seeded desire (as backward & unpopular as it might be) to be "the ideal (not perfect - well not completely anyway) wife, mother, & all around woman". I want to have a nice tidy house that always smells fresh. I want to have hot meals on the table at their respectable time. I want to have obedient children. I want to have an abundance of time left for just whatever. Do you see the pattern here? I want, I want, I want. Has our crazy world built up an attainable dream with outrageous demands? Or have we, as women, placed that much pressure on ourselves?

Whatever the answer is, I have come to the terms (at least for the time being) that somehow I cannot be everything every day. Some days, I get my house cleaned & supper fixed but I have neglected quality time with the kids. Some days, we have an awesome day with school, but the house is a wreck. Some days, I get lost making hairbows & have completely forgotten to fix supper. Some days, more often than not, I push the laundry off of my bed & choose to go to sleep.

Yesterday really opened my eyes........ As I was going through a cabinet to make room for baby food - yes Logan is already big enough to be eating baby food! Where has the time gone? - I started checking some jars of pickles that I had canned a few years back. I had to dump out a few about a month ago because they had unsealed {On that note....Have you ever checked a lid & had you finger go THROUGH it? - Yep, I did}. So I'm checking them just to make sure. Lo & behold there's a seal that has unpopped, and another, and another. UGH! I through out about 5 or 6 jars of canned goods.

In my defense, these were some of the first things I canned, so I was still learning.

Then, I go out to the building for a box & think to check the freezer. I had sent the kids out the night before to put a few groceries in there & wanted to make sure the food actually made it to the freezer & the lid was shut, etc. I open the lid & hear "drip drip drip". What is that? Why isn't there any ice around the top? Why does it not feel super cold? Ah yes, I know, because I UNPLUGGED it!

Why would I do something so stupid? Well, it seems that the other day I vaguely remember removing the battery charger from my car (lovely children left the doors open all afternoon while we carved pumpkins), unplugging it, & placing it in the building. What didn't dawn on me was the fact that the battery charger was plugged into an extension cord along with the freezer. UGH!

So we emptied the freezer & had to throw out several things & ALL of the milk that I had pumped for Logan! UGH! UGH! UGH! Do you know how much time & energy that was?

But.....I had a clean kitchen, finished hairbow orders, had supper ready on time, & made it to church. The laundry will eventually get folded.

Guilty or Not - You Decide!

Poor Zoey is in jail! Its not her fault, well, not completely......

Zoey is a full bloodied Blue Heeler. She is VERY feisty & I'm hoping she calms down as she gets older, but for now, we love her & tolerate her. Its her nature to "herd" things - cows, kittens, kids, basketballs. If it moves, its fair game.

We also have chickens. Austin takes good care of the chickens & in return gets to keep whatever profit we make off of them. Zoey likes watching the chickens. Thankfully she can't get to the chickens or we probably wouldn't have chickens anymore!

This afternoon, Justin & Austin went to feed the chickens. When they were done, Justin walked out thinking

that Austin was right behind him. Nope, Austin was still feeding the roosters. So instead of Austin following Justin out of the coop, a chicken followed him out. Never fear, Zoey was there!! She knew that chicken wasn't supposed to be outside of its coop so she saved it ...... with her mouth ...... not too gently! She was only trying to help (I think)!

So after sitting before the judge & jury, poor Zoey got sent to jail! Her alibi wasn't very reliable! Me personally - I think she was FRAMED!!!

Its a Man's, I Mean, a Boy's World

And just HOW do they plan on getting
those eggs back to the house

God had a sense of humor when He created boys.

If you have boys of your own, you know this to be the 8th Wonder of the World. If you haven't been blessed with boys, well, just trust me. They are unique creatures - quit possibly from another planet! Boys can be sweet & charming, reckless daredevils, Momma's baby in need of a little petting, or rough & tumble brawlers ... & this is all withing a 5 minute span!

All of my kids have a special place in my heart, but there's just something a little extra special ( & infuriating) about that first born.


Notice the same blank
expression on their faces.



Austin had a friend spend the night last night. They have participated in a wide range of activities that boys enjoy including riding their dirt bikes, shooting guns, playing video games, terrorizing their younger siblings, & of course, football.

We went to the BIG football game last night between East Wilkes & Elkin. (a little shout out - East won!!) Not only did we have Austin, Makenzie, & Dakota, but we also picked up my niece & nephew Kelsey & Ethan - we left Logan with Nanny. I don't think he minded too much. So let's see, that's 3 football players & 2 cheerleaders, yep, just right for those Friday Night Lights!


Not a black eye like we thought
it would be, but scratched up
& puffy just the same.

 No sooner had we got there, Austin decided to show off his skills by trying to catch a football with his eye. I'm not sure exactly what Coach Brian is teaching those boys, but I don't think that was it. Then, sometime during the excitement & heat of action, a fight broke out between Austin & one of his friends. A couple of punches, some blown tempers, lots of not too nice words (I'm guessing), & a misunderstanding or too later. I sure hope they make up at church on Sunday!

So, that was enough drama for one night, right?!

 

We ride red at our house!

Let's get back to the dirt bikes & other boy toys. Ya know, the biggest problem with boys growing up ... their toys get more expensive!

I can't leave out my little man from all the glory & recognition! I do believe that I have my very first thumb sucker here! You should hear all the noise as he tries to accomplish this great task!

Not sure how many fingers he has in there.