tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.comments2023-05-21T03:06:09.332-05:00Mommy, EsquireUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger454125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-47377792056712591192015-05-06T16:02:23.903-05:002015-05-06T16:02:23.903-05:00YES, YES, YES!!! I need to do this. I have to do t...YES, YES, YES!!! I need to do this. I have to do this. I feel like I'm drowning...so much to do and so little time, and I know I could SIGNIFICANTLY improve my time management/productivity issues if I didn't have an internet connection. <br /><br />Last night G was at lax practice while I sat in the car with some magazines I hadn't gotten around to reading. But you know what, I couldn't go 10 mins without still checking my phone to see if an email came in, or check in on FB real quick. It's absolutely an addiction. Did I get any sort of important emails during that time? Did I find out anything I NEEDED to know on FB? Nope. Complete time suck when I could have been looking at my magazine. <br /><br />I was just complaining that I hadn't had time to finish reading a book I started a month ago, and I haven't hung some curtains I bought weeks ago, and the list goes on and on...it's the FB/internet time suck. I end up reading and looking up stuff that in most cases, ultimately makes me anxious. What good is that doing? Sometimes I wish Al Gore hadn't invented the stupid interweb, and we were just living blissfully unaware of everything going on around us. <br /><br />Don't even get me started on my husband. I loathe seeing him sitting around reading his phone, even though I know I'm not much better. Most of the time he's reading the news, but I feel like saying, here's the damn newspaper, read something NOT on a screen! The thing is, he really doesn't think he's on his phone much...gggrrr. G is playing on her iPad (gifted to her by her Nana...NOT by us!) right now...drives me up. the. wall. Although I know I can't say but so much until I am able to sit a good example myself. How can we tell your children they can't be on electronics if they see us on them all day long? I blew past an article, but read the headline, earlier today on my FB newsfeed about the Chinese blaming smartphones for an increase in divorce rates and broken families. Shockingly, right?<br /><br />Seriously, kudos to you! Now I'm stepping away (and off my soapbox, and computer...thank you for the opportunity to rant), going outside to water some plants (WITHOUT taking my phone!). You've inspired me. Stay strong sista!Cindyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06829565709741397482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-12640618786178042842015-03-01T21:09:57.059-06:002015-03-01T21:09:57.059-06:00A pet...rock. A pet...rock. Andy Ralphhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00777903659976147816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-57276245882766262642015-02-27T20:06:43.931-06:002015-02-27T20:06:43.931-06:00The LS (lawyer spouse) doesn't stand a chance ...The LS (lawyer spouse) doesn't stand a chance either. Andy Ralphhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00777903659976147816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-29132451372412922132015-02-27T09:21:14.196-06:002015-02-27T09:21:14.196-06:00Well the Legal Secretary's kid doesn't far...Well the Legal Secretary's kid doesn't fare much better because she has seen everything too! (plus dealt with the lawyer(s), but that's a different comment for a different story altogether...) When my son was younger I had a mom tell me one time that she was so impressed because during a conversation with my son about how kids will keep on til the mom gives in and my son's reply was "not my mom, when she says no she means no!" Yes! victory dance for me!! and to this day I still hear about the spend-the-night party I wouldn't let him attend because I had never met the parents. He is 17 now, jeezzzz, let it go already!! As always, love your stories, thanks for making me smile!<br /><br />Peace,<br />Debbie@FlowerChildDesignsAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10702008767915468269noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-67795924489297390512014-09-13T14:52:35.608-05:002014-09-13T14:52:35.608-05:00Julie - Beautiful, just like Nicole. I didn't ...Julie - Beautiful, just like Nicole. I didn't know Nicole well. I met her once at the park with you, and saw her plenty in passing. But just in very casual contact, I could tell all of those things you said about her were absolutely true. She was really beautiful inside and out. My heart breaks for her girls and for Matt, but if she can't be with them, then I'm sure she's exactly where she would want to be...with our Savior. Indeed, she lived with purpose and intent, and has been a great reminder we should all do the same. I'm so sorry for your loss.Cindyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06829565709741397482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-84458218736642062332014-09-13T12:51:47.097-05:002014-09-13T12:51:47.097-05:00As my wife and I walked out of the church from Nic...As my wife and I walked out of the church from Nicole's funeral, she said, "I'm not doing what I'm supposed to be doing." Puzzled, I said, "What are you talking about?" And after wiping a tear away, she confessed, "Nicole just reminded me that I am not living with passion..."<br />Your post captures the essence of who Nicole was, but better yet, how her spirit can live on within us--Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03789123512170721640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-17868848500260669882014-08-30T07:41:33.215-05:002014-08-30T07:41:33.215-05:00Just a word of caution. My 13-year old has an IPo...Just a word of caution. My 13-year old has an IPod touch. I have the internet (Safari) turned off via the parental controls. However, if an app has built-in ads, there is the potential to click on that ad, then use Google to search for anything and everything. According to NetNanny, they cannot prevent this from happening. So, check the <br />apps they have. God bless!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08080288657589411105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-5591786156481752152014-08-29T13:11:04.574-05:002014-08-29T13:11:04.574-05:00I appreciate the tough stand you have taken, and c...I appreciate the tough stand you have taken, and completely agree with you. As I said in my own blog post highlighting yours, there will always be people who find every reason to downplay what you're saying, to dismiss you, and so forth. Pay no attention. I let that stuff run right off my back. The mothers and fathers who understand what's at stake are grateful to know that they aren't crazy, and they aren't alone.Rod Dreherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11679488059185652546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-89476316535746315222014-08-29T12:49:23.280-05:002014-08-29T12:49:23.280-05:00Grandparents. As if 'the talk' isn't ...Grandparents. As if 'the talk' isn't hard enough as a kid with your parents, having this talk with grandparents is even harder in some ways. Our son searched a word out of curiosity too. On his grandmother's iPad. Kids will find stuff we think we've put away. He went where he shouldn't have and got something he didn't have permission to get. And it happened. <br /><br />Bring grandparents into the loop. Have the awkward conversations with our parents too. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and babysitters too for that matter. Circle all the wagons.<br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03086836988917838211noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-74582161507704407062014-08-28T21:43:40.925-05:002014-08-28T21:43:40.925-05:00So sad to hear this - that smut gets everywhere. C...So sad to hear this - that smut gets everywhere. Check out www.opendns.com and it will filter every device in the house against that stuff (and a slew of other topics). I have used them for years and its free and works. This isnt an ad for them - just another tool you can use to help keep that stuff out of your home. God Bless.<br /><br />JamesAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15405791720381269503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-33812420493527482742014-08-28T13:47:59.094-05:002014-08-28T13:47:59.094-05:00This is very hard and very sad. It's sad that ...This is very hard and very sad. It's sad that we have to live in a world where a behemoth industry peddling mental drugs can squeeze into our homes through the smallest cracks. <br /><br />I've had a couple of sites that help, but nothing is perfect. I can recommend:<br /><br />pornproofkids.com <br />www.fightthenewdrug.orgMz Manicurehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00943882463223696549noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-48813250074057924712014-08-28T11:49:08.838-05:002014-08-28T11:49:08.838-05:00Thank you for your honesty and your passion for pr...Thank you for your honesty and your passion for protecting your kids. I write a blog about this very subject (PornProofKids.org) and have also written a book to help parents of young kids to educate and empower their kids against pornography. It's called Good Pictures Bad Pictures and it's been a Best Seller on Amazon since we published it in March. No matter how tight you button down your own devices, kids leave the home and they must be taught to install their own internal filter. I sincerely hope your son is feeling better. The book contains specific skills to help kids minimize the memories of pornography exposure. All my best to your family!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15736609828169892579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-16023241018111026632014-08-27T13:08:28.641-05:002014-08-27T13:08:28.641-05:00I just came across your blog and I must say I'...I just came across your blog and I must say I'm a big fan already. I have two daughters myself and I worry what they will see, hear and be exposed to. Its encouraging to read the same worries of fellow parents. I wish you and your family the best and look forward to more posts.<br /><br />Jason Alderson<br />http://livinginspirednow.blogspot.com/<br />www.livinginspirednow.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10613958412375767182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-66244254623937928652014-08-27T10:53:53.515-05:002014-08-27T10:53:53.515-05:00Oh this has happened here too - and it's was a...Oh this has happened here too - and it's was a similar scenario with my 8 year old baby. looking for something about super heroes - but might as well have searched the same word your son did…<br />It's just getting harder and harder to integrate modern life with holiness. I'm sure each generation has had it's obstacle - just feels overwhelming at times. <br />wish we could start an online prayer cover group for our kids…Libertyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12532992088083587595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-54909732615378331662014-08-21T20:37:55.528-05:002014-08-21T20:37:55.528-05:00Love it!!Love it!!Carriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14362339054836781154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-19146396903604180602014-07-06T21:03:17.736-05:002014-07-06T21:03:17.736-05:00You're back! So glad! I love reading your post...You're back! So glad! I love reading your posts.<br /><br />I've become a homeschoolin', mini-van drivin' mama of three and if you'd asked me that in college I wouldn't have punched you in the throat but I would have told you you were crazy.<br /><br />:)Allisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03807887046620150480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-74278884906595022672014-06-30T15:51:01.495-05:002014-06-30T15:51:01.495-05:00I love your blog! Always have, always will!
Peac...I love your blog! Always have, always will!<br /><br />Peace!<br />Debbie @ Flower Child DesignsAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10702008767915468269noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-17055401387185461282012-01-06T22:49:31.052-06:002012-01-06T22:49:31.052-06:00Welcome back!!! Yahoo!!! I dd a whole month of ver...Welcome back!!! Yahoo!!! I dd a whole month of very short days but scrapbook(blog) worthy today...<br />I get it, it reall is the only record- other than a whole box of old school developed<br />Pics I am never find the courage to wade through...<br />Blessings!Libertyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12532992088083587595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-59278923608787396352012-01-06T16:16:18.143-06:002012-01-06T16:16:18.143-06:00I'm still reading! :) Girl, I gave up on paper...I'm still reading! :) Girl, I gave up on paper scrapbooking a LONG time ago and sold all my supplies! I like to make photo books now. Check out www.mixbook.com and see how you like it!Shannonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15255671433178986867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-82334027701048883932011-03-07T04:16:00.000-06:002011-03-07T04:16:00.000-06:00Who wants a fake house? I enjoy reading about your...Who wants a fake house? I enjoy reading about your life, hope you keep it up on some level. Several of the people/blogs I read each week have written on a similar theme lately. Maybe it the time of year -- focus on you and yours and write what pleases you!Martynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-42898383158027956552011-03-07T09:10:20.000-06:002011-03-07T09:10:20.000-06:00Oh Julie....((((HUGS)))). I don't even blog, b...Oh Julie....((((HUGS)))). I don't even blog, but I know what you mean. There are some friends on Facebook that I've even started hiding (GREAT people, but again, I'm tired of hearing about the organic xyz's that she handpicked and made into some extraordinary meal, which makes me feel like crap when there are dog hair tumble weeds rolling across the floor and an unpacked bag of the best (gasp, conventional) veggies I could find from WalMart...). Unfortunately I think that's the downside to this virtual world. It is just that, virtual, and it hides everyone's flaws, but seems to magnify our own because those are the only flaws we can see. I can't decide if you continue to blog or not, but I enjoy reading about your REAL house ;-). Hang in there. Another ((((hug)))).Cindynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-73706790918228497472011-03-06T03:47:23.000-06:002011-03-06T03:47:23.000-06:00Well, the first thing you should know is that I st...Well, the first thing you should know is that I started this response 10 minutes ago. The answer to the "what color are your towels?" question is: yellow. Or at least, they used to be yellow. They still are yellow around the edges, but they're more of a dingy cream/yellow tinted sort of color now.<br><br>The second thing you should know is that just as I typed my "name" into the appropriate box, the 3 year old behind me shrieked, his big sisters howled and I turned around to watch the 3 year old pee on my pillowcase-less pillows that are on the floor, being jumped on by the kids. I took the sheets off my bed to wash them this morning (novel idea, don't know what I was thinking...) and the kids think that means they can throw the pillows all over the place and jump on them. Except now at least three of the five have pee all over them. So, ten minutes later the boy has had a "costume change" and the pillows are in the washing machine. I don't have a dog, but I do have a cat who thinks he's too cool for the litter box....VA6336http://www.plenusdomus.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-54232137981693072022011-03-06T09:13:29.000-06:002011-03-06T09:13:29.000-06:00Be PROUD of every one of your mismatched-ugly towe...Be PROUD of every one of your mismatched-ugly towels. Your "real world" is true living and true life. And all the mismatched days and hours is what makes your life quilt the "eucharisteo". I think many of us prefer the ugly towels as they have character......Marthanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-72465375336488737372011-03-15T14:29:36.000-05:002011-03-15T14:29:36.000-05:00Oh, girl. I get it. I am constantly down on myself...Oh, girl. I get it. I am constantly down on myself for not doing enough, for not being perfect enough. But blog entries like this one are the ANSWER. I think women propagate this "failure" cycle because we aren't fully honest about how hard it is to balance everything: kids, home, job, school, and all the other stuff life throws at us. So, thanks for acknowledging life's imperfections.Kate Adamshttp://www.kate-thebrooklyndodger.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32232879.post-30765438722294286162011-03-18T04:47:07.000-05:002011-03-18T04:47:07.000-05:00AH-MEN! don't know if you've noticed, but ...AH-MEN! don't know if you've noticed, but I've cut back on my posts, SIGNIFICANTLY. <br>This critical job of MOTHERING drains me to the point of deep exhaustion, and that leaves NO ENERGY for typing :)) how that for a non-blog post?<br>Trying to get back in the swing, because I like it for the simple fact of the online journal. I need to quit checking stats and just write for my kids to have something to look back on and laugh and remember...<br>Hence our back for the forseeable future link up called "what are you juggling" <br>because everyone has the crud and laundry and ANTS!!!!! don't even get me started on my unorganized cabinets I can't seem to remember to buy replacement hinges for, so they are *at times* hanging on by threads!<br><br>For the record - the TRYING over and over and over IS real life and it is blessed and HE does see it and give you strength to keep going. one {tiny toenail} step at a time. <br>Blessings!<br>LIBLibertyhttp://www.16ballsintheair.comnoreply@blogger.com