It's too BIG I just can't tackle it!!

Mom's I want you to hear this. When you are facing a HUGH training time with your child..ie: getting them to stay in bed, potty training, getting rid of the pacifier etc.. the tendency is to believe that you are now going to embark on the

Never Ending Journey.

THIS IS NOT TRUE.

Once you make up YOUR mind to begin and follow through...there WILL be an end and it will be MUCH sooner than you think.

I've seen too many of you deflate during the counsel of discipline. "I just don't have the energy", " I just can't take that kind of time", "You don't know my child" "You make it sound much easier than I know that it is going to be"!!

My word to you: get rested,...think it through, get all involved on the same page, set a time and BEGIN

Don't let the task scare you....You CAN do it! These principles DO work. You CAN WIN!

I remember a friend sitting in my living room and saying to me (as she watched me with all my little ones) "I just don't know how you do it...I don't think I could ever handle it etc etc etc"

It was funny to me as she had just finished telling me how she had gone shopping with her two young sons and how they had run all over the store, in and out or racks, up and down and in and out. I must admit I was exhausted just hearing the story!!

I remember thinking 

#1 how I would never let that happen...and if it ever BEGAN to happen it would STOP right about the time that it started!!! 

#2 I would much rather take the time to teach and train a child in a lasting principle rather than try to "catch a runaway train!!!! and 

#3 how I then and there appreciated my children's behavior and how far we had come in the training of obedience!

So all of that to say this. NO MORE EXCUSES MOM Do yourself a favor and dive in and iron out the wrinkles in your parenting skills and behaviors (or lack there of) of your children.

YOU CAN DO IT!!!! Drop me a note and tell me how its working!

Blessings
Marnie

The Dance Continues~

Beware....sometimes when we see this dance we tend to believe that the child/young adult is ready to move outside the boundaries. I believe it is more likely that they are testing to make sure the boundaries stay in tact.

Boundaries that move can be scary...it can cause stress and then lack of judgement.

 Ex. You have said repeatedly that the curfew is 11pm on the weekend. Jane wants to stay out till 12:30 with her friends. She has been asking for weeks and you have held your ground. You begin to think maybe its alright and besides you are sick of the conflict and argument every weekend. You finally say "OK just go, but don't complain that you are exhausted at work tomorrow."
I hope that I can convey what sometimes happens here: Jane is surprised....1. she sees that whining and asking repeatedly works. 2. she got her way. 3. it must be alright or you would not have let her go. 4. thus all that goes with the change may be alright also.

Granted we need to keep this within context.

If you indeed feel that Jane can begin to stay out till midnight, you need to sit her down and have a discussion. Don't let it come about with an argument. I hope that you are understanding my sentiment. There are boundaries that get pushed out naturally with age and trust and then there are those that should not move. 

Ex:  You can not go to his house when his parents are not home.
You cannot make a last minute request and expect to have it happen.
You cannot go to the parties at the college.
You cannot drive the new car after dark.

I trust that you have gotten my message. Boundaries are special markers. They are there for a reason. They make a child feel secure and taken care of. They will be tested but remember many times it is to see that they remain in tact rather than crumble.

Stay strong parents You are building an adult.

Blessings
Marnie

The Boundary Boogie

There are various times during our children's growing years when they press the boundaries...but never more than in the teenage years. I call this the "boundary dance". Picture that mime in the box as he tries to find his way out. Every square inch...bottom and ceiling, walls.. he searches, pushing, hoping to find  loop holes, windows, unexpressed rules...anything for a way out!

Too often we just get worn down. We  say "JUST GO" "I DONT CARE" "DONT BLAME ME" "ASK YOUR FATHER" "______________________"!!!

Parents...be ready when you see your child preparing for this dance. It is often accompanied by whining, dissatisfaction, irritability and/or perhaps anger.

Sometimes it presents itself as panic or they will push at the most inopportune times. Don't be caught off guard. Be rested...watch for the signs. 

Explain, AHEAD OF TIME, THE RULES AND BOUNDARIES. 

Stay calm and don't let them wear you down!! 

Stand your ground.
A friend was over watching a movie...at 10pm she received a call from her teen.."mom, can we go over to _____ for a sleep over?" The mom had not met the parents. Again it was 10 at nite. (their lack of planning is not your problem) and no NOT EVERYONE is going!!!
Refuse guilt  and say no to giving in.  Keep your ground! Its mandatory!
While your kids dance remain still and constant.  It tends to put them off balance!

Blessings
Marnie

You can see a back log of parenting skills on the blog page at 

http://marniesparentingfamilyblog.blogspot.com

If you are no longer are wanting to recieve these tips please feel free to tell me. Also pass them along freely.

Positive Praise

It takes no energy.
Costs no money.
Takes little time.
Requires no special tools.

It can cause increase in stature.
It can bring renewal and a lighter step.
It can ease stress.
It can lift a heavy load.
It affects every life at every age.

PRAISE

P power packed words of encouragement
r right at any time of day or nite
a always works
i intuitively welcome
s saying something that is positive and personal
e Everybody deserves some

Do you want to change things in your marriage, your work, your children, your school, committee meetings, church, relationships??? Try praise. "You will win more bees with honey"
Now I am not suggesting that you make things up. That you slather compliments...brown nose....etc...

I AM SUGGESTING that you begin to practice praise. Start by making a decision to give 1 genuine praise per day per individual. This does not come natural in most cases. So you will need to be intentional to pull it off. You may meet some skepticism in the beginning but don't let it hinder you. Make it a practice.

Children will thrive with praise. You do not need to worry that they will become proud or spoiled...if the praise is genuine it will do it's job.

It can be delivered privately or in a group setting, in a note, letter, with a gift or alone.

Don't let anything stop you. Praise. Praise PRAISE!!

Blessings
Marnie

just A mom

JUST A MOM?


A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 'S office,
Was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

'What I mean is, ' explained the recorder,
'do you have a job or are you just a ...?'

'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman.

'I'm a Mom.'

'We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation,
'housewife' covers it,'
Said the recorder emphatically.


I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself
In the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
Efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.'

'What is your occupation?' she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
'I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations.'

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and
Looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words..
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
In bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest,
'just what you do in your field?'

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
'I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
And already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
And I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers
And the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
Completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
Testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more
Distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mom.'
Motherhood!

What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.


Does this make grandmothers
'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations'
And great grandmothers
Executive Senior Research Associates?'
I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts
Associate Research Assistants.



Please send this to another Mom

"Look me in the eye!"

I wish I had a dime for each time I have done this with my children...or other little people for that matter.

It is important.

With the little ones you should either set them up on the counter or get down on your knees...either way when you want to communicate something...Look them in the eye.

Can you imagine how awful it must be to look at knees and hips all day long. Hearing a voice that is coming from so far away. Wondering if it is you they are talking too?

We tend to get upset when we are ignored by our children but I'm not sure that they are always catching our "call". They just may not be on your "wave" length.

Get on your children's level and make eye contact....from the youngest to the oldest..it will make a difference.

and while I'm "here" you should stop what you are doing and listen when your child (or anyone else for that matter) talks to you. I have too often continued on with my busyness... even walking away, while saying "keep talking, I'm listening I just need to get another gallon of milk" Ouch that one stung me!
It is called respect and we all like it.

(This works great for husbands too!:))

Blessings!
Marnie

RSVP *no children please

Let me ask you....does this irritate you?

Do you tend to think "Surely they don't mean my kids .. they are such good friends of the family." "My children are like their god-children" "I'm sure they will not mind."

From me to you...

1. Please do not put your friend in an awkward place by asking them if they mind, this once, if your child can come.

2. Please get a sitter or decide not to go...BUT don't wait till the last minute to RSVP. Really you can or you can't. Be responsible and make the decision and let them know with plenty of time to spare.

3. Please do not take it personally. Im sure the event has been thought through and planned out in accordance with what the couple/person wants.

4. Please do NOT just SHOW UP with your children in tow.

5. Please don't think that it only applies to any infant over 1 (fill in the blank) month of age..."he's just a baby and I'm sure he won't bother anyone. Anyway I'll be able to show him off to all the people that I don't usually see." Have an open house yourself and celebrate your own family.

6. People should be able to have the type of event they want without us trying to push the boundaries.
If your friend were thinking that this invite stipulation did not apply to you they would call you or add a personal note.
ie: Jim and Sara please feel free to bring little Leslie..our son Evan said that he would play with him down stairs and then we can tuck him in bed if it gets late.

7. Please take this personally. I have seen people show up to weddings uninvited, because "obviously it was an oversite"
Heard babies cry all the way through weddings and seen children climbing over guests at funerals etc.... Your children~ your responsiblity.

Blessings
Marnie

Mother Rage

Mother Rage

I had the priviledge of speaking at a MOPS group this past week. One of the moms came to me after and confirmed a few things that I spoke on and said that she had a name for the situation: the Angry Mother Syndrom.

I would dare say that we all have experienced it at one time or another. It has not been until these later years that I have actually looked clearly and rationally at this issue and been able to disect it.

Mother Rage: What results when a very short person pushes the right buttons and continues to ask for attention from a mom who still believes that she should have the perks of her former life (before children)

How is it that our children can absolutely send us over the edge?
It is because we resent giving our time...again again and again.
It might start with...
"Can't you see I'm on the phone?"
"I'm trying to nap...leave me alone!"
"Is it possible for me to go to the bathroom even once without being disrupted ???"
" Why is it that the minute I sit down you kids need something..." "or start to act up?"
" I'm watching my show!!"
"Is there no other adult in the house?"
" Can't I have a moment of peace???"
"Don't touch anything"
or the one I heard at Walmart the other day "JOHNNY,
get over here!!!You never once want to look at our fish when you are home!!!"

I think you know what I mean and how it sounds. We totally lose it. We are frustrated. Irritated. Angry. Tired. Why???

Ok lets face the music.... We are moms...it is the territory. Children start out helpless and then grow and continue to need us ALOT. They are inquisitive, antsy, full of energy and questions, dirty, needy, whiny, and need our every waking moment. It's just the truth. We are not playing house or dolls any longer. It's the real thing!

So what do we do about it?
Get enough rest.
Eat right.
Take a break whenever it is available to you.
Share time with your husband or even your friend "I will watch your kids for 3 hours today if you will watch mine tomorrow"
Take a deep breath and repeat after me I'm the mom I'm the mom I'm the mom.
You have approximately 18 years ahead of you... it may get easier or harder...it all depends. This seemed like a life time to me and lasted alot longer than most for that matter but hind site really does say it was just a "time" and did not last forever.

Determine that you are going to do the job well. I am convinced once you have committed yourself to the raising of your children, looked at all the possible pitfalls and prepared yourself that you will be able to do a great job. You will stay intact, focused, and able to stay on top of the job. Do it well mom .. Society needs you sane and your children well adjusted. 

Blessings M

Here kitty kitty kitty

Pets. Our furry friends.

Now we all know that there are people who LOVE animals. They are happy with a dog licking their face, sleeping in their beds and laying on all the furniture.

Then there are people like me.
Now with 12 kids we have had our share of bunnies, cats, fish, lizards, squirrels, baby birds etc. We have a cat now that is totally part of the family. But, to tell you the truth, I see pets as a hugh job, expense and responsibility.

So saying that, having pets, I believe, needs to be a family decision. The care and welfare of the animal is a family responsibility. How many parents have I talked to in the past who "gave in" to having a puppy only to be owning the FULL RESPONSIBILITY themselves. The walking, grooming, feeding and cleaning up after fell completely on them. Not to mention the cost.

I believe that children can learn a great deal from having a pet. We all know that the cuteness of the puppy and the newness of the iguana wears off in a short time. But yet the animal still has the same needs. I grew up on a farm where I watched my dad milk cows and care for other barnyard animals, day in and day out. The work did not stop on Sunday, holidays or when the wind chill was below 0 degrees. If he were sick,(which I have no recall of ever happening) they still needed to eat and be cared for.

Involve your children in the upkeep of the family animal. Teach them to walk, groom and pick up after the household pet. It is only fair, and not only fair, but a lesson in responsibility. I knew a family at one time who would go get a kitten, keep it for as long as it was cute and then take it back! This is wrong. If the care has gotten lopsided pull back and give everyone a job.

Again the decision to get a pet needs to be talked about by the whole family.

There have been times that I have been BEGGED, cajoled and made to feel guilty because I would not get the children a dog. But after the issue died down I could see clearly (as well as the child,if they would admit it) that it was the best decision. Sports, jobs, vacations and life in general have a way of borrowing the time that belongs to the animal.
Pets need to be loved and cared for daily. They need a sitter when you go away. They can be a hugh expense. And if you and yours have counted the cost..and have a houseful then more power to you!

I fully realize that a pet can be a companion that keeps loneliness and despondency at bay. They have their place.

So to all of us....Have all the pets you can handle.....(can handle....get it) We can all live happily together ...but as for me and mine there will be no dogs in the house.
(no letters please :):))

Dining Out

It's Saturday nite. Date nite. You are celebrating the weekend. You arrive at a nice restaurant and are seated, anticipating a leisurely evening. Just as you take that first nibble of the delectible appetizer, the waitstaff seat a mother, father and 3 small children at the next table.
You try to believe that it is not going to make a difference. But in no time the atmosphere has been shattered.**

When I am dining out with my children, it is most likely a treat. We are celebrating something. When the children were small my husband and I would sometimes surprize them with a meal out. Now I'm talking Bickfords or Denny's. It was a real treat when that happened!

We would clean everyone up and pile into the van. This was no small outing and many wide eyed stares came our way as we paraded all 8,10 or 14 of us into the dining area.

The preparation for that outing went much further than clean clothes and a washed face. We talked AHEAD OF TIME about what we expected from them in the restaurant. We let them know other people were going to be there to have a quiet dinner. We made it clear that there would be no fighting or fooling around. They knew what they would be allowed to order. The perimeters were set. Boundaries given. Questions answered.

Sometimes I sit and wonder as I watch the food fly; Why didn't they get a sitter? Did they come for a quality meal only to have most of it fall on the floor?

In many instances I am sure that the child would have fared much better staying at home where he could eat his own fare and get to bed at a decent time.

** there are places that are great for children;
fast food restaurants McDonalds have playgrounds in many areas
Friendly's
Texas Road House
Denny's
Bickfords
Pancake Houses
Chuckie Cheese

Prepare ahead of time. Pack a small bag of things to keep the children occupied, maybe even some crackers to tide them over. Please be conscious of the parties around you. Perhaps you could even ask if there is an area where you would least likely bother anyone.

Have fun!!
Blessings

THE TRUST ISSUE

Trust begins to develope at a very early age. I am talking about being able to trust your child.

Trust takes a long time to build. It builds block by block, instance by instance, wise decision upon wise decision.

In the early years children can't be trusted. They just don't know and they are too young to know. When you are visiting a friend or relative it is YOUR responsibility to know what your 1-5 year old is doing at ALL times. Even if there are other kids in the house or they're with Dad upstairs, Mom you best be checking in. Someone's makeup might be getting ruined, nailpolish spilled, precious things getting messed up all because a small child is left on their own. Parents it IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. (and if something gets ruined or broken you really should take responsibility)

As the child gets a little older (5ish-8ish) you should be able to leave Sarah with Judy playing Barbies in their room or Johnny and Sam playing in the sand box. It is still wise to check in every once in a while but longer periods of time can be taken.

As the children get yet older and hopefully wiser (not sneakier) opportunities for overnights, visiting away from home, etc begin to present themselves. Go at it slow and in small chunks. Scope the situation first and make sure you know all the details. We need to loosen the apronstrings slowly. It is MUCH harder to tie them back again once they have come undone.

Those situations through which trust is built are like dominos stacked one by one beside each other and unfortunatly it only takes one toppling to knock down the whole row! When the children are small the rows are short and knock down often. As the kids get older the rows are longer and the fall is more devastating. It is very hard to start all over again.

As you build these trust levels, keep the channels of communication open. Communication skills are a vital part of maturing and go hand in hand with trust. The child needs to earn your trust and part of that is by being willing to dialog with you and not getting irritated that you are asking too many questions.
Again, Remember You ARE THE PARENT. You will never get these days back again so take it slow and easy.
There is no rush and theres nothing much sweeter than the realization that you can trust your child.
Blessings,

Tattle Tales

OK Let's put this one on the table and see how to think.

Tattle-tale in Websters " to talk idly, chatter, gossip, to reveal some one's secrets, to inform against someone."

It can be good and it can be bad.

When good the "tattler" is letting you know something is going on that you need to know.
When bad the "tattler" is letting you know everything and even more.

But then again is the good tattler a tattler? or is that just an oxymoron? Sometimes it's just a good kid watching out and letting you know when something is going awry.

If you are having a problem with a tattler....I think, as we have talked so many other times, it comes down to communication and teaching.

When Jared, from next door, is visiting and over and over again comes to tell you that your son is out of line....

When your oldest son runs in the door first from school to share the juicy tidbit about his sibling...

When "miss goodie two shoes" is trying to get all the brownie points she can...

It's time for a lesson.

Too often we wait till the point of no return and then we blow...send kids home...to bed... punish.

WAIT

Sit them all down and talk it out. Tell them the problem and the consequences for it.

"Jared and Tommy come here. OK this needs to stop. Tommy if you are doing things that you are not supposed to it needs to stop right now. Jared any more tattling and I am going to send you home. Do you both understand?" Keep an eye on them and before they are allowed together again to play remind them of the rules.

"Whoa Steven,why are you telling me about Sammy? Stop right now. This is not your business to tell. Sammy, so tell me what went on at school today." Now if Steven is quite a bit older than his brother you may want to speak to him later about the situation as he may be privy to more information. But be sure to explain that you do not need him to tattle but to keep his ears open as an older brother.

"Katie, I appreciate you reporting to me that Janis is using too much of the finger paints. I am watching over everything and I will take care of it all. I know that the boys left their seats..you just go and finish your project." Just keep pulling her back to her job and if need be have a quiet one on one about the whole issue so that you know she really understands what you are talking about.

Again repeat after me. I am the adult. I am the adult. Take it into hand and teach these life lessons.
Blessings!

WAIT Till Your Father Gets Home!

Don't say it.
It does nothing except get a child to dread his father's arrival from work.

Deal with the problem when it happens! Don't ignor it or pass it to the next guy. Think it through and decide what to do. If you're not sure call someone. There IS time. Many of our mistakes happen because we jump too fast or we don't move at all. Don't make rash threats,empty promises, screaming warnings. Not only do they not work they do the job of desensitizing your children to what you say.

Say what you mean.
Mean what you say.

If there are outstanding problems that you are facing over and over again....talk to your husband and come up with a plan of action. If you can't come up with one, call or write me perhaps I can help.

It is good to be prepared ahead of time. "Honey, what are we going to do? Kelly keeps pinching the baby, getting up over and over again when we put her to bed, throwing her food everywhere, fighting with the neighbor. etc" You get the picture. Think it through....and come up with a plan of action...and then FOLLOW IT THROUGH!

You'll be glad you did. You will not be acting out of control but will be firm and decisive in your discipline. Your child will get the message and


Your husband will not dread coming home!

Child Labor

Yes I do believe in it!!

It will not kill or mame a child to do chores...to labor.
In fact it will be good for him.

Children can be of help starting at a young age.
They can fetch things for us, put stuff in the trash, pick up their toys etc.

When they get a little older they should learn what dust looks like and how to deal with it, how to vacume, make their beds, pick up a room, clean the bathroom, do their laundry, empty and load the dishwasher, clean the kitchen, mow the grass, I could go on and on.

Now be aware that children do not come with these skills already programed into them. Don't become frustrated when they do not know how to do what you are asking. Even though they may have seen you do it a thousand time, you need to intentionally teach your child how to do the things you want done. It should be explained and shown once or twice and then overseen the next couple of times.
Like many things the quality of the job may decline and that is when you pull in the reins and make them do it over until it's done correctly.

THIS IS NOT MEAN.
This is training.

Our children need to learn to pitch in. They should do a chore without complaining. They should actually do a job without being asked ~wow do you honestly think that is possible??

For children who are whining and bored, or just balking at doing a job well done...a job jar works well. Sit down and write a bunch of jobs on pieces of paper and put them in a jar....when there is "nothing to do" when the child just can't seem to behave and stop bugging his siblings, when a job is not done up to standard....that is a good time to pick ANOTHER job from the jar.

some good jobs:
clean out the toy box
clean out draws
clean under the bed
clean under the furniture
vacume the furniture
dust
clean and dust books in the bookcase
wash mirrors
take down cobwebs in the cellar
sweep the walkway
rake
weed
scrub the tub
take out trash
wash all the trash/waste baskets
clean out the silverware drawer
organize the closet
wipe out the fridge
sweep the garage
wash the car
vac the carwash the woodwork
I think that you get the picture. What would help YOU out? Remember our forefathers HAD children to help them eek out a living.
You've heard me say on many occasions that children need to be trained. Well this is part of the training. Let your children fix dinner one night.

It will be good for them. Dont treat it like a punishment but rather that they are old enough to help. Bring them up on a stool to wash plastic cups, let them help fold the laundry.

Every once in a while, unexpectedly, reward a job well done. It speaks louder than words.
Tonite I had a ladies meeting at the house. As it was winding down I noticed my daughter come into the kitchen and begin to fill the dishwasher. THEN she started it. THEN she began to wash the rest of the dishes in the sink BY HAND. THEN she wiped those dishes and put them away. She cleared off the table and counters and then came in and sat down with me. NOW THAT WAS SUCH A BLESSING TO A MOTHERS HEART!
GOOD JOB KENDALL AND THANK YOU!
Blessings

Grandparents

I have a few leftover thoughts from the thank you blog.

I got thinking about grandparents in particular. (You can also insert aunts, uncles or anyone that is close to you)

Grandparents LOVE to get thank yous. They LOVE to get cards or calls...anytime... or all the time... from anyone!!!

Grandparents usually have some time on their hands especially when they are over 70 ish (I am trying to be careful here as I am 58 with 15 grandchildren)

I think it is rough to grow old...I have been watching it first hand and I see a person who has worked their whole life, someone who has made it happen, the one who brought home the bacon now sitting on the side lines and many times even made to feel like they never really even played the game. Ugh I dont even like typing this.

What can we do?

Grandparents can be invited to the activities that the family members are involved in...soccer practice, music recitals, games, debates, plays etc
Grandparents can be asked their opinions.
Grandparents can read to little ones or listen to them read.
They can play scrabble, Uno and checkers.
Grandparents have a wealth of wisdom and life under their belts.
I watched 4 generations out for breakfast the other day and the oldest woman ate totally in silence as her daughter and granddaughter talked non stop (the baby was in the carseat). She was totally left out of the conversation. It made me sad...
I can see how it happens....many times they will not speak up or perhaps they have not been able to "hear" the conversation so they don't join in. It is up to us to involve them.

We MUST remember that we will ALL be there sometime, Lord willing. How are our children going to respond to our forgetfulness, slowness and lack of ability in various areas? Well I think it is best if we can teach from example. I am not great at it but I am trying.

One place that has been difficult is dealing with the reality of it all. Sometimes we just want to live in that state called Denial. It's not happening...if I don't call or visit I won't know and thus its not happening.

Well I need to go and write some thank yous.. AND call my mom!!!

Blessings on you all!