A happy me
family - is everything
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Broken Toys and Broken Hearts
I am in a bit of a struggle here. I have been helping out another mom w/ her two kids. They've spent two over nights w/ us and have had a great time. Two weekends in a row.
Here is my struggle.
The boy is about 7 yrs old....or soon to be anyway. He destroyed three of our little guys birthday presents that he'd received when we took him to the Great Wolf Lodge back in July. I was pretty upset when the kids brought this to my attention, so I took a snap shot of the toys w/ my phone, and texted the mom w/ the photo to let her know her son had broken the toys.
When she got back to me later she told me the one toy was already broken and that her son 'accidentally' broke the others. I asked her if we could just use this as a learning experience regarding other peoples property, because my son was very upset that his toys were all destroyed.
Well this turned into a lengthy texting drama. I kept telling her I was only trying to let her know about this out of love for her and her children (she's a single mom trying to date). She said I was attacking her and that no one has ever mentioned that her son was out of control. etc etc etc.
Now, this is a kid that is basically WILD. He got into our chicken coop and terrorized the hens by chasing them...and proceeded to THROW eggs at our coop! More than 6 eggs. I was very upset over that.
I feel I have lost a nice friend because I was HONEST and brought a matter to her attention.
When do you not make kids accountable? I mean...I did not mention the COST of these broken toys, but they were at least $100 total. These were his BIRTHDAY presents!!! I am more upset at her response to this whole thing than the broken toys I think. I was just trying to be responsible myself in telling her, and showing my own children that we must be honest, face our fears of coming forward when we break a toy, and take the punishment. This other boy has NO punishment.
Needless to say, the little boy will not be invited back.
Here is my struggle.
The boy is about 7 yrs old....or soon to be anyway. He destroyed three of our little guys birthday presents that he'd received when we took him to the Great Wolf Lodge back in July. I was pretty upset when the kids brought this to my attention, so I took a snap shot of the toys w/ my phone, and texted the mom w/ the photo to let her know her son had broken the toys.
When she got back to me later she told me the one toy was already broken and that her son 'accidentally' broke the others. I asked her if we could just use this as a learning experience regarding other peoples property, because my son was very upset that his toys were all destroyed.
Well this turned into a lengthy texting drama. I kept telling her I was only trying to let her know about this out of love for her and her children (she's a single mom trying to date). She said I was attacking her and that no one has ever mentioned that her son was out of control. etc etc etc.
Now, this is a kid that is basically WILD. He got into our chicken coop and terrorized the hens by chasing them...and proceeded to THROW eggs at our coop! More than 6 eggs. I was very upset over that.
I feel I have lost a nice friend because I was HONEST and brought a matter to her attention.
When do you not make kids accountable? I mean...I did not mention the COST of these broken toys, but they were at least $100 total. These were his BIRTHDAY presents!!! I am more upset at her response to this whole thing than the broken toys I think. I was just trying to be responsible myself in telling her, and showing my own children that we must be honest, face our fears of coming forward when we break a toy, and take the punishment. This other boy has NO punishment.
Needless to say, the little boy will not be invited back.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Surprises and Old Friends
I was able to go down state last week to visit with old friends and hang out in my old home town of Ludington, Michigan. THAT was a much needed trip! I was able to reconnect w/ an old and dear friend that I had let slip away. It was wonderful to sit with her and catch up on her deck...overlooking the lake. Peaceful and felt like home. (love you, Woman!) I cooked for her and her family while I was there...LOVED doing that!
A business opportunity has also come my way which could drastically change the lives of my little family! To say I'm excited would be an understatement! I won't go into details yet as it's all in the beginning stages so nothing is certain. However...it would mean moving HOME to Ludington. This is a hard decision for Mr. Eye Candy. He has lived his entire life here in Leelanau County. However, he loves me and supports me. Time will tell which direction should be taken. Banks are not giving out loans, so getting a business loan may not be an option for me even if I am a woman! ha
I've learned the value of friendship lately. I have also learned over the past couple years, that FRIENDS can be more 'family' than your actual family! One of my friends has basically disowned me after my weight loss surgery, and a family member has basically disowned me for reasons unknown. I struggle with both relationships. I admit I'm not always the easiest of people to love, but if it were my fault...I would hope they'd say it. I've asked. I've begged for communication. The friend just does not respond...and the family member shuffles me to the back burner...again.
Rejected? Yes. I feel rejected. I also am turning new pages everyday in my life and refuse to let this put a damper on ME. I want a relationship w/ these two women in the worst way! I've learned you can't force it though. Kind of like that old saying, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink". All I can do now is move forward with my life and do the best I can for my family. I have vowed to myself to be a better friend to the ones that I am lucky enough to count as mine!
So here's to a brighter future! An exciting life awaits! Every day is a new challenge. Let's be kind. Let's be honest. Let's be faithful.
Lana
A business opportunity has also come my way which could drastically change the lives of my little family! To say I'm excited would be an understatement! I won't go into details yet as it's all in the beginning stages so nothing is certain. However...it would mean moving HOME to Ludington. This is a hard decision for Mr. Eye Candy. He has lived his entire life here in Leelanau County. However, he loves me and supports me. Time will tell which direction should be taken. Banks are not giving out loans, so getting a business loan may not be an option for me even if I am a woman! ha
I've learned the value of friendship lately. I have also learned over the past couple years, that FRIENDS can be more 'family' than your actual family! One of my friends has basically disowned me after my weight loss surgery, and a family member has basically disowned me for reasons unknown. I struggle with both relationships. I admit I'm not always the easiest of people to love, but if it were my fault...I would hope they'd say it. I've asked. I've begged for communication. The friend just does not respond...and the family member shuffles me to the back burner...again.
Rejected? Yes. I feel rejected. I also am turning new pages everyday in my life and refuse to let this put a damper on ME. I want a relationship w/ these two women in the worst way! I've learned you can't force it though. Kind of like that old saying, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink". All I can do now is move forward with my life and do the best I can for my family. I have vowed to myself to be a better friend to the ones that I am lucky enough to count as mine!
So here's to a brighter future! An exciting life awaits! Every day is a new challenge. Let's be kind. Let's be honest. Let's be faithful.
Lana
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