Controlling the Control Freak

I tend to be a bit of a control freak...anticipating each and every possible scenario and looking for ways to shape it into the ideal situation. I usually am only like this with my immediate family.

I don't know, I think it's a protection thing...a mother's instinct.

When presented with certain trials, I work out all the different angles in my mind and then try to figure out the best course of action. I know that I can be a bit overbearing at times, but I just want to spare my family any unnecessary hurt and pain.

My son had to meet with some people today and I was a little leary of the whole thing due to a recent situation that happened leading up to this meeting.

I sat at home last night before the big meeting worrying the entire situation to death in my mind. At one point letting my emotions bring me to tears.

How can I protect my child if these people decide to hurt him emotionally?

A part of me wanted to call the whole thing off. Avoidance sometimes seems better than the unknown, endless possibilities that your mind can create when left to it's own devices.

I'm lucky to have such a wonderful husband. Who offered me his words of wisdom.

Lis, just let it go. It's out of your hands. There is nothing you can do, it is something that your son wants and needs to happen. Let go of all of your fear, hurt and what if's...turn it completely over to God and let him handle it.

He prayed with me & can I tell you how much peace I had immediately! The weight was lifted, I knew that the Lord heard our prayers and would work it all out.

I then continued to pray for the people who were to meet with my son. I prayed that they would open their hearts & minds and see what an amazing person he is.

He called me after it was done to say that it went well and that he thought they were really nice. He could tell they were just as nervous as he was.

I've decided to really work on controlling the control freak in me. When situations seem unbearable, when I feel myself losing it, I'm going to stop and immediately pray.

It's amazing how the Lord comforts and lifts the burdens.

I Received An Award

Today I was checking my comments and was surprised to receive an award from Gaelikaa. This was such an honor because Gaelikaa is an amazing person. She writes about her life in India, which fascinates me...it really makes you realize how blessed we are here in America.

Here's My Award

The assignment is-

a)Write a few lines on how happy you are.

b) Pass it on to as many bloggers you can think of:

My Answer:
I'm happy because I am blessed with an amazing husband and family. Even though money is tight, I am the richest person in the whole world! The Lord has truly blessed me!

We all need to take some time each day to remember the important things in our life...the things that bring us true happiness.

I want to pass this award on to YOU and some awesome Bloggers:
AMY
APRIL
JANAE
TRISH
KC Mom
...love Maegan
ROBBIE

I would like to encourage all of my visitors to grab the award and write about what makes them happy today on their Blogs...it's infectious!

Be sure to stop by this post by Robbie...scroll down and read this "Great Faith (part 2 of 7)".

This should be embedded in our bathroom mirrors to read each and every morning. Whether your married or not...THIS IS A MUST READ!

Need a Laugh on Monday?

I've been having a rough couple of days. I haven't been able to go to sleep until after 3:00 a.m. for the past week. Then I try to get up and get ready in the morning and I'm knocking things over, bumped into a wall, stabbed myself in the eye with my makeup brush and then........THIS!

My dog (Siberian Husky) lays in the walk ways, sprawled out making us step over her all the time. Normally I'm pretty graceful, stepping carefully over her without a problem. This morning however, in my sleep deprived state, I went to step over her, she moved at the exact same time leaving me nowhere to put my foot as I tried to avoid stepping on her leg.

I had nothing to grab onto as I went completely down, my right arm twisting back to break my fall. Both feet coming off the ground, smacking my butt on the hard wood floor, my back flopping back, landing on the corner of her stinky, hairy bed. I guess I still stepped on her and she started yelling (howling) and charged at me as I lay on my back, legs in the air, eyes wide staring directly into hers. She seemed scared and confused, wondering why I stepped on her and then had the nerve to lay on her bed!

I started yelling at her and then quickly jumped up, afraid my husband or son would walk in, while I lay sprawled out on the dogs bed and start laughing at me...paying me back for always making fun of them when they fall. Just thought you would all love to get the visual and start your Monday off with a laugh!

Balancing the Computer and Family

I'm trying to balance my computer time vs. family time. This is a funny thing to have to think about, but I find myself on the computer a lot longer than I spend quality time with my husband and kids.

Whenever I have some down time, I love to get on the computer and write. Writing is my passion, it makes me feel complete. Being a mom often pulls you in so many directions that you have to find a few things that bring you happiness too. The problem I've noticed lately is that I'm a little out of balance. While I'm on the computer, my kids will be playing video games or up in their room watching t.v.

When they were little we were always doing things together. Times have changed...I sometimes forget about making time and continuing to build those special relationships. The kids are getting older and more independent. But I realized that this is still an important time to stay close (even if they sometimes push you away). I want to have a strong relationship with my teenagers. I need to find more balance in my life and stop escaping behind the computer.

I implemented FAMILY GAME NIGHT once a week, starting this weekend. I thought the kids would say, "This is stupid! I don't want to do this." I did a practice run yesterday and invited my 20 year son to play a game of Yahtzee with me and Elijah (we were the only ones at home). I didn't really think he would, but he sat right down at the table! WHAT...even a twenty year old craves quality family time?!!! My stepson came over last night and said, "When is family game night?" I think it will be a hit!

I'm excited to be able to have QUALITY time with my busy kids. Family is the most important thing, along with keeping the communication open. MY SOLUTION~LESS COMPUTER~MORE FAMILY TIME!

Valentines Day-A Little Different

I had a very different Valentines day this year...we stayed home and watched movies. We decided that we would wait till after payday (when I say decided, that's a nice way of saying~we have no money). We both agreed that restaurant's on Valentine's Day is too crowded and over priced. So next weekend we will celebrate our Valentine's Day.

It was actually kind of nice to just lay around. We watched a triple feature...action~Death Race, romance~Nights in Rodanthe and then a war romance~Closing the Ring. My husband let me have 2 romance movies in one night... NOW THAT'S LOVE! Death Race was pretty gory...but I like action and it was definitely full of that. Nights in Rodanthe wasn't as good as I had hoped. But I was pleasantly surprised with "Closing the Ring," I had never heard of it but it was actually really good.

I'd have to say my day was pretty good and I still have my real Valentines Day coming next weekend. Next year you guys should try it. You actually get a longer BETTER Valentine's Day. A girl can definitely use more romance...especially after being married for 9 years.

Hope you all had a great, romantic day!

Monday's

Usually on Sunday at about 4:00 p.m. I start complaining about having to work the next day. So this new year I decided to try and be a little more positive about the dreaded MONDAY. I 'm trying to look at it differently, I thought, "Now I have a whole new week to accomplish things." Looking at Monday with new possibilities made my Sunday night more enjoyable. By the time my alarm went off, I was ready to start my week on a positive note.

I didn't even let the 3 cars that cut me off irritate me. I tried out my new bluetooth (haven't been able to talk while I'm driving because of the hands free law.) I called my husband twice, my kids once (Jullien's home sick today), and the school to excuse an absence. I actually got some things done on my way. By the time I made it to work, there was no stress, anger or aggression. "Wow...this might work," I thought as I sat down at my desk. One of my bosses was a little edgy, but that didn't even get me down. He was yelling about something someone said and I just felt like laughing. Yep, definitely weird...this positive Monday thing might work! Try it next week and see what happens, you might have a great Monday too!

Date Night and The Duchess

I have the funniest story to tell you guys, but I’ll wait until tonight so I can add the pictures to give you the whole effect! It was Homecoming this weekend and both my senior son and my freshman step-son went. Here’s a little clue...The Freshman and The Seniors. That’s all you get for now...check back tonight if you want a laugh.

My husband had promised me a date night...which was going to happen immediately after taking pictures of the kids. We were going to go out for Sushi and a movie (a VERY special treat for us) we NEVER go out. It was so late by the time we finished, the parents at one of the houses invited us to stay and have dinner with them after the last group of kids left. So we stayed and visited, we had a good time...they’re a funny couple. Then it was off to the movies, which it was my turn to pick (he chose last time) I was debating between the new football movie or The Duchess (I LOVE period piece movies)...so I decided to be selfish and take him to see a romance. He has liked a couple of them in the past...as long as there’s violence and humor.

Well that wasn’t the case and I noticed he had to “go to the bathroom” an awful lot during the movie. When he came back I whispered, “Do you want me to tell you what happened?” “NO...I’m sure it wasn’t anything important!” I could tell he was VERY pleased with my choice, hahaha! For those of you who haven’t seen it, I will only say, it wasn’t what I expected...Keira Knightley was beautiful as usual, the costumes were amazing, the acting was great...just unexpected ending. You’ll have to see it yourself and tell me what you think. A word of advice...don’t take your husband (no matter how sensitive he is) definite chick flick!

Don’t forget to check back tonight!

AND THE AWARD GOES TO........

“ME…WHAT…I WON? Am I really the SITS Featured Blogger?” (shocked, jumping up, stumbling over a few people, giving high fives down the aisle…quickly approaching the platform…pause) “WOW…You like me, you really like me! Tiffany and Heather, you guys are amazing!” (pointing at them, of course they are sitting in the front row…that’s where all the important people are at the SITS Academy Awards.)

“I would like to thank my family, aka “The Orange County Brady Bunch.” The years of fighting, whining, complaining, and EVENTUALLY getting along has given me so much to write about.”

“To my husband, you have taught me patience. Your endless sighing, pleading, tossing and turning during my midnight SITS site stalking…umm, sorry I’m a little nervous, I didn’t mean to say stalking, I meant to say patiently waiting to be #1 on the daily SITS comment section.”

“OH NO…is that the music…who else ~ who am I forgetting to thank…The Secret is in the Sauce (SITS) family…you have been so much fun…laughing, inspiring and caring, you’re unbelievable! (music now loudly playing, shouting) Please everyone sign on to this amazing site...one day you may be standing up here…” (cut to commercial, walking off stage, mumbling) “Oh man, I forgot to tell everyone to leave a comment when they stop by…I knew I forgot something!”

Bloggerception...

Bloggerception is real and you probably have it too! I used to go through my day on auto pilot. Wake up, shower, throw my makeup on, pull my hair back (if I'm feeling extra spunky, curl it). Grab a quick bowl of oatmeal, eat standing at the sink, toss the bowl in the sink and run out the door. Drive to work, making a mental checklist of all the things that I needed to do. Halfway to work wondering how I got to the freeway, I don't even remember the drive there. Hope I didn't run any red lights...DEFINITE auto pilot! Work, go home, run the kids around, make dinner, sleep and start all over again. That was BEFORE I entered the Blogosphere.

My days are completely different now! I wake up and immediately start to think, "Hmm, what can I Blog about today. I get in the shower, making a mental note of any mishaps, slipping, tripping, no soap, shampoo etc. Everything is a potential story. Putting on my makeup can also be interesting, depending on what happens. Eating and running out the door can be a whole adventure that might be funny. Yes my BLOGGERCEPTION is on HIGH ALERT. Driving to work is no longer, "Who am I and how did I get here?" It's all about stalking, staring and watching everyone and everything...you never want to miss that perfect story (i.e. the guy with the parrots on his fingers as he drove to work).

Yes, before Bloggerception I would have missed this! My perception has increased, making me feel ALIVE, I am no longer, robot lady. Work also is a great adventure, never missing a single thing (and I am not a detail orientated person). Kids, hubby, friends, sisters, parents...no one is off limits to my Bloggerception.

WARNING: You do it, I'll notice, be very careful or you WILL end up a VERY INTERESTING, AMUSING, JUICY little story in my Blogosphere world!!

HOT HOT HOT

I live at the beach...which usually never gets above 80 in the summertime and when it does...OH MY GOSH!! This past weekend was miserably hot. We couldn't even stand to be in the house...I think it was in the high 70's inside and we were all sweating, groaning, and arguing (beach communities rarely have air conditioning...the ocean breeze usually works great).

I'm sure all of you having to deal with heat over the 100 degree mark are rolling your eyes right about now...but the way I see it, you guys are used to it. We are actually suffering the most since our bodies have acclimated to the 70 degree mark. You should all feel very sorry for me, LOL!

I came up with one of my famous "spur of the moment plans"...as we walked out the door I sprung it on them. My plan came on Saturday at about 7:00 p.m. We were getting ready to drop my step son, Adam off at an 8th grade graduation party. I told my husband and 16 year old son , Jullien that they should grab their boards and wet suits, after we drop Adam off they can surf and I'll take pictures and walk Allie with my son's girlfriend, Chelsea.

The usual comments, "We can't do that, it's too late. Why didn't you tell us sooner so we could get stuff ready? I'm really tired and it's been a long day! It will be dark before we get there." My reply (which always works), "Stop being so negative, why don't you guys stop griping and try to be a little spontaneous...you're both like little, grouchy old men!" Off they scurried to grab their stuff...I love being a woman, we're soooo good, LOL!

We got to the beach after sitting in tons of traffic along PCH (Pacific Coast Hwy)...more grumbling, "Look at all this traffic, it's gonna be too dark, you and your ideas"...blah blah blah, I swear they are both the biggest complainers! We picked up my sons girlfriend and took the back route to the beach (all the inlander's flock here to get out of the 100 degree temperature that they should be used to)...finally we got there and they paddled out. The wind picked up, the current pulled them so far down the beach that I couldn't even see them...they paddled, paddled and paddled, only catching one wave each. Chelsea and I grabbed our stuff every few minutes, trying to walk as fast as the current pulled them, actually quite a work out in the sand. We tried to get close enough to watch them and take pictures.

My husband was the first one out of the water..."This sucks, I remember why I never surf this spot! My arms are dead, I only caught one wave, I had to hike a mile up the beach to get back to you guys...GREAT idea Lis! Did you even get pictures of the one wave I caught?" I said, "Uh, no but I got a picture of you paddling!LOL!" He didn't find the humor in my comment, I don't get it??? Jullien came in next, he had the exact same comments...hmmm...did they rehearse it in the water?" I told him that I got some awesome paddling shots, to his scrunchy faced comment, "VERY funny mom!"

My husband's paddling perfection!


Jullien's paddle before the pull out (mushy, slow wave )...Look at the form "Paddle Boy"!LOL!

Okay so everyone didn't like this spur of the moment trip, but the water was 70, the beach was 84, I had a good laugh, took some amazing sunset pictures...and got out of my HOT HOT HOT house...hmmm, GREAT DAY FOR ME...YAY for me!!

Jullien and Chelsea

Is This What Heaven Is Like?

God's Beauty



Jullien's Favorite Scripture:

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)


THE END TO MY PERFECT DAY!