I’m calling this one done. I’ve had enough of those experiences for now! 6 years ago

Jon left last week for a sales job… he told me he was going to Chicago, but ended up in Oregon. The company he was working for sent him there with a few other guys. He ended up being in training for door-to-door sales. He didn’t know he needed a permit to perform this job, so when someone called the police to complain about being disturbed, guess who was picked up? Did you know that he didn’t call me because they’d only allow him to make a local call?? After days (again) of wondering why I hadn’t heard from him I dreamed that he was being held against his will. It was a nasty feeling that I couldn’t shake, so I prayed whenever it came up. In addition, as I was cleaning up a pile of stuff in my room. I touched a paper I’d been saving to help the children of prisoners, another link, only it was my child (who is 20) in that situation… My Mom called me at 5 a.m. to tell me he called her. He was in the process of packing his suitcase and taking a cab to the bus station. I couldn’t talk to him at that point because she said he sounded scared… I could feel it and didn’t want to spread my ill feelings. I did get up. After thanking God that he is safe, I got ready… took some cash to Western Union so that he could come back home and have cash to eat while en route. It is a 2 day, 15 hour ride. My Mom wanted to fly him home… I think he’ll be fine coming back the same way he went. Only this time he has some very important things to think about… 6 years ago

Is off again… exploring the U.S. 6 years ago

His best friends Mom called and asked me if he could accompany them on a Carnival Cruise… all expenses paid ;) They’re getting half price because Josh is in the military. Hello carribean, Jon is on his way next month ;) I haven’t seen him so excited in a while. 6 years ago

Has been looking for jobs and has had several call backs from businesses in Ann Arbor. He’s even considering leaving the state sooner or later. He’s open to relocating, which is an option worth looking into.

He’s still talking about getting back into school, I’ve learned he has to want it for himself more than I want it for him~ 6 years ago

My kids are “wondering” why RL is around so much. They are complaining about it one at a time. When I think about it, I’ve never seen someone so much after only a month. They’re not used to this…perhaps a little more space is in order. Too much too soon is not good. So let’s see how RL takes it~ 7 years ago

That has not quite panned out. Yesterday he came to me to talk about it. Although he was a bit disappointed, he said, “Everything happens for a reason.” Then he was able to move on…we talked further about not depending on people to make our dreams come true. Staying focused on our dreams will make it all worthwhile! 7 years ago

Last night at about 10:00, Kayla asked me if we could play a board game. I said, “It’s too late” so she walked away. I wasn’t tired, so a little later, I told her she could pick a game (but not Monopoly…) We played Sorry and it was fun. Time means nothing to kids and if I don’t have to go to work early the next morning, I can be a lot more free too ;) 7 years ago

Has been talking the last 2 days about what he wants to do next. He’s not heavy into textbooks but is creative. He comes up with really good business ideas and would benefit by concentrating on developing them. The last 2 job profiles he’s taken report that he should be an actor or comedian. He has a hard time accepting that and is still looking for that career opportunity that he feels rings true and pays off. He tried to do it my way, but after paying for a few college courses that he wasn’t feeling I’ve learned that he isn’t ready or willing to do that at the moment. The library has a multitude of reference/ resource materials he can explore and I’m off this week!...for support 7 years ago

My youngest son is very interested in rap music. No matter what I say, that’s where he is. So we talk about good music that also has a meaningful uplifting message. He listens…I know he understands where I’m coming from. He thinks that living outside the city doesn’t provide the atmosphere in which he can really understand the people he wants to write about. I talked about the fact that people everywhere have some things in common. It almost seems that he wants to limit his verse to a specific audience. Well-known artist, musicians, creative people appeal to many groups, not just one in particular. So I feel that I’m trying to be right, but he still needs to hear it. Being famous comes with world-wide appeal, and the message does matter! 7 years ago

My daughter asked me if she could use a belt she’s outgrown and turn it into something else- use it for a project. I asked her if she had something in mind, she did so I asked her if she could draw a picture of it. I like to give her nice things away to charity. She came back a little while later with a picture showing how the belt handle was being used as a strap for a purse. She even drew the detail of the cut designs in the leather. She’s very creative indeed. She’s always making things, collecting all sorts of do-dads. I really like her dimensional art. She also loves beads and made a necklace/ bracelet set for her friends at school for Christmas gifts. She was born an artist. 7 years ago

to just sit by their side and listen. I can easily initiate a conversation about what they’re up to. They like to talk about whatever that may be. Asking what they think and how they feel about various events offers me another peek into their lives…another way to extend my ear and my interest. 7 years ago

as we sat waiting for the Dr. to examine his foot… I started to bring a book to read, then thought it may be a good time to spend in conversation (as we waited). We talked a little about his music and some of the kids he listens to~ that are trying to sell and create their own CD’s.

We talked about the use of ‘words’ and the meaning and intent behind them. There are many songs out with a nice beat or instrumental sound, but when the artists starts talking…it can get downright disrespectful &-or self/community defeating.

But he reminded me of accepting people as they are and respecting them, without participating in what they do, if it’s not right for him. So I talked about how ‘bad’ company can corrupt good character. He listened, I trust he understood~ I say it enough.

He found several virtues or deep messages that were being spread by one of the guys he listens to. He shared them with me, and I understood his point.

Ultimately, I enjoyed our conversation. I can remember when I used to try and dictate what I wanted him to do~ or not. Of course he resisted and we didn’t get along under such circumstances.

It is not easy raising teenagers! I want to protect my kids, give them a good foundation, so as they mature, they have the conscience to say “No” when necessary.

Lesson: Do what I feel inspired to do/ say and Trust the process ;) 7 years ago

or a myriad of other fun things that will make our days brighter. 7 years ago

Not only did Mr. D respond, he came over and spent time with David, so the support multiplied! 7 years ago

Yesterday, David (my son) had his first formal piano lesson. I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing his experience. The piano was beautiful and the sound was ultra clear. Kelly smith (the instructor) was patient and direct. We enjoyed listening to her play as well. It was delightful. 7 years ago