Inspired

Like all parents at OHMS I received a special message from the school principal, I was so inspired with what he shared. I meet this man about a year ago as Jacobsen and I were looking at the honor roll that was posted in the office window. This young, good looking man approach Jake and asked if he had made the honor roll. Jacobsen showed him his name and he went on to praise Jacobsen for his hard work. When he left I said to Jake,"Is that one of your teachers?" Jake laughed and said, "No, mom that is my principal." I was so impressed that the principal was out in the halls talking and making friends with the kids. He is feel of energy and seems to love his job.
In his special message, he shared stories about students who had made the right choices. It was amazing and so good to hear. We as parents often have this perception of dreaded middle school. All the bad things that go on and all the evils that my child will be exposed to. I know that there is reason to be concerned. Will my children be accepted? What friends will my children choose to align with? Will my children remember my expectations of them? But, I guess I need confidence that the good outweighs the bad. It is so nice to have confirmation that most students are making the right choices at the right time.
Being a parent is so hard. I struggle everyday. At the end of each day, I will stop and evaluate how I have done. Sometimes, I am disappointed with myself. I should have handle that differently or I should have not been so hard on them. Why did I freak out? I need to stop and remember that for the most part, my children are making right decisions or at least trying too. That they are children and just like me, are still learning. I can not expect them to be nothing more than children who are dealing with everyday struggles too. At the end of the day, we are all individuals trying to get along and grow up together. So principal, Anderson thank you for the heart-warming reminder that teenagers are still good.

Abram Dean Jones

My thoughts visit Abram often and especially today. I can remember minute to minute the events of a May 2nd three years ago. I will never forget. I am not sure that I would even want to. That day has taught me a lot about who I am and what I am capable of. I think if I can make it through that day, I can make it through any hard day. Abram is a gift I do not take lightly. Josh and Jamie you are beautiful people. Thanks for sharing your lives with me. You will always be in my heart. I anxiously await the arrival of your new son, for you of course but also for my own selfish reasons. I want you to have some happiness here and now. You deserve that.
I love you !!!!

Nice One Tonya!

Imagine my surprise when I looked down in the temple and my finger nails were glowing. Little did I know that the fingernail polish I borrowed from Josie was glow in the dark. To say the least I was selfconscious the entire session. I kept looking at my neighbors hoping no one noticed. Nice one Tonya.

You or Me?

I thought it was cute at bedtime last night that Curens stories consisted of "Grumpy Badgers Christmas" and "What Are You Grumpy About?" I asked him if he chose those books because he was in a bad mood and he said, "No, because you are" "Oh, I see," and all I could do was smile. And I even read the books.

Today

"....every day was the same, and when each day is the same as the next, it's because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day that the sun rises."
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
What is your personal legend?
What is mine? hmmmm

The Fence Is Going In!!!

Since the day we moved into our home in Riverton, we have talked about putting up a new fence. The fence on the north side of our home has been down since day one. Well, the reality is setting in, posts are in and our fence will be completed on Tuesday. We are really getting a fence. It is very exciting. I have had a few children in the neighborhood look at me with long faces and ask how are they going to play in the yard. They will always be welcome in our yard. I love having the neighborhood children playing and laughing in our yard. I love it when the doorbell rings at 9:30 and night games begin, that is how we how summer is here and when we have to remember that we are on D-Track, This is when D-Track isn't so much fun. So anyway, I hope that games night and day will continue at our home.. The fence is not meant to deter any ones play. I will post pictures when we are 100% complete. Thanks to my patient neighbors, who have had children and balls in the street and a chocolate lab roaming freely. Bronco is going to miss seeing you all. No more strange dog in your homes stealing potato chips. getting into garbage and chasing Ron Burnside down the street. I have closed my eyes for five years in fear that each chase may be his last. Bronco should be sticking close to home now.

A Gloomy May 2nd

It is hard to believe that it has been a year since Abram left our lives. I think a lot about May 2nd 2008. I have relived that day moment by moment day after day. I hate that day and the sadness that it has brought so many people. It has been hard to understand, my heart breaks everyday for Josh and Jamie. It is not fair. My life has changed, I know that I hold my children a little tighter, I find myself checking on them constantly, particularly when they are sleeping. And when I say check, I no longer just open the door and look at them, I watch them closely and watch them take a breath, I watch their lungs fill with air. They each at one time or another have had me wake them up because they are sleeping too sound. I hate that moment of helpfulness when I could not make things right. I hate the sound of sirens and I cringe when I hear them, I know that somewhere someones life is changing. I find my heart beating out of my chest. I feel crazy with worry sometimes. I can cry with a thought. I cry harder and try to find happiness and laughter more. I am grateful for my children and pray everyday that they will be safe and happy. I have learned to ask others for help. (I should say I am still learning) This is hard for me. I would rather fix things myself. I hate to worry and burden others with my problems. but I would never had made it through this year without my parents, my family, and my friends new and old. I have learned to confide in those I trust. I have learned to say this day sucks and I need help. I love Josh and Jamie and the confidence they have always had in me. Even when I did not. They call me to see if I am okay, they apologize for me having to go through this, when I know their pain is heavy without mine. I love them for that. I will forever be grateful that I had the opportunity to know Abram, I have learned a lot from him. He was a bit of perfection sent here to help me. Abram will always hold a special place in my heart, I love him and know he watches those he loves closely. I hope that I can learn to appreciate this experience and continue to learn from it. I am still struggling, but with the help of the Lord I can feel peace and hope that I can continue to grow.