A stepmothers prayer!

Lord, help me to be a good stepmother… give me the patience of a saint, the strength of an ox, and the skin of a rhinoceros. Help me to understand why her mother would rather believe her child is suffering at the hands of an evil stepmother than being loved by a kind, responsible adult who brings her happiness. Let me be content in my knowledge that children have an unlimited supply of love to give. Keep me from reminding her mother that my presence in her life does not take away the love she feels for her as she fails to understand that a child’s love multiplies and does not divide. Help me in the constant struggle to find my role in the child’s life, somewhere “below” a parent but “above” an aunt or family friend. Accordingly, help me to appropriately and accurately represent our relationship when in public. If someone calls her my child or me her mother, guide me in how I am to respond… let me know if I am overstepping my bounds by remaining silent or disowning them by correcting the assumption. Help me keep my patience, even while dropping my plans at a moment’s notice when her “real” parents are busy… and when her mother tells my husband “she is not her mother!” and “why can’t she watch her?” in the same conversation, give me the strength to keep from going over the brink of hysteria. Help me to know when and how I should discipline child without exceeding my authority or taking too passive a role. Lead me from the temptation of spoiling her in the vain hope that she will accept me and not resent my presence. If a time comes when I disagree with how she is being raised, make me keep silent and not object in spite of the fact that she lives in my home. Give me the ability to anticipate all potential problems. Make sure I am always ready with some cash in my pocket for surprise expenses and the time to drive somebody somewhere at the drop of a hat. Remind me that if I have a moment to catch my breath, I have probably forgotten something, and when I finally remember what it is, do not let me assume one of the “real” parents is taking care of it. Help me to forget that in spite of devoting the time, money, stress and energy required in raising my stepchild, I will not shop for prom dresses, be the mother of the bride or dance with the groom. Remind me that maybe, some day, the child will give me a second thought and remember something positive about me from their childhood. Let her gain something from having known me, no matter how small or insignificant, and let something, anything I did make her a better person, whether she realizes it or not.

Update..

Wow, can't believe I haven't updated my blog in awhile..

I had my baby Rylee Lynn on Dec. 4th 2009. She came into this world with a few struggles but has made it through them just fine.. She was born 4lbs 13oz and 17 1/2 in long.

Day at my parents!!

Well, while I sit and wait for baby Rylee to come out, Kasen and I went to my parents house to share their day off with them! Kasen always has so much fun with Grandma and Grandpa.. Here are some pictures of the day..

Kasen and Grandpa playing with the WordWorld learning game they bought for the grandchildren..

Kasen posing in the leaves!!

Grandpa covered Kasen with leaves! He loved it...

He always helps Grandma with her dishes (she saves the silverware for him) So, after lunch he helped her clean up..

I put him down for a nap but knew he was starting to feel sick.. After 10 minutes or so of hearing him yell for Grandpa and Tessa (their dog) I knew I'd have to go lay with him because he doesn't sleep well when he is sick. I went down, laid on the couch with him and not even a minute later he was snoring :) I love my little man so much.. Poor guy woke up really sick though!

THANKSgiving....

It is 8:32pm on Thanksgiving and I have yet to write my list of thanks....

1. I am so very thankful for my husband..

Rob -- Who has stood by my side for almost 5 years now even though I put him on a roller coaster.. How easy it would have been to give up on me through our times of struggle, yet he is still here, supporting and loving me the same as 5 years ago! He is the best husband, and father to our kids.. I love him and thank him for all he does for us..

2. I am thankful for my kids..

Jasmine -- I may not be her real mother, but I love her as if I were.. She is bright and cheerful, loves helping with everything and cares deeply for others!

Kasen -- How warm I feel inside to wake up to hearing him call my name "Mommy" and grateful I am to spend all day playing, laughing and teaching him. Tucking him in every night with a book and prayers.. He has a strong, caring heart! I love him more then anyone would know..

Rylee Lynn -- Even though she is still in my tummy (another 2 weeks) She makes me so happy!! I've loved her from the moment I heard her heart beating on the monitor and will still love her if she turns out to be a RED HEAD with freckles ;)

3. So thankful for my parents..

Dad -- For being there when he didn't have to be! He is the one person in my life that I can always count on to not let me down.. He has taught me values I hold close to my heart today and will for the rest of my life!

Mom -- Life wouldn't be life without her!! I run to her with any problems that arise, and she always comforts me with her words of wisdom! I couldn't ask for any other mother in the world..

4. Thankful for my siblings..

Tony -- He always seems to make me smile, no matter the mood I am in.. The care and love he shows for my family makes my tummy tickle in JOY! He has been through a lot in his life and he amazes me for the accomplishments he is making today :) I love him so much..

Tiffy -- Always there when I need her, to lend a helping hand.. For believing in me when no one else did.. I am lucky to have a sister to share my love and friendship with!

5. My extended family..

Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents and Cousins. My Nephew and Niece. And in-laws!

I have the best family in the world.. They are upbeat, warm and welcoming.. There is love in everyone's hearts and homes!

Oh and I almost forgot to mention the delicious food!!

BLOG GIVE-A-WAY...

I am pleased to announce I am now a follower of Because We Believe in Art :)

Follow TODAY and you may win the BLOG GIVE-A-WAY!!

If you believe, then hop on over to the Because We Believe in Art blog for their 1st anniversary blog give-a-way. There are many wonderful artists who have donated one of their "OOAK" ornaments just for this special occasion and yes, YOU might be the lucky winner.

DO YOU BELIEVE?

I have recovered from the nasty ole Swine Flu.. :) Yay!! So, we wondered on down to my brothers house to see my nephew Parker.. It is always so nice to see him! It is amazing to see how much he resembles Tony (my brother)..

Today I had a doctors appointment for baby Rylee.. I have lost 3 more pounds, but hey what's new?? I have been losing, not gaining for the past month and a half.. She is healthy though, and that is what matters the most :) I am to EAT more and DRINK tons!! I can't wait to see her, to hold her! To have that overwhelming joy again, right in my very arms..

Still to this day, I look at Kasen and to touch his skin amazes me to know "I created him" He is the most wonderful little boy I have ever met. He has come so far in so little amount of time! He is my hero, to go through all that he has been through and still keep his head up.. Most people say its because he is so little and don't know any different. I beg differ, anyone, any age, and size knows the struggles their body is going through. I love my little man :)

JASMINE & KASEN

TESLA & CADEN

Last weekend we took the kids to the Dinosaur Park to the Halloween Party they had.. It was fun!!