Well, today is the last day of school for my boys.
What a fantastic year it was, too.
My oldest joined the school orchestra and started off by playing the cello but then switched to the violin. He did well with his instrument even though he didn't like it. He found himself wanting to quit and begged me to do so. We talked about it and hopefully a lesson was learned in when he starts something he needs to see it through completion. I won't force him to continue on next year.
He did amazingly well with his grades and received honors all year round. He was also in top class for his grade this year and was challenged academically, which I love.
My middle son did brilliantly well achieving Climbers Club honors and finished off the school year with regular honors. He's so mature that I would think that he was in the 3rd grade instead of 2nd. Yes, I do know what grade my child was in but he's so mature and socially intelligent that you'd think he was in a higher grade.
My youngest successfully completed the beginning of his school career, pre-k. He learned a lot in school this year. His speech got better through speech therapy. While he was still a little turtle peaking his head out of his shell through out most the school year, by the time the ending of the school year came about, he was as social as can be. He would even get into trouble for being silly in school. He matured and learned about friendship. He learned to follow directions and rules. He's well on his way to being successful in school.
The year did have its ups and downs but mostly its ups. My boys all learned some new things, as well as I did.
As I reflect back on how this year was, it was successful, in part, because I was supportive of them.
In order for my boys to continue this way and not get "burned out" I need to be there for them. I need to be supportive. I need to keep the calm. I need to keep the balance between home and school fair.
My oldest said something that was very profound to me last night. He said "he feels more calm in school than when he is at home because when he comes home he goes crazy with not knowing what to do". He's only 10. I explained to him the reason he feels this way is because when he's home, he's not necessarily bound by a schedule that he was to keep. He has all this free time to do as he pleases and there's so much he wants to do that he can't decide and time goes by.
This conversation only reaffirmed for me my role as a parent. I am learning, and yes I do know this but practice is key, that routine and continuity is SO important for them.
So as much as my boys learned, academically, emotionally and socially this year in school, I also learned how important it is for me to be my boys' rock. I will continue to learn and grow with them because after all my goal for them is to be successful (in life) and well balanced human beings in this world.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Abby's Survival Blog Tour
The sequel to Liv's Existence
Love and Loss.
Two tiny words, each with their own powerful impact. They can both happen at any given moment and both can forever change your soul. It’s how you allow it to change you that matters. The hard part is finding a balance when the loss gets overwhelming. How do you do that when everyone you thought you couldn’t live without leaves you?
Loss is inevitable. I’ve had enough in my life to know that much. Now I’ve just got to figure out how to survive it.
Ages 18+ due to adult situations and violence. Some situations may be difficult for some readers.
After reading Liv's Existence I knew that I needed to read Abby's Survival. There was no question about it.
Abby's Survival picks up right where Liv's Existence left off. I was happy to know that there wasn't going to be any back story as I just wanted to dive right in with the story.
Ms. Mooney does a fantastic job and telling both Olivia's and Abby's story from their respective point of views. Both Olivia and Abby had their unique voices and you could clearly tell whose story you were reading.
One of the things I truly loved about Abby's Survival is the strong and true bond of friendship. Both these women came together in the aftermath of a terrible tragedy that befell Olivia. However, Abby herself was living a concealed nightmare. Through the midst of Abby helping Olivia overcome some things, Abby herself gets help she deserves and needs.
While Abby's Survival is a drama, it also has its moments of humor, happiness and suspense. There were moments when I was laughing out loud at some of the situations the characters found themselves in.
When they laughed, I laughed. When they were hurting, I was hurting. Whey they cried, I cried. As far as the suspense goes, I was beside myself because I couldn't believe what I was reading.
Ms. Mooney did a beautiful job in bringing in all emotions and resolving the story to a beautiful and fulfilling ending.
I truly enjoyed reading Abby's Survival and I definitely recommend it to others. Be sure to read Liv's Existence before reading Abby's Survival though. You won't be disappointed.
Liv's Existence + Abby's Survival Bundle $3.99 through May ONLY
John stepped in and closed the door. “That isn’t the reception I was hoping for.” He locked the door.
“And what reception was that? I couldn’t get the parade together for you since you never called to tell me you were ever coming back.” I never looked up while I talked, but I had heard him lock the door and my excitement grew. If I looked up, he would’ve known I wanted him—despite how indifferent I was trying to be.
I should’ve kept my eyes on him. He was next to me before I knew it, and he startled me as he twirled my chair around and knelt down in front of me. “I like you in skirts, Abs.” He slid his hand up my thigh.
“Jo–John.” I stopped his hand. “You don’t get to ignore me for ten days and then come waltzing into my office expecting me to drop my panties for you.” I turned back to my desk, proud that I had stood my ground. I hadn’t done that before.
John sighed and got up to go back to the chair in front of my desk. “I’m sorry, Abby. I’m a fool that had to figure out a few things, but I figured them out, and I’m here now.” He watched me work in silence for a few minutes. “When can you get out of here, so we can have a proper celebration?”
“And just what are we celebrating?”
“Us.”
I didn’t know if I had heard him right. I wanted to jump over the desk and onto his lap, but I was scared that I had misunderstood what he was saying. I swallowed. “Us? What do we have to celebrate?”
“Why don’t we talk about that over dinner? So, when can you go?”
“Why do you automatically assume I’m free for dinner—or anything else, for that matter?” I was still pissed he hadn’t called for ten days and came in as if nothing had happened.
“You’re pissed. I get it, and I deserve it. I’m in town for a few days, and if you change your mind, give me a call.” He was up and had the door open before he finished.
“Are you going to call me back this time?” I was still hurt, but didn’t want him to leave.
“No, I’m going to answer and not let it go to voicemail. I really am sorry, Abs. When you want me, call me, and we’ll talk over dinner.” He turned and walked out.
I stared at my phone. I wanted to call him back to the office desperately, but I didn’t want to seem too desperate. Who was I kidding? I picked up the phone.
He didn’t answer the phone, but stepped back into the doorway with a huge smile. “I thought you’d never call.” He locked the door again and was back by my side with just a few large steps. He lifted me out of my chair and put my arms around his neck. “This is the greeting you will greet me with from now on.” He slapped my ass and kissed me hard. “Understood?”
I grabbed the bulge in his jeans. “Keep ordering me around and slapping my ass like that, and I’ll never touch your little friend here again.” I squeezed. “Understood?”
A slow smile spread across his face. “Completely.”
I tried to not smile, but failed. “You just took that as a challenge.” I turned back to my desk.
John grabbed me and pulled me to him. I placed my hands on his chest to brace myself for impact before I slammed into him. “I’m not finished with you yet.” He cupped my face and brought it to his. He kissed me so softly and sweetly that I had trouble catching my breath. I was glad to finally have something good steal breath from me. I gripped his shirt, trying to pull him closer.
He stopped kissing me, but still held my face and looked in my eyes. He whispered, “I love you, Abigail Hughes.”
My eyes shot open wide as I tried to push on his chest. I needed to be out of his grip, but he wouldn’t let me go. “You can’t love me. I’m no good for you.”
He pulled me to him and wrapped his big arms around me. “It’s scary, isn’t it? To let yourself be this vulnerable with someone again takes a lot of trust—and I’m very happy and honored you decided to trust me.”
B.L. Mooney started writing when the voices and storylines in her head ran out of room. They were getting too cramped and neither B.L. nor the characters could take it anymore, so she did the only thing she could do--she made room. She always knew she wanted to write, but vowed to make time for it later. Now that she's made time for writing, most everything else falls to the wayside. That seems to suit the characters that keep popping up just fine.
B.L. lives in the Midwest and her other talents include in-demand cookies, a very dry sense of humor, and stealth eavesdropping. Some mannerisms, attitudes, or twists come from random sentences picked up while passing by strangers. So speak up the next time you have something to gossip about. You never know, it may just end up on the pages of the next book you read.
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You can buy both books as a bundle if you'd like:
Amazon
Liv's Existence http://myBook.to/LivsExistence
Abby's Survival http://myBook.to/AbbysSurvival
The Complete Liv Series http://myBook.to/
B&N
Liv's Existence http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
iTunes
Liv's Existence https://itunes.apple.com/us/
Monday, May 19, 2014
Nurturing that Imagination
My youngest is going to be 5 years old in July. He is the baby of the house and will remain the baby since I closed down my baby making shop a few years ago. Also, he knows he's the baby.
Lately, however, I've noticed a shift in him. He's maturing. It's a very gradual and slow change but I can see it. I'm sure it has a lot to do with him starting pre-k last fall. Even his teacher has noticed a change in him.
He's more open and vocal. His speech has improved exponentially. We can now understand what he says better as opposed to when he first started.
My most favorite change in him is his imagination. He's always had it but it seems more elaborate now. Like he's being more thoughtful with it. He's letting his imagination go and just having fun. Often times, I'll sit quietly, while I crochet and I'll just listen to him play and talk to himself or his toys.
He'll find something, anything and create a game out of it and I love it! And guess what? I give in to his imagination. I don't stifle it, unless it's something I consider dangerous. He tells me what he wants and we figure it out together or I give him the necessary tools, freedom to get it done. I want to nurture that imagination as much as possible, even if it means getting messy.
Here, he decided to make boats out of a receipt he found and a piece of cardboard. He was entertained for a while. The narrative that accompanied his playing was interesting to listen to.
I've also seen in him his nurturing, caring and compassionate side. He's always had it but it's coming out more. He has his bunny rabbit who's so aptly named Bunny Rabbit and that stuffed animal is probably his most favorite thing in the world (besides Mommy of course) yet he won't admit it is.
Bunny Rabbit has been dressed in my youngest's old baby clothes that I still had in his room.
Bunny Rabbit also a drawer (a box) where his clothes are kept.
Bunny Rabbit has an old bottle that he "drinks" out of. Bunny Rabbit even has a bed.
Bunny Rabbit is invited to a lot of places and often times tags along with us but he needs to be strapped in with a seat belt. Safety first and always.
My youngest does all this with Bunny Rabbit yet still knows that Bunny Rabbit is not real. I'll ask him questions about Bunny Rabbit and my youngest would say "he's not real". So, I think to myself: is my youngest still trying to hang on to being a baby through play with his bunny rabbit? and; I'm so glad to know that my youngest knows the difference between real and make believe but still doesn't let that knowledge hinder his imagination.
Bunny Rabbit is a very lucky bunny rabbit to have such a loving and caring friend in my son. I'm such a lucky mommy to have such a wonderful and caring little boy.
Lately, however, I've noticed a shift in him. He's maturing. It's a very gradual and slow change but I can see it. I'm sure it has a lot to do with him starting pre-k last fall. Even his teacher has noticed a change in him.
He's more open and vocal. His speech has improved exponentially. We can now understand what he says better as opposed to when he first started.
My most favorite change in him is his imagination. He's always had it but it seems more elaborate now. Like he's being more thoughtful with it. He's letting his imagination go and just having fun. Often times, I'll sit quietly, while I crochet and I'll just listen to him play and talk to himself or his toys.
He'll find something, anything and create a game out of it and I love it! And guess what? I give in to his imagination. I don't stifle it, unless it's something I consider dangerous. He tells me what he wants and we figure it out together or I give him the necessary tools, freedom to get it done. I want to nurture that imagination as much as possible, even if it means getting messy.
Here, he decided to make boats out of a receipt he found and a piece of cardboard. He was entertained for a while. The narrative that accompanied his playing was interesting to listen to.
I've also seen in him his nurturing, caring and compassionate side. He's always had it but it's coming out more. He has his bunny rabbit who's so aptly named Bunny Rabbit and that stuffed animal is probably his most favorite thing in the world (besides Mommy of course) yet he won't admit it is.
Bunny Rabbit has been dressed in my youngest's old baby clothes that I still had in his room.
Bunny Rabbit also a drawer (a box) where his clothes are kept.
Bunny Rabbit has an old bottle that he "drinks" out of. Bunny Rabbit even has a bed.
Bunny Rabbit is invited to a lot of places and often times tags along with us but he needs to be strapped in with a seat belt. Safety first and always.
My youngest does all this with Bunny Rabbit yet still knows that Bunny Rabbit is not real. I'll ask him questions about Bunny Rabbit and my youngest would say "he's not real". So, I think to myself: is my youngest still trying to hang on to being a baby through play with his bunny rabbit? and; I'm so glad to know that my youngest knows the difference between real and make believe but still doesn't let that knowledge hinder his imagination.
Bunny Rabbit is a very lucky bunny rabbit to have such a loving and caring friend in my son. I'm such a lucky mommy to have such a wonderful and caring little boy.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
I'll Always Have Your Back
Recently, my youngest graduated from his tricycle to a bicycle with training wheels. Granted, he could have been on a bicycle long time ago since he's about to be 5 but hey we just recently acquired a very good one for him.The first time he got on the bike it was like he's been doing this his whole life. He was so eager to get on that bike and start peddling. And he did it! Yes, he did have training wheels but he was going at it.
As the
Once he got a better hang of it, he was coasting and cruising, as fast as his little legs allowed him, down the street. Yes, it was a very small area of the street in front our house.
He took several tumbles and I was there to catch the fall. He would say "I'm okay" or "That was close" in regards to his tumbles. He loves riding his bike. I see the joy it brings to his little face. I chase him in circles, making sure I am there. Hey, at least I'm getting some exercise in. Eventually, I will let go and not chase anymore. I suspect that he may be more ready than I am in doing this but for now, I'm not ready. I do maintain a distance where he is not stifled and can't ride his bike but still within arms reach.
All this while, I kept thinking to myself here is my baby growing up and knowing when he is okay and when he can continue going on. All I could think of is no matter what, I will always have your back. I will always be there for you. In one way or another, I will support you.
That support can be done in so many different ways. Right now, it starts with being physically present and emotionally present for my children.
I don't know what the future has in store for my boys BUT I do know that I will always be there.
I have to say that while this post is about my youngest. I want to dedicate it to all the children in my life, my own and those very close to me. I will always have their backs and be there for them.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Mommy, Just One Question
Every now and then, the inquisitive mind of my 10 year old gets in gear and starts thinking of all kinds of questions to ask.
Now, I love when he does this. It tells me that he's interested in learning about something. The questions do come at random times, mainly when they pop in his head.
The only time that I dread these questions is morning time. Quite frankly, my brain is just on autopilot. It's just waking up. And to have to answer questions that require me to think of an appropriate answer, especially when it's not a straightforward answer, like 2+2=4, is work.
I'll be honest, there are times that I tell him I can't answer that right now cause I'm not fully awake and not thinking right this morning. Sometimes we revisit the question, other times we don't.
Now, there are times where he asks a question and gets more than he bargained for. I give him a nice, long and explained answer to whatever he asked. When I answer him like that, he gets this exasperated look on his face and says "oh not again". I love it. All he wants is a simple answer, I sometimes can't do simple. He knows this.
Now all this being said, I've yet to get the big question (well big question for me), "what is sex?".
I'm slowly preparing myself for that conversation. It has to happen and soon.
What big questions are you asked early in the morning that requires more brain power than you have at that moment to answer?
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| My thinker... He loves to read. |
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Abby's Survival Cover Reveal
The sequel to Liv's Existence
Love and Loss.
Two tiny words, each with their own powerful impact. They can both happen at any given moment and both can forever change your soul. It’s how you allow it to change you that matters. The hard part is finding a balance when the loss gets overwhelming. How do you do that when everyone you thought you couldn’t live without leaves you?
Loss is inevitable. I’ve had enough in my life to know that much. Now I’ve just got to figure out how to survive it.
Ages 18+ due to adult situations and violence. Some situations may be difficult for some readers.
I was so excited for Olivia and Kyle. I couldn’t wait to hear how her first weekend filled with sex was. It took time, but I knew it was worth the wait for both of them. She probably wouldn’t be as available since she finally let go with Kyle. Couldn’t say I blamed her, though. I wanted to be with John every chance I got. Just thinking about what he could do had me squeezing my legs together.
Pulling into Olivia’s apartment complex, I tried to get my thoughts back on her and Kyle. There was no way I could talk about John and me. This needed to be Olivia’s day and the attention needed to be on them. I just hoped Kyle didn’t insist on staying. It was really sweet of John to offer to come over and take Kyle out for a beer while Olivia and I talked. We just had to get Kyle to go.
Just as I started to enter Olivia’s building, emergency vehicles entered the parking lot. An ambulance, a fire truck, and several police vehicles—with full lights and sirens—screeched to a stop just feet from the door. I looked to my left as the building manager opened the door and shooed me out of the way. “I haven’t been up there yet, but I just saw her boyfriend. I tried to stop him, but he shoved me out of his way.” He stopped, and I could see on his face that it registered with him who I was. “You don’t want to go up there.”
“That’s fine, sir. We’ll handle it now.” Police and EMTs ran through the door and started up the stairs. One officer stayed down to talk to the manager, and I slipped through the door when he pointed out Olivia and Kyle’s cars.
My heart was beating fast. It had to be a mistake. There was no way they were talking about Olivia’s apartment. I reached Olivia’s floor and had just seen the last officer enter her apartment. I ran faster as I heard Kyle’s tortured voice at the end of the hall.
“Live, please, please live. I need you to live for me, for us. We can work through this. You just need to live, and I’ll do the rest.” Kyle was on the floor with her across his lap. He started sobbing as the medics tried to pry Olivia out of his arms.
I gripped the doorway. “No! No! No!” The medics pumped oxygen into Olivia’s lungs with a bag over her mouth, as they were yelling vitals to each other. They ran out of the room, leaving Kyle and me alone with the blood on the floor and police looking around. Trying to get Kyle off the floor, I yelled at him, “Come on, Kyle. We need to go. She needs us.”
He just cried and painfully clutched my legs. “She’s gone. How can she leave me? She can’t leave me!”
I tried again to get him up. “You need to go tell her that! We both need to tell her. Let’s go, now!”
Kyle struggled to get up, but he did. We ran into John coming down the hall. “What happened?”
Seeing John broke down what little strength I had and the room started spinning. I only hoped I no longer had to be the strong one. I started sobbing. “I don’t know. Her face was so swollen and there’s so much blood.” I pointed to Olivia’s apartment. He looked in at the scene and gasped as he took a step back.
“We have questions we need answered.” One of the officers came out of Olivia’s apartment.
“They’re going to have to wait until later,” John said, turning back to Kyle and me to escort us out. “We need to be at the hospital. You can ask us there or wait until we’re ready to come in, but now we are going to the hospital,” he yelled over his shoulder.
“One of us will need to follow you there.”
John never turned around as we headed toward the stairs. “Do what you must, but we’re leaving.”
B.L. Mooney started writing when the voices and storylines in her head ran out of room. They were getting too cramped and neither B.L. nor the characters could take it anymore, so she did the only thing she could do--she made room. She always knew she wanted to write, but vowed to make time for it later. Now that she's made time for writing, most everything else falls to the wayside. That seems to suit the characters that keep popping up just fine.
B.L. lives in the Midwest and her other talents include in-demand cookies, a very dry sense of humor, and stealth eavesdropping. Some mannerisms, attitudes, or twists come from random sentences picked up while passing by strangers. So speak up the next time you have something to gossip about. You never know, it may just end up on the pages of the next book you read.
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Sunday, April 13, 2014
Ten Random Stuff About Me....
Well, I saw two blog posts from bloggers (crocheters) I follow who shared ten things about themselves and I decided to go for it and do one myself.
Thank you to Sedie, Yarn Obsession, and to Lorene, Cre8tion Crochet.
So for Day 13 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge, here goes...
There you have it. Not that you asked for any of this but I just wanted to share. Enjoy.
Thank you to Sedie, Yarn Obsession, and to Lorene, Cre8tion Crochet.
So for Day 13 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge, here goes...
1. I have 4 brothers and 4 sisters.
2. Though I was born in New York, I grew up in St. Croix, USVI and will always consider myself an island girl at heart.
3. I graduated with an Elementary Education Bachelor of Arts degree but I prefer working with preschool children.
4. Even though I LOVE reading, I also love watching TV.
5. Considering that I am scared of doing things that can potentially hurt me, like getting a scrape on my knee or breaking a bone (never done that), I desperately want to go skydiving.
6. I have a very real fear of centipedes. I got bit/stung by one and it was the worst pain I've ever experiences. Yes, worse than childbirth.
7. I have a very real and irrational fear of zombies. Yet, I still watch The Walking Dead and I love the show.
8. I love meeting people even though I still consider myself shy.
9. I had a miscarriage in between my second and youngest son. Even though we knew nothing could be done and we would miscarry, the baby stop developing, it was still painful.
10. When I love, I love hard and deep, just ask my husband.
There you have it. Not that you asked for any of this but I just wanted to share. Enjoy.
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