Monday, November 26, 2012
Magic, Day 3, 11/26/12
Mmm, today Magic has brought Gracie a yummy treat....kind of a thank you for being good yesterday! :-) She was holding the treat for Gracie, while she was snuggling among the snowmen on the stairs, and she passed on the message through Mom that it was for being good. One happy Gracie....and I think the candy just might have went to school lol.
Magic, Day 2, 11/25/12
This morning Gracie discovered that Magic had moved into a different room.....and left her a message! She found her in the kitchen sitting on the chalkboard, holding a piece of chalk. Magic reminded Gracie that there is only one month until Christmas.
Magic, Day 1, 11/24/12
No sleeping in this morning for this Mom! Gracie woke up and was SO excited to go see where her Elf had moved to and what she was doing that Mom just had to get up too and see, lol.
She was absolutely delighted to find Magic here:
Magic 'stole' 2 of our ornaments off of the tree, got some ribbon and was doing gymnastic moves from the fireplace! :-) Well done Miss Elf, well done!!
She was absolutely delighted to find Magic here:
Magic 'stole' 2 of our ornaments off of the tree, got some ribbon and was doing gymnastic moves from the fireplace! :-) Well done Miss Elf, well done!!
Meet Magic the Elf
Introducing the newest member of our family (at least during the Christmas season)....Magic the Elf....
Gracie has been asking for an Elf on the Shelf for several years. One of her teachers did this a couple of years ago and she loved it. Elf on the Shelf was a new thing for me a few years ago. This year we decided to welcome her (yes, our Elf is a girl) into our family and start this new tradition.
As per our instructions in the storybook (which we all sat down together and read), Gracie chose the first spot to put Magic in the first night. She chose the newly set up Christmas tree.
I, for one, am really looking forward to Magic's adventures this Christmas season!
Friday, September 28, 2012
In the news
Many times there are lots of 'news stories' that come through my Facebook newsfeed that border on the outlandish and if it's from a website I don't know or haven't heard of I tend to ignore it. However recently one popped up and after reading the unbelievable headline, I saw it was from CNN....ok, good enough for me.
Did you see it? "Secret revealed: Ohio woman unknowingly married father". This is definitely a story I would have completely ignored had it not been posted on CNN. So I had to go read it for myself. If you missed the story, go read it here.
How in the world does this happen?! For one, this is a reason that we are so open and honest with Gracie about her being adopted. Because keeping secrets can be destroying. It can hurt lives. Look at what it did to this lady. Can you even begin to imagine?? Marrying your father? Now....if that isn't something to cause you to be depressed and have all kinds of illnesses like this poor woman, nothing is!
While the things I've dealt with from others and their opinions are probably nothing compared to what this lady has, I feel like I can relate somewhat. One thing she said stands out: "I can't do anything about what they think. I just know what I think. God is always mighty, and he teaches you to tell the truth no matter what."
See, this lady came forth with the truth...something that most people would want to hide and not tell a soul....in order to try to help someone else who might be going through or have gone through it. Sure it's on a different level and about something so much 'more' than anything I could ever say.....but this has always been my feelings too.....share, share, share so others know they are not alone and that someone else understands.
She did an amazing thing that took so much guts if you ask me and yet when asked about response to her story she said it has been mixed....more positive than negative. But that means the negative is there. People have said her secrets should remain secret. Really? And who are they to decide that? And who are they to think it's ok to say that? Hasn't she been through enough?
I wonder if people told this brave woman that she needed help. Did they tell her she's just looking for pity by sharing her story? Did they tell her she needed to get over it? I really hope not but I've learned that life....and people....are not kind and they sure aren't fair.
I pray for this sweet woman and I thank God for her faith that shows through in this article. I can't imagine have gone through what she has and being able to talk about it to the world.....and then getting those less than kind comments spoken back. She deserves love and compassion and understanding. I hope she has lots of those kinds of people in her life.....those that hold her up instead of pull her down.
Did you see it? "Secret revealed: Ohio woman unknowingly married father". This is definitely a story I would have completely ignored had it not been posted on CNN. So I had to go read it for myself. If you missed the story, go read it here.
How in the world does this happen?! For one, this is a reason that we are so open and honest with Gracie about her being adopted. Because keeping secrets can be destroying. It can hurt lives. Look at what it did to this lady. Can you even begin to imagine?? Marrying your father? Now....if that isn't something to cause you to be depressed and have all kinds of illnesses like this poor woman, nothing is!
While the things I've dealt with from others and their opinions are probably nothing compared to what this lady has, I feel like I can relate somewhat. One thing she said stands out: "I can't do anything about what they think. I just know what I think. God is always mighty, and he teaches you to tell the truth no matter what."
See, this lady came forth with the truth...something that most people would want to hide and not tell a soul....in order to try to help someone else who might be going through or have gone through it. Sure it's on a different level and about something so much 'more' than anything I could ever say.....but this has always been my feelings too.....share, share, share so others know they are not alone and that someone else understands.
She did an amazing thing that took so much guts if you ask me and yet when asked about response to her story she said it has been mixed....more positive than negative. But that means the negative is there. People have said her secrets should remain secret. Really? And who are they to decide that? And who are they to think it's ok to say that? Hasn't she been through enough?
I wonder if people told this brave woman that she needed help. Did they tell her she's just looking for pity by sharing her story? Did they tell her she needed to get over it? I really hope not but I've learned that life....and people....are not kind and they sure aren't fair.
I pray for this sweet woman and I thank God for her faith that shows through in this article. I can't imagine have gone through what she has and being able to talk about it to the world.....and then getting those less than kind comments spoken back. She deserves love and compassion and understanding. I hope she has lots of those kinds of people in her life.....those that hold her up instead of pull her down.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
the 'other' mom
In our house speaking about adoption (and specifically Gracie's adoption) is as natural and easily talked about as what we are having for supper. We are very careful to use the 'right' terms. For instance, there is only one mom....that's me. Now Gracie knows who her 'birthmom' is but I am mom and we are all secure in that.
Gracie is very vocal with others about being adopted and speaks of it at school to her classmates easily. Last week I went to have lunch with her. In the lunch line one of her classmates asked her if I was her Grandma LOL. Gracie said 'No, this is my mom. She's just older because I'm adopted.' The friend replied 'I know, you told us in group. You told us that you were adopted a few minutes after you were both. And that your mom is mean.'
UM....lol
Gracie very quickly says 'no I didn't say that'.....and the girl says 'no, the OTHER mom'. OH, now I get it.
Other kids don't necessarily know the right terms, or the ones we use...they don't always understand everything about adoption and esp one that was attempted to be open and is spoken about so much. But...they sure do understand the child's feelings on the people involved. It was really interesting to hear from an 'outsider' what Gracie's perspective is.
BUT...I'm not the mean mom :-)
Gracie is very vocal with others about being adopted and speaks of it at school to her classmates easily. Last week I went to have lunch with her. In the lunch line one of her classmates asked her if I was her Grandma LOL. Gracie said 'No, this is my mom. She's just older because I'm adopted.' The friend replied 'I know, you told us in group. You told us that you were adopted a few minutes after you were both. And that your mom is mean.'
UM....lol
Gracie very quickly says 'no I didn't say that'.....and the girl says 'no, the OTHER mom'. OH, now I get it.
Other kids don't necessarily know the right terms, or the ones we use...they don't always understand everything about adoption and esp one that was attempted to be open and is spoken about so much. But...they sure do understand the child's feelings on the people involved. It was really interesting to hear from an 'outsider' what Gracie's perspective is.
BUT...I'm not the mean mom :-)
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
why I blog
The blogging world has just exploded....it often seems like everyone is blogging. Just as there are so many different kinds of people who choose to do this, there are many different kinds of blogs as well. You can find blogs on almost any topic, geared towards many various groups of people, about someone's life, that teaches, shows off something, full of pictures, is sarcastic in nature and so forth. Whatever you want to read, it's out there.
I think a lot, maybe even most, blogs have some sort of theme or idea behind them and the writer pretty much sticks to that in all the posts they make. For example, someone might choose to write stories about their family, or they post pictures of whatever craft they make, or they write inspirational blogs to teach and so forth.
My blog is somewhat different, reflecting me. I will be the first to admit that my blog is sort of all over the place. Yes I have one that I put crocheting on. For me that doesn't mean that I won't post about crocheting on my main blog though. Keeps you guessing lol. But on my main blog....you will find all kinds of things. Sometimes it might be about my family, or my crafts, or something funny, or a picture or graphic. But what is more likely for you to find is that I write about things that are personal, things that are near and dear to my heart....important things, at least important to me.
One things that I absolutely believe is that I go through things in order to show others that might go through them that they are not alone and there is someone that understands and to help others in any way that I can. I believe that the only way I can do that is to be completely honest and totally transparent in everything about my life.....which I am. I'm really open and I'm not afraid to speak up. I have been through so many things in my life, more than more people can really understand.....some I've shared and some I haven't yet....but probably will in time. God brings me through them for a reason and if I don't step up and do/say what I think that God wants me to then I'm failing, and in a big way. It's my 'duty'.
For that reason I lay myself out for everyone to see. I get a lot of flack from people.....but on the other hand....I get so much more encouragement and thankfulness for what I do. Let me say that the good outweighs the bad so much. I would rather reach 1 person and alienate 10 than to make 10 of those that don't like what I do happy and alienate the one. I believe God is blessed when I do what He's called me to do.
And I do believe that this is a calling from God. There isn't a lot I can do, esp with my depression, anxiety, etc.....but I can use my words. That's easy for me and I will do that gladly. This I find much easier. Each of us have different talents and not many are a like. I'm glad to claim this one as mine. Thank You God.
Sometimes I blog often and sometimes I go a period of time between posting. Sometimes it's easier than others. There are times when I want to post about my family.....something that happened, something funny, a picture, etc. But more often it is something that can be considered somewhat controversial....or as some have put it being a drama queen. At those times it is something that people are caught off guard about it, that they don't expect.....and very often don't understand and don't like....maybe because it hits too close to home.
When I'm going to blog, it's sometimes a long process for me if it is something serious, etc. I have an idea and usually it is something small. Many things could bring it up. I have to spend some thinking and praying about it. Then I wait on God. Sometimes I want to post, but He just doesn't give me what I need to blog right away. I always wait on Him. I just can't blog with out the words from Him. It may sound silly but that's how it is for me. Often I find myself getting ready to go to blogger to write but it's just not there......and so I wait....I wait until whenever.
Blogging is never, for me, about being a drama queen, it is not about growing up, being an adult or needing a shrink.....it is always about bring light to the those issues that need to be brought up, that need to be talked about, that others shrink away from. You see....when people don't talk about the things they are going through then there is no way for them to show others that they are not a lone. And I guarantee that if you are going through something, so is someone else. And most people really need to know that there is someone else that really understand and will be there for them. I want to be that person....at least in the areas of things I've went through. I know I can. God has used me in the past and I know He will use me in the present and in the future. It's my calling. It's the reason I've gone through what I have.
I will continue to blog. I will blog when I feel that it's right. Sometimes it will be day after day and sometimes there will be times of silence between the blogging. It just depends. And along with posting the every day this and that, and despite the negativity and so forth that I get at times, many times (shall I say most of the time) I blog it will be about the urgent, serious, important, controversial issues. Because that is what life is about. Not necessarily the happy, oh so wonderful things.....but the down dirty, hard to talk about things.
That's me....it's how I am, it's how I feel and it's what I believe in. And as long as I continue to reach people and it's God's Will, I will continue. Call me names, put me down, say what you will......my God is bigger.....and you don't have to read my words.
God bless and to those I reach.....you bless me when you respond, when you write me back. Need me? I'm here!!!
I think a lot, maybe even most, blogs have some sort of theme or idea behind them and the writer pretty much sticks to that in all the posts they make. For example, someone might choose to write stories about their family, or they post pictures of whatever craft they make, or they write inspirational blogs to teach and so forth.
My blog is somewhat different, reflecting me. I will be the first to admit that my blog is sort of all over the place. Yes I have one that I put crocheting on. For me that doesn't mean that I won't post about crocheting on my main blog though. Keeps you guessing lol. But on my main blog....you will find all kinds of things. Sometimes it might be about my family, or my crafts, or something funny, or a picture or graphic. But what is more likely for you to find is that I write about things that are personal, things that are near and dear to my heart....important things, at least important to me.
One things that I absolutely believe is that I go through things in order to show others that might go through them that they are not alone and there is someone that understands and to help others in any way that I can. I believe that the only way I can do that is to be completely honest and totally transparent in everything about my life.....which I am. I'm really open and I'm not afraid to speak up. I have been through so many things in my life, more than more people can really understand.....some I've shared and some I haven't yet....but probably will in time. God brings me through them for a reason and if I don't step up and do/say what I think that God wants me to then I'm failing, and in a big way. It's my 'duty'.
For that reason I lay myself out for everyone to see. I get a lot of flack from people.....but on the other hand....I get so much more encouragement and thankfulness for what I do. Let me say that the good outweighs the bad so much. I would rather reach 1 person and alienate 10 than to make 10 of those that don't like what I do happy and alienate the one. I believe God is blessed when I do what He's called me to do.
And I do believe that this is a calling from God. There isn't a lot I can do, esp with my depression, anxiety, etc.....but I can use my words. That's easy for me and I will do that gladly. This I find much easier. Each of us have different talents and not many are a like. I'm glad to claim this one as mine. Thank You God.
Sometimes I blog often and sometimes I go a period of time between posting. Sometimes it's easier than others. There are times when I want to post about my family.....something that happened, something funny, a picture, etc. But more often it is something that can be considered somewhat controversial....or as some have put it being a drama queen. At those times it is something that people are caught off guard about it, that they don't expect.....and very often don't understand and don't like....maybe because it hits too close to home.
When I'm going to blog, it's sometimes a long process for me if it is something serious, etc. I have an idea and usually it is something small. Many things could bring it up. I have to spend some thinking and praying about it. Then I wait on God. Sometimes I want to post, but He just doesn't give me what I need to blog right away. I always wait on Him. I just can't blog with out the words from Him. It may sound silly but that's how it is for me. Often I find myself getting ready to go to blogger to write but it's just not there......and so I wait....I wait until whenever.
Blogging is never, for me, about being a drama queen, it is not about growing up, being an adult or needing a shrink.....it is always about bring light to the those issues that need to be brought up, that need to be talked about, that others shrink away from. You see....when people don't talk about the things they are going through then there is no way for them to show others that they are not a lone. And I guarantee that if you are going through something, so is someone else. And most people really need to know that there is someone else that really understand and will be there for them. I want to be that person....at least in the areas of things I've went through. I know I can. God has used me in the past and I know He will use me in the present and in the future. It's my calling. It's the reason I've gone through what I have.
I will continue to blog. I will blog when I feel that it's right. Sometimes it will be day after day and sometimes there will be times of silence between the blogging. It just depends. And along with posting the every day this and that, and despite the negativity and so forth that I get at times, many times (shall I say most of the time) I blog it will be about the urgent, serious, important, controversial issues. Because that is what life is about. Not necessarily the happy, oh so wonderful things.....but the down dirty, hard to talk about things.
That's me....it's how I am, it's how I feel and it's what I believe in. And as long as I continue to reach people and it's God's Will, I will continue. Call me names, put me down, say what you will......my God is bigger.....and you don't have to read my words.
God bless and to those I reach.....you bless me when you respond, when you write me back. Need me? I'm here!!!
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