You are definitely NOT a bad Mom! I am 100% sure of that!

Hey, I just stopped by to let you know I mailed "your" copy of the book yesterday. I'm pretty sure this one is all yours............ I bet you still get a good laugh about that first copy........I know I would.

I'm off for my own shutdown break now, so I'll see you later. Michael

  Hello again,

Just letting you know that Denise hasn't picked up a new envelope yet, but I'll be mailing that new copy to you very soon. Hope you're having a good week, and see you later, Michael

  OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe I did that to you with the book......! Benjamin moved out to his brother's mobile home, and Denise cleaned out his room and that book ended up on top of my stack; I had no idea it was the one I gave to him......obviously. So now you know what I wrote to my son, but I can't remember it. I feel simply horrible about this, and I will be more than happy to mail you another copy. I guess you can tell I'm quite new to this whole thing of having a book out there...... I guess you could consider that one to be a "collector's" copy, and a new one will be on the way as soon as Denise picks up another envelope. If I needed to be humbled today, this has sure done the job. See you later, Michael.
  
 

thank you for the encouraging comments.  These days it is difficult to accept encouragment, hard it is to hear words of support and the constant "it will all be worth it".  Your words are appreciated, so many thanks.  I'm trying to accept encouragement and help... trying, but that is somethgin that has not come easily for me.  Thank you also for the heartfelt words to my Dad.

In Christ,

Wendy

  Good morning Shana,
So; where to begin. First off I can tell you that Kristy has definitely never shown any evidence or ever claimed to be a believer--so that is a wide-open field for witnessing opportunities. Denise and I have both done that in our own ways since we've known her.
  She met our son in high school, and starting dating from the beginning. They were both friends with Neil, so we saw the three of them at our home often. Neil was included in many activities with us, such as taking him up north to fish and bowling on a team together with both of our sons. He's been a part of our family for 15 years. His father got cancer and passed away, and we saw more of him then. He had lived with his father after his parents divorced.
  One of the things Neil and both of our sons got involved with, was smoking pot. Neil made the mistake of getting caught, and then he violated his probation and received jail time for two years over it. Denise and I agreed to take him in when he got paroled, and living with us was how he received his early release after meetings with the officer in charge. So he moved in with us in Oct. '06, and started going to church with us. Our son's marriage was already in trouble at that time, but we were trying to help fix it.
  All three of them started riding with us to church, and we really hoped God would intervene and set things right between our son and d.i.l.. However, what we didn't know all along was that Kristy had been sending money to Neil for phone calls and writing to him while he was in there for those two years. She cried on his shoulder about her difficulties with our son, and we believe Neil let her know she deserved better.
  Within a month of his parole and moving into our basement, we found out that he was seeing Kristy. We let his parole officer know he had to move out, and their marriage was completely ruined at that time. She swore they weren't seeing each other, but we knew she was lying; Neil admitted it to me when I got to have a heart-to-heart about where his life was heading. So, the divorce became final in July '07; and Kristy was pregnant within six weeks of that date.
  It reads like a soap opera....does it not? What a mess the three of them have made for each other. Our son neglected his wife and spent all of his time with his buddies, and she found someone else to share with. Now little Alexander has joined the family, and he is the only one who is innocent of any wrongdoing in this whole sad affair. Denise and I could never treat him with contempt; that is a promise. We're just not sure how involved we will be in his life...but his connection to Lilly & Johnny make him a permanent part of our lives, too.
  The hardest days to figure on will be when Lilly & Johnny are at their Dad's house (50/50 custody), and will we ever be watching Alexander at our home when the other two are not there? That's a toughie. I think Kristy's work hours are going to make it easier and less often, but we haven't discussed it as yet. First we will talk with our son, and move forward from there.
  I want to thank you for caring enough to share as you have. Your comments were very insightful, and so was this entry. I can tell you we have both thought of all those things you mentioned, and we thank you for confirming for us that we were thinking as we should. I thank you.
  Well, how's that for writing a long comment in your diary? I don't mind you writing whatever you like in mine, so don't give that another thought next time. I know there will be a next time because we're friends......
  Take care my friend, and I will definitely see you around. Michael 

Hi Shannon,

I'm commenting from my other diary, I just wanted to say - why don't you  buy in three or four daylily bulbs, plant them in a medium to large plant pot, in a potting mix/compost miixture, and when they've spouted leaves  etc... give them to your mum. I send my mother rose bushes, while they're just pruned sticks, before they even have leaves on 'em. She gets so excited cause she's a gardener. I'm like her: gardening is one of my passions, as well as an active way for me to relax and blot out the rest of the world.

Love

 Emmi   

  - thanx for your encouraging comment in the other diary, re; my going back to school. I really want to spend six months in the states after I graduate here, to attend that midwifery course you mentioned a while back. I know it's conducted from up there in Oregon. That would be a fantastic preparation for my goal which is  to work among the women of Africa.           xxxx em

chelsea is a gift that they have denied.  it isn't your fault at all that people chose to look the other way and have missed out on the joy of knowing her.  personally, i wouldn't open that can of worms.  like you said, he had three years, and chose to do nothing.  chelsea will understand about things when she's older, as much as she can, because she will have you to ease that understanding, and she will know that YOU have been there every moment, unconditionally.  things make us ache when we think of what our kids could be missing or how others don't see them as the beautiful gifts that we know that they are, but truly...kids are resilient, and can get thru things, when they've got a loving parent they always know they can count on.  and you are that, in every way.

i think you are doing the right thing, and thinking of her first.  i don't see the selfish side of this at all.

ow.... hate the doctor....

Biggest loser....hmm... Im in something like that where I work just for fun and I would be way more motivated if we got prizes!!! lol.... All we do right now is just annouce who won.....lol....so i dont ereally care...just kinda doing it for myself...

[bananna]

  Sounds like it was a really good time, and I'm glad Steve came thru this time. Very good for him and those kids. You're a special Mom....

  Hope you have a wonderful Monday,and that your weather is nicer at home today than it would have been on the weekend. See you later, Michael.

Dear Shannon,

Everytime I read about Steve, in your diary, I get choked up with anger. Today has been no different, but I realize that my anger will do you no good, so I have time to get it under control then I will, once again - cry out to our Lord on behalf of your children and yourself.

I've been there, so I remember what it's like. Hold on to your Faith, Dear Shannon. Our Father God hears you; he's just waiting until Steve reaches the height of his neglect and abuse, then He'll move.

Love to you, I pray for you and those beautiful children every day.

Emmi 

  I second Terri's comment...whole-heartedly.

I'm glad your friend's husband is doing something with her, and that you just adjusted your schedule around it...very nice of both of you. Your ex just doesn't get it.......I hope one day he does before it's all over and done with for him. Take care, and I agree with Terri that you're a good Mom....your kids will never forget the lessons you're teaching them.

  Tough break on the braces...hope the ortho people give you a break in the repairs since she didn't do anything wrong. That was a bummer.

  Glad there was nothing wrong with Jacob, and hope he just wanted to help out--he should. You have a handful. I have felt your concern over this doctor visit coming up, and I am keeping you in my prayers. I want you to promise not to ever go so long between visits again...you should NEVER do that! If anything was to go wrong, you give it too much time on its own that way; so don't do that again dear lady. You have some kids that need you to take care of yourself; so don't let things go.
  Sorry if that sounded like lecturing, but I guess it was a little bit. But only because I know you're an important lady. Hope your day goes well, and that the schedule comes off as planned with all the busyness. I'll see you later, Michael.

maybe explain your situation with the co-pay.  they may just bill it to you. 

as for the child support thing, my sister-in-law's ex has his pay granished too, but for some reason, she only gets it, about once every 4-6 weeks.  and he pretty much just to keep them from shutting his accounts down.  so he still owes her wuite a bit of money.  you single mother's should all get together and demand a new law for child support.  something that works!

  Glad your aunt didn't make that mistake.....wow. He is very fortunate she didn't, and so is she.
  So, did your Pastor preach the same sermon each time in the same way? Just curious if it flows differently from one service to the next as the congregation seems to make a difference in how it comes out.
  Take care, and you have yourself a great week! See you later, Michael

child support can be such a pain in the ass.  i've gone to a couple hearings with my sister-in-law with her ex.  it gets ugly. 

it's a good thing your parent's help you out when you need it.  you would've regreted not going to disney with the kids if you hadn't.  they must've had a blast!

even my teenagers still love mad libs...that was a great idea!

have fun!

and happy valentines to you.

freecycle is awesome! We found many great pieces of furniture for Wendy when she got married on that site......they're really a great resource for finding what you need.
Good luck with that cleaning....we use PurpleHeart for our cleanups...

See you later, Michael.

I love cleaning, even if I don't do much of it here; I have 4 kids that do most of the cleaning since I'm in college, I tease them "I had so many kids b/c I believe in child labor!" LOL Seriously while I enjoy cleaning I really love getting rid of stuff and cleaning out the unused, unneeded stuff b/c I end up feeling a bit freer and more able to breathe b/c of the opened up space. I use freecylce and think it's great! Have fun cleaning house and going to church.

dang.....

two of my children, and me had braces.  mine just came off 3 years ago.  never heard of the ibuprofen thing.  in fact...it sure sounds like they are doing an awful lot to poor marissa.  hope she handles it all okay.

Oh, I hope Chelsea's feeling better.  Congrats. on  your exercise routine; when you get to a place where you seem to be stationary in your weight lose, it usually means that you need to lift the tempo of your exercise. Your metobolic rate is  rising because you're getting fitter, so to loose the extra weight, you need to get your body moving fasterthan your metobolic rate. When you've lost the weight, it'll just be about keeping fit. Believe me; when you reach 50 yrs old, fitness is almost everything.

Emmi 

I wrote this comment about 11pm last night; spelling duola, (doula) all wrong, sorry!!

Emmi xxx

always so much to handle.  how i'd love to just curl that little chelsea up in my lap and hold her. 

sounds like you could use some hugs yourself.  hang in there.

Oooh! My heart breaks for your Chelsea, she's being a real soldier, putting up with the pressing and proding to finally get a catheter in. Poor, sweet  baby!!

Yes my dear, I think you would be wise to take the wild kitty back to the shelter.  I think that you have rather too much to deal with at the moment, perhaps later on  in 2 or three months time - you could get something quieter for them. A Hamster, or a Guinea Pig?? Something that young Chelsea can learn to care for and cuddle too!!

Thanks for New Years wishes.

xxxxx

Emmi

Yeh!! Go Shannon - Go !!  - If you can manage the finances comfortably - yeah!  I say, "Do it!!" 

We've lived in some weird places where I've not been able to walk regularly, so I own a tread-mill, and an exercycle, but they're only for aerobic work outs - and I do about 10 minutes on them a day. One day the bike, one day the tread-mill. Most of my exercise is the Pilates work out with Maree Windsor  (it's on the infomercials!) That's what tones and shapes my muscles. I do all the floor exercises for the Legs, Hips Thighs and Buttocks, (My problem areas,) then I do 10 minutes of weights  - 3 times a week for shoulders, back, arms. It tightens muscles around jaw and neck.

After 2 months of MOSTLY, irregular work-outs, from 2 to 4 days per week. I've managed to drop 1 jeans siz, and it's given me the push I need to do this properly. You knew that as we get older, our muscles change and that's why we slow down: but doing weights stops them from going through that change and as women, it helps to stop that weakened bone disease, osteoporosis. I'm a self-starter - I find it much easier to motivate myself, rather than rely on other people to get me going; and if I were a betting person,  which I am NOT! I'd be willing to wager that you are a self-starter too. I so see my younger, not-as-smart-as-you, self in you and your circumstances.

Love to you, and I wish you  blessings of prosperity and good health in your work, in your family, abundance in your store cupboards, bank account, and in your heart for the New Year. x x x

Emmi

[Emmirene]

I have just read this entry, and I breathe a sigh of relief that you got through Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Do you call the day after Christmas, Boxing Day?? I don't think so, huh??  It sounds as if you had a thoroughly enjoyable time with your folks, and you received gifts as well?! You so deserve to. Happy Birthday for 26 December!!

 and  a Happy New Year to you, Shannon.

Emmi

awww....thats so cute
yay for jacob sharing his money with his sisters

take care hun
-Marisa

[HotPinkSuicide]

Wow...SUPAMUM 2 THE RESCUE!

Seriously tho its always gr8 how it works out :P

And well done lil man 4 sharing with yr sisters [i kno they can get annoying @ times ;) ]

woo ova and out xXxXxXx

This entry bought tears to my eyes; YOU  are a awesome Mum !! Good for you Jacob, sharing with your sisters.

Blessings to you all.

Emmi

Hi Shannon,

Do you plan your menu for Christmas? I really have needed to do that this year. Since we don't have kids in our place anymore, we have a Christmas dinner with much less fuss; the turkey, stuffing, a huge coleslaw with everything in it, caramel potatoes and cranberry sauce; a mixture of your trifle and my own trifle for dessert. A bottle of wine and that's it.  Does your Mum cook? You could rope her in to help you cook dinner, if that would be OK!!

Bless you Sannon.

Emmi

Thank you Lord!  I'll continue to hold you, your children and your needs up before the Father, every day Shannon. I am so impressed by your spiritual maturity and your humility. I know how hard the hard times are, particularly when they affect your children;  I was reading 1st Corinthians 10: 13 , yesterday, when  you came to mind and I prayed for you by name,

"No testing has overtaken you that is NOT common to everyone. God is Faithful, He will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing, He will also provide the way out, so that you may be able to endure it."

He will provide for you while you are in, 'this time of testing,'  - but you already know that, don't you? This time is to purify you, and to teach your children about His provision. They will learn these lessons by watching how you react, how you behave; and I suspect that you are not only a woman of great Faith, but also a woman of much Style too!! Thank you for keeping us informed.

Love xxx

Emmi

I read  this two days ago; I've been praying for you.  I forgot to leave an indication of my having read! I too am trusting the Lord, to fill your pantry with food, put cash in your wallet, gas in your car and finance into your bank account.

There is an enormous BLESSING, comes from being in these kinds of circumstances; we get to expect and see Miracles, huh? You signed off with words similar to mine. "He has NEVER failed me; I'm not expecting him to start now!!

Love, hugs xxx

Emmi

hmmm..i posted a comment and it didn't take it.  if you get me twice...just ignore one...lol.

do you read michael on this site?  commonsensechristian?  he's helped me see that the hard times are times when God is working some sort of growth or lesson in us, that he can't do with the easy times.  it helps me knowing that. 

i prayed for chelsea.  my bry has asthma and the not being able to breathe right is very scarey.  if you haven't already tried, or didn't know...hot tea is a huge help in opening airways.  (must be caffeinated).  bry and i rely on it alot.

what a beautiful heart your daughter must have to already have such faith in the power of prayer, at only 11 years old.  i love that.  and i agree with her....prayer is the answer.

thank you for sharing this about your daughter with me.

i think we all feel the same way you do in that last line you wrote. 

but this has been such a life saver for so many of us...when there isn't a tangible person to be found for certain things.