I Am Against Human Cloning Except for Me

“I am against human cloning………..except for me. Sometimes there just isn’t enough of me to go around.”
~Julie (me)



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"Trust"

"Trust" - For being such a powerful word that carries so much weight, it sure is fragile.

Quote: You Know You Need To Shave When...

"You know you may need to shave your legs when your child sits down on your lap to read a book and then jumps off right away like he just sat on a cactus!"
~Julie (me)

Letters To My Son

I started writing letters to my son. Though I’m a little late (2 years) I feel it is something worth doing. I have had this urge to do so and finally set aside time to do it. I don’t follow a strict schedule, but I think once a month is good enough. I may try and go back and jot down memories as they come to me and catch up to current times.

Putting down into words all that is going on in his life will mean a lot to him sometime after I’m gone. I hope that won’t be for a long time, but you just never know. I would have given anything if my mom had written me even one letter before she died. Since she died when I was nine, my memories are of a nine year old and are sketchy at best.

My dad did think to write me one letter shortly before he died and I am grateful to have it. Hearing stories, thoughts, dreams and hopes in your own parents’ words at the time would be such a treasure to have. I want my son to know my feelings as they occur. I want him to know that I truly did love him right from the start.

Sometimes I just write a letter like I would to anyone I was going to mail. Other times I flip through a photo album and jot down thoughts next to the pictures. I did a photo book up for last year and then wrote a letter on the inside front and back covers as well as notes jotted down next to the pictures. I wish I had time to do creative scrapbooking, but I don’t. Besides, I think he’ll enjoy my words and the photos better than any fancy decorations.

I highly recommend you do this for your children. We all hope that we will be bouncing their children on our knees someday and will have plenty of time to share our stories, but you just never know. Let your children know how you feel at the time you’re feeling it. They will cherish it and you for the rest of their lives.

Of All Books for Him to Pick Up

The other day my 2 year old, my husband and my step daughter decided to stop in at our local Half Price Book store. I love Half Price Books as you can get books for a fraction of the cost of new, they have a huge selection and if you can take the time to check out their huge clearance section you can pick up books for $1-$2.

Well, when we were checking out the clearance section, my 2 year old wandered up the aisle next to it, grabbed a stool and pulled out a book off the shelf at random. He sat down, opened the book and proceeded to carefully turn the pages, pausing on each one as if he were reading it! It was cute, so I whipped out my cell phone and snapped this picture. When I looked at the cover I busted out laughing. The title of the book he was looking at was called, “How To Make Step Families Work” or something like that. I showed it to my husband and step daughter and they too, got a good laugh out of it.

My son is too young to understand about step families and all the complications that can come along. He just knows he has an extended group of people who love him and he loves them. He doesn’t bother to concern himself with any past issues or pre-conceived notions on how everything is supposed to go. He just goes with the flow.

We are luckier than most I believe as we all get along so well. We both get along well with both of our ex-spouses. They in turn get along well with our son. Even the parents of our ex-spouses still get along with us and both of us our welcome at each of their houses. Ex-grandparents buying gifts and doting on our son is almost unheard of! If you are having a hard time keeping up – in a nutshell, everyone gets along. Even at my son’s 1st birthday just about everyone from both sides, both past and present were there, gave him gifts and had a good time. I feel so lucky that both my ex-husband and my husband’s ex-wife are such good people. They both adore and are so good to our son.

It’s such a great feeling and such a relief that everyone gets along. It sure makes life easier. There never is any tension or anger. I believe most of the credit goes to the ex-spouses. They are the ones who make this work. Due to them being mature and good people, they understand the need for everyone to get along and have opened their hearts to our son and to us. To them I say a big thank you! My husband’s children are also great kids, though they are basically grown and aren’t really kids anymore. They have shown great love to both me and their little brother. They are polite and mature. They were obviously raised right by their parents and I hope I can do as well with my son.

So, though we unlike the “norm”, I think that is how it is supposed to be. Instead of jealously, resentment and hostility, we have cooperation, friendship and love. God has truly blessed us with a great extended family. Families Iike ours are the ones that should be shown to the world as examples, not the ones you see on talk shows and reality TV. Those shows promote hatred and evil and then we wonder why so many families follow suit. Maybe if we promote families that make it work, then maybe others would follow that example.

Just a thought.

M.O.B. Society = Moms of Boys Society

I am proud to say I am a card carrying member of the Moms of Boys Society.

 I love my son, but it can be a challenge to raise boys into the men we want them to be in today’s world. Sometimes only another mom of a boy can understand!

M.O.B. also helps you to direct your son(s) to follow God’s word and to quote them, “They believe in a God who will supply all of their needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus. And they want to help you have that same faith. No matter what. They want to help you learn to apply scripture practically in your boys’ day-to-day lives. They want to help you answer the hard questions…to understand your own reactions to your boys…to learn how to BEST protect him, and his heart.”

If you have a son and want to connect with other moms who are raising or have raised sons then I recommend you check out M.O.B. They are very encouraging and I think you will enjoy their site. Don’t forget to hook up with them on Facebook as they have some great giveaways!

The Dentist’s Comments Made Me Proud Till Life Brought Me Back Down To Earth

My 2 year old had his first dentist appointment not long ago. If your child hasn’t been to the dentist yet, it’s no big deal. They don’t do much except check to make sure the teeth are getting cleaned when we brush, check the bite and make sure there are no developing problems.

The funny part was, when we pulled up my son freaked out because he thought he was going to the doctor. The dentist and doctor are in the same building. You go through the same double doors and either go left for the doc or right for the dentist. He was so upset when we started walking towards the doors, but became a little intrigued by the new place.

Luckily, they don’t strap him in a chair and hold his head down like I thought they were going to do. I was concerned about it being a traumatic experience, but you just go into a room with toys and no dentist’s chair. The dentist asks questions about brushing, eating, etc and then you hold your child on your lap for a quick looksie. You hold your child facing you, lean their head back and hold their arms down. The dentist can then get a good look at the teeth, both top and bottom and front and back. It only takes a few seconds and the screaming ended abruptly as soon as she was done.

We then received a fun packet with a toothbrush and a prize which today was a big bright balloon. Jake absolutely loved the balloon and was very happy at that point. What put a smile on momma’s face though was the dentist telling me what a good job we were doing with him. Not only was the dentist happy with the way his teeth looked, she liked my answers to her questions.

The dentist liked the fact that I brush his teeth first, then let him try it. He never has had a pacifier and I never sent him to bed with a bottle. He doesn’t suck his thumb and I encourage a variety of foods which makes him less of a picky eater. The dentist proceeded to tell me what a great job I was doing with him and how many parents do not realize the importance of certain habits and underestimate the problems pacifiers and bottles at bed cause.

Though I was feeling a little apprehensive when I came in, I was feeling weightless with joy and pride when we walked out. Getting that validation can mean so much to a first time mom. We as parents sometimes need to get that pat on the back every now and then to let us know we are doing ok by our kids. I truly believe most of us are good parents, but if you are like me you have days where you doubt yourself. So hearing from a “professional” that you are doing a good job is such a great morale booster.

Though the dentist may not have thought so highly of me if she saw that the bathroom sink we brush our teeth so well in has about an inch of old toothpaste and soap scum in it! The thoughts I was entertaining that I was this great and perfect parent came to abrupt halt when I came home, opened the door and saw the shape my house was in. Such as, the dirty dishes still in the sink, the beds unmade, dirty socks strewn about and the dog food that spilled out when a certain little guy stepped in the bowl. These were all the things I couldn’t get to in our rush out the door to make it to the dentist appointment on time. Life has a way of bringing you back down to earth when you start to think you are above all else. Oh well, at least I got to enjoy the ride home thinking I was this great and perfect parent.

Brought to You by the Letter "R"

I love to hear my little boy sounding out the alphabet and I think one of the cutest letters he tries to pronounce is the letter "R".

Though he may not pronounce every letter accurately, he has his own way of pronouncing some, I enjoy hearing him try and sing the alphabet and point out signs and spell out the words.

Who knew something so simple and insignificant to some would bring me such joy.

A little child's voice singing their heart out surely makes God smile and chuckle like it makes us.

Toys In the Yard

Ever complain about all the toys in the yard?

The other night I was about to when I tripped over one of them. Something made me stop and realize though, at how happy it made me to see them strewn around.

I realized that I could have had a clutter free lawn and a clean, but a lonely house. I realized that this clutter I was complaining about is really a blessing.

A few years ago I was just praying for God to take away that ache for a child since He obviously didn’t want me to be a mom. At that time I would have given anything to be tripping over toys and sweeping up crumbs every day.

Now I am and whenever I start to complain, I hope God will continue to gently remind me of the blessings He has bestowed upon me and the loneliness He has taken away.

Quote: I'd Rather Be a Mother...

I'd rather be a mother than anyone on earth, bringing up a child or two of unpretentious birth. I'd rather tuck a little child all safe and sound in bed than twine a chain of diamonds about my carefree head. I'd rather wash a smudgy face with round, bright, baby eyes than paint the pageantry of fame or walk among the wise.
~ Meredith Gray

“To Kill A Mockingbird” Turns 50

I recently found out that today, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee turns 50.

Do you remember reading this in school or did you just see the movie? I read the book in school and loved it more than any of the other books we were “forced” to read. I also liked the movie, but of course the book was better.

I was intrigued by the title as the mockingbird is one of my favorite birds. Maybe I liked it so much because I could relate to the character Scout in the movie. I also was a staunch defender of the weak and picked on kids in my youth. I knew what it was like to be picked on and would fight anyone at the drop of a hat if I caught them picking on someone else. I still am like that today I guess.

Love it or hate it, either way it made an impact on multi-generational of children. Many became more conscious of racial and class discrimination. It inspired many to become lawyers and defend the poor. It made us stop and think about our making fun of others we do not truly know and how it can be hurtful and wrong. It truly shaped how we treat others.

I encourage you to pick up a copy, read it if you haven’t done so and encourage your children to read it. Though it may be getting old, the principals it covers still remain relevant today and I sincerely hope that our schools are still “forcing” are kids to read it.

Do You Remember the '80's

The 1980's - when the hair was bigger and the waistlines smaller. Remember the '80's? If you do, that means you are getting AARP invites in the mail.

You are old enough to remember the 80's if:

1.) Your boyfriend used all your hair gel and had bigger hair than you did.
2.) It was OK for guys to wear eyeliner if they were in a band.
3.) There were two kinds of music - the good rock and the crappy bubble gum music.
4.) The clothes sucked - period.
5.) Women put their makeup on with a putty knife.
6.) Answering machines were the latest thing and were high tech with really small cassette tapes.
7.) Your phone had a pulse/tone switch depending on what kind of line you had.
8.) Cassette tapes were fast replacing 8 tracks – evidence of broken cassettes found on side of road with flowing ribbons of broken tape that obviously were thrown from a moving vehicle.
9.)Both Nascar and Drag Racing Pros drove cars that did not all look alike and you could buy one that resembled them.
10.)Bracket racers had to win races without all the special electronics – they relied more on skill.


…..add your memories here.

Quote: Sick Kids...

"Sick kids almost never go to their father’s side of the bed to announce they’re going to barf."
~ Julie Ann Barnhill

Mom Tip: Stickers Are a Great Tool

You don’t have to rely on TV to occupy your little one if you need a few uninterrupted moments. Make stickers one of the tools that you can pull out of your mom arsenal to get a small task done.

If you need a few moments to take care of something important like make a phone call to the doctor, balance your checkbook or just put some thoughts down for your next story, then a page of stickers might be enough to buy you some time.

Give a toddler a page of stickers and you may have just enough time to get your task done, but you need to teach them where they are allowed to place them ahead of time. Teaching them the proper way to use stickers before you need that emergency short term “babysitter” is crucial. Also, you may need to help them peel the stickers off by peeling a corner and then folding it down. This makes it easier for little fingers to peel off.

But where is a safe place?

A window is the perfect canvas. The stickers are easily removed, do not leave a residue on the glass and they can enjoy them for as long as you can stand having them up there. The refrigerator is another safe place to apply stickers. You can also teach them to put them on sheets of paper at the kitchen table and then color them later. My 2 year old uses all of these places. One other place I let him use for his sticker canvas – my legs. That’s right. I let him apply his stickers to me. He gets a kick out of it and I get a few moments of quiet time to bang on my keyboard.

And that’s what he is doing right now. I better wrap this up though as he’s almost out of stickers!

Quote From My Father

This a quote from my father that I didn't appreciate till I became a parent:

"This is not a democracy, this is a dictatorship and guess who is in charge."

Adventures in Potty Training - Last Part (I hope)

No More Diapers!

This is the final installment of our Adventures in Potty Training (I hope)
To read our journey through this adventure you can start here: Adventures in Potty Training Part 1

We have decided to add to our bottom line and take away from adding to the landfill by going totally diaperless. I have three packs of unopened pull-ups to return to the store and a lot of loose ones between the cars and diaper bags that I’m not sure what other use I may find for yet.

It’s scary to let go of them for it means we are at the mercy of his bladder. So far we have had a few weeks of dry nights and naps with very few accidents. He also lets me know when he has to go when we are out and about. I haven’t put a pull up on him in weeks, so I think we are ready.

His biggest thrill is pee peeing outside. Like all boys he loves to pee on things outdoors. I don’t mind when we are in the country, but when he loudly announces it at the park and then proceeds to pull down his pants, I panic as I make the mad dash to stop him. Then, red faced I escort him to the restroom. Only the moms with little ones I think understand. The rest just look on in horror and with disgusted looks. I want to scream at them, “Hey! Have you forgotten how hard it is to train a 2 year old to use the potty?” or “Just wait till it’s your turn you prude!”

I don’t mind too much though. I am so thrilled and proud that my son has mastered this very big milestone. For two years (or longer) we teach our kids to “go” in diapers. Then all of a sudden we tell them it’s not OK and we want them to go into a big bowl. This is very confusing to kids. I really believe though, a child has to really want to learn before they do and I also believe you need to stay consistent and keep with it – don’t give up when it gets hard.

As thrilled as I am at getting past this stage, I am also a little sad. As we close this chapter I find myself looking back and missing the little baby he once was. I am enjoying seeing him grow into the little boy, but I can’t help wishing for another little one. I see now why so often children are spaced about 2 years apart. You long for the little infant……Oh my gosh! Somebody slap me!!! Stop me from wanting another as I am too old and I apparently have forgotten about how hard having another infant is! Please, somebody remind me of all the sleepless nights and oh the diapers.

Still, I can’t help but wonder……………

Go Fast Music Now Available

Go Fast: Official Music Of The NHRA is now available.
If you like the music you hear when you watch the races, now you can download it from Amazon.

2 year Old Grocery Store Meltdowns

I have officially become THAT mom whose kid has a screaming meltdown in the grocery store. Luckily I was able to diffuse it quick, but I could feel that look of death stares from the other non-moms.
They should have an express lane for those with little kids.

Fun on the Fourth of July

We had a blast – pun intended.
With my son and I both being sick these last few weeks, it was nice to finally sit back and enjoy some good times.
Seeing his face and watching his big grin everytime a big one exploded was more thrilling and fun to me than the fireworks were.
We had a double dose of fireworks with a nice display on Saturday night at a festival, then a lot larger and louder display on Sunday where there were carnival rides and games as well.
With Jake being used to loud noises from the track, the loud booms at the fireworks didn’t bother him a bit.
My only problem now is convincing him there won’t be anymore fireworks for a while. This morning at breakfast he was already asking about seeing more tonight! I am loving this age!