just say no ( a somewhat rant)...

the whirlwind of end-of-school-craziness is just about at a close...

possibly forever?

well, i'm sure there will still be some,

just all together different.

there is much to get done,

projects i'm needing to begin,

books to read,

clothes to wash

(and actually fold and make it to the drawers!)

etc

etc

etc.

all that said i'm winding it down.

i'm determined to have a semi schedule this summer.

you know,

the kind of schedule that helps actually have more time to relax?!

here's the deal.

we are not a go-go-go family.

we're a mostly stay home and do random things family.

the kids do not participate in  any sports other than the oldest monkey with spring baseball.

we don't do camps/trainings/plan lots of play dates/etc.

i refuse to be the mother that is always in the car,

with 4 kids going to 4 places and picking up fries along the way.

i know it will get more difficult as the others get a bit older.

there will be more busyness.

though i refuse to be running around like a chicken with my head cut off.

 families ask how i do it all.

i don't!

i say no to many things.

being HOME with family is more important than having all the kids kept "BUSY".

 i have a very difficult time with the idea of dropping our kids of at baseball training camps, boys and girls club activities, football day camps, etc.

i do not feel at all comfortable about sending my kids off to adults i don't really know for hours at a time.

i've never even allowed them to go to VBS.

while these activities can be fun, i would encourage parents to ask questions regarding background checks ( in our state, i've  heard but not verified it only shows up if the occurrence HAPPENED in our state!)

 and whether or not there are policies in place for a 2 deep ratio.

meaning that there have to be at least 2 adults with a child at all times,

trips to the rest room, etc.

i know some people are eye rolling at me.

in a world where possibly 1/2 the kids are sexually molested this is not something to consider lightly.

see some stats here

and even better, if you can be present at these camps, etc, then by all means STAY!

i know this may mean that you have to wait 2 hours and take the kids to the grocery store when you are done, but it is worth the protection of your children!

the same goes for allowing kids to spend time at other people's homes.

my kids have a select few homes they are allowed to go to.

and they are NEVER allowed to spend the night.

yes, they think we are evil for it,

but one day,

when they are sitting in a cabin with 12 peers at church camp and the conversation reveals that they are

THE ONLY ONE IN THE ROOM

 that has not been sexually molested they will understand.

i know because i was in one of those cabins,

and was so horrified that after i got the girls settled i walked out in the snow and cried my eyes out.

those girls have no idea how their inexcusable wounds have enabled me to be a more aware,

more protective parent to my children.

i thank the Lord that their experiences were shared with me that i might have a better understanding of this evil world and the need to protect our babies.

will your child be upset when they are 'the only one' unable to attend the sleepover?

absolutely.

there will be tears and tantrums galore.

but just say no!

have a sleepover in your living room,

popcorn and movies.

invite friends to your house as much as possible.

stay home rather than running from one place to the next

(unless of course it's a park hopping extravaganza!).

find time to lay under an oak and read a good book to your kids.

(we're currently on Little House on the Prarie).

God Bless,

Mandy



My Monkey and another Monkey that needs Prayers...

Okay...the final Game of the Season. 

I stepped it up and managed to get a  few shots.

It was a fun year, a hard year and a growing year.

His first time in minors, which means kids pitching.

Outs and real rules.

Makes the game more difficult and more fun.

I think he really enjoyed it despite some melt downs feeling like he was the only one not familiar with how the game is played.

(He wasn't).

He played mostly short stop but was able to pitch at about 5 games and really loved that.  I think that's what he wants to aim for doing is being pitcher.

I am so proud of him.

He had a fantastic coaching team and an extremely wonderful group of parents to be around.

I think this keeps my grandpa going in life, to watch this lil guy play ball.

My Grandpa has never in my life been as conversational as he has since he became convinced this monkey may finally get our family into the pro ball circle ;).  Hey, you never know.

On a sadder note, and why I don't feel my usual sarcastic silly self in this blog is another Monkey who has been in my heart and prayers.

This Little boy has been missing for 11 days now, disappeared right out of his elementary school.

My monkeys are safe at home while this sweet boy is somewhere out there.

Please take a minute from your day and say a prayer for Kyron.

Say a thank you for your own little loveys and that they are safe and will continue to be.

There are SO many missing children in this world who need to be found, please keep this in mind and say a prayer for what YOU can do about it.

Keep your eyes open, especially you in the NW.  You never know.

Lord,

We know that YOU know where Kyron is.

We know that Your heart breaks for the evil done on this Earth, especially when Your children are harmed.

We pray Your shield of protection around Kyron and his family.

We pray that You bring the perpetrator into the light and make their whereabouts known TODAY Jesus.

Wrap that little One in Your Almighty Arms until he is safe with his family or safe with You God.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.