The Best Birthday Present Ever

I think I've told the story of Eli more than once - and if you haven't heard the story, you can click here for the blog I made when Rosemary came home and I was in Guatemala with Eli. Last night I was telling Eli about the very first time I saw him. I told him lots of babies are asleep the very first time their mommies see them. But, not him. He had his eyes wide open. And he looked right at me and he was so tiny. I opened my arms up and I held him and he just stared right into my eyes as though he knew I was his mommy. And, I knew that of all the babies in the world and all the mommies in the world, God chose him to be my baby - and me to be his mommy. And, I was so happy.

........And, here's the real truth. The day before I met Eli, my flight had been delayed and I was exhausted. I was completely tired from lack of sleep. Rosemary never slept (and until even recently hardly did) and I was always up with her all night. It took her forever to get to sleep and then she was up half the night when she finally did. I had just gotten a new job and had finally gotten some of my training out of the way and I think I even took some work with me on the plane, but I can't remember now. All I know is I was so tired and really wanted to cry when I arrived right back in Guatemala. I walked through that airport that I had triumphantly carried my daughter out of less than a year before. I walked through customs and could not believe my passport was getting yet another "Guatemala" stamp. I had just gotten 4 of them with Rosemary and didn't think I would be coming back for years - and only then it would be to return with Rosemary for a visit. I never dreamed I would be coming back so soon as a single mom still feeling my way (still am!) for yet another infant - when my daughter was only 15 months old. And, yet again here I was walking out of the same airport, seeing the same children begging for food. I hailed my hotel shuttle and seemed to carry on the same conversations with other adoptive parents and truly my head was spinning. I checked in, went to room and couldn't do anything but walk around and cry. I could not believe I was going to do this again. For a millllllion different reasons....I really wasn't sure I could give my heart away to another baby. How could I love another child like I love Rosemary? I felt love for Eli already because he was her brother, I knew he was born, I knew he was my son, I knew he was supposed to be my son, but I had not yet been his mother. And, I also knew I was begging to get my heart ripped out again. For those of you who don't know, I got to visit Rosemary and keep her in the hotel with me and mother her and love her and then when it was time for me to leave, I had to hand her back over. To her foster mother - who propped her bottles and strapped her to the changing table of a pack and play and left her in the dark because she claimed Rosemary wouldn't sleep "in the light" so that she had a flat head and didn't fully turn over for months. And, she took pictures of it as though she was proud which made me always wonder what I didn't see. And, she fed her whole milk instead of formula and I know because she gave me a whole bottle of it while I was there. And, Eli had the same foster mom - who was probably one of the better ones in Guatemala. So, yes, I was begging to get my heart ripped out of my chest. I was begging for depression, anxiety, worry to creep back up on me again. And, I just didn't want to do it. This, too, was simply a visit trip. I would have to leave Eli again in a matter of days with the foster mother - in a third world country. I had just read several posts about infants dying of pneumonia and other diseases. There are always so many things to worry about when you leave - on top of the obvious: leaving your baby in another country in the care of a stranger. What was I going to do? But, then I had a little talk with myself and decided I knew, absolutely knew that I was supposed to have this child. He was Rosemary's biological sibling. He had been a complete surprise (shock!) I had prayed about it and the pieces had all fallen into place and my tiredness and those lonely Guatemala memories weren't going to sway me. I pushed them aside and decided it didn't matter if I didn't bond with this baby instantly like I did with Rosemary. I had taken her upstairs to the hotel room, changed her clothes and just held her with tears streaming down my face because, well, I finally had my baby in my arms. I mean, statistics say most adoptive parents don't bond with their babies instantly - it takes some time. So, I decided not to push myself - just let it be. Whatever happened - would happen. Just trust.

And, fast forward to the next day - and the story I told Eli is absolutely true. He looked at me and I held him and I wanted to wrap my arms around him and protect him from the world and make him my baby and run right out with him. I wanted to smother his sweet little smiling face in kisses. It really was love at first sight. And, we grew. That is the great thing about love. It stretches. And, boy can we stretch at our house. Amazingly, there is not a limit on love. It is, indeed, boundless as they saying goes. So, of course, I love Eli as much as I love Rosemary - and I love each one so differently. Each child has such unique little ways and they are such individuals! Polar opposites! Best friends and mortal enemies! "Frenemies!"

So - that is the story of the day I met Eli. And, he was born on September 5, 2007 on his birthmother's birthday. I can't even begin to imagine what she must have felt on that day - I only know that I am thankful to her for making such an important decision for her precious, precious son. And, my birthday is September 7th. So, he's the best birthday gift I could have ever received. Only I didn't even know. So, every year I get really nostalgic just thinking how I had no idea how sweet that day reallllly was.

Eli will be 4 on Monday. He has turned into such a sweet precious little boy who loves pizza and even thanks God for it in his prayers at night (his sister thanks Him for Dancing with the Stars - so prayer time is always cute.) He also adores cheese dip in a way that seems impossible. He eats more - and always has - than any child his age should. He sometimes even eats more than my dad. He loves Thomas the Tank Engine and wants his birthday cake to be the exact same Thomas cake as last year. Since he was 2 he has been able to build the most amazing train tracks complete with bridges and tunnels. He can complete a puzzle like no ones business. His mothers day out had to buy new locks when he was little because he broke theirs when he was little - even though they've had the same ones for like 20 years and no other child has broken them. If I need something figured out, sometimes I ask Eli. I have literally asked him to break our old child locks off. He has the cutest little voice ever. Sometimes he emphasizes things and his voice gets really deep. He has a really hilarious, sarcastic sense of humour which I completely love. He loves his Nana (my mom) and likes to hang out in the kitchen with her. He adores his Boo Boo (my dad) and wants to build train tracks and watch train movies and build things and well, generally be in the same room as him. He plays with his sister (and watches after her and cries when she wants him to leave her room. He still sleeps with his bear. He only recently stopped hanging onto me when it's time to leave him at school. He looooves his mommy. He is the official light "turner onner" for his sister because - even though they are the same heighth - his arms are longer. He plays with his sister dutifully and will be "the baby" (and he's a terrible baby, mind you) or the student (much better student) and lets her boss him around and even lets her tell him what to say in play and in social situations. He won't hesitate to hit her across the face with a metal Tonka truck if he thinks she's gone too far (he is sooo not perfect.) He sleeps through the night, but on the very rare occasion when he is sick or can't get to sleep or wakes up through the night, he lets me sing him to sleep - and goes out immediately when I bring back those songs I used to sing to him in the dark all those years ago. He screams with a cry my friends claim they have never, ever heard in a child. It is something for the record books. And, then when his sister isn't around you never even know he's around. He plays so quietly - entertaining himself for hours. I started this blog post last night while he was asleep and was just making some last minute repairs....he ran in here just a second ago...."Mommy, I love you," and ran out. No reason. That's my baby. He is such a boy. Very frogs and snails and puppy dog tails. Very. And very sweet. And very rotten. And precious. I am thankful for the unexpected and for prayers I never prayed. And for God knowing what I needed before I did. And, for being faithful and for letting my family and my love stretch. And for the most precious gift I never knew I needed very, very much named Eli.

You've Got to See This....My Review....

My skin looks amazing!! I'm totally being serious. Okay...maybe it sounds conceited, but it's not my fault. I have had compliments from strangers over the past week. I just started using this new skincare the last 2 weeks and I am telling you I could tell a difference the first day. I was skeptical. But, I trust my friend Tara (who does not recommend things lightly) who had been telling me I should try this for my super, duper sensitive skin - and for the anti-aging effects. The second I put it on my face, I felt instant relief. I had no idea how I had been abusing my skin all these months.

This is not your mother's skincare line! It's new, it's exciting and it has all the new science behind it. It's perfect for people who have rosacea, eczema or psoriasis. It's called Rodan + Fields. You know, the dermatologists who made Proactive? EXCEPT - here is the difference: First, this skincare line has something for everyone - like people with sensitive skin, age spots and acne. Proactive was great for some people, but a lot of people used it who may not have needed to use it - well - because it wasn't meant for them. Proactive is for the teen or young adult with acne. The newer Rodan + Fields line addresses skincare for everyone (including men) and for acne sufferers suffering from even hormonal acne - so totally better than Proactive. This is clinical. Doctors everywhere are buying it to sell in their clinics! Aestheticians are buying it to sell to their customers. This is from Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields who are 2 PRACTICING dermatologists. They are quoted like everywhere in like tons of different top magazines. I'll give you some websites below where you can check them out. And, this skincare line was the top selling skincare line at Nordstroms. Then, the smart doctors decided to take it out of department stores and move it the way they moved Proactive in the beginning. Awesome, right? Expensive, right? Ummm....no. I am the biggest bargain hunter I know. Seriously. It's cheaper than buying the new Olay skincare line from Walmart. And, you can start slow. I recommend starting with a full regimen and then adding whatever else you want. Or - ask for it for Christmas.

SOOTHE REGIMEN FOR SENSITIVE, IRRITATED SKIN, AND FACIAL REDNESS
Where do you turn when your face can't take it anymore? Calm the flush-blush reaction of a hyper-sensitive complexion with SOOTHE. Clinically proven to reduce redness and irritation in as little as 5 minutes, SOOTHE helps interrupt the inflammatory cascade, strengthens skin’s natural moisture barrier, calms redness, and reduces irritation so that you can take comfort in having a healthy-looking complexion every day. The SOOTHE Regimen features 3 full-size products: Gentle Cream Wash 125 mL/4.2 Fl.Oz.; Sensitive Skin Treatment 50 mL/1.7 Fl.Oz.; and UVA/UVB SPF 15 Sunscreen 50mL/1.7 Fl.Oz.


"The SOOTHE Regimen provides the skin with dimethicone, allantoin and lipids to fill in and repair this barrier. This allows the skin to calm, keeping moisture in and irritants and microbial agents out."

I am telling you - winter is terrible on my skin - it's painful and red and nasty from rosacea and dry, disgusting skin. And, nope. You can't tell. It rocks. Normally I would be getting horrid glances at the dry skin under my nose from blowing, but now I am getting compliments. No redness, no nastiness - AND I look younger. And, it feels great. And, I look forward to using it because it feels so fabulous.

ANTI-AGE Overnight Restorative Cream
ANTI-AGE Overnight Restorative Cream is an ultra-hydrating cream which replenishes skin’s natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) and stimulates collagen production while you sleep for firmer, less-lined skin in the morning. Contains a clinically-proven dose of sericin peptide to help strengthen skin’s structure and firm skin. Moisture recycling complex of hyaluronic acid and glycerin prevents moisture loss while 12-hour, time-released antioxidants A, C and E replenish vital skin nutrients. 30 mL/1.0 Fl.Oz.





I love this and can already tell a difference. This is what I mean by looking younger. Instead of using the sunscreen at night I use the Overnight Restorative Cream. This is actually part of the Anti-Aging skincare system. So, if you get the Anti-Aging line, you are golden. It's great. I look younger already. I solemnly swear.

I also use this twice a day:





ANTI-AGE MULTI-FUNCTION EYE CREAM
ANTI AGE Multi-Function Eye Cream combines powerful collagen-stimulating and anti-inflammatory peptides to minimize the appearance of crow’s feet, help reduce puffiness, and diminish dark under eye circles while special optical diffusers instantly brighten the eye area. Ophthalmologist tested and approved, this formula is ideal for treating the delicate skin around the eyes. 15 mL/0.5 Fl.Oz

This may be my favorite product of all. I may want to bathe in it. I love it so much. Maybe I can tell such a difference because I'm a tired mom - okay - really, really tired - with lots of nasty dark circles and puffy things I didn't know I had... :)

Tara uses the anti-aging line complete with a patented micro-channeling tool that has been featured in Allure magazine.



ANTI-AGE Regimen for Wrinkles, Pores and Loss of Firmness
Decide today how you are going to look tomorrow. Does the never-ending pursuit of the "latest and greatest" wrinkle-fighting creams and "innovative" ingredients leave you with nothing but jars of hope filled with empty promises? Try a steady diet of intelligent skincare. The ANTI-AGE Regimen is a comprehensive skincare system that layers potent doses of active cosmetic ingredients, proven peptide technology and OTC medicines to support the natural processes that strengthen skin’s structure, effectively firming skin and reducing the appearance of lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores. The ANTI-AGE Regimen features four full-size products: Daily Cleansing Mask 125 mL/4.2 Fl.Oz.; Pore Minimizing Toner 125 mL/4.2 Fl.Oz.; Triple Defense Treatment SPF 30 30 mL/1.0 Fl.Oz.; and Overnight Restorative Cream 30 mL/1.0 Fl.Oz.

When Can I expect to see results from the ANTI-AGE Regimen?
With regular use of the ANTI-AGE Regimen and AMP MD Maximum Delivery System, your skin will become smoother and softer, changes often experienced after the first use. Within two months, your skin will appear firmer, lines and wrinkles will be less noticeable, pores will look tighter, and your complexion will become more luminous and refined. In an independent clinical study, participants using the ANTI-AGE Regimen and AMP MD System achieved the following results after eight weeks of twice daily use:

Average Improvements:

• 54% improvement in radiance
• 51% improvement in even skin tone
• 48% improvement in fine lines
• 46% improvement in wrinkles
• 43% improvement in visible pores
• 43% improvement in visible brown spots
• 36% improvement in softness
  

Percent of participants experiencing an improvement:

• 100% experienced an improvement in skin texture
• 89% experienced an improvement in fine lines
• 84% experienced overall improvement
• 84% experienced an improvement in moisturization
• 68% experienced an improvement in firmness
• 53% experienced an improvement in even skin tone
• 53% experienced an improvement in pore size

AND HERE IT IS!!!! The Most Awesome Tool on the Planet. Patented and raved about on talk shows, used by doctors, aestheticians and celebrities. This rocks and will make you look younger - fast. Here you go:



ANTI-AGE AMP MD™ Maximum Delivery System - 60 Day Supply
The best spent minute in anti-aging. We developed the patent-pending ANTI-AGE AMP MD System to solve a critical skincare challenge—delivering active ingredients to the proper target. AMP MD is a reusable, micro-channeling tool constructed of surgical grade, stainless steel acupuncture micro-needles. It safely creates precise micro-channels in the uppermost layers of the skin to allow for more effective delivery of the skin-transforming ingredients of ANTI-AGE Night Renewing Serum. Designed for use in conjunction with the ANTI-AGE Regimen for maximum anti-aging results. System contains reusable AMP MD micro-channeling tool, two month supply of Night Renewing Serum, reusable Cleansing Vial and two month supply of Purification
Tablets.

This is so cool! The question I hear the most? Does it hurt? Nope! :)

And another friend of mine uses the Reverse line which is super great for brown spots, sun spots and any type of brown discoloration from hormones. She used it the first night and noticed a difference the first time! She looks 10 years younger after a week. This is no joke. Why? It has hydroquinone (a bleaching agent) in it which is used by dermatologists all the time. However, this is recommended to be used all over the face so that the look is smooth. Remember? Dermatologists made it! I'm not lying about it rocking!




REVERSE REGIMEN FOR BROWN SPOTS, DULLNESS, AND SUN DAMAGE
It's not what you see...It's what you don't see. Exposure to the sun and the environment can leave you with less-than-youthful skin. Erase the signs of premature aging, including brown spots, dullness, and sun damage. REVERSE Regimen exfoliates, lightens, brightens, and protects your skin for a more even tone and texture. Recognized on Allure Magazine’s A List, the REVERSE Regimen features 4 full-size products: Deep Exfoliating Wash 125 mL/4.2 Fl.Oz.; Skin Lightening Toner 125 mL/4.2 Fl.Oz.; Skin
Lightening Treatment 50 mL/1.7 Fl.Oz.; and
UVA/UVB SPF 15 Sunscreen 50 mL/1.7 Fl.Oz.

REVERSE Regimen for brown Spots, dull Skin and sun damage has achieved the following clinically graded results after 60 days of use. In a clinical test , 49 users reported the following:

• 90% of study participants reported a visible reduction in brown spots
• 98% of study participants reported having a lighter, brighter complexion
• 98% of study participants reported smoother skin
• 30% of study participants reported a reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles

And, last but not least is the Unblemish Line:



UNBLEMISH REGIMEN FOR ACNE AND POST-ACNE MARKS
Breakouts? Unpredictable? Unreasonable? Unfair? Take control with our UNBLEMISH Regimen. Clinically proven to combat the entire acne cycle, this sophisticated regimen helps unclog pores, clears breakouts and calms your complexion to keep pimples, blackheads and post-acne marks from making an unwelcome appearance on your face—and in your life.Since many acne sufferers have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), the remnant red/brown marks following a healed blemish, we offer UNBLEMISH Spot Fading Toner. However, if you are one of the lucky few who does not experience PIH, use our UNBLEMISH Clarifying Toner as an alternative.The UNBLEMISH Regimen features 4 full-size products: Acne Treatment Sulfur Wash 125 mL/4.2 Fl.Oz.; Spot Fading Toner 125 mL/4.2 Fl.Oz. OR Clarifying Toner 125 mL/4.2 Fl.Oz.; Dual Intensive Acne Treatment 2 x 15 mL/.5 Fl.Oz.; and Oil Control Lotion SPF 20 30 mL/1 Fl.Oz.


And, there are lots and lots of other cool products that go with each line. But, the great thing is, you can probably get by with a full regimen.

Not sure which product you need? Or - if you are like me or most of my friends, you may need more than one line - or need to pick and choose....well....don't decide yourself and end up using a product that may not be right for your type of skin. For instance, I would never, ever use the Unblemish Line on my face because of the sensitivity. And, I do need anti-aging, but some products in that line aren't for me.

This tool is so quick and easy. Try it. It takes less than 30 seconds. If you are like me, you will answer the questions and then go back and answer them to say, "I have more than one concern.".....just to see if the answers are a bit different. This is how I figured out what I needed.

http://bbull.myrandf.com/Pages/OurProducts/GetAdvice/SolutionsTool

So - there you go. That should make it easy.

And, after using this product, I have decided to actually be a consultant. And, those of you know me, know I don't sell things - ever. Okay - well, besides the obvious - I mean, what I do for a living. But, I don't sell jewelry or cookware and half the fundraisers me or my kids have been a part of ...I end up buying the majority of it myself...... I just hate asking my friends to buy things from me. I'm all for everyone else who sells those things - as a matter of fact, I'm glad you do!! Because I buy them! I think maybe it's because I have sold drugs for a living for 9 years I just don't want to do it in my free time. But.....that all being said.....YOU KNOW if I have agreed to do it, then it must really be something. And, Tara is also against selling things, too. So, I knew when she mentioned it, I should listen. Pharmaceutical reps are selling this product to doctors! So, it is a clinical product - more clinical than other skincare lines that are being sold by multi-marketers. That's why I agreed. Science is science. I have been in pharma for 9 years and after reading the literature - but also trying it myself for a week....I have finally decided!!! So, welcome!!! If you don't like your stuff, you can return your empty bottle. And, that's what sealed the deal for me.

Here is my website: Shop, read, enjoy.

http://bbull.myrandf.com/

If you are interested in being a consultant, selling these products in your practice, emailing your patients or your clientele (lots of doctors and aestheticians are doing that), let me know. After all, if you could have gotten in on Proactive BEFORE it went practically viral and it was a household name and you went to sleep to the commercials and there were interactive mall kiosks all across the nations where it is can be dispensed with the touch of a button, wouldn't you have done so??????? Well, this is even better!!! And, for those of you doubting Thomas doctors, read the ingredients! Leave a comment and I will call you! :)

Rodan + Fields in the press:

Ha! Read "Poke Her Face." So good.

https://www.rodanandfields.com/uploads/press%20releases/in%20the%20news/allure_nov10.pdf

https://www.rodanandfields.com/uploads/Press%20Releases/In%20the%20News/Allure_March%2010_AA_Night_Renewing_Serum.pdf

This will get you to all the quotes from Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields. And, you can also see the recommendations from all the great magazines including, "O, The Oprah Magazine", "Harper's Bazaar", "More", "Body + Soul", "Fitness", "Glamour", "Self" and "Allure"

https://bbull.myrandf.com/Pages/About/PressRoom/Features

Enjoy!!! And, if you have questions, just leave comments and your phone or email!!!!!

I am Thankful!

At the close of Thanksgiving Day, I am (of course) reminded how thankful I am. I am exhausted from my day for some reason - so I'm going to make this a fast one.

I am thankful for dinner at my parents house. The dinner itself was lovely and my mother (God bless her) insisted I mostly keep the kids out of the way during the preparations. But, more than anything I am thankful for all the people there. I adore them all and I never want to know a Thanksgiving without them. I consider them all immediate family. It was nice - it was just us tonight - all the people that really matter in my life - in one room. Obviously there are other people I love - other family members, friends. But, these are the people who love me - regardless. Always.

And, I am thankful for two beautiful, healthy children. They are intelligent little beings who amaze me every day. I cannot believe they are teaching ME! I have learned to enjoy the simple things in life because of them. Even mundane tasks or errands can be a rip roaring good time in our household. You just never, ever know what is going to happen around here. Right now, they are showing me just how fun the holidays can be.

And, I am thankful for the 4 furry beings who put their trust in me every day. Panda, Gaby, George and Louise make me happy. They just do. I've been saying that it's impossible to be unhappy when you're holding a puppy. Now - don't let that make you run out and get a puppy! Run out and get an older dog who needs a home!

"Look Again Because You Can", by Neile Jones-Batie

If I knew exactly what I was gonna do with this blog then I'd probably tell you....but, I don't. Not yet, anyway. And, more than a dozen times I have daydreamed about pounding out a post about some rant or opinion I have. But, for some reason I just think the second post isn't the place to spend pages on how annoyed I am at Leann Rimes for saying she isn't sorry for breaking up two homes (not that it's entirely her fault, mind you) and she and her Eddie Cibrian couldn't help "falling in love." Dude. I hate to judge here, but it's probably bad form to say you aren't sorry - on national telllllevision.

And, the second post probably isn't the place to spend hours talking about all the legislation I am glad that was passed or wasn't. FYI - the puppy mill law was passed in Missouri!!! Thanks Missouri voters. Honk if you're on here. Or just comment. For those of you who don't know why puppy mills are bad or why buying puppies in pet stores is bad, let me know. I'll be happy to email you privately and give you some websites where you can learn about the subject. Or stay tuned. I'm sure there will be a post about that one day, too.

I was on facebook this week and was looking at a post Neile Jones from KNWA wrote that mentioned part of the proceeds of one of her book signings would go to benefit the NWA Women's Shelter. I knew Neile had written a book, but hadn't been able to figure out what it was about - with my inconsistent facebooking. So, I got on her page and began reading her posts. Erin Andrews from ESPN was going to be on that night to discuss her stalking ordeal. I have known Neile for quite some time and she is a smart and sophisticated woman with a big heart. After reading these posts, I realized that Neile's book wasn't a run of the mill broadcast journalists behind the scenes beauty secrets type book. Rather, this book told of her very own journey through her very own personal nightmare. I was frantic to get a copy. I immediately ordered the book on Amazon via Kindle on my phone (my first Kindle purchase) and began reading - and sobbing.

Neile told of her relationship with a man named Richard - and the devastation she felt at finding herself in an abusive relationship. Now, if an educated, strong, independent woman like Neile can find herself in an abusive relationship - then so can anyone. And, I mean anyone. Domestic abuse does not discriminate against income or social circles. It doesn't matter if your parents love one another and are happily married or if they are divorced and dysfunctional. It doesn't matter. And, it doesn't matter if you are a spitfire, a debater or a meek and timid person. Being in an abusive relationship doesn't mean you don't fight back. It doesn't mean you don't call a spade a spade and rail at the unfairness. It doesn't mean you don't curse back or argue back every single time. It can still happen to you. Nothing matters. Nothing can save you when you get in that situation. Nothing except you. That's what the book teaches.

Neile's book, "Look Again....Because You Can" was amazing. I bought 3 more copies at Sam's Club locally. It can also be found on Amazon.com or Walmart.com. I am proud of her for speaking out for all the women in the world who cannot speak for themselves, for all the women who still have to look over their shoulders and for all the women who want to tell their stories, who do have the courage but have families to protect.

So, good job, Neile!!! Amazing.

Next time I post, I promise I'm posting about my sweet little babies. Fine. They are 3 and 4. They are still babies, right? :)

Let's Jump Off Together

It has long been my intention to create a blog to chronicle the lives of my children. I have a notebook I keep by my bedside and I write little antecdotal stories that I always want to remember. But, I know me. And, I know how unfaithful I have been. I also know that I don't have a live-in member of my household to share these beautiful memories with. So, friends, I choose to share these beautiful memories with you. Okay - these will not always be beautiful memories, I can assure you. You may log onto my blog to find a horrendous and embarrasing kid or me story, a quick one liner, a mommy rant, a stray dog or puppy update, a social opinion - or just whatever. But, either way....it's my blog. It's my funny, my scary, my sad, my glad - or my beautiful.

And, why in the world did I name my blog, "The Jumpin' Off Place?" Well, I spent long moments in the shower or the car (usually the only quiet places I have to think - and those of you who know me know my showers are usually 3 minutes max) trying to come up with a title that didn't include our last name. I have just chosen not to use our last name for good common sense. And, I was texting my dear friend Jason today and telling him my mom's friend Bettye, a spitfire (who recently lost her battle with breast cancer) would say someone was ready to go to the "jumpin' off place" when they were stretched to the limit. Now, don't gasp! I am not ready to join Bettye Sue in the hereafter. She would be horrified at the thought. Besides, that would mean my parents would raise my children! I shudder to think of it - not because they are bad people, but because my mother threatened to leave me out dead in the yard if I got sick and died and left my kids and my dog and my new stray dog and the two puppies to her and my dad to raise. So, no jumpin' off place for me. But, rather - a jumpin' off place for all of us....a sort of new adventure.

As many of you know, I am a single adoptive mommy to two children ages three and four (Eli and Rosemary - my life), a mommy to Panda, an 11 1/2 year old rescued doggy whom I have had since she was 3 1/2 weeks old (we have been through everything together), a mommy to Gaby (Gabriella), a rescued, undernourished 7 lb. stray who we think is around 1 and came to live here around 5 1/2 weeks ago and had puppies almost 5 weeks ago, a guardian to Louise who weighed 9 ozs when she was last weighed (one of Gaby's puppies), and a guardian to George who weighed 1 lb, 4 ozs when he was last weighed (also one of Gaby's puppies.)

As I go through my life and my changes, you can go with me through them, too. Stay tuned. There are going to be several. I don't even have a hint as to what many of them will be just yet. I don't have a lot of strengths. Really I don't. But, I figure if one of a persons strengths combines with that same persons passion (for me it is writing), then the person can't go wrong if they share. I only hope it is enjoyed by 1 or 2 people! So, here we go.
Let's jump off.