Wednesday, June 26, 2013

You don't know me...


I have 5 kids.
I have been pregnant 8 times.
At 42 1/2, I would give my left arm (well, maybe pinky) to have another baby. (Or 5)

A large family is all I ever wanted in this life.

When you read the above statement, you could assume something about me and Jeff - like say that we are Catholic...and pro-life.



I do not post political opinions on social media.
Ever.

I do not comment when you make political statements on social media - whether I agree, disagree or flat out think you are an idiot.


I took my daughter to the state Capitol tonite and we stood strong with Wendy Davis.

When you read the above statement, you could assume something about me and Jeff - like say that we are Democrats - and maybe pro-choice.



If you chose to make assumptions about me or my family based on my fb posts regarding the SB5 debate tonite in the Texas Capitol, then I say shame on you.

I watch the two main sides attack each other regarding basically every single issue.
I watch my friends attack each other, make insensitive remarks, and bully others on social media because they have different political stand-point and can't possibly believe there could be more than one right answer.
I want no part of the hatefulness.
 
Don't criticize me or make assumptions about me, my family or my friends.

Instead, treat me with the respect I deserve.
I am the same person I was yesterday - only better.

I am not judging you.
And you should be ashamed of yourself for judging me.


AND STAY OUT OF MY VAGINA.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

There is HOPE

 
Today was day 2 of Carr camp.
YAYE!  Woohoo!!!  YAHOO!!!!
 
campy campers

It has been fun so far.
I am exhausted by the end of the day.
It is hard work worrying about the safety of other people's children.

friends as long as I can remember

Today we went to one of my favorite places.
HOPE Outdoor Gallery is a fantastic venue where street artist and muralist (and many other artists) can do their thing.

he spent loads of time studying many of the pieces

The kids hiked about in the 1 million degree heat and then I let them bust out the spray paint.

 

he liked the guy with the fangs

I am not sure it is okay to spray paint there without permission.
I did send an email to ask - and didn't receive a response.

her fave - and the detail on this eyeball was amazing

So before we left the house today, we sat around the table and talked about what symbol best represents you or something you enjoy?
 

he LOVED these bears

We drew each of their ideas out on a piece of paper and gathered up all of the old cans of spray paint in our garage.




We found a spot that had no art and I let the kids do their thing.
I am really proud because all of the kids had vision and they helped each other.

 
I love that as we were driving away from HOPE today, the kids were in the back of the car having a discussion about how hard spray paint art actually is.
 
I am thrilled because none of the kids had ever done anything like that before.
 







 I feel like they all walked away very pleased with what they created.







And I think we had another successful day of learning from and loving our community.


And ya just can't be that!

Jackson (age 11)
Red, White and Blue Peace Sign
 
Wyatt (age 4)
Eyeball with legs and arms
   
Liam (age 8)
Minecraft face
Jena (age 13)
Music in her heart
Ella (age 15)
Harmony
Will (age 9)
Skylanders Magic Star
 
Susi (age 14)
Hello, my name is...

 



 

Monday, June 17, 2013

Heaven was by the door

Today a friend left some love by our front door.
I knew the bag was going to be there.
I was excited to open it and get my hands on the contents.

I expected to feel the love of my friend as I washed the beauties.
I expected to smile as I popped the first tomato in my mouth.

I did not expect to get a lump in my throat.
I did not expect to feel the tears roll down my cheeks as the juice exploded in my mouth.
And just like that, a Sweet 100 made me feel 10 again.
And made me long for my grandparents.
For late nights of watching Gunsmoke and snapping beans.
Wishing I could wear my Grandpoppy's long sleeve shirt - like I did while cutting the okra.
Longing for the stomach ache because of eating so much garden fresh raw cabbage.
Wishing I could hear my Grandmommy hum Beulah Land while she shucked the corn.

I am thankful that I was lucky enough to come from such an honest, hardworking, family that taught me about the fruit of my labor.

And I am thankful that I have dear friends that share their love with me and help me to feel like a kid again and keep me from forgetting the places I came from and the ones that I love the most.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

There goes my life...


Heart is full and tears are flowing.  Even though things have not been easy on this road of being a parent, I would never ever trade the love and friendship these people have with each other.


And what good kids they are to send their mess of a momma a picture from the Sno Beach.
Full of gratitude.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Keeping it real



Dear teachers,

Thanks for teaching my kids this year.
I hope this helps to erase any of the stress or pain the perfect angels might have caused you.

Love,
me

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Reality Bites


This has been a humdinger of a weekend.  Almost 750 miles driven in about 48 hours.

These two kids haven't seen much of each other since Friday night.  I just heard him tell her in the sweetest whisper that he missed her.  And now they watch tv while not leaving each other's side.


For most of my adult life I have subscribed to the saying 'friends are the family we choose for ourselves'.

I am just not so sure about that anymore.

Maybe I should go ahead and have some more babies to give myself some extra insurance on the whole family thing.  You know... just incase these first five don't work out.
Heh.