GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN

We have hardly had any family time and it is starting to "wear" on us, especially Bailee. We have really tried to maintain a healthy balance for her. She needs our attention and support as well. She told me the other day that she wants her friends over to play. She reminded me that she needs the company of friends just like her brother. I quickly felt her need and took a break from ball today. Yes, i missed my 1st practice, but my relationship with my daughter is equal to my son. She explained to me in her most sweetest disposition, "Mom, girls want to have fun to". I took her and two friends to see KUNG FU PANDA. We then went to McDonalds to eat. It made my heart glad to see her and her friends talking. I let the girls sit at the table by themselves. I wanted to sit back and enjoy seeing her interact with them. As a mother, I want to be included in my children's realtionships with others. I am slowly realizing that I have to let her develop her own thoughts and opinions. I can be there to listen, but she has to think for herself, to grow into her own individual. The girls camped out in her room. They sang , danced and played Wi. I went and got them donuts this morning. Girls really do have alot of fun!

CAN YOU SAY ADDICTED?!

BUBBA: OUR WHITE MIGHTY CHIHUAHUA

Caiden has had asthma since he was 2 years old. He is allergic to just about everything. Caiden and Bailee have always wanted a puppy. Our selection was limited, so we decided to get a dog that was hypo-allergenic. My mother surprised Caiden and Bailee with"Bubba" on Valentines Day. He is a very loving dog and we enjoy his company.

2ND ALL-STAR PRACTICE GAME: SWEET VICTORY

We had our 2nd practice game and we won! Yes! We actually won 2 games! We played in a round robin, which is like a mini tournament. We boys played well, and needed the practice. We played the 9 year old all-stars and a team from Winnsboro. Our 9-year old team looked and played great! Great playing from both teams!

JUST BECAUSE.....

One of Caiden's friends recently got a new video game. Caiden soon began asking Jerry and I if he could get one. We soon found ourselves trying to reason with him. We understood his "want" for the game. We all want things for our selves. When we "want" something, we usually have no problem making justifications for getting it. We will throw around the concept, well, i don't really need it, but it would be nice to have it. I am just as guilty as the next person. I soon found myself putting my happiness in "materialistic" things. Yes, they can satisfy, but only till the newest one is introduced and we find that "we have to have it" to stay happy. I do not want give my children things "just because" someone else has it. It teaches them to covet, and that diminishes self-character, even more individuality . I want to give my children 'little treats" because i love them. Because i was thinking about them and thought, "Hey, Caiden or Bailee would really like this". I think that is what is wrong with society today. Child rearing has taken a turn for the worst. Believe me, i am not a perfect parent at all. I am learning from them, just like they are learning from me. I have made my share of mistakes, and i will continue to, that's part of parenting. As long as you seek Gods Will and look for Him for guidance you will be the parent that you should be!

A DAUGTHER'S TRIBUTE: THOMAS WHEELER BECKLEY 1951-1978

My father, "Tommy" was a very special man. He was a great father to me. He only lived on this earth for 27 years, but God allowed to to live a full and blessed life. This is my father's journey captured over the years. God Bless you daddy, I will see you again soon!