Today's word for the day...

is addiction. 

I was watching the news this morning and was shocked at what an epidemic heroine has become for American teens.  The first time they try it they're hooked and only 1 in 10 addicts ever actually kick the habit. 

So it got me thinking...

addiction

(ə-dĭk'shən)  Pronunciation Key  A physical or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, such as a drug or alcohol. In physical addiction, the body adapts to the substance being used and gradually requires increased amounts to reproduce the effects originally produced by smaller doses. See more at withdrawal. A habitual or compulsive involvement in an activity, such as gambling.   I grew up in a home of addiction.  It came in the form of booze, shopping, hoarding, working, eating, smoking...  the list goes on.  I've often thought that I have an addictive persona, but thought nothing of it really... So today I really gave it a little thought. What am I passing on to my kids?  So there are two things I would like to cut back on...  OK I just deleted 2 excuses.  So with out the excuses, I'd like to not feel the grip that sugar and TV have on my life.   I want to feel better, be less distracted, play more, and in general experience more joy from living my life. Sounds good right? Will I do it?  I don't know.  But, I'm thinking that confessing it here makes me a little more accountable.  So if you're reading this, I'm going to ask you to pray for me, stand with me for those times I struggle to stand on my own.  I also want you to send me a prayer request for you, something I can focus on when the going gets tough.  I'll pray in general for everyone who reads this, but I want to be focused in my intercession for you.  I can do this, with your help, and with God's grace and strength.  I will promise to post my progress.   Oh and can someone send me a box of milk bones? Cujo thinks he's about to have free reign...g

Cujo

OK so here it is, the nasty truth.   Inside this woman hides a snarling, snapping, slobbering beast. At any moment said beast can and will raise it's ugly head and attack whoever is available.  Now, truth be told sometimes the target deserves it, actually more often than not the target does deserve it.

Here's the thing about deserving something Jesus didn't deserve what He got, I did, but He took it anyway.  I try to remember this when the beast begins gnashing it's teeth.  Usually this thought keeps Cujo at bay, but every now and then he claws his way out.

Today I threw Cujo an old bone and told him to back off.  I had both kids at home, tons of running around  to do and appointments to get to.  First Griffin decided not to use the toilet this morning, I'll spare you the gory details, then the kids were constantly bickering over every little thing, then nagging me every other minute, then I missed an appointment, then somebody with nowhere to go got in front of me going half the speed limit, Then I realized that I forgot something at the commissary...  I'll not bore you with the rest.

It was difficult, keeping Cujo caged, but I'm glad I did.  Tomorrow well, I can't promise anything, but let's hope it doesn't start with me wrestling the beast.  :)

Grace in the moment...

About 2 moths ago I was at a PBM (Pediatric Behavioral Medicine) appointment with Kaelin.  She sees a therapist who helps her to get her mind around her differences and develop coping skills. He told me at this particular appointment that Kaelin is a challenge to parent.  Whew, glad we got that out of the way! OK at least it's in her file that it's not ALL my fault! :)  He said she can't seem to tell the difference between reward and punishment, and here I thought that was a pretty clear difference.  Apparently, to Kaelin ANY attention is good attention...  We've also recently learned that she doesn't handle praise well.  She was praised this weekend because all of her hard work is paying off.

Enter the flip side.  When we began this journey, Kaelin was having a few sensory issues with her clothing.  Seams and little balls of fluff could easily result in a 3 hour screaming fit.  With all the work that we've done I thought Kaelin had overcome this  frustration.  This morning, it began again.  Today a seam in the armpit of her shirt set her off.  I cannot express the depth of frustration I feel when this happens.  My 7 1/2 year old has days when she cannot dress herself, something my 3 year old has no trouble doing.  So I remain calm, remind her that, to my knowledge, a shirt has never killed anyone and that she'll feel much better in just a bit when her clothes warm up a little.  I see it in her face, she just wants to rip the shirt right off.  She's struggling to get her thought and emotional process on an even keel.  She amazing.

Kaelin may be a challenge to parent, but I prayed for that challenge. Endure heartbreak for that challenge.  Am in awe of that challenge.  I can handle this because God said I could and entrusted me with His challenging child.  The best part is, I know that when Kaelin and I make it through all of this, we will have something beautiful.  She is my little butterfly in a caterpillars body.  The beauty is there and I will wait patiently as the Lord coaxes it out. 

Where do we start? How about the beginning...

Faith ~ My earliest memory of a relationship with God was me crying out to be loved and lovable at about 4 years old.  I wandered, questioned and even ignored my faith for a long time. Then, at 22, I found what I was looking for and was baptized into Christ. Many more trials were to follow and I am grateful for each one as they have brought me closer to God and the ones I love.  My husband gave his life over to Christ a few years later and now we both actively serve in the children's ministry where we attend church. 

Family~ I met my DH (darling husband) first when I was 14, we were in sex ed. no joke :) Later, the summer I was 16, we began dating.  After 5 proposals and 2 diamond rings ( I came from a broken family so marriage held no appeal) we were married at 19.  There was actually a poll going at the reception on long it would last.  So here we are almost 14 years later. Last Saturday we called up our sitter and went out to see a movie and get dinner.  Before the movie started my DH turned to me, smiled and said, "Sometimes, I still feel like we're dating." Is there any better compliment after almost 14 years of marriage?!

We have 2 little munchkins, a 7year old daughter named Kaelin, and a 3 year old son names Griffin.  We recently found out, after 3 years of trial, that Kaelin is severe ADHD. Even more recently finally found something that works for her.


Friends~ I am one of the few who can claim the military wife for life title.  My husband has been in the Air Force for almost 16 years.  Though there are many trials and tribulations that come with that title there are also many gifts.  My favorite gift comes in the form of other military spouses.  We are a strong, proud and capable breed.   I have "sisters" all over this world who I love dearly.  Some I haven't seen in years and some I saw just today.  Each one is a gift and a piece of the family the Lord has allowed me to create. Though I may be a great distance from them physically, they are never far from my prayers and my heart.

Food~ OK I admit it I LOVE FOOD!!!   I am an independent consultant with The Pampered Chef and that only helps to fuel the creative cooking fires! :)  I've been with PC for just over 4 years now and I LOVE it!!  In fact, tonight as I type I am trying the new Firey Chocolate Torte, it's FAB!!  sweet and spicy! :D 

I hope you enjoy this post, I pray that it's the first of many.  I can't wait to start posting pics and recipes for you.  Enjoy!