CONFESSIONS OF A MOM

So I began a new adventure a couple of weeks ago and I'm loving it! We signed Tigger up for a martial arts class (more specifically a Jui Jitsu) toward the end of the summer. In watching him practice I found myself really wanting to learn as well. My reasoning was that I needed to know how to "defend" myself when Tigger figured out exactly what he was doing. So after several weeks of trying to figure out scheduling for the adult classes I was able to find a time that worked. What I didn't expect was how much I would love it.

It's been years since I've tried something new, and I love stepping into an entirely different world than I've ever dealt with before. Jui Jitsu is mentally and physically challenging and it's so much fun. On the flip side, I didn't expect the yearning to be able to give it the time I want to. When I begin something new, in the past I've been able to give it six to eight hours a day.

For example, in my cello days I would practice the six hours a day then have classes and rehearsals on top of it. I loved it! When I began seriously writing I had the ability to write for eight hours a day. Now that I'm in the Jui Jitsu world I'm finding I'm yearning to be able to give it that kind of time and I'm not able to right now. It's frustrating. Maybe that's why I haven't tried anything new for awhile because I subconciously knew I wouldn't be able to give it the time I would want to.

I've always been someone who's said that you can make time for anything you want to, and I still believe that's true, but . . . you also have to look at what is the most important way to spend your time. That's why Clyde (my cello) has been neglected as of late, and my writing isn't happening like it use to. That's why I'm not able to spend the six to eight hours on the mats like I want to. There are little people that need my attention at the moment.

Now there will come a moment in time when I will be able to do that again. Then I will have to choose which world to spend my time in. As for now, I'm enjoying the time I'm able to spend in my various worlds. I have to remind myself to be satisified though and not regret "time lost" because it's never truly lost, just spend differently. How blessed we are to be able to make those kind of choices.

Then with it being so close to 9-11, I found myself explaining to Tigger what happened those many years ago. It was a humbling and sobering experience to try to explain those events to a four-year-old. I am continually amazed at how aware he is and his understanding of things around him. He asked very good questions and seemed to accept the answer I gave him. It's for these little ones that we fight and remember for. It's so no one forgets the sacrifices made. It's so we remember how truly blessed we are. Always Remember.

CONFESSIONS OF A MOM

Happy 4th of July—late by a day. I’ve learned some things about myself this last week, but I can’t pass up the opportunity to say Thank You to all those who have and are fighting for our freedoms.

As frustrating as things can be, and as much as we may not agree with the things that are happening, we are free to have and express those feelings. We have the ability to worship anyway we choose. We have the freedom to express our opinions and viewpoints on things, including how we feel about the government.

We have those freedoms and we should cherish them. They came at a cost and we need to stand up for those freedoms when they come under attack. I love the military. I love the men and women that are willing to fight for our freedoms. I have a great respect for them and for our founding fathers. And if I am called to stand up and defend, I will do it. I will defend my freedoms and those freedoms of my children the best to my ability.

I am very grateful to be living in such a blessed land. We are very blessed. I hope we remember that throughout the year.

Happy Birthday, America!

Thank You To Our Heroes

I'm choosing not to do a book buzz today in hopes that you will take a moment to remember all those people who's lives changed forever due to September 11, 2001. You will always be in our hearts.