Moving on up

This weekend Emily's got a new pool. Since she started swimming classes she really needed something bigger. We had a kiddie pool at first. (see the picture on the left) Now we have a pool the size of our deck. (see the picture on the right) I know we look like rednecks but Emily loves the pool. Who knew we would ever be able to afford such a big pool?

A note to you Parents and your teens.

My mom turned 58 this weekend. That sounds old but it is so young. I love my mother so much. I owe her everything. I was so mean to her growing up, I hope Emily is never as bad to me as I was to my mom.

I pay for it now every day. I will never forget what I put her through. I know almost all teenagers want their own Independence and want to do everything their parents tell them not to, but when I was a teen I didn't know anything, even though I thought I knew everything.

I wasn't really that bad. I didn't go out and get drunk, I actually hated drinking. I didn't flaunt myself or pop pills or anything really bad, but my attitude would have made you think otherwise. I was so rude to everyone, especially my mom. I think that is just part of being a teenager a part of being a girl. I just know it isn't right and I don't want my child to be like I was.

I really respect my mom now and I did back then. I was always out with my dad and papa but I admired my mom because the things she did in the house I didn't want to do. I hated cleaning back then and cooking and anything inside so I stayed out with my dad which I think made me want to be even more independent. A part of me was such a tom boy that I felt I had to have a man's heart and well they don't have much of a gentle side all the time. The other part of me just didn't want to listen to anyone. That was the teen in me.

If I knew then what I know now, I would have been the best daughter ever, but it doesn't work that way does it. You can't get that time back. You can't erase it. To those parents that have teenagers...girls at least, listen. You have to talk to them. You have to be their friend and their mom. I know it is hard to hear what they have to say sometimes but you have to put yourself in their shoes. Your kids are changing and the only one they can talk is their friends, who know just what they know....nothing. They need to talk to you. They need to know you went through the same things when you were their age. They need to know about your past. They need to know and understand that you too once felt their pain, happiness, fear. Talk to them. Open up to them and listen to them.

For you teenagers, who think you know it all, you don't . I know you think you are always right, but you aren't. Your parents say they are always right and believe it or not they are. I thought my parents knew nothing but the older I got I realized that they were right. I did need to save money, I would find another person to love me, I would find someone that cared about me, that person wasn't a good friend, you don't need to put anyone before your God or family, the more true friends you have the better, you have to trust to love, I didn't need to go to places like that, I didn't need to hang out with that crowd, etc. Parents Do Know...so listen to them.

I know it is hard to look your mom or dad in the eye and open up to them but to make life easier...do it. Don't ever think you know better then your parents or grandparents. Don't ever think your mom and dad haven't felt what you feel or have felt. Life is hard...for everyone. Not just you. Oh and please girls know that NO GUY is more important then your family, no guy except for God and Jesus. Also know that you are never alone, even when you do something wrong your parents still love you and so does God. Life is worth living. It does get better. Trust me I have been there, so if you can't talk to your parents talk to me. I am here for you.

Girls and Boys, know that you can't go back in time. What you do, what you say, once you do it or say it, it is over. There is no changing it. Think before you do anything. Listen to your heart, follow your heart. Life is precious and you can live it or let it live you. I say live it, but live it right.

I thank God everyday for my parents and I wish I could take back 1/2 of what I did to them and said to them, but I can't. Instead for the rest of my life I live with it and try to tell them how much I love them, how much I thank them for everything, and how sorry I am. Hopefully one day they will really understand just how much I do love them. One day, One day...

Choo Choo

Today was a wonderful day. For the first time Emily got to go to the park with her Grandma Nana and for the first time she got to ride the train. Oh what a wonderful day it was. Emily and I talked about her day and this is what she said...

Mommy my day was amazing. I don't get to see my grandma nana much so when you told me last night she was coming over I was so excited. I did just like you said I slept in because you told me I would feel better and be able to play longer, man mommy you were right.

I didn't know what to think when you told me we were going to ride a train. I kept thinking Thomas is so big how will we ever get on him. Then when we got to the park and the train was for people my size, oh I couldn't believe it. I was still unsure about it all and while Grandma Nana and I sat there watching everyone I kept wonderfing why I was just sitting there in that little seat. This is when you were taking pictures. Why do you do that mom? I kept thinking, what fun is a train that doesn't move? Oh and mom it was green, it wasn't like thomas at all.

I thought all the kids were funny running to get on this train that didn't move and I still thought you were silly when you said we are going to ride but you were right again...we started moving. Oh my mommy. It was so much fun. I sat there just like a big girl too, didn't I.

There was one thing I didn't like today though. Mommy why did you try to sit me in that mans lap? I was very upset. He could have had dirt on him, I hate dirt. I know you wanted my picture with this man but I didn't like that. Don't do it again please, okay. I got over it really quick but come on mom, lets not do that.

Mommy this was the best day. I will never ever forget this day. I road a TRAIN, one made just for me and I did it with my Grandma Nana...oh yea and you mommy. Thank you.

Oh and tell Grandma Nana thanks. I couldn't believe you took money out of my piggy bank this morning. I didn't know why you did that but then I understood we had to pay to ride the train. Thomas has to get paid. But after we got home, you weren't looking and Grandma Nana gave me money to put back in my piggy bank. Ha Ha

It's all about the dots

New Items listed....

Checkbook/Calendar Covers and Card Holders have now been posted on my website at http://www.dotteddeerboutique.etsy.com/.

Check them out. They are great gifts for yourself or someone else.

Babies in the Water

2 days ago Emily started her first class...Water Babies. I was amazed by all the kids there. Emily only has 8 in her class but there were other classes going on at the same time and needless to say, Emily wants to know what everyone else is doing. The day two she actually got tears in her eyes because she wanted to hurry and get in the water.

She didn't do as good as I thought. She will blow bubbles into the bath but not the pool. Doesn't make since:) She doesn't like laying on her back but will on her belly. In fact after the first night we came home and got in the bath and for the first time ever she tried to lay down belly first in the tub. She is so silly.

Last night was the big night to me. We had the option to dunk her under the water. Most parents let the instructor do it but I just let Andrew do it. She cried. I know she was scared but in a few minutes she didn't even remember what had happened.

I hate doing all of this but I know it is for her own good. There was a child there that was about 5 years old and they were dunking him under the water. He was screaming like you wouldn't believe. I felt sorry for the instructor as I know he had scratches all over him. I am sure this young boy had never been in the water before, at least that is how he acted. At least by doing this class maybe Emily will never be scared of the water. Hopefully she will be able to swim in the next few years to come:0 They grow so fast.

Horsing around

It's amazing how life is so much fun when you're young!