Life as a single mom

I am still questioning this greater being. I am not saying that I DO NOT believe (mainly bc I fear going to hell) but I question it. I also question an overall Higher Power (HP). It is hard and people say…”if you question, look at your son” Still…I question. I do not intend for this to become a dialogue about religion or anyone pushing religion on me or anyone else who is reading this. I just need to say that I QUESTION…is that so bad? There is a beautiful world out there and I have traveled to many wonderful places, seen awe-inspiring sites and have met “angels” on this Earth. (Angels – people that do good for their community, themselves and others around them.) Growing up, I was raised Southern Baptist and Presbyterian (USA). I was baptized later (around my teenage years) but honestly, I started going to church because the church has a very vibrant youth group. All the “cool kids” were there and the church took fun retreats/outings. What kid wouldn’t want to be a part of tha...

Times have been hard for me but I am keepin' on, keepin' on. Here are some things that I am grateful for...in no particular order! 1. Friends and Family -  providing Tanner and me with roofs over our heads, fish in our bellies (sorry, a poor reference to Finding Nemo) and warm beds. Oh...and sometimes the use of their cars! 2. Securing project/contract work from time to time. That has definitely helped me through some of the more difficult moments. 3. Facebook  - yes, SAD, I know...but it is true. Facebook has allowed me to stay connected with ALL my wonderful friends regardless of geographic location. 4. Cell phone - another sad truth, but thankfully modern technology also keeps me connected to the great big world. 5. Zumbathons - yes, a latest craze of mine. (Thanks, Jennifer L and Vanessa P for introducing me to this) 6. Lieutenant landlords - I was lucky in both Charleston and now Phoenix to find understanding landlords who agreed to rent to me. YES...Tan...

At 14 mos of age and 8+ ear infections, we (myself and doctors) have decided to move forward with placing tubes in his ears. I am a little nervous about the anesthesia it requires but this procedure is the 2nd most common to circumcison. However, I was told that after this procedure he would still want to eat! The final decision was made after seeing the ENT and having a full hearing test done. Right now, Tanner is hearing as we would if we walked around with our fingers stuck in our ears (muffled). The tubes will help with drainage and releasing the fluid...therefore, allowing him to hear much better and it should help progress his overall speech. Tomorrow at 6:30 am our time (Arizona), we will be at Phoenix Children's Hospital. I am told the paperwork required for the procedure takes longer than the actual procedure. My friends who have done this same procedure for their children have given me nothing but great reviews. So, please...good vibes, thoughts and prayers our ...

We can secure other people's approval, if we do right and try hard; but our own is worth a hundred of it . . .   —Mark Twain There was once a young girl who thought that if only she tried a little harder, she could please her parents; if only she were prettier, her friends would like her better. She tried constantly to gain their approval. Sometimes they said they liked her, and sometimes they didn't.   Then one night a fairy came to her in a dream and told her, "You are fine just the way you are. You don't have to change. I want you to start noticing your own beauty and loving yourself exactly the way you are."   Doing what the fairy suggested - giving love and approval to herself - wasn't easy, but she found that when she did it she felt a peace that was not dependent on what others thought. She thanked her fairy for caring enough to come and give her such wise advice. What are some things I like about myself?